Nvidia 3DForce4 MX440-8X Series User Manual page 34

their demands. No current CPU or system can perform advanced
quality-enhancements (bilinear filtering and alpha blending) in real
time. Even general case texture mapping with RGB lighting is too
much for the current CPU generation.
Q6 What does "software 3D" mean?
Answer
Software 3D is generally used to mean using non-specific (2D)
hardware in conjunction with the CPU to render for 3D applications.
Some of these techniques allow usable 3D applications when high-
powered and/or MMX™-equipped CPU's are employed along with
special-case software optimization techniques. As stated above, SW
3D can achieve credible results with today's (software optimized)
applications, but the rising popularity of good 3D hardware at the
consumer price level is inexorably compelling the public to expect
hardware level scene enhancements and frame rates.
Q7 What is "SGRAM"?
Answer
Synchronous Graphics Random Access Memory (SGRAM) is a new
and improved type of memory, custom-designed for graphics use.
Q8 What is the advantage of as compared to ordinary DRAM?
Answer
is now capable of running at much higher speeds than Fast Page
Mode or EDO DRAM. Also, is able to execute a small number of
frequently executed operations, such as buffer clears, specific to
graphics applications, independently of the controller.
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