3Dlabs Wildcat VP User manual

3Dlabs
Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Card
User’s Manual
www.3dlabs.com

Copyright 2003 by 3Dlabs
3Dlabs and Wildcat are trademarks or registered trademarks of 3Dlabs Inc. Ltd. in the United States
and/or other countries. All other brand and product names are either trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective holder and are hereby recognized as such.
Caution: Changes or modifications to your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card not expressly approved by
3Dlabs voids 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 numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du
Règlement sur le material 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.
Specifications Subject to Change With Notice
P/N 62-000009-001, Rev D
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CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................... v
Welcome to 3Dlabs!....................................................................................................... vi
System Requirements ..................................................................................................... vi
Chapter 1 – Installation....................................................................................................... 1
Installing the Hardware ................................................................................................... 2
Before you begin your installation:.......................................................................... 2
Installing your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card .................................................. 2
Connecting one or more VGA or Digital Video Interface (DVI) monitors ............ 4
Attaching a Stereo Device........................................................................................ 4
Installing the Driver Software ......................................................................................... 5
To install your 3Dlabs Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 98/Me driver ...... 5
To install the driver for 3ds max .............................................................................. 5
Registering Your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card ..................................................... 6
Chapter 2 - Software Configuration.................................................................................... 7
The 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card Driver ............................................................... 8
Configuring your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card for Stereo Viewing ................... 11
To set up and configure stereo viewing: ................................................................ 11
Chapter 3 - Troubleshooting ............................................................................................. 13
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................ 14
Monitors and Display Resolutions ................................................................................ 14
Systems and Networks .................................................................................................. 14
Online Information........................................................................................................ 15
Appendix B - Software License........................................................................................ 16
SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT ...................................................................... 17
Software License and Restrictions............................................................................. 17
Limited Warranty .......................................................................................................... 18
Limited Liability........................................................................................................ 18
Restricted Rights Notice ............................................................................................ 18
Termination ............................................................................................................... 18
General....................................................................................................................... 19
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Appendix C - Regulatory Statements................................................................................ 20
Power Consumption ...................................................................................................... 33
Product Reliability (Mean Time Between Failure) ....................................................... 33
Index ................................................................................................................................. 34
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INTRODUCTION

Introduction
Welcome to 3Dlabs!
Thank you for selecting a 3Dlabs®Graphics Accelerator Card! This User Manual is designed to provide
information common to all 3Dlabs Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Cards. In addition to this guide you
are strongly encouraged to use the on line help included in the 3Dlabs driver software Help screens.
System Requirements
Before installing your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card it is important that your system meets the
minimum system requirements for your card. Please make sure you have the following:
• The correct Operating System and version
• The correct type of expansion adapter slot(s) available
• The minimum required amount of memory.
Your card’s system requirements can be found either on your card’s datasheet located on our website or
on your card’s box.
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CHAPTER 1 – INSTALLATION

