IBM Power GXT800P User manual

POWER GXT800P Graphics Adapter
Installation and User's Guide

Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the general
information under "Product Warranties and Notices" included with your system unit.
First Edition (November 1996)
The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or country where such
provisions are inconsistent with local law: THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS”
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied
warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this statement may not apply to you.
This publication could include technical inaccuracies or typographic errors. Changes are
periodically made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions
of the publicatio The manufacturer may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s)
and/or the program(s) described in this publication at any time, without notice.
It is possible that this publication may contain reference to, or information about, products
(machines and programs), programming, or services that are not announced in your country.
Such references or information must not be construed to mean that these products,
programming, or services will be announced in your country Any reference to a specific
licensed program in this publication is not intended to state or imply that you can use only that
license program. You can use any functionally equivalent program instead.
Requests for technical information about products should be made to your authorized reseller
or marketing representative.
 International Business Machines Corporation 1996. All rights reserved.
Note to U.S. Government Users -- Documentation related to restricted rights -- Use,
duplication or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth is GSA ADP Schedule Contract with
IBM Corp.

Contents
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
Handling Static Sensitive Devices .......................... vii
Electrostatic Discharge Protection ........................... vii
About This Book .................................... ix
Related Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
ISO 9000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Chapter 1. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1
The POWER GXT800P with Base Memory and Texture Supports ........ 1-3
Software Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
Chapter 2. Preparing for Installation ........................ 2-1
Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1
Chapter 3. Installing Device Driver Software ................... 3-1
Device Driver Software Installation ........................... 3-1
Chapter 4. Installing Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Installing the Adapter .................................. 4-1
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
Chapter 5. Display Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
Display Power Management ............................. 5-1
Change Resolution and Refresh Rates ....................... 5-1
Chapter 6. Software Application Considerations ................ 6-1
Starting the Server in Overlay and Color Planes ................... 6-1
API Required Parameters ................................ 6-1
Chapter 7. Stereo-Ready System Unit, Sync and Power Supplied ...... 7-1
Chapter 8. Communications Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Statement .............. 8-1
European Union (EU) Statement ............................ 8-2
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Statement ............ 8-2
United Kingdom Telecommunications Safety Requirements ............ 8-2
Avis de conformité aux normes du ministère des Communications du Canada . 8-3
Canadian Department of Communications Compliance Statement ........ 8-3
Contents iii

VCCI Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-3
Radio Protection for Germany ............................. 8-4
iv Installation and User's Guide

Safety Information
DANGER
An electrical outlet that is not correctly wired could place hazardous
voltage on metal parts of the system or the devices that attach to the
system. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure that the outlet
is correctly wired and grounded to prevent an electrical shock.
Before installing or removing signal cables, ensure that the power
cables for the system unit and all attached devices are unplugged.
When adding or removing any additional devices to or from the system,
ensure that the power cables for those devices are unplugged before
the signal cables are connected. If possible, disconnect all power
cables from the existing system before you add a device.
Use one hand, when possible, to connect or disconnect signal cables
to prevent a possible shock from touching two surfaces with different
electrical potentials.
During an electrical storm, do not connect cables for display stations,
printers, telephones, or station protectors for communication lines.
Safety Information v

vi Installation and User's Guide

Handling Static Sensitive Devices
Attention: Static electricity can damage this device and your system unit. To avoid
damage, keep this device in its static protective bag until you are ready to install it.
To reduce the possibility of electrostatic discharge, follow the precautions listed
below.
Electrostatic Discharge Protection
To prevent electrostatic discharge:
Limit your movement. Movement can cause static electricity to build up around
you.
Handle the device carefully, holding it by its edges or its frame.
Do not touch solder joints, pins, or exposed printed circuitry.
Do not leave the device where others can handle and possibly damage the
device.
While the device is still in its anti-static package, touch it to an unpainted metal
part of the system unit for at least two seconds. (This drains static electricity
from the package and from your body.)
Remove the device from its package and install it directly into your system unit
without setting it down. If it is necessary to set the device down, place it on its
static-protective package. (If your device is an adapter, place it component side
up.) Do not place the device on your system unit cover or on a metal table.
Take additional care when handling devices during cold weather as heating
reduces indoor humidity and increases static electricity.
Handling Static Sensitive Devices vii

viii Installation and User's Guide

About This Book
Use this book with your system unit documentation to install the POWER GXT800P
graphics adapter and its associated device driver software.
Related Publications
This book refers to the documentation that came with your system unit and with your
operating system. Additional references are made to adapter (slot) placement
documentation.
ISO 9000
ISO 9000 registered quality systems were used in the development and
manufacturing of this product.
Trademarks
CATIA is a registered trademark of Dassault Systems.
CrystalEyes is a registered trademark of StereoGraphics Corporation.
graPHIGS is a trademark of International Business Machines.
GL is a trademark of Silicon Graphics, Incorporated.
OpenGL is a trademark of Silicon Graphics, Incorporated.
PEX is a trademark of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
PowerPC is trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
POWER GXT800P is a registered trademark of International Business Machines.
X Window System is a trademark of Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
About This Book ix

