Boot Magazine - Issue 023 - AMD K6 3D - Jul Aug 1998

100 Pages·0101.323 MB·English

by  Boot Magazine

{ Mac in the bootLab? Apple G3 rated against P-ll power
Fake Pentium lls:
How to tell if your
processor is phony
PURE PC POWER
Linux inventor reveals
Windows' defects and
why a free OS is best
ATTO SlllconDISK II;
the fastest hard drive
we've ever reviewed
www.bootnet.com
AMD-Kff
AMD injects 3D power
AMD-/<eJP :> '' •
into its new low-cost CPU. £.^1/
Head-to-head benchmarks
prove Intel should be scared
D J U
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The Bernoulli
Principle
era. Buzzard Entertaimmenti
nche of criticism )s oftware as a backdoor to
This isn't the last EdWord.
frives... Fake PenHum iis sarface on three contirlents. Is
Not by a longshot.
'ockedphonv?... i>3 pimps Itsnew 3D chipset atthe Cot
In fact, as long as there
are incredible technologies
emerging and big companies
to piss off, there wfll be plenty
more to come. It just won't
be under the infamous hoot
banner. Going forward with
the September issue, I'll be 23 Tm SaiRi AU
leading the entire motley boot give software developers
crew in our biggest adventure yet: Maximum PC.
25 Game Thesr}
Now don't freak out. Sometimes change is a
blame computer aames ft
good thing and this is one of those times.
Maximum PC will enable us to dehver exactly
what the hoot reader has always demanded: More.
More news, more reviews, more previews, more
step-by-step how-to guides, more of everything you
love in hoot. Plus brand new sections are being
added to the mix, such as a monthly department
geared to protect you from companies trying to shaft
you and a running lexicon of the more esoteric tech
terms littered throughout the magazine.
Does the name change mean we're selling
out? Hell no. We'll stiU be the same bunch of
roughnecks you've come to know and either love
or hate, and we'll still be dedicated to calling 'em
like we see 'em.
So, are we going to miss hoot} Yes. We
accomplished a lot behind that banner and we're
all proud of what that name has come to stand for
(and who knows? Maybe the hoot brand wQl
resurface...). But ultimately the name "boot" is just
a word. What made hoot special were the editors and
artists who gave it their all, the ad and business
people who knew well enough to give us that
freedom, and most importantly you, the readers.
Every month, I personally read every one of the
thousands of letters y'all send in. While I may not
have time to answer each and every one (although
we try to answer as many as possible), these letters
are the blueprints for the magazine. Reading all
these letters, I get a clear picture of what your
wants and needs are, and that vision is what's going
to guide Maximum PC as well.
So, for the next 60 days, I want you to hold
tight while we crank up the volume on Maximum
PC. It'll be worth the wait!
Eadem mutdtq resurgo,
Brad "Big Daddy" Dosland
Editor in Chief
2 boot JUL/AUG 98
AMD's new K6-2 processor
is fuel-injected with 21
instructions to race through 3D
code. Find out where it works
and where it doesn't, and why
Intel must play catch-up in
the New Polygon Order.
\
32j Lip: Lmm Manifesto
Forget Bill Gates and his blue screen of
death. Linus Torvalds and Linux—his OS
for the masses—is vying for the worldwide
throne. His manifesto is dear: Your OS must
be trustworthy, secure, and dependable. But
can Torvalds destroy the Gates regime and
win the war?
Special Sneak Preview from the Editors of boot Magazine
Maximum PC
Be the first to check out our
exclusive preview of the ultimate
magazine for PC owners...
We show you how to
Maximum PC.
We've got first pages from this
work-in-progress and answers to all 32x CD-HOM SGA
k
Our benchmaiKS prove youluin
your questions in our FAQ. always get what you pay fa
SfXY HATPANflS
10 displays that will change
the way you look at your PC
Cover Photography by Aaron Lauer
PURE PC POWER
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Substandard Living
1 remember playing Origin's Ultima IV
A bootNet reader recently commented online: on my C-64. It was the most enjoyable game
July/august 1998
"I've always been for the underdog, And right I've ever played.
now it's Rendition... I hope someone can I now have a P-II 300MH2, loaded
EDITORIAL
bring 3Dfx down. I don't want another with a Monster II and all the goodies, and
editor In chief Brad Dosland
Intel/Microsoft out there." sometimes I sit in front of it and just have executive editor Jon Phillips
Personally, I don't like gravity—I wish no desire to play anything. I just end up managing editor Sarah PIrch
there were some other force that kept me shutting it off and watching TV. Your senior editor Andrew Sanchez
from flying off the face oft he planet. Not that article touched a nerve with me and I am news editor Bryan Del Rizzo
gravity isn't doing a fine job as it is, but I just sure with many other "old timers." technical editor Sean Cleveland
software editor Rick Popko
hate the thought of this one single force
Kevin webaholic Daevid Vincent
having all that power. What I'd really appreci online editor Gordon Ung
ate is if every mathematical equation relating V2 BS contributing editors Tom Halfhill, Shel Kimen.T. Liam
to the physical world could be rewritten to Is everyone blind? I thought Voodoo^ would McDonald, Alex St. John
include support for a second, equally effective get lOOfps in Quake II. No way! 60fps is contributing writers Tara Calishaln, Chris DIBona, Sean
Downey, Dave English, Frank Lenk, Tommy Maple, Bob Senoff,
and cumbersome paradigm. That's what I'd more like it. I admit it does pretty good in
Dan Simpson, Paula Reaume, William Trotter, Tim Tuliy
like. Just to shake things up a bit. ^ —— 1 640x480 (lOOfps = pretty good)
Other agendas I support include in what I consider to be easy ART
one where flatulence would be games like Forsaken, but SLI art director Kevin Ashburn
considered a deep and moving mode doesn't add more than a associate art director Sherry Monarko
soliloquy, and another that calls frame or two at 640x480. The designers Linda "LuLu" Aldredge, Gerry "Lush" Serrano
for an additional monetary equiv only thing SLI is good for is contributing photographers Aaron Lauer, Mark Madeo
contributing illustrator Jae Shim
alent to the quarter, such new
800x600 and above.
coin being dubbed "the fourth," And what good is it in a PRODUCTION
which would be interchangeable stock Pentium? My Thriller 3D production director Richard Lesovoy
in all applications where quarters 7 thought does just as much. production coordinator Glenn Sadin
might normally be used... should
LorDDanE
the open market embrace and Voodoo^ would ADVERTISING
senior sales manager Chris Coelho
support it. Senior Editor Andrew Sanchez marketplace account manager Ed Baucage
Robb King get WOfps in replies: You hit the nail on the advertising coordinator Jennifer Barbeau
head, buddy. Voodoo^ is specifi
Quick! Someone Quake II. No
cally engineered for thef astest CIRCULATION
Call A Parametric! way! CPU money can buy. It is not newsstand director Bruce Eldridge
when will the 3D game designed for Pentiums—it's newsstand manager Thea Selby
circulation analyst Terry Lawson
industry move beyond the engineered for Pentium II/K6 2 circulation manager Tina Rodich
traditional polygon-based modehng/rendering running in excess of266MHzfor maximum fulfillment manager Peggy Mores
to more advanced techniques, such as polygon pleasure. For stock Pentiums (i.e. direct mail manager Amy Nibbi
parametric surface patches, that can shed 200MHz and below), classic Voodoo or
the blocky look prevalent in today's games. your Thriller 3D is a better solution. boot
Dave But then again, ifyou don't plan on doing 150 North Hill Drive, Brisbane, CA 94005
uri www.bootnet.CQm
the CPU upgrade, your current set up isj ust
subscriptions phone [phone]
Senior Editor Andrew Sanchez replies: All the fine—I guess you'll never experience the thrill of subscriptions back Issues/sales 800.865.7240
major game development houses should start 1024x768 Quake on a K6 2 running at 60jps. subscription e-mail [email protected]
dabbling in more esoteric modeling techniques, advertising 415.468.4684 ext. 110
such as NURBS, splines, and even parametric Posthumous Ass Kicking editorial 415.468.4684; [email protected]
surface patches by Q4 of this year—if you're In boot 19, the Hercules Thriller 3D (PCI) fax [phone]
lucky. Shiny's Messiah is going to use realtime
received an 8 and no Kick Ass. In boot 20 IMAGINE MEDIA INC
deformation and tesselation. But we don't the Real 3D StarFighter (AGP) received a 9
publisher Gene Burns
expect these new techniques to occur in realtime and a Kick Ass. In boot 21 the Creative Labs' director of CD-ROM development Thomas Hale
first-person shootersf or at least a year. Voodoo^ received a 9 and a Kick Ass. But in vice president of circulation Holly Klingel
your Triathlon article (boot 22), the Hercules vice president/CFO Tom Valentino
Crying Oid Man president/Imagine Digital Mark Gross
Thriller 3D tied the Voodoo^ overall and beat
I'm writing in response to Alex St. John's the Real 3D StarFighter. president/Imagine Media Chris Anderson
article "When Superior Technology Dies" in To save yourself in my eyes, give the INTERNATIONAL LICENSING REPRESENTATIVE
boot 22. I must say it almost brought tears to Thriller 3D the Kick Ass it so plainly deserves. Robert J. Abramson and Associates, Inc.
my eyes. I was also once a Commodore geek, 720 Post Road, Scarsdale, NY 10583
Road Dog
volume 3, issue 7
and I can truly say that those were the best
computing years of my life. Never had I Senior Editor Andrew Sanchez replies: The boot (ISSN 1088-5439) is published monthly by Imagine Media Inc.,
150 North Hill Drive, Suite 40. Brisbane, CA 94005, USA. Periodical class
enjoyed getting together with a bunch of Hercules Thriller 3D is a good 3D accelerator postage paid in Brisbane, CA, and at additional mailing offices. Newsstand
friends and blowing off a Saturday night hindered by really crappy TV-output. We've said distribution is handled by Curbs Circulation Company. Basic subscription
rates: one year (12 issues) U.S. SSO.OO/Canada $43.95. Canadian price
playing with our C-64s. it before, and we'll say it again—ifyou're gonna includes postage and GST( GST #128220688). POSTMASTER Send changes
It was so much simpler then. We didn't do something on a videocard, either do it right, of address to boot, P.O.Box 51479, Boulder, CO 80328-1479.
worry about IRQ conflicts or comm port
or don't do it at all. Standard Mail enclosed In the following editions: A, A1,A2, B, B1, B2. CPC
settings or port addresses for our hardware. The Brooktree TV encoder used by thef irst int'i Pub Mail» 0781029. Outside the U.S. and Canada, price is $53.95, U.S.
Need another floppy drive.' Just plug it in. Want batch of8 MB Thriller 3D sucked. But, we've prepaid funds only. For customer service, wrfteboot, P.O. Box 51479, Boulder,
Bulk Rale, U.S. Postage Paid, CO 80328-1479; booi. 150 North
a printer.' Just buy it, bring it home, take it out heard Hercules plans on replacing that part with Waseca, MN, Permit Ko. 350 Hill Drive, Brisbane, CA 94005.
of the box, plug it in, and print. These days, the much-superior Chrontel chip (the same ASIC PC Gamef, Next Generation, Mac Addict, Ultra GaImmaeg Pilnaey eMresd,i Pal aaylSstoa tpiuobnlishes
you're lucky to be able to install the drivers vendor that supplies the TV power oft he most- Magazine, and Business 2.0. Entire contents copyright 1998, Imagine Media
Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. Imagine
correctly and be able to print within five hours. excellent Canopus Pure 3D II reviewed on page Media Inc. is not affiliated with the companies or products covered in boot
PRODUCED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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CO
84). So, ift hey indeed go that route, that could mounted USB and 1394 ports, and a dedicated You idiots know that the only thing you
very well bring the board's score up in our mind. Digital Flat Panel inteface. Ift he Presario 5630 want to do is play games, so stop hiding the
Ifthe SMB board had shipped without the TV is any indication, Compaq appears poised to hold truth. Lets face it, games and huge network
output, we probably would've given it the nodf or on to that number-one spot. servers with a need for a lot of processing
a Kick-Ass award. power are just about the only things that need
Intei-ilgence Report a 400MHz P-II. (But hey, I don't care, keep
FPU On A Stick Intel's move into 3D with its own chip was crankin'' em out. I'm buying the 500MHz as
I'm constantly reading about how one CPU is just the opening salvo. Why would it release soon as it hits the shelf, and do you know
better for certain games because of the better a 64-bit solution when nVidia is showing the what for? Games!)
floating-point imit So why doesn't some manu future with 128 bits? Intel was committed In the Lip interview in boot 21, Intel
facturer develop a PCI card with a powerful with its two partner companies to produce states the 1740 has become the standard
FPU for 3D games? This would be similar to this chip because it was a way to gain "intel for a 3D graphics.
when you needed a math coprocessor in the ligence" behind a legitimate market entry— I have ordy seen two cards featuring
386 and early 486 days. We already have spe not a whole-hearted effort. the i740, a generic brand, and the Real 3D
cialized processors for graphics, sound, modem The cards with the Intel3D solution StarFighter, both of which have just recently
communications, etc. Why not one more to will sell well—so I don't see them as a real been introduced. I fail to see how the 1740
crowd our cases and add some real power at the money loser—^but I don't think that was the . became the standard overnight, or in a matter
same time? I own an AMD K6 233 and would true aim. of just two-and-a-half weeks.
be witling to pay to extend the hfe of my CPU. What happened when Intel entered the Intel truly nailed themselves to the wall
Tim McCormick core-logic chipset market? They got their feet all by themselves without the editors having
wet first—^then muscled their way to the top of
to nail them.
Senior Editor Andrew Sanchez replies: Funny the mountain. And that is what I see going on Big Woogie
you should mention that—Rendition plans on here. I'll bet a buck that Microsoft has its little
doingj ust that with its 3D Conspiracy architec fingers in here somewhere. I read your interview with Intel in boot 21,
ture, which will combine Fujitsu's Pinolite 3D Suppose some big company (or two) gains concerning its upcoming 1740 3D chipset, and
geometry accelerator with its V2xOO family of a big piece—or all—of nVidia, then uses its I thought the arrogance was unbelievable.
accelerators, specificallyf orf olks such as yourself deep corporate pockets to go after the real But then came your article right after, in
who want to squeeze that extra mileage out of enemy: 3Dfx and—gasp—id. which you reviewed all the new
systems that may he a hitf loating-point Why tiiem? Well, who broke 3D chipsets, and Voodoo^ and
impotent. Other vendors are rumored to be con ranks with the Microsoft gospel V2200 both kicked Intel's ass.
sidering doing something similar, hut the only of D3D and DirectX? Who sees That's what I love about you guys.
problem with adding more silicon to your video- OpenGL and GUde as an alterna You let Intel spew marketing
card is that you drive up thef inal cost oft he tive API that frees them from drivel without any concern for
product. With AMD's K6 2 technology opening Microsoft's dictates about the reality, and then you present veri
the FPU bottleneck on thef ront end of the 3D future of D3D and 3D? How fiable, reproducible, and compa
pipeline (something a dedicated 3D geometry many games are going over to rable facts and statistics so your
processor does), it may be a shrinking market. the OpenGL and Glide camps? readers can make informed pur
It's a revolution in the making, a revolution chasing decisions.
More Sugar In My
and Intel and Microsoft wiU allow in the making I work for a major computer-
GGaass TTaannlkrl! no brushfires in their backyards products vendor and track the
I was tearing through boot 21 when I ran into they don't light themselves. and intei and stats. Voodoo and Voodoo^
your Compaq Presario 4880 review. I work for nVidia's problem is that it chipset cards outsell anything
a Compaq sales and service dealer and was has something that someone Microsoft will else by a long shot. And as long
curious how you'd handle the machine. To be very big wants. The Big Boys are as you're there to help cus
honest, I wasn't surprised you banished it to flexing corporate muscle and the allow no tomers cut through the hype
mediocre land. 1 deal with the business ver little guys had better think fast and buy the best products avail
brushfires
sions aU day and the same architecture that or they will get swallowed. able, I'm sure they always will.
makes them so easy to service does indeed sap Vem Earlywine in their Mark
a lot of power.
But there's light ahead. : I know processor technology backyards I can't believe you didn't ask
A Compaq rep informed us that they would has to go forward, but this is the Intel video gurus specifically
be shifting the design back to separate cards 'r idiculous. Intel's never made they don't light what they thought about AMD
rather then cramming everything onto the * a lOOMHZ leap this quickly adding Direct3D into their
motherboard. They weren't too happy with all before. I just got a 300MHz themselves." chips (a la the K6-f3D). You just
the units that were still sitting in warehouses. P-II a month ago, and Intel just hedged around and didn't make
We'U have to wait and see how well they came out with a 400MHz part; 333 OK, 350 'em squirm! I would've loved to hear their
implement the shift. Hopefully, it'll get fine, but 400? There was no reason for that. response.
granny out of the driver's seat and back into '4 00s weren't supposed to be out for a Timothy Ked
the home where she belongs! couple of months now!
Gord Armstrong RaptorSOOl News Editor Bryan Del Rizzo replies: Actually,
we ask tons of questions that don't appear in
News Editor Bryan Del Rizzo replies: If you I'm so sick of Intel. Not the products, hut the final interview (usually because the subjects
haven't already done so, check out our review of the marketing they use for them. For refuse to give us a straight answer), and we did
Compaq's new Presario 5630 in boot 22. It's as instance, with the new P-II processors they ask Intel about the K6 3D (now called the K6
if Compaq looked at every complaint we ever say you can now see and use "3D," and run 2). However, they claimed they "didn't know
lobbed at the older models and made sure to "powerful business applications" if you have much about it," and said "they weren't close
correct it. The 5630 is the epitome of kick-ass: a new P-II processor, especially with the new enough with the product to be able to
lots ofc oolf eatures, kicking performance, and lOOMHz bus, 440BX chipset, AGP, and the comment." Unfortunately, more prodding
pro-active engineering. It even includesf ront- 400MHz P-II. didn't result in anything worth printing.
m'--
ill'
■N
Sunouti
alkuion
sound y
(V.usba
Cost-Efficient Game 3D Games Deserve Please, tell me I'm wrong and that there
Engines 3D Sound is a card out there that has a DD output. Even
I'm interested in getting into game develop With the onslaught of 3D video hardware, if it is a combo MPEG-2 video decoder with
ment, but have yet to find a suitable source where is the 3D sound? And not some lame DD output, I can live with that. I know a lot
for a proprietary game engine. I'm using excuse that uses matrix channels, such as is going on with computer audio right now,
Kinetix's 3D Studio Max Ji2 and Adobe Dolby Pro-Logic (DPL). I want 5.1 discreet such as the new features in the coming
Photoshop for all of the rendering. All the channels of mind-blowing sound. Movies have DirectX6, that will make gaming even better,
engines I've come across so far are based on had it for years, why not video games? I know but I want games that have sound that will
for-end-sale use and are quite costly. I'm not some coin-op arcade games, such as Atari's induce epileptic seizures!
interested in selling the end games, so what Rush, have used multiple channels of discreet J. Crews
is an aspiring game developer to do.^ digital audio. So where's the port for PC? I
Chris Parker don't expect manufacturers to include a Dolby Webmaster Daevid Vincent replies: Whoa
Digital (DD) or DTS processor on their sound there,f ireball. This time last year, you'd be
Columnist Alex St.J ohn replies: hard-pressed to find a real
I'll assume you're lookingf or a 3D soundcard, and now,
3D engine such as Quake here. "I understand all this hate mail that most of the ones we see
There are three good sources. Microsoft has been getting, but I've had have that taken for
First, id (www.idsoftware.com) granted. You have to
publishes the source codef or all enough of the complaining bitching, and allow time for the
of its older game engines. You Windows95 industry to catch up.
won't he getting Quake III code, moaning about the same old thing." Surround sound in games
or much support, but it's a good will be coming along -
starting point. There are two shortly, and DVD is the
other companies I'm aware ofwho are, or will be, card, but a Dolby Digital output would be nice. catalystf or that to happen. You have to
releasing 3D engine developer kits to the masses. Then I could hook my computer up to my remember, the market is driven by demand
First is Eclipse, at www.eclipsegames.com, and Denon DD THX receiver and play games the (and technology to a certain extentj . A year
second is Monolith, at www.lith.com. Both com way they were meant to be played! ago, we were just seeing Pentium II s, and
panies have state-of-the-art 3D engine technology Now PCs have DVD. So what? They don't now it's practically the norm. Besides, how
that they will be giving to developers. I believe they have digital audio outputs! I see all these ads many home users have THX or Surround 5.1
both will subscribe to the "give-it-awayf ree" for computers that have DVD touting DD 3D in their houses, much less connected to their
approach, but expect some sort ofl icensingf ee if sound, and all you're really getting is a two- PC. We hear tell that the SoundBlaster Live
you actually publish a real title. channel matrix mix down of the 5.1 charmels. may have DD.
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APC Back-UPS Pro\
Longest Runtime Guarantee, pays for itself Back-UPS' and Back-UPS Office' User Renewable UPS System
the first time you use it. will provide runtime which meets or Lets users easily replace batteries with no
exceeds that of any same VA UPS for desk factory service required. APC UPSs are
Multlpath protection for your whole system top PC applications or your money back. For designed to last a lifetime.
APC protects your CPU, monitor, extemal more information, visit www.apcc.com Back-UPS Pro Power User Features
modem, laser printer, fax machine, and zip drives, Safe, even from lightning FREE emergency file saving and advanced power
and provides telephone/network surge suppression. APC multi-stage surge suppression clamps bmaatntaergye mmeannta gsoefmtewnatre w,i atnhd A CuetlolmGautaircd 'V ionlttealgleigent
You'll also enjoy surge-only, transformer block out down on lightning and offers a $25,000 guar Regulation, make this the power user's choice.
lets that accommodate any size plug. antee against damage to your equipment. See
User-renewable UPS system policy for details. long APC
APC QuickSwap" battery packs are the quickest and -APC packs the power and features desktop Lasting'
easiest way to safely renew a UPS, unlike "dispos users want, plus the peace of mind and leg "Back-UPS Pro was AMERICM4 POWER CONXION FRANCE9 S
oup favorite unit...,
able" UPSs which don't allow safe user replacement endary reliability reflected by over 8,000,000 [it] won top honors In KEY CODE
and mean the end of your investment. field-tested and proven units. our flattery life tests" D559Z
(888) 288-APCC X888G • FAX:( 401)7 88-2787
®1998 APC. All Trademarks are the property of their owners. BK1B8EP - US {800)347-FAXX PowerFax E-maiU [email protected] 132 Fairgrounds Road. West Kingston, RI 02892 USA
APC Has won more awards^JomliabilitV^
thdii all other UPSi^tidbrftcp^med'.
8 boot JUL/AUG 98