3Dlabs Oxygen ACX User manual

The OxygenTM ACX
Graphics Accelerator
User’s Guide
3Dlabs,®Inc.
480 Potrero Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
408 - 530 - 4700
www.3dlabs.com

Copyright 1999 by 3Dlabs, Inc.
3Dlabs and Permedia are registered trademarks, and Oxygen is a trademark of 3Dlabs, Inc. or 3Dlabs Inc. Ltd.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel. OpenGL is a registered trademark of Silicon Graphics, Inc. Soft
Engine is a trademark of Vibrant Graphics, Inc. AutoCAD is a registered trademark of AutoDesk Inc.
Microsoft and Windows NT are registered trademarks of the Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and
registered trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
Caution: Changes or modifications to the Oxygen ACX graphics accelerator card not expressly approved by
3Dlabs, Inc. void the user’s warranty.
FCC Notice: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy. If product is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause
harmful interference to radio communications; however, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur
in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
1. Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
3. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
4. Consult 3Dlabs or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance.
Compliance with FCC Rules requires that a shielded cable be used to connect to other equipment. This device
complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device
may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus meets all the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations. Cet appareil num_rique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du R_glement sur le mat_rial
brouilleur du Canada.
3Dlabs, Inc. makes no representation that the use of its products in the manner described in this publication
will not infringe on existing or future patent rights, nor do descriptions contained in this publication imply the
granting of licenses to make, use, or sell equipment or software in accordance with the description.

Introduction

Welcome to 3Dlabs!
ii 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
Welcome to 3Dlabs!
Thank you for selecting a 3Dlabs®Oxygen™ACX 2D/3D graphics accelerator
card! Oxygen ACX delivers high-precision graphics acceleration on Windows
NT, 95, 98, and 2000 platforms, with a choice of AGP or PCI form factors. A
dedicated graphics processor, 8MB of high-speed SGRAM, and Soft Engine
software from Vibrant Graphics ensure a dramatic performance boost to your
AutoCAD performance.
Overview
Oxygen ACX is the clear solution for AutoCAD acceleration on any Intel
Pentium-based system. Oxygen ACX features include:
• Permedia 2 graphics processor
• Soft Engine AutoCAD display list driver software
• 8 MB high-speed SGRAM
• AGP or PCI bus support
• 1600 x 1200 maximum resolution
• OpenGL 1.1 support
System Requirements
Your system must have the following features in order to support your card:
• A Pentium®, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, or Pentium III based system
• The Windows®NT, 95, 98, or 2000 operating system
• 32 MB RAM (Random Access Memory)
• 16 MB minimum available hard drive space
The Oxygen ACX AGP card The Oxygen ACX PCI card
1
2
3
4
3
1
2
4
1. Permedia 2
2. SGRAM
3. AGP/PCI connector
4. Monitor connector

Software Partners
Introduction iii
• An AGP or PCI slot
• VGA multisync monitor
Software Partners
Your Oxygen ACX card has been tested with a variety of graphics software
packages, several of which are listed below. As testing continues and performance
optimizations are made, the results and techniques are posted on the 3Dlabs, as
well as the appropriate software partner’s, web site.
Software Application Web Site Address
AutoCAD http://www.autodesk.com
3D Studio MAX http://www.ktx.com
Lightscape http://www.lightscape.com
LightWave 3D http://www.newtek.com
Maya http://www.aw.sgi.com
MicroStation http://www.bentley.com
Pro/ENGINEER http://www.ptc.com
SDRC I-DEAS http://www.sdrc.com
Softimage | 3D http://www.softimage.com
SolidWorks http://www.solidworks.com
Unigraphics http://www.ug.eds.com/ug/

Chapter 1 - Installation

Getting Ready
Chapter 1 - Installation 2
Getting Ready
Whether you install your new card or driver software first depends on whether a
video card is already present in your system.
If there is a video card in your system: Install the drivers first. Once the drivers
are loaded, remove the old card and install the Oxygen ACX card. The driver
installation instructions begin on page 6.
If not: Install your new card as described in the Installing Hardware section,
below, then install the drivers.
Before You Start
• Take every possible precaution against static electricity as you prepare to
install the card: static can damage components. We have included an anti-
static wrist strap for you to wear while installing the hardware: you should
also try to work in a static free area (such as on a tile floor rather than
carpet). You might even consider wearing special ESD, or at least rubber-
soled, shoes.
• Save any work in progress and exit any open applications. Always back up
your system before you install new hardware or software.
• Have your anti-static strap and a Philips-head screwdriver ready.

Installing Hardware
3 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
Installing Hardware
Your Oxygen ACX card has either an AGP or a PCI connector, and must be
installed in the corresponding type of expansion slot. Since the location of
expansion slots varies, please see your system documentation to locate the
appropriate type of slot in your machine.
To remove an old card from your system:
1. Turn off and unplug the power source for your system and each of
its peripherals.
2. Unplug the monitor cable from the old card.
3. Remove any screws securing the card to the chassis.
4. Lift the card out of the slot.
To install your Oxygen ACX card
1. Turn off and unplug the power source for your system and each of its
peripherals, if you have not already done so.
2. Remove the cover from your system so you can access the expansion slots.
(See your system documentation for details.)

Installing Hardware
Chapter 1 - Installation 4
3. Determine which slot you are going to use and remove its back panel cover.
4. Attach the anti-static strap to your wrist, and attach the other end to a bare,
metal (as opposed to painted or sticker-covered) surface on your system’s
chassis.
5. Remove the card from its anti-static packaging. Write down the serial
number for registration and future use.
6. Place the card into the slot, and seat it firmly. See your system
documentation for instructions on securing the card to the chassis. Loose
cards and connections can cause grounding and operating problems.
7. Remove the anti-static strap and replace the cover on your system.
AGP card installation PCI card installation

Installing Hardware
5 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
8. Connect the video cable from your monitor to the video connector on the
card.
9. Plug in and start up your system, including peripherals, and log in to your
Windows operating system.

