Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : 3DFX -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Chip Anderson who wrote (8691)	10/29/1998 11:28:00 PM
From: David R. Parker	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 16960

Some musings after receiving a new PC.... As a long term TDFX investor, I'm just a bit chagrined at my first impressions of my new PC and how it relates to TDFX demand. The bottom line is the TNT card. I'm concerned. Received a new Dell XPS R450 this week to replace my two year old P200mmx (which had a Orchid Righteous Voodoo1 card). My choices from Dell were between the 8mg nVidia 128, (small price savings), an ATI card (a little more savings) or STB's OEM 16mg TNT (as the default choice) So...of course I went with the TNT, thinking I'd add at least one Voodoo2, and maybe two for a SLI rig. Well, I'm floored by the TNT's performance in Quake2. Incredible rich colors, excellent frame rates, high resolutions...can't imagine why I'd buy a Voodoo2...and that worries me. Granted, I'm comparing it to a Voodoo1, but many (most?) PC owners will be comparing it to nothing but software acceleration. Dell (and others) are selling huge amounts of these things...and if buyers are getting something this good as the default choice, where is the market for an add-on card? The key for TDFX, as I see it, is to be that default choice. GTW's Banshee offering is more than just encouraging...oem deals like that are the key to survival. I'm sure I'd be just as impressed by the cheaper Banshee...but my only "good" choice with Dell was the TNT. Of course, there is still the Glide issue...but when I'm in the need for some intense game action...I usually turn to an on-line Quake2 game...and the TNT's open GL performance is very impressive. These are just some initial thoughts after messing around with it for a couple of days...perhaps after I load and try all my games, I'll feel different...but if the TNT's performance in Q2 is typical of it's ability...nVidia has a winner. TDFX absolutely must get the Banshee into these systems, I just don't see an add-on market for those with an oem card like this... David

To: Chip Anderson who wrote (8691)	10/30/1998 6:41:00 AM
From: Joe C.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 16960

3Dfx site has a new picture of Lana Croft carrying a 3Dfx logo. I'd like to see them find a 3D character that they can use as a theme across all their ads. Something cute and memorable. Say that virtual baby on the net as an example. Show a scene with him dancing in slow motion/stuttering and then pop in the 3Dfx logo and watch him boogy away. Next commercial sees him wearing an old WWII flying helmet and scarf, jumping into a World War II plane and flying against the Red Barron. Next comercial shows his two foot body in a football helmet and diapers looking between the legs of some giant 3D lineman in the Madden football game. Next riding a Nascar, etc. The graphics would cost money but I'm sure they could co-sponsor the commercials with the featured game's developers and get them to write the code. sort of like the 3D version of the everready bunny. I'd even consider putting a 3Dfx tatoo on its' arm and ear ring (somewhere?). I think the idea would work for paper ads as well. The two headed monkey doesn't cut it though. What do you guys think? Joe C.