3D graphics boards fulfill a need for speed

Abstract

Graphics boards, also called graphics accelerators, are specialized hardware that relieve the CPU and graphics software of the burden of graphics display processing so the entire system functions more efficiently and more quickly. Though there is a plethora of 2D graphics boards available, there is less selection for 3D graphics boards, which are optimized for processing and displaying 3D images. Through the crowd of graphics standards, OpenGL has emerged as the de facto standard for the 3D graphics environments. New 3D boards on the market include: 1. Matrox's MGA Impression Plus, 2. Media Labs' 3DMedia SX, 3. STB Systems' Power 3D System, 4. AccelGraphics Inc.'s AG300, and 5. Omnicomp's 3D Demon.