S85PCI, S85, S85AGP specifications
Diamond Multimedia, a notable player in the graphics card industry during the late 1990s and early 2000s, introduced a series of graphics cards that catered to various computing needs, particularly for gamers and graphic designers. Among these, the Diamond Multimedia S85AGP, S85, and S85PCI stand out due to their innovative technology, robust features, and versatility.The S85 series was designed to cater to the PCI and AGP slots, providing users with a choice that fit their system configurations. The S85AGP model was especially significant as it made use of the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) interface, which allowed for faster data transfer rates compared to the standard PCI interface used in the S85 and S85PCI models. This speed advantage significantly improved the overall graphics performance for gaming and graphic-intensive applications.
One of the key features of the Diamond Multimedia S85 series was its use of 3D graphics acceleration. The cards were built on technology that supported 3D rendering, which was essential for the gaming environment of the time. Users could experience enhanced visual effects, textures, and smoother frame rates, which contributed to a more immersive gaming experience. The S85 series utilized advanced drivers and software optimizations, maximizing the capabilities of the graphics hardware.
With 8 MB of video memory, the S85 models provided enough bandwidth for handling most of the graphical demands of contemporary applications. Although modest by today's standards, this memory was sufficient for the tasks required in that era, allowing users to run games and applications without significant lag. The architecture was based on the popular PCI or AGP standards, making these graphics cards compatible with a wide range of motherboards.
In terms of connectivity, the S85 series offered several outputs, including standard VGA output, that allowed users to connect to various monitors easily. The design also included support for multiple resolutions, ensuring that users could enjoy high-quality visuals on their displays.
Overall, the Diamond Multimedia S85AGP, S85, and S85PCI graphics cards were notable for their pioneering technologies and features tailored to meet the growing demands of 3D graphics processing during a transformative era for computer graphics. With the combination of speed, memory, and enhanced graphical capabilities, they represented a significant step in the evolution of graphics technology for personal computers.