Is PowerVR chip (used in Dreamcast) a good one?

[bloodline]

HopperJF wrote:
I think some of you need to realise that the aim of this project is to build a new AMIGA computer.
First of all ask yourselves what is the hardware best known for the AMIGA computer? It is a machine using custom chips based on Motorola 68k series processors.
That was years ago you might say.
Well ask yourselves what is the next natural step up from the 68k family? It is the PPC range of processors.
So just like AAA was going to be the next step up from AGA, the Amiga 6000 will be next proper step up from the Amiga 4000, equipped with the next natural processor; the PPC.
I don't see why the PPC should be a 600MHz G3.
For starters, when you are involved with the Apple Community like me, you realise that Amiga is still a fair bit behind, even with the likes of AmigaOne.
With the G5 now released, the G3 only has a short bit of life ahead of it before G4 is the new low end processor and G5 for everything else. I think some sort of G4 would be a good low end spec, say for example, an 800MHz G4? Maybe 1GHz.. as it will take time for it to be made and released, by which time a 600MHz G3 will be an antique near enough.

You don't know your history... The Natural Step from the 68k is the HP PA_RISC, That CPU was going to become the next Amiga.

So if you really wanted to "Follow The Amiga Spirit" then you would have to use an Itanic CPU...

[AmiDelf]

The reason for choosing G3 now,is because its the cheapest choice. Start with simple, then if people like it, go on.

Offcourse when this Amiga (if ever) getting released. It will be in 2-3 years time. Then G3 will be outdated, but if it would be possible to come up with a G3 prototype that works arround Christmas time this year. Would be nice,.. and it would be even better if the final version of AmigaOS4 would be out then as well.

Regards,
Michal, www.amigaworld.org

[Cymric]

ACE wrote:
What would be great is a new Amiga based on a PDA version of the PowerVR.  I've been 'researching' the idea of a pda Amiga; running UAE on a established PDA.  Using a Dragonball CPU which is based on a 68000 anyway.  But the custom chips are too hard to emulate and it would require alot more than a 66MHz (Currently the fastest 68k based Dragonball) to emulate OCS let alone AGA.

So you want to shrink advanced graphical hardware to the point you can use it on your PDA? For some reason, I find the idea of playing Unreal Tournament 2003, or Halflife, or on a little screen the size of two or three stamps far from appealing.

And if the idea is to create an Amiga-like PDA, you can buy AmigaDE, write an 'engine' for your favourite PDA, and develop games for such a combination. AmigaDE was created for exactly that purpose.

Perhaps I'm missing something very obvious here, but so far I'm at a complete loss as to why anyone would want a 'PDA version of the PowerVR'.

[bloodline]

AmiDelf wrote:
The reason for choosing G3 now,is because its the cheapest choice. Start with simple, then if people like it, go on.

Offcourse when this Amiga (if ever) getting released. It will be in 2-3 years time. Then G3 will be outdated, but if it would be possible to come up with a G3 prototype that works arround Christmas time this year. Would be nice,.. and it would be even better if the final version of AmigaOS4 would be out then as well.

Regards,
Michal, www.amigaworld.org

I really don't get this at all!!! IF you HAVE to go with the PPC (for some reason), then just use a PegII or an A1... don't bother reinventing the wheel for a fouth time!! Just stick a KryoII GFX card in one of those and you have your new machine!!!!!

Spend your time making a PCI-ZorroII/III bridge instead.

[Cymric]

AmiDelf wrote:
Name: Amiga 6000 (final first goal!)

Perhaps I missed it in the heat of this and the previous discussion, but what exactly were you trying to achieve by creating this 'custom' Amiga? What feeling is it supposed to convene? Why is a normal PC, or better yet an A1 or a Peg (I or II) with Kyro-card not good enough?

[seer]

Just stick a KryoII GFX card in one of those and you have your new machine!!!!!

Hm.. Guess he's thinking about putting the Kryo onboard, but then why not go for the MicroA1..

As for Z3, really why ? Everybody is moving away from Zorro to PCI... Up the price of your Amiga6k by putting an expensive Z3 soundcard in it ?? Maybe just a video slot as an optional extra.. Somebody might be able to get the toaster working..

If you really want to make something special, then indeed, do that, but what you're doing now isn't making much sense as it's just an A1/Peg with a standard GFX card included and expensive expansion option hardly anybody, if any at all is going to use.

[CU_AMiGA]

Hi Plaz

Plaz wrote:
@ CU_Amiga

Has anyone tried any emulators for the Dreamcast, what are they like. Unfortunately, i didn't get chance to, my one broke, due to the "crashing problem". Did anyone else get this problem with their Dreamcast?

I still play my DC, what a great console.  I've had more fun with half-life on the DC than most any other game/platform. I think the PowerVR/Kyro could be a great choice. I've used an Atari 800 emulator to play one of my other classic favorites on the DC..... MULE.
Now that's retro. I've also run the Atari 2600 and Super Nintendo emulators, tons of fun.
Have you checked to see that the cooling fan is spinning well and doing it's job? A DC will shut down or reboot if it gets to hot. If your fan isn't working properly, pop it open clean, replace and/or oil that old fan and see if that help.

Plaz

I heard abour Half Life for Dreamcast, but never even knew it got released. Unfortunately, i got rid of my Dreamcast, as i couldn't solve the problem. Apparently, it was a common problem with the first batch of Dreamcasts (which was what i had).

You could fix it (but not permanantly) buy bending 6 prongs on the DC mobo forward so they would have better contact with the PSU psb thingy (i think, it was a long time since i done it). It would also do no harm in cleaning the prongs with a bit of WD40.

Running emulators on the DC is something i have always wanted to do but never got round to it. Having said that you can get DC now for around £20! :-) Also DC still seem to be selling well in Japan, outselling the xbox even. DC games still make the Japanese top 10 charts and Sega have started to make games again (Puyo Pop). Also classic games such as King Of Fighters 2003/03 are out on DC as well. Maybe the DC isn't dead yet! :-)

[AmiDelf]

Maybe this new Amiga could have Dreamcast game compatibility. More on this project will come

Regards,
Michal, www.amigaworld.org

[bloodline]

AmiDelf wrote:
Maybe this new Amiga could have Dreamcast game compatibility. More on this project will come

Regards,
Michal, www.amigaworld.org

Then why not port AROS to the Dream Cast... bingo your new amiga...