Installing the Driver Software
Your Oxygen ACX card includes video driver software, which you must
install and configure. This OpenGL driver allows your system to harness the
acceleration potential of your Oxygen card, and set image quality and
performance preferences.
To install your Oxygen software
1. Log in to Windows NT using any account that has administrator privileges.
2. Place the Oxygen CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive. When the installation
window opens, choose the Oxygen ACX installation.
3. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. (Be sure to read the
software license agreement.)
4. Restart your system at the prompt. You have installed your Oxygen
software successfully!

Installing Soft Engine
7 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
Installing Soft Engine
Soft Engine is an AutoCAD accelerator, and productivity tool package. Installing
Soft Engine on your AutoCAD equipped system will improve graphics
performance by up to four times.
SOFT ENGINE WORKS EXCLUSIVELY WITH AUTODESK’SAUTOCAD R12, R13, R14, AND LT
SOFTWARE. INSTALL SOFT ENGINE IF YOU USE ONE OF THESE AUTOCAD PROGRAMS. DONOT
INSTALL SOFT ENGINE IF YOU DO NOT USE ONE OF THESE AUTOCAD PROGRAMS; IT WILL HAVE
NO BENEFICIAL EFFECT.
To install Soft Engine
1. Place the Oxygen CD-ROM in your CD-ROM drive. When the installation
window opens, choose Install Soft Engine. A menu appears.
2. Select your AutoCAD product type to start the installation.
3. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. You have installed your
Soft Engine software successfully!

Registering Oxygen ACX
Chapter 1 - Installation 8
Registering Oxygen ACX
When you register your Oxygen card you:
• Activate your warranty
• Receive notification of software updates
• Qualify for technical support
You can complete the registration card and return it to us in the mail, or register
on-line once your hardware and software installations are complete. (You must
have Internet access to register on-line.)
To register on-line
1. Open your Internet browser.
2. Go to http://www.3dlabs.com/register
3. Fill out the registration form that appears on your screen, and click Submit
when you are finished. You have registered successfully!

Chapter 2 - Software Configuration

The Oxygen ACX Driver
Chapter 2 - Software Configuration 10
The Oxygen ACX Driver
Oxygen ACX accelerates the OpenGL graphics pipeline via the Permedia 2
processor. The driver software supports and lets you customize certain Permedia 2
functions.
Information Screen
The Information screen appears first when you choose the 3Dlabs page in the
Display Properties control panel, and provides useful information if you should
need to communicate with 3Dlabs technical support. It is also the “point-of-entry”
to the Setup screen and the OpenGL screen.

The Oxygen ACX Driver
11 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
Setup Screen
The Gamma Adjustment slider on the Setup screen lets you simultaneously adjust
RGB color curves and define the color output for your display. You can also enter
a precise Gamma value, rather than use the slider, when you know which value is
appropriate for your monitor and ambient lighting conditions.
The Disable PCI Disconnect feature is used in certain troubleshooting situations.
Unless 3Dlabs staff suggests otherwise in the course of solving a problem, leave
this box unchecked.

The Oxygen ACX Driver
Chapter 2 - Software Configuration 12
OpenGL Screen
The OpenGL screen provides these Advanced and Application Support options.
• Number of DMA Sub Buffers controls partitioning of data (primitives) sent
to the graphics card from your system’s CPU. “3” is the optimal setting. If
you choose a number less than 3, you may experience a significant
performance impact. If you choose a number larger than 3 (and particularly
larger than 5), your results will vary depending on your system
configuration and the application you are using.
• Checking Wait for VBlank synchronizes double-buffering with screen
refresh to prevent tearing in your 3D images. This setting is the default.
Unchecking this can result in higher frame rates and benchmark scores,
especially the OPC Viewperf benchmark. The slight performance penalty

The Oxygen ACX Driver
13 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
associated with using this feature can be well worth the image quality
enhancement.

Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting
& Technical Support

Troubleshooting
15 3Dlabs OxygenACX User’s Guide
Troubleshooting
If you have trouble using your Oxygen ACX card or a 3D application, you may
find the answer to your problem in the following sections. Always start your
problem solving efforts with the simplest solution and work up to the more
complex ones.
Monitors and Display Resolutions
Question: My monitor is either blank, or the displayed image is distorted,
scrambled or smaller than I expected.
Solution: If the monitor is blank, be sure that your system and monitor are
plugged in and turned on. Is the monitor’s power cord attached
securely? Check each component’s documentation for the location
and use of power connectors and switches.
Solution: Make sure that your video cable is connected securely to the
monitor and to the monitor connector on your Oxygen ACX card.
See your monitor documentation and Chapter 1 - Installation, in
this document.
Solution: Your card might not be seated properly in the AGP slot. Remove
and reinstall your card as described in Chapter 1 - Installation.
Remember to use the anti-static wrist strap when opening your
system and handling the card.
Question: The performance of and/or the available resolutions for my
Oxygen ACX card are not what I expected.
Solution: The Oxygen driver may not have installed fully, or a file may have
been corrupted. Try installing the driver again.
Solution: You may have selected a display setting that is incompatible with
accelerated 3D graphics applications. See Appendix A - Oxygen
ACX Specifications, for a list of compatible resolutions.
Question: When I restart my system, an “Invalid Display Settings” message
appears on-screen, followed by “The default display resolution has
been temporarily used by the system.”
Solution: Within a few seconds, the error messages should be replaced by a
window that allows you to set a display resolution. Pick your
preferred resolution from the list and you should get the sharp
results you expected.
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