xInstallation and User's Guide

Chapter 1. Overview
The POWER GXT800P graphics adapters (POWER GXT800P with base memory or
POWER GXT800P with base and texture memory) are single card adapters that
attach to your system unit in a PCI bus graphics slot. Both adapters provide 3D
graphics acceleration. The POWER GXT800P with base and texture memory also
provides texture acceleration. (Connection to the video monitor is made through a
high density 15 pin D-shell connector.)
Refer to the PCI Graphics Adapter Placement Reference for supported system units
and for supported slot locations. To install the POWER GXT800P graphics adapters
into your system, refer to your system unit documentation.
(GXT800P Top View)
(GXT800P Bottom View)
Note: Some system units have PCI slots that force adapter cards to be installed top
side down.
Chapter 1. Overview 1-1

(GXT800P Side View of Adapter with Metal Shield housing.)
Important: Retain your proof of purchase for warranty service.
The POWER GXT800P Adapter with Base Memory Supports:
8 and 24 bit double-buffered color
8 bit double-buffered alpha
8 bit single-buffered overlay
8 bits of window ids
24 bit Z-buffer
4 bit stencil
OpenGL, PEX, graPHIGS, and GL 3.2 API's
3D Acceleration:
– Depth Buffering
– Antialiasing
– Gouraud shading
– Fog and Atmospheric effects
– Stencil test
– Alpha test
– Blending
– Dithering
Display resolution: 1280x1024 and 1024x768
(includes monitors that comply with ISO 9241, Part 3 Std.)
Stereo viewing
1-2 Installation and User's Guide

The POWER GXT800P with Base Memory and Texture Supports
8 and 24 bit double-buffered color
8 bit double-buffered alpha
8 bit single-buffered overlay
8 bits of window ids
24 bit Z-buffer
4 bit stencil
OpenGL, PEX, graPHIGS, and GL 3.2 API's
3D Acceleration:
– Depth Buffering
– Antialiasing
– Gouraud shading
– Fog and Atmospheric effects
– Stencil test
– Alpha test
– Blending
– Dithering
Display resolution: 1280x1024 and 1024x768
(includes monitors that comply with ISO 9241, Part 3 Std.)
Stereo viewing
The POWER GXT800P with base and texture supports HW acceleration of
trilinear mipmapped textures up to 512 x 512.
To verify your POWER GXT800P graphics adapter includes both base and texture,
type the following command:
lsdev -C | grep GXT8ððP
and press Enter.
If you do have the texture adapter, the following data appears on your screen:
smintð Available ð4-ð2 GXT8ððP Graphics Adapter
smintdmð Defined ð4-ð2-ðð GXT8ððP Base and Texture Memory
Chapter 1. Overview 1-3

Software Requirements
AIX: The POWER GXT800P is supported on AIX 4.1.5. If support is required on an
AIX release other than AIX 4.1.5, please ensure this adapter is supported on that
release of AIX prior to install. Contact your support representative for assistance.
OpenGL and GL 3.2 requires the OpenGL and GL 3.2.for AIX, version 4.1.5
Licensed Program Product (5696-939). If support is required on an AIX release
other than AIX 4.1.5, please ensure this adapter is supported on that release of AIX
prior to install. Contact your support representative for assistance.
PEX and graPHIGS requires the PEX and PHIGS for AIX, Version 4.1.5 Licensed
Program Product (5696-907). If support is required on an AIX release other than AIX
4.1.5, please ensure this adapter is supported on that release of AIX prior to install.
Contact your support representative for assistance.
1-4 Installation and User's Guide

Chapter 2. Preparing for Installation
This section outlines the installation procedure for the POWER GXT800P device
driver and graphics adapter.
The process includes:
An inventory of installation materials.
The installation of your device driver software.
The installation of your graphics adapter.
Note: If AIX is not installed on your system unit, install your graphics adapter
before you install the operating system. (See Chapter 4, “Installing Hardware”
on page 4-1.) When you install AIX, your device driver software will
automatically install.
If AIX is operating on your system, install your device driver software prior to
installing your graphics adapter. (See Chapter 3, “Installing Device Driver
Software” on page 3-1.)
Inventory
To install the POWER GXT800P, you need:
The adapter.
This documentation,
POWER GXT800P Graphics Adapter Installation and
User's Guide .
The system unit User's Guide.
The operating system documentation.