Installation
Installing the Hardware
Before you begin your installation:
1. Save any work in progress and exit any open applications. Always back up your system before
you install any new hardware or software.
2. Have a Phillips-head screwdriver ready.
3. Take every possible precaution against static electricity as you prepare to install the card: static
can damage components. If an anti-static wrist strap was included in your box, please use it
during your hardware installation. You should also try to work in a static free area (such as on a
tile floor rather than carpet).
Note: To successfully use your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card, you must follow the
hardware and driver software installation instructions in this document.
Be sure to register your new card using one of the options described at the end of this section.
Installing your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card
Note: All Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Cards are designed to fit into the AGP slot in your
computer.
1. Turn off and unplug the power source for your system and each of its peripherals.
2. Remove the cover from your system so you can access the slot into which you will be installing
your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card. If you have not already removed any existing graphics
card from the AGP slot in your system, then do so now.
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Installation
3. If necessary, remove the back panel cover from the slot into which you are going to install your
3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card, using the Phillips-head screwdriver you should have handy.
4. If an anti-static wrist strap was included in your box, attach it 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 your new 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card from its anti-static packaging. Write down
the serial number for product registration and future use. The serial number is located on a board
label and looks like this:
136001B123456 Made in XXX Week XXXX
6. Place the card into the correct slots 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 wrist strap, if used, and replace the cover on your system.
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Installation
Connecting one or more VGA or Digital Video Interface (DVI) monitors
Depending on which model of Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Card you purchased, you can
connect one or two VGA or Digital Video Interface (DVI) monitors to drive one or two displays.
Check your product’s packaging or the datasheet on the 3Dlabs website to determine how many and
which type of connectors are included. See the drawings below for the different type of connectors.
DB-15 VGA Analog Connector
Connect analog displays using a cable with a
VGA connector.
DVI-I Connector
Connect digital or analog displays using a cable
with a DVI-D or DVI-I connector.
If you connecting an analog monitor to the DVI-I connector, then you may need a DVI to analog
adapter. This adapter may have been included with your Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Card. You
can find information about obtaining these adapters on the 3Dlabs Web site.
Attaching a Stereo Device
If your Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Card supports stereo viewing, then connect the stereo hardware
to the round stereo connector on the card. See the documentation that came with your stereo hardware.
Plug in and start up your system, including peripherals, and log on to your operating system.
3-Pin
Minidin
Stereo
Connector
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Installation
Installing the Driver Software
Your product CD includes 3Dlabs driver software. This section describes the two software installation
processes for supported Windows operating systems.
To install your 3Dlabs Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 98/Me driver
Note: A user with Windows Administrator privileges must install this driver. Please consult
your system administrator or Microsoft operating system User’s Manual for more information
on Administrator privileges.
1. After installing your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card, start up Windows. The Hardware Wizard
appears.
2. Click Cancel in all dialog boxes that appear regarding Found New Hardware.
3. Place the 3Dlabs Product CD in your CD-ROM drive. When the installation window opens,
choose the 3Dlabs Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows 98/Me driver installation. Check
your card’s specifications to determine which operating system is supported. Not all operating
systems are supported by all Wildcat VP cards.
4. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. (Be sure to read the software license
agreement.)
5. If the Digital Signature Not Found box or Has Not Passed Windows Logo Testing box appears,
click Yes or Continue Anyway. This step may be repeated. Continue clicking Yes until the
Restart dialog appears, then click Finish to reboot.
To install the driver for 3ds max
For best results, select the OpenGL renderer for 3ds max 4 versions, and the Direct3D renderer
for 3ds max 5 and later.
To install the Wildcat custom driver for 3ds max 4, copy the wc3dsmax.drv file from the 3dsmax
directory on 3Dlabs Product CD to the 3ds max 4 directory on your hard drive, e.g. C:\3dsmax4.
When you run 3ds max 4 go to the Customize/Preferences/Viewports/ChooseDriver menu, select the
Custom option and select wc3dsmax.drv as the custom driver. If you restart 3ds max 4, it should then
use the Wildcat custom driver.
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Installation
Registering Your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card
You can register on-line once your hardware and software installations are complete. (You must have
Internet access 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.
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CHAPTER 2 - SOFTWARE CONFIGURATION

