Asus 3DexPlorer GX2 User manual

R
3DexPlorer®GX2
PCI & AGP Graphics Cards
USER’S MANUAL
Hardware & Video Drivers

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
2
USER’S NOTICE
Product Name: ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2
Manual Revision: 1.03
Release Date: November 1997
No part of this manual, including the products and software described in it, may be repro-
duced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language
in any form or by any means, except documentation kept by the purchaser for backup pur-
poses, without the express written permission of ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. (“ASUS”).
ASUS PROVIDES THIS MANUAL “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND,
EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOTLIMITED TO THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FORAPAR-
TICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL ASUS, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN-
TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF
PROFITS, LOSS OF BUSINESS, LOSS OF USE OR DATA, INTERRUPTION OF BUSI-
NESS AND THE LIKE), EVEN IF ASUS HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGESARISING FROM ANY DEFECT OR ERROR IN THIS MANUAL
OR PRODUCT.
Product warranty or service will not be extended if: (1) the product is repaired, modified or
altered, unless such repair, modification of alteration is authorized in writing by ASUS; or
(2) the serial number of the product is defaced or missing.
Products and corporate names appearing in this manual may or may not be registered trade-
marks or copyrights of their respective companies, and are used only for identification or
explanation and to the owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
• Intel, LANDesk, and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation.
• IBM and OS/2 are registered trademarks of International Business Machines.
• Symbios is a registered trademark of Symbios Logic Corporation.
• Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
• Sound Blaster AWE32 and SB16 are trademarks of Creative Technology Ltd.
• Adobe and Acrobat are registered trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
The product name and revision number are both printed on the product itself. Manual revi-
sions are released for each product design represented by the digit before and after the period
of the manual revision number. Manual updates are represented by the third digit in the
manual revision number.
For previous or updated manuals, BIOS, drivers, or product release information, contactASUS
at http://www.asus.com.tw or through any of the means indicated on the following page.
SPECIFICATIONSAND INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS MANUALARE FUR-
NISHED FOR INFORMATIONAL USE ONLY, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT
ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS A COM-
MITMENT BY ASUS. ASUS ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY FOR
ANYERRORSOR INACCURACIESTHATMAYAPPEARINTHISMANUAL,INCLUD-
ING THE PRODUCTS AND SOFTWARE DESCRIBED IN IT.
Copyright © 1997 ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.All Rights Reserved.

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 3
ASUS CONTACT INFORMATION
ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.
Marketing Info
Address: 150 Li-Te Road, Peitou, Taipei, Taiwan 112, ROC
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Technical Support
Fax: [phone]
BBS: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
WWW: www.asus.com.tw
Gopher: gopher.asus.com.tw
FTP: ftp.asus.com.tw/pub/ASUS
ASUS COMPUTER INTERNATIONAL
Marketing Info
Address: 721 Charcot Avenue, San Jose, CA 95131, USA
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Technical Support
BBS: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
WWW: www.asus.com
ASUS COMPUTER GmbH
Marketing Info
Address: Harkort Str. 25, 40880 Ratingen, BRD, Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Technical Support
Hotline: [phone]
BBS: 49-2102-448690
Email: [email protected]
WWW: www.asuscom.de
FTP: ftp.asuscom.de/pub/ASUSCOM

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
4
CONTENTS
I. Introduction .....................................................................................7
Item Checklist ..................................................................................7
Key Benefits ....................................................................................7
3D Hardware Accelerated Capability ..............................................7
Standard Features.............................................................................7
II. Hardware Installation ...................................................................9
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 - PCI Bus Layout ......................................9
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 - AGP Bus Layout ....................................9
Memory Upgrade ...........................................................................10
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 Connection Examples.............................11
Installation Procedures .............................................................12
New Systems ......................................................................12
Systems with Existing VGA Card ......................................12
III. Windows 95.................................................................................13
1. Driver Setup ...............................................................................13
2. Finishing Setup ..........................................................................14
3.2 Using the Windows 95 Control Panel ...............................15
3. Video Driver Uninstallation ......................................................15
3.1 Using the Autorun Screen .................................................15
4. DirectX5, Video Player, & Live Video Installation ..................16
5. PowerPlayer ...............................................................................17
6. Windows 95 Display Settings ....................................................18
Shell Notify Icon ......................................................................18
Changing Display Settings .......................................................18
Settings ...............................................................................18
Adjustment .........................................................................19
Hotkey ................................................................................20
Advanced ............................................................................20
TV.......................................................................................22