PCI Graphics Adapter Placement Reference .
A flat-blade screw driver or a 5mm nut driver.
Media containing device driver software.
Metal support bracket. (Refer to system unit User's Guide for installation
instructions.)
Chapter 2. Preparing for Installation 2-1

2-2 Installation and User's Guide

Chapter 3. Installing Device Driver Software
This section explains how to install device driver software.
Device Driver Software Installation
1. Be sure you have read Chapter 2, “Preparing for Installation” on page 2-1.
Determine if you should install your device driver software first.
Determine if you should install your graphics adapter hardware first.
If you should install your device driver software first, go to step 2 and
continue with this section.
If you should install your hardware first, go to Chapter 4, “Installing
Hardware” on page 4-1. When you install AIX, your device driver
automatically installs.
2. Turn the system unit power on.
3. Log in as root.
4. Insert the media containing the device driver software (example: CD-ROM) into
the appropriate media device.
5. Type the following
smit devinst
and press Enter.
6. The Install Additional Device Software screen highlights the "INPUT
device/directory for software" option.
7. Select or type
your input device :
Press F4 to display the input device list. Select the
name of the device
(example: CD-ROM) that you are using and press Enter.
-- or --
In the Entry Field, type the name of the input device you are using and press
Enter.
8. The Install Additional Device Software window highlights the SOFTWARE to
install option.
9. Press F4 to display the SOFTWARE to install window.
Chapter 3. Installing Device Driver Software 3-1

10. Type the following to display the Find window:
/
11. Type the following
devices.pci.141ð5eðð
and press Enter.
(The system finds and highlights this device driver software.)
12. Press PF7 to select the highlighted device driver software and press Enter.
Example:
4.1.5.ð devices.pci.devices
13. The Install Additional Device Software screen displays. Entry data fields are
automatically updated. Press Enter to accept the data.
14. The ARE YOU SURE window displays. Press Enter to accept the data.
15. The COMMAND STATUS screen appears.
The term RUNNING is highlighted to indicate that the install and configure
command is in progress.
When RUNNING changes to OK, scroll down to the bottom of the page and
locate the Installation Summary.
After a successful installation, SUCCESS will appear in the Result column of the
summary at the bottom of the page.
16. Remove the installation media from the drive.
17. Press F10 to exit SMIT.
18. Reference your system unit documentation to shutdown your system unit.
19. Go to graphics adapter install procedure, Chapter 4, “Installing Hardware” on
page 4-1.
3-2 Installation and User's Guide

Chapter 4. Installing Hardware
This section provides the guidance necessary to install a graphics adapter. Before
you begin, be sure you have read “Handling Static Sensitive Devices” on page vii.
Attention: Do not remove the POWER GXT800P from its anti-static package at this
time.
Installing the Adapter
1. Be sure you have read Chapter 2, “Preparing for Installation” on page 2-1.
Determine if you should install your graphics adapter hardware first.
Determine if you should install your device driver software first.
If you should install your graphics adapter hardware first, go to 2 and
continue with this section.
If you should install your device driver software first, go back to Chapter 3,
“Installing Device Driver Software” on page 3-1. Return here to install your
hardware.
2. Refer to the User's Guide that shipped with your system unit to perform the
following:
Shutdown your system unit.
Install the graphics adapter in your system unit.
– Refer to the
PCI Graphics Adapter Placement Reference to identify
supported installation slots for a POWER GXT800P. Return here to
complete the process.
–Attention: Failure to install your graphics adapter in the correct slot may
cause your adapter or system unit to function incorrectly.
3. Some system units may require attachment of a metal support bracket. Refer to
your system's User's Guide for specific instructions to attach the support bracket
if one was shipped with your adapter.
4. After the basic installation is complete, connect your keyboard and mouse to the
system unit and connect your video cable to the graphics adapter.
5. Turn on both your system unit and your display. Follow any instructions on the
screen.
6. A select display (console) icon appears on your screen. Press the number key
(for example, 1 or 2) on your keyboard of the monitor you want to be your default
display.
Chapter 4. Installing Hardware 4-1

Note: If you are planning to run applications such as PEX, OpenGL, GL 3.2, or
graPHIGS, be sure to install the appropriate level LPP after you install the POWER
GXT800P Adapter.
Troubleshooting
Initial installation problems are often resolved using a few basic troubleshooting
steps:
Check Cables
Check Installed Software (lslpp)
Check Console (possibly redirect)
Check Installed Hardware (lsdev)
Check Cables
1. Ensure your cables are connected to the correct adapter.
If you have more than one display adapter, be sure that each adapter is
connected to a display.
Verify the cable connection to your video monitor is made through a high
density 15 pin D-shell connector. (For detailed connector information, go to
Adapters, Devices, and Cable Information for Multiple Bus Systems if you
received this book with your system unit.)
2. If no login prompt appears, restart your system unit.
3. If the system responds with a login prompt, continue with the troubleshooting
verifications.
Verify Software Installation
1. Verify the device driver for the POWER GXT800P is installed.
Login as root
Type:
lslpp -l all | grep GXT8ððP
and press Enter.
4-2 Installation and User's Guide