Software Configuration
The 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card Driver
The 3Dlabs driver software lets you optimize the working relationship between your card, your system,
and your applications.
• The 3Dlabs Display Control Panel allows you to customize and create driver settings.
• The taskbar-based Configuration Manager provides quick and convenient access to most of
the Display
• Control Panel features and allows you to quickly switch between alternative driver settings.
The Task Bar-based Configuration Manager
When you install your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card and software, the 3Dlabs logo appears in your
system tray (also called the taskbar). Right click on the logo (or left click if you’ve altered the default
mouse setup) to access the Display Configuration Manager and its shortcuts to these configuration tools:
Remove from System Tray lets you turn off this task bar utility. You can enable it or access the
same driver configuration options through the Display Control Panel.
Go to 3Dlabs Website takes you directly to www.3dlabs.com through your existing Internet
connection.
Pop up the Display Panel reaches the 3Dlabs section on the display control panel.
Acuity Driver Information provides quick access to information about your card configuration.
Acuity Window Manager, WinMan for short, is a tool that provides extra windowing and desktop
features that are of particular use in dual monitor configurations. This option allows you to
configure WinMan.
Change Display Resolution brings up a pop-up list of supported resolutions. Each resolution has
an associated pop-up list of available refresh rates. If you are in dual monitor mode, then Primary
Display Resolution and Secondary Display Resolution will appear.
Select Optimized OpenGL Application quickly accesses a list of supported OpenGL applications.
Click an application in the list to optimize card settings for your selected option. (The Display
Control Panel allows you to create new application settings.)
Select Optimized DirectX Application quickly accesses a list of supported DirectX applications.
Click an application in the list to optimize card settings for your selected option. (The Display
Control Panel allows you to create new application settings.)
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Software Configuration
The Display Control Panel
Access the configuration tools through the Display Properties Control Panel:
1. Click the desktop with your right mouse button to display the panel.
2. Select Properties from the menu that appears.
3. Choose the Settings tab.
4. Click the Advanced button, then select the 3Dlabs tab.
When you first click the 3Dlabs tab in the Display Control Panel, this introductory page appears:
Note: This is only an example. Your own panel displays the information specific to your board,
BIOS, and driver version.
The introductory page provides the software version and basic hardware specifications, and a point-of-
entry to the full set of 3Dlabs driver customization tools. To fine-tune your driver's behavior, click the
other tabs to access these panels:
• Color Control
• OpenGL Support
• Direct3D
• Advanced
• Monitor (Windows 2000 and XP only)
Note: You have easy access to Help by holding the cursor over the entry in the panel about
which you want information. You will then find additional information on how to configure the
driver customization tools
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Software Configuration
Configuring Dual Monitors
Note: The Windows 98 and Windows Me Operating Systems do not support accelerated
OpenGL in dual monitor configurations so performance will be reduced for OpenGL
applications when dual monitors are enabled.
1. Open Display in the Control Panel.
2. In the Display Properties Control Panel, click the Settings tab. A dialog box appears displaying
two monitor icons.
3. Select the monitor icon labeled "2".
4. Click the checkbox next to the option Extend my Windows desktop onto this Monitor.
5. Click Apply to accept the change.
6. If you wish to use OpenGL applications across both monitors, then you should also apply the
following steps:
a) Make sure that both monitors are set to the same screen area and that the Colors values are set
the same for both monitors. You must also ensure that monitor 1 is directly to the left of
monitor 2 (this is the default state).
b) Click the Advanced button. and then click the 3Dlabs tab.
c) Click the Advanced button and then click the OpenGL tab.
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Software Configuration
d) Click the Dual Monitor OpenGL Options button and then click the checkbox next to the
option Enable Dual Monitor OpenGL.
e) Click OK or Apply to accept the change.
f) Click OK a few times to exit the control panel and you should then be asked to restart your
computer.
Configuring your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card for
Stereo Viewing
If your Wildcat VP Graphics Accelerator Card is equipped with a VESA standard stereo sync signal
connector (3-pin mini-DIN), then it supports 3D stereo viewing. To view stereoscopic images on your
Windows PC, you will need to connect the appropriate equipment such as stereo glasses to the 3-pin
mini-DIN connector on the card.
For optimal stereo viewing, it is recommended that you use a monitor with a screen refresh frequency of
at least 100 Hertz and you turn off all fluorescent lighting before viewing stereo images to prevent a
possible headache.
Note: Stereo viewing is only available under Windows 2000 and Windows XP systems.
To set up and configure stereo viewing:
1. Connect the stereo hardware to the round stereo connector on the card. See the documentation
that came with your stereo hardware.
2. Click the desktop with your right mouse button (or left click if you’ve altered the default
mouse setup) to display the panel.
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Software Configuration
3. Select Properties from the menu that appears.
4. Choose the Settings tab.
5. Click the Advanced button, then select the 3Dlabs tab.
6. Click the OpenGL tab.
7. In the OpenGL screen, click the checkbox to the right of Enable Stereo OpenGL to select it.
8. Click Apply and then click OK.
9. In the Display Settings Control Panel, click the Settings tab.
10. For information on suitable frequency, please refer to the documentation for your stereo
glasses.
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CHAPTER 3 - TROUBLESHOOTING

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
If you have trouble using your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator 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 correct
monitor connector on your 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card. See your monitor
documentation and Chapter 1 - Installation, in this document.
Solution: Your card might not be seated properly in the appropriate 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 3Dlabs Graphics
Accelerator Card are not what I expected.
Solution: The 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card 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 the Monitor Screen in your 3Dlabs display control panel for a
list of compatible resolutions.
Solution: If the performance is different from what you expected, check to see that the correct
application or setting has been selected in the Optimized Application Setting in the
Taskbar Based Configuration Manager.
Solution: If the performance is different from what you expected, check to see that the Wait for
VBlank setting has been set correctly in the Display Control Panel in the Direct3D or
OpenGL sections.
Systems and Networks
Question: Since installing the 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card, the speakers are unable to
produce sound.
Solution: You may need to reinstall or update the drivers for your sound card.
Question: Since installing the 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator Card, my system either hangs or
crashes to a blue screen when I try to start up, or the system starts up but VGA
graphics don’t display.
Solution: You may need to update your system BIOS. See your system documentation for system
BIOS update information.
You should also ensure that the latest AGP drivers for the chipset on your motherboard
are installed. You can find details about known system problems and solutions in the
Troubleshooting section at http://www.3dlabs.com/support.
Question: I’m experiencing network problems since I installed my 3Dlabs Graphics Accelerator
Card.
Solution: You may need to reinstall or update your Ethernet driver. See your system or Ethernet
adapter documentation for more information.
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