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 5
CONTENTS
IV. Windows 3.x ................................................................................23
1.1. Installation Procedures in DOS...............................................23
1.2. Installation Procedures in Windows 3.x .................................24
1.3. Installation of Video for Windows ..........................................25
V. Microsoft Windows NT................................................................26
Windows NT 4.0 ............................................................................26
Installation Procedures .............................................................26
Windows NT 3.51 ..........................................................................27
Installation Procedures .............................................................27
VI. DOS Drivers................................................................................28
DOS Drivers Installation ...............................................................28
VII. Product Information ................................................................29
Resolution Table - 2MB Video Memory........................................29
Resolution Table - 4MB Video Memory........................................30
8-BIT Connector Definitions .........................................................31
DuoView Connector Definitions ...................................................31
VIII. Troubleshooting.......................................................................32
Description.....................................................................................32
Recommended Action....................................................................32

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
6
FCC & DOC COMPLIANCE
FederalCommunicationsCommission Statement
This device complies with FCC Rules Part 15. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions:
• This device may not cause harmful interference, and
• This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
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 installa-
tion. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, 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 inter-
ference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING! The use of shielded cables for connection of the monitor to the
graphics card is required to assure compliance with FCC regulations. Changes
or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
CanadianDepartmentof Communications Statement
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Cana-
dian Department of Communications.

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 7
I. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing theASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 Graphics & Video Accelera-
tor. With the S3 ViRGE/GX2 built-in, the ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 provides you
surprising acceleration in both 2D/3D graphics and quality scalable video playback,
which can fully support 3D Gaming and Multimedia Applications.
Item Checklist
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2
User’s Manual
ASUS Driver & Utility CD
Key Benefits
• Extreme 3D and video acceleration supports graphics design, gaming and video
processing applications
• High-quality video playback with horizontal and vertical interpolation
• Big screen TV gameplay and presentations
• Video conferencing and video capture ready
3D Hardware Accelerated Capability
• Dynamic Z-Buffering and Double Buffering
• Texture modes
• Bilinear/Trilinear Filtering
• Mip-Mapping
• Perspective Correction
• Video and 3D Texturing Mapping
• Atmospheric Effects
• Alpha Blending
• Fog Effects
• Specular Highlights
• Flat and Gouraud Shading
Standard Features
• New S3 ViRGE/GX2 64-bit 2D/3D Graphics and Video Accelerator Built-in
• Performance-Oriented Design for Boosting Pentium II/Pentium Pro & MMX
Acceleration
• Upgrade to 4MB Frame Buffer Supports 1280 x 1024 with True Colors
• 32-bit PCI 2.1 Interface Compliant for “Plug & Play”
I. Introduction
Checklist/Specs

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
8
I. Introduction
• Integrated170MHz RAMDAC supportsup to 160Hz Flicker-freeRefresh Rates
• ASUS Performance Adjustment Tech. Tunes up Speed for Various Types
Memory Mix
• Multi-Language User Interface & Drivers supported
• Designed for Windows 95 & Windows 3.x Logo Approval
• Easy Installation for Windows 95 & Windows 3.x throughAutoRun CD-ROM
• Built-in8-bit LPB (LocalPeripheral Bus) Connector Ready forTVTuner,Video
Capture, and H/W MPEG-1 Upgrade
• Windows NT, Windows 95, Windows 3.x, and OS/2 drivers with DirectX 5
and DirectDraw support
High Quality MPEG/VIDEO Playback
• Full-Scalable Real-Time 30 Frames/second
• Horizontal and vertical interpolation
• Brightness, hue and saturation controls
Video-In Function
• NTSC, PAL and SECAM input format
• S-Video and composite input socket
• Video playback and capture functions allow Video-Editing or Video-
Conferencing applications
• Optional TV-box allows watching TV programs
TV-Output Function
• NTSC and PAL output format
• S-Video and composite output socket
• Underscan compensation ensures high-quality full-screen output
• 3-line flicker filter ensures TV output stability
• DuoView function allows simultaneous display of two images on TV and
computer monitor
I. Introduction
Standard Features
IMPORTANT:Both theASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 graphicscards use an internalVideo
Decoder in the “Enable” position. If you connect an extenal video capture or TV
tuner card through the LPB connector and experience hardware conflicts, “Disable”
the internal Video Decoder using the jumper setting on the card. The AGP version
adds a TV Out Type in order to select “NTSC” or “PAL” video types depending on
your local video standard.

