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MMX as a Direct 3D Accelerator

Table of Contents - Introduction

This report is a multifaceted performance, technology and market evaluation of MMX 3D graphics rendering vs. hardware acceleration. Intel’s MMX technology is the embodiment of a strategy to migrate entertainment and media processing tasks to the host CPU. This strategy will unavoidably impact the balance of power in graphics, multimedia, silicon and software.InQuest’s goal is to the hard technical and marketing information needed to correctly interpret these new dynamics.

The Direct3D graphics performance of the 166MHz P55C is evaluated, with and without MMX. It is contrasted to the hardware accelerated 3D graphics performance of S3’s Virge, VirgeDX and 3D Labs’ Permedia/Delta. Tseng Labs’ ET6000 is tested as a reference for 128bit soft 3D emulation performance. "MMX as a Direct 3D Accelerator" distills the essential knowledge and analysis from hundreds of hours of hands on testing and evaluation. Following are some of the issues covered:

• How will MMX affect the way game titles will be developed?

• Why do we keep hearing conflicting reports about the efficiency of MMX for 3D graphics? What is the truth? What are the numbers?

• What should I know about 3D performance test methodologies in order to keep from being fooled? How do I read between the lines?

• What are the relative strengths and weakness of MMX vs current generation hardware accelerators?

• How can hardware accelerators be improved?

• How will Klamath and AGP alter the performance picture?

• What is Intel’s strategy for AGP?

• How and when will Talisman fit into the picture?