Graphics Card

[X-ray]

I have been looking for a graphics card for my A4000T, so I don't have to rely on my M1438S monitor. It has developed a problem with reds, sometimes displaying them sometimes not. Thankfully its not the Miggy, 'cos I checked it with an RF modulator on my TV.

So. Here's the question...where can I get one? I ideally would like a Picasso IV, even if it is expensive, or a similar card that allows me to have one video out and not lose AGA. If you guys know of anyone selling a Picasso IV or next best thing, I want it.

By the way I saw a Lola genlock on e-bay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3543&item=8120119452&rd=1

That is a really good deal. I have a Lola 2000 myself and I have used it to overlay Scala titles onto video tape and I can tell you it is one of the best around. He's got it on £5 with no reserve.

Also, if anyone has a DKB zorro memory expansion board, I'm keen to get that. I believe they are quite rare now (the DKB128). The empty Zorro slots on this A4000T are looking a little sad


 :-(

[Orjan]

I had a DKB 3128 til just recently... Sold it off, since I didn´t need it anymore...

[Brian]

About the memory card are you sure you realy want such a thing and not a real turboboard instead? The DKB3128 only have 80% speed compared to the memory onboard the A4000 and that in itself is slow as {*bleep*}. The memoryboard will cost you about as much as a cheap 040 CPU card that can take 128Mb of much faster memory.

If you can't find a PIV then you next best thing is the CV64 with a multisync SVGA monitor or CV64/3D + Scandoubler and standard SVGA monitor. They are all about the same in speed... ofcause you could get PCI bussboard, Voodoo3 and Scandoubler for about the same prize as the PIV and have a lot faster graphics... though you would need a switchbox.

[Hyperspeed]

Mmmm... a Mediator busboard ($100), Scandouble+FlickerFixer ($100),
switcher box ($50), Voodoo3 ($30)...

Not much cheaper than a Picasso-IV in the end.

Depends whether you want raw 2D power or a classic, highly rated P-IV
with the whole lot integrated and miniaturised in one neat, custom
package.

A1200 users can use the Picasso-IV with a Zorro 4 motherboard and
video enabler I think.

I'm going to have to dig out and scan the review of this card to shut
up the CV64 users. I think it was 96% vs 84% or thereabouts.

:-D :-D :-D :-D

[X-ray]

@ Orjan: damn! I would have bought that 3128 off you quick as a stick. If another comes up, let me know.

@ Brian: I already have an 060 with 128mb on it, but even that isn't enough for some of the models I have in Cinema 4D. I still get 'out of memory' if I have a lot of subdivisions. I just thought more would be better even though I now render on the PC mainly.

@ Hyperspeed: I'm with you on this one. I don't necessarily want the fastest graphics, just an original neat solution that in essence does away with having to have an Amiga monitor.
But I think I'm going to struggle to get a Cybervision with a scandoubler.

[Brian]

@Hyper

Those mags are based on reviewers oppinions just as us users so no matter what you say it won't shut us up. We love them for what they are and that is highend Amiga graphiccard. I don't care if PIV got better score, I don't say it's a bad card, I just say it's hard to find for the right money and a CV will be up there too and be more affordable.

PCI (100$), Scandoubler (50$), Switchbox (10-15$), Voodoo3 (30$). Totals about the same as a PIV but to that you'll get a much faster graphiccard and be ready for other cheap uppgrades like NIC, Soundcard etc.

@X-Ray

Ok so you need more than 128Mb of mem.. and I guess you've already added 16Mb to the motherboard, and you have the 2Mb chip motherboard. Ok then a ramcard is needed and I guess the 3128 is ok, I'd look for a FastLaneZ3 V2.4ROM... It's faster (95% of motherboard ram), can take 256MB memory and gives you a nice SCSI controller aswell (downside is that it only takes old 30pin simms so one should look for a fully loaded one).

[X-ray]

Thanks, Brian, I'll keep an eye out for the Fastlane. Back in 1996 I thought that 146mb was more than enough, especially for an Amiga. I suppose its analogous to my PC which has 1.5 gb of RAM today. I'll make a point of reading this post in 2014 and snigger to myself at the references to megabytes and gigabytes heh

[Brian]

Lol.. yah in 2014 we will probably think that 500MB memory is like we think 500MB harddrives are today.

I'm still sad that AmiJoe didn't come through... would love to have 512Mb fastram on my A1200. My hopes now are that the ColdFusion project will come through.

[Framiga]

Hi Brian

mee too :-)

Take a look at the new "ColdFusion Accelerator project" site at:

http://www.amigaupgrades.com/nuke/

It is not finished yet.

Ciao