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 9
II. Hardware Installation
II. Installation
Layout
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 - PCI Bus Layout
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 - AGP Bus Layout
2MB Memory
(two 256K x 32 SGRAM)
2MB Memory Upgrade
SO-DIMM Socket
S-Video Out
(SVHS)
Composite
Out (RCA)
TV Out
Monitor Out
(15-pin VGA)
S-Video In
(SVHS)
Composite
In (RCA)
Video In
DuoView Connector LPB Connector
AGP Bus
2MB Memory
(two 256K x 32 SGRAM)
2MB Memory Upgrade
SO-DIMM Socket
S-Video Out
(SVHS)
Composite
Out (RCA)
TV Out
Monitor Out
(15-pin VGA)
S-Video In
(SVHS)
Composite
In (RCA)
Video In
DuoView Connector LPB Connector
PCI Bus
Video In Decoder (JP1)
123 123
Enable Disable
TV Out Type (JP2)
123 123
NTSC PAL
AGP Version
Video In Decoder (JP1)
321 321
Enable Disable
PCI Version

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
10
Memory Upgrade
The ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 graphics card comes with a 2MB video memory con-
figuration. A SO-DIMM (Small-Outline, Dual-Inline Memory Module) socket is
available to upgrade the video memory to 4MB. Memory size of 3MB is not sup-
ported on this product. Specifications may change without notice.
Memory Specifications
• Standard 2MB onboard two 256K x 32 SGRAM chips
• Upgrade to 4MB by adding two 256K x 32 SGRAM chips on SO-DIMM
• 10ns or faster (9ns, 8ns, 7ns,...) memory required
Memory Installation
1. The memory module will fit in only one orienta-
tion as shown because the plastic safety tabs on
both ends of the socket require the notched ends
of the memory module.
2. Pressthe memory modulefirmly into place start-
ing from a 45-degree angle, making sure that all
the contacts are aligned with the socket.
3. With your fingertips, rock the memory module
into a horizontal position so that it clicks into
place. The support clips should snap.
4. To release the memory module, push both clips
outward and rock the module out of the clips.
NOTE: For greater reliability, make sure that all video memory are of the same
type and speed.
II. Hardware Installation
II. Installation
Memory Upgrade

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 11
II. Hardware Installation
Composite
(RCA) Input
Video
Input
NOTES:
• ASUS Video cards come in either NTSC or PAL standards.
• You may not convert NTSC to PAL or vice versa.
• You must use the same standard for all devices.
VGA
Output
S-Video
Output
Composite
(RCA) Output
S-Video Plug
RCA Plug
RCA Plug
S-Video or Tuner Box Plug
• Camcorder
• Video Cassette Recorder
• Television
• Other Video Displaying
or Recording Devices
15-Pin VGA Plug
• Camcorder
• Video Cassette Player
• Laser Disc Player
• Other Video Devices
With ASUS Tuner Box:
• TV / FM Tuner
• Computer Monitor
• Video Projector
• Other VGA
Compatible devices
ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 Connection Examples
CATV
ASUS TV/FM
Tuner Box
II. Installation
Connections

