Compaq 300 Developing OpenGL Applications on Alpha Platforms, Overlay Planes, Stencil Planes

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Operation (Windows NT)

5.3.2.2.2 Overlay Planes

The PowerStorm 300 AGP graphics controller on the Intel platform provides hardware support for 2-bit double-buffered overlay planes. Note that for performance reasons, not all pixel formats support overlay planes. If you do not require overlay planes, selecting a pixel format without overlay support will ensure maximum performance. The availability of pixel formats with overlay planes can be disabled by using the Display Applet.

5.3.2.2.3 Stencil Planes

The PowerStorm display driver provides hardware support for a 4-bit stencil buffer. Note that for performance reasons, not all pixel formats support stencil planes. If you do not require stencil planes, selecting a pixel format without stencil planes will ensure maximum performance. The availability of pixel formats with stencil planes can be disabled by using the Display Applet.

5.3.2.2.4 SoftImage Customizations

When using the PowerStorm 300 AGP graphics controller on the Intel platform with Microsoft’s SoftImage, you should enable SoftImage Customizations using the Display Applet. In addition, you also need to enable 4-bit overlay using the Display Applet. Before starting Softimage, you need to make sure that the following environment variable is set:

SI_OVERLAY = USE_ONE_BIT

When SoftImage Customizations are enabled, other OpenGL applications may not behave correctly. Therefore it is recommended that SoftImage Customizations be disabled before running other OpenGL applications.

5.3.3 Developing OpenGL Applications on Alpha Platforms

This section provides information for developing OpenGL applications that optimize the performance of PowerStorm 300/350 PCI graphics controllers on Windows NT Alpha platforms. If you have a PowerStorm 300 AGP graphics controller on an Intel platform, see Section 5.3.2.

5.3.3.1 Pixel Format Support

The PowerStorm 300/350 PCI graphics controllers and display drivers for the Windows NT Alpha platform support a fully compliant implementation of OpenGL in combination with Windows NT OpenGL. Color index mode support is provided by the Windows NT generic OpenGL implementation, and thus is not hardware-accelerated.

The display driver on the PowerStorm 300 PCI graphics controller for the Windows NT Alpha platform supports the pixel formats listed in Table 5-5. The display driver on the PowerStorm 350 PCI graphics controller for the Windows NT Alpha platform supports the pixel formats listed in Table 5-6.

PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers 5–9

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Contents Compaq Computer Corporation Houston, Texas JulyJuly Table of Contents Operation Windows NT Installation Compaq Tru64 UnixTables Operation Compaq Tru64 UnixPage Structure of This Guide PrefacePurpose of This Guide Who Should Use This GuideGetting Help Related DocumentationConventions Used in This Guide Reader’s CommentsCompaq Website Compaq Technical SupportCompaq Authorized Reseller Description PowerStorm 300 AGP Graphics Controller OverviewPowerStorm 300 AGP Graphics Controller Part Number IntroductionMinimum System Workstation Compaq PowerStorm 300 AGP Software SupportVersion PowerStorm 300 AGP Graphics Controller NLX Pin No. Signal Connector PinoutPowerStorm 300 AGP Graphics Controller Specifications SpecificationsPage PowerStorm 300 PCI Graphics Controller Part Numbers PowerStorm 300 PCI Graphics Controller OverviewDigital Part Compaq Part Description Number PowerStorm 300 PCI Graphics Controller Compaq PowerStorm 300 PCI Software SupportConnector Pinout PCI PowerStorm 300 PCI Graphics Controller SpecificationsPowerStorm 350 PCI Graphics Controller PowerStorm 350 PCI Graphics Controller OverviewMinimum System Workstation ROM Revision Version Compaq PowerStorm 350 PCI Software SupportConnector Pinouts Stereo Connector Pinouts PowerStorm 350 PCI Graphics Controller Specifications Page Unpacking Installation Windows NTChanging the Bulkhead Bracket, PowerStorm 300 AGP Only Hardware InstallationInstallation of the Graphics Controller PowerStorm 300/350 Software Components on the CD Software InstallationMicrosoft Windows NT Software Installation PowerStorm 300/350 Software ComponentsPowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers No Changes The above list matches my computer Installing/Upgrading PowerStorm Software Display DriversOpenGL Acceleration Choose the REALimage tm Settings tab Stereo Capability PowerStorm 350 PCI OnlyChanging the Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate After InstallationOperation Windows NT Operation Windows NT Managing Buffer Swap Resolution Vertical Refresh ratesIdentifying the Display Driver Version Using the Display AppletUsing OpenGL Applications Using OpenGLDeveloping OpenGL Applications on Intel Platforms Pixel Format Support Rgba Pixel FormatTexture Mapping Performance ConsiderationsSoftImage Customizations Developing OpenGL Applications on Alpha PlatformsOverlay Planes Stencil Planes10PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers Operation Windows NT 12PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers Operation Windows NT 14PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers Operation Windows NT ∙ Storing alpha values so that they can be read later Alpha Buffers∙ Blending, using a destination alpha value 18PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers Installation Compaq Tru64 Unix Installation Compaq Tru64 Unix Required License Installation Preparation and InformationPrerequisite Software Copying the Kit from CD-ROM Installing PowerStorm Display DriversBooting Compaq Tru64 Unix Alternate ConsoleUnpacking the Kit Installing the Kit6PowerStorm 300 AGP and 300/350 PCI Graphics Controllers Indicate whether you wish to modify the configuration file Tuning Techniques Configuration Recommendations# sysconfig -qsubsystemname Page Operation Compaq Tru64 Unix Operation Compaq Tru64 Unix Synchronizing Buffer SwapsDefault OpenGL Texel Size Identifying the Driver Version OpenGL Visual Support Indirect Contexts, GLXPixmaps, and the Software Renderer Visual ID Developing OpenGL Applications on Tru64 Unix0x21 0x22 0x23 0x24 0x2d Performance and Functionality Considerations0x2f ∙ Blending using a destination alpha value Stencil Planes

300 specifications

The Compaq 300, introduced in the early 1990s, marked a pivotal moment in personal computing, combining cutting-edge technology with user-centric design. This desktop system was targeted at both business professionals and home users, reflecting the growing demand for powerful yet affordable computing solutions.

One of the main features of the Compaq 300 was its robust Intel processor. It originally shipped with various configurations of Intel's 80486 microprocessor, which provided a significant performance boost over its predecessors. The 486 architecture enabled users to run more complex applications, enhancing productivity and making it suitable for tasks ranging from word processing to graphics editing.

In terms of memory, the Compaq 300 supported up to 16MB of RAM, which was substantial for its time, allowing seamless multitasking of programs. The system typically included a 120MB IDE hard drive, which facilitated ample storage for documents and software, a critical aspect for users who needed to manage large volumes of data.

The Compaq 300 featured an integrated graphics card based on the popular VGA standard, enabling clear display quality for applications and gaming. Notably, its 14-inch CRT monitor that accompanied the system offered crisp visuals and an optimal viewing experience for users.

Another characteristic of the Compaq 300 was its expandability. The desktop came equipped with several expansion slots, allowing users to easily add components such as sound cards, network cards, or additional storage drives. This feature provided users with the flexibility to upgrade their systems as technology evolved, ensuring longevity in a rapidly changing landscape.

The Compaq 300 also showcased advanced connectivity options for its time. It included multiple serial and parallel ports, providing versatile connectivity with peripherals like printers, scanners, and modems. This adaptability was crucial, especially as businesses began to integrate more technology into their operations.

Durability and reliability were hallmarks of Compaq's design philosophy, and the Compaq 300 was no exception. Its solid construction and dependable components appealed to users who required a trustworthy system for daily tasks.

Overall, the Compaq 300 epitomized the intersection of performance, expandability, and reliability in desktop computing. Its innovative features and thoughtful design paved the way for future developments in the personal computer industry, making it a noteworthy entry in the history of computing technology.