The Battle of Graphics Cards: Intel i740 vs Matrox Millennium G200
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Specifications of the Intel i740
- Memory Configuration and Performance
- Comparing Intel i740 with Matrox Millennium G200
- Competitive Landscape of Graphics Cards in the 1990s
- Benchmark Tests: 3DMark and Game Performance
- Reviews from Hardware.fr
- Conclusion
- Highlights
- FAQ
The First Graphics Card by Intel: Intel i740
In the world of graphics cards, one name that often comes to mind is Intel. However, many people are not aware that Intel's first graphics card was not the Intel Ark, but a small, groundbreaking card known as the Intel i740. While it may not fit the modern definition of a graphics card, as it functioned as both a 2D and 3D accelerator, the Intel i740 holds a significant place in history.
Introduction
In this article, we will dive into the world of the Intel i740, exploring its specifications, memory configuration, performance, and comparing it to its competitor, the Matrox Millennium G200. We will also discuss the competitive landscape of graphics cards in the 1990s and how the i740 fared in benchmark tests and real-life game performance. Additionally, we will take a look at reviews from Hardware.fr and conclude with a summary of our findings.
Specifications of the Intel i740
The Intel i740, released in 1998, was Intel's first foray into the world of graphics cards. Built as a 2D and 3D accelerator, it featured a chipset known as "Auburn," manufactured using a 359nm process and clocked at 220 MHz.
The memory configuration of the i740 was unique, with 8 megabytes of framebuffer memory solely dedicated to storing images before sending them to the screen. However, for storing textures, the i740 relied on the system memory of the motherboard, utilizing the AGP port and chipset to access the processor's memory. This approach allowed for good image quality on the monitors of that era.
Comparing Intel i740 with Matrox Millennium G200
To gain a better perspective on the Intel i740's performance, let's compare it to one of its main competitors at the time, the Matrox Millennium G200. Both cards were released in 1998 and offered similar 2D and 3D acceleration capabilities.
While the Intel i740 had a retail price ranging from 900 to 1300 francs, the Matrox Millennium G200 was priced similarly, between 900 and 1400 francs. The G200, known for its strong 2D performance, was a worthy opponent to the i740.
In terms of specifications, the Matrox Millennium G200 featured an 8-megabyte framebuffer and supported both 2D and 3D graphics. However, it is important to note that while the G200 had better benchmark results and game performance in some instances, the Intel i740 stood its ground and offered comparable visuals.
Competitive Landscape of Graphics Cards in the 1990s
The 1990s witnessed a highly competitive market for graphics cards, with numerous players vying for dominance in 3D acceleration. Major contenders included 3dfx, Nvidia, and ATI (now AMD), with their Voodoo, Riva TNT, and Radeon graphics cards, respectively. Lesser-known brands such as Trident and S3 also contributed to the diverse landscape.
However, transitioning from 2D to 3D capabilities posed challenges for many manufacturers. Several brands struggled to keep up when releasing their first 3D products, resulting in a consolidation of the market. Ultimately, Nvidia and ATI emerged as the dominant players, with a recent resurgence from AMD.
Benchmark Tests: 3DMark and Game Performance
To gauge the performance of the Intel i740, we conducted benchmark tests using the popular 3DMark software and evaluated game performance on various titles.
In 3DMark '99, the Intel i740 scored 2031 points in the 3D category and 10740 points in the CPU category. While these scores were not groundbreaking, they demonstrated the i740's capability to handle 3D graphics.
Game performance, tested on iconic titles such as Quake 2, Diablo 2, and Half-Life, showcased the i740's ability to deliver a satisfactory gaming experience, particularly when paired with a compatible processor. The card's reliance on system memory for textures had a minor impact on overall performance, but it still managed to deliver respectable framerates.
Reviews from Hardware.fr
To Gather insights from industry experts, we turned to reviews from Hardware.fr, a trusted source in the hardware community. Their analysis of the i740 highlighted its promising introduction to Intel's foray into 3D chipset development. They noted the card's compatibility with various display resolutions and color settings, showcasing its capabilities even in 2D mode.
While Hardware.fr praised the card's 3D performance, they also acknowledged the lack of direct comparisons to competitors in their tests. However, they commended the i740 for its impressive visual quality which compared favorably to established players in the market.
The review also compared the i740 with the Matrox Millennium G200, emphasizing the latter's strong 2D performance and its competitive price. They concluded that while the Matrox card was a solid choice, the i740's visual quality and aggressive pricing made it a compelling option, especially for budget-conscious consumers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Intel i740 marked a significant milestone in Intel's entry into the graphics card market. Despite a few limitations and stiff competition, the i740 held its own, delivering satisfactory performance and visual quality in both 2D and 3D modes.
While the i740 may not have achieved the same level of success as later Intel graphics cards, it laid the foundation for future advancements in their technology. Moreover, the i740 showcased Intel's potential to be a competitive player in the graphics card industry.
With its unique memory configuration, decent benchmark scores, and respectable game performance, the Intel i740 remains a notable entry in the history of graphics cards.
Highlights
- The Intel i740 was Intel's first graphics card, functioning as both a 2D and 3D accelerator.
- It featured a unique memory configuration with 8MB of framebuffer memory and relied on system memory for storing textures.
- The Matrox Millennium G200 was the main competitor of the i740, offering strong 2D performance and comparable 3D capabilities.
- The 1990s graphics card market was highly competitive, with major players like 3dfx, Nvidia, and ATI vying for dominance.
- Benchmark tests and game performance demonstrated that the i740 delivered satisfactory visuals and respectable framerates.
- Reviews from Hardware.fr praised the i740's visual quality and aggressive pricing, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious consumers.
- The i740 laid the foundation for future advancements in Intel's graphics card technology, despite not achieving the same level of success as later models.
FAQ
Q: Was the Intel i740 the first graphics card from Intel?
A: Yes, the i740 was Intel's first graphics card, released in 1998.
Q: How did the Intel i740 compare to its competitors?
A: The i740 competed against cards from 3dfx, Nvidia, and ATI, offering similar 3D capabilities and comparable performance.
Q: Was the Intel i740 suitable for gaming?
A: While not a top-performing card, the i740 delivered satisfactory gaming performance, particularly when paired with a compatible processor.
Q: What was the unique aspect of the i740's memory configuration?
A: The i740 had dedicated framebuffer memory but relied on system memory for storing textures, allowing for good image quality on monitors of that era.
Q: Did the Intel i740 lay the foundation for future Intel graphics cards?
A: Yes, the i740 paved the way for future advancements in Intel's graphics card technology, showcasing their potential in the market.