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
12
Installation Procedures
New Systems
1. Unplug all electrical cords on your computer.
2. Remove the system unit cover.
3. Locate the PCI or AGP expansion slot. Make sure this slot is unobstructed.
4. Remove the corresponding expansion slot cover from the computer chassis.
5. Ground yourself to an antistatic mat or other grounded source (see WARNING!).
6. Pick up the board (still in its sleeve) by grasping the edge bracket with one hand
and then remove the plastic sleeve.
7. Position the card directly over the PCI or AGP slot and insert one end of the
board in the slot first. Firmly but gently press the bus connector on the bottom of
the card down into the slot. Be sure the metal contacts on the bottom of the host
adapter are securely seated in the slot.
8. Anchor the board’s mounting bracket to the computer chassis using the screw
from the slot cover that you set aside previously.
9. Replace the cover on the system unit.
10. Connect your analog monitor’s 15-pin VGAconnector to the card and fasten the
retaining screws (if any).
11. Connect other cables and devices if available -You are now ready to install the
software drivers and utilities.
Systems with Existing VGA Card
1. Shut down your computer and unplug all electrical cords.
2. Replace the existing VGA card with the ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 graphics card.
3. Restart your computer — the ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 graphics card should be
automatically detected and the display drivers automatically updated.
WARNING! Computer boards and components contain very delicate Integrated
Circuit (IC) chips. To protect the computer board and other components against
damage from static electricity, you must follow some precautions.
1. Make sure that you unplug your power supply when adding or removing
expansion cards or other system components. Failure to do so may cause
severe damage to both your motherboard and expansion cards.
2. Keep all components such as the host adapter in its antistatic bag until you
are ready to install it.
3. Use a grounded wrist strap before handling computer components. If you do
not have one, touch both of your hands to a safely grounded object or to a
metal object, such as the power supply case. Hold components by the edges
and try not to touch the IC chips, leads, or circuitry.
4. Place components on a groundedantistaticpador on the bag that came withthe
component whenever the components are separated from the system.
II. Hardware Installation
II. Installation
Procedures

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 13
1. Driver Setup
“New hardware found” refers to the prompt for drivers when entering Windows
95 with a new card installed or relocated to a different slot. This User’s Manual
assumes that your CD-ROM disc drive is drive D: and that Windows 95 is in
C:\windows. Replace either with the actual location, if necessary.
If New Hardware Found window appears
when entering Windows 95, select Do not in-
stall a driver. (Windows 95’s own S3 drivers
do not support the Virge/GX2 chipset and may
cause display problems)
Insert theASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 installation
CD and the ASUS Windows 95 Install Shell
will appear. If it does not appear, run
D:\setup.exe. You will be presented with a
menu of options.
The Setup program window appears.
Click Next > to continue with setup.
The Features window will be displayed.
Click Next > to continue with setup.
Click Install 3DexPlorer GX2 Display
Driver and follow the installation steps.
NOTE: Because Windows 95’s own S3 driv-
ers do not support the Virge/GX2 chipset, an-
swer “No” if questions arise asking whether
you want to keep existing VGA files.
III. Windows 95
III. Windows 95
Driver Setup

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
14
III. Windows 95
This box indicates that the Setup program
issearching for theupdated DirectX Runtime
Components and updating as necessary.
2. Finishing Setup
Your card and memory configuration will be
detected and tested upon entering Windows
95 for the first time with the new driver in-
stalled.
Click Ok to start testing.
This screen tests whether the on
screen memory is sufficient to dis-
play the current resolution.
This screen tests how much memory
isremaining(offscreen memory) for
background operations.
Click Finish to restart your computer.
If the 3DexPlorer GX2 is not detected upon
entering Windows 95 with the driver in-
stalled, a message will appear to allow you
to delete the drivers or shut down your com-
puter to install the 3DexPlorer GX2.
III. Windows 95
Driver Setup

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 15
3. Video Driver Uninstallation
If you want to install other graphics cards or if you no longer need the 3DexPlorer
GX2 display drivers, you can use one of the following procedures to completely
uninstall the drivers from Windows 95 to save disk space.
3.1 Using the Autorun Screen
During uninstallation, a “Remove Shared
File?” dialog box will display asking you
to remove some shared files. Click the Yes
or Yes To All button to remove the shared
files that are no longer used.
3.2 Using the Windows 95 Control Panel
Insert the ASUS 3DexPlorerGX2 installa-
tion CD.
Select Remove 3DexPlorer GX2 Display
Driver in the ASUS Windows 95 Install
Shell and follow the uninstallation steps.
Click Start, and then point to Settings.
Click Control Panel.
Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
Click the Install/Uninstall tab.
SelectASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 V1.10 (driver
version) from the list.
Click Add/Remove.
III. Windows 95
III. Windows 95
Uninstall Drivers

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
16
III. Windows 95
DirectX 5
III. Windows 95
Reinsert your CD or double click on
your CD drive icon in My Computer
to bring up the autorun screen or run
Setup.exe in the root directory of the
CD.
Install Microsoft DirectX 5 dialog box
appears
Click the “Ok” button
After you have installed DirectX 5,
you may click Install Video Player,
and Install Live Video.
4. DirectX5, Video Player, & Live Video Installation
Microsoft DirectX5 allows 3D hardware acceleration support in Windows 95. For
Software MPEG support in Windows 95, you must first install the Microsoft
DirectX 5 libraries, then you may install the MPEG Video Player.
Click Install DirectX 5

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 17
III. Windows 95
PowerPlayer
III. Windows 95
Reinsert your CD or double click on
your CD drive icon in My Computer
to bring up the autorun screen or run
Setup.exe in the root directory of the
CD.
5. PowerPlayer
PowerPlayer is a video player that allows you to view VCD (*.DAT) or MPEG
(*.MPG) CD titles.
Follow the self-explanatory instruc-
tions to complete the installation.
Moving your cursor over the buttons
will give the command name. If you
need help, click the “?” button.
LIMITATIONS:
• Do not run PowerPlayer with full screen under 1280x1024 16bit high color or
1600x1200 16bit high color resolution modes, it will not function properly.
• Do not overlap other windows over PowerPlayer, it will not function properly.

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
18
III. Windows 95
6. Windows 95 Display Settings
Shell Notify Icon
After installing theASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 Windows 95 Driver, you will see an
ASUS icon on your taskbar notification area. You can “Close Enhanced Func-
tions” or “Launch Display Properties” from this icon. If you encounter any
problem, you may want to close ASUS Enhanced Functions. These functions
will be enabled again next time you enter Windows.
Changing Display Settings
To enter the Display Properties at any time, right click your mouse on the desk-
top and select Properties, or double click the Display icon in the Control Panel.
Click the appropriate Tab as follows:
Settings
This allows you to change your display settings, adjust screen resolution and
color depth, virtual desktop size, and font size. The maximum desktop and
screen size selectable depends on how much memory you have. The maximum
screen size selectable depends on the monitor specified.
III. Windows 95
Display Settings
Adjust screen resolution
Adjust virtual desktop size
Adjust font size
Adjust color
Enable virtual screen

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual 19
III. Windows 95
Adjustment
This lets you change your monitor settings, such as display position, size, and
refresh rate. While adjusting display size and position, you can press the ESC
key to restore to your original settings at any time. After selecting a new re-
fresh rate, the system will restore to the original settings in 10 seconds if you do
not click the OK button.
Change Refresh Rate
If you want to customize a new refresh rate, select a nearest default refresh rate,
then adjust the slider to where you want, test it and then add it to the list.
Adjust display size
Adjust display position
Set to default values
Change refresh rate
Horizontal synchronization
Vertical synchronization
List of refresh rate options
Customize refresh rate
Set to default supported
refresh rate
Test customized
refresh rate
III. Windows 95
Display Settings

ASUS 3DexPlorer GX2 User’s Manual
20
III. Windows 95
III. Windows 95
Display Settings
Hotkey
This allows you to assign hotkey in the Hotkey box to move your screen up,
down, left, and right, or zoom in, zoom out, and lock in the virtual desktop.
Select the option from the Name box, then define the hotkey in the Value box
with a single key stroke such as the Up key. (Ctrl and Alt keys are not neces-
sary when making these settings)
Advanced
These advanced settings allow you to achieve better performance and video
quality.
List of hotkey options
Enable hotkey Set to default
hotkey values
Description
Hotkey values
Vertical Interpolation
MMX Video Enhancement
MPEG Color Adjustment
Pentium II &
Pentium Pro
Acceleration
MMX Direct 3D
Acceleration
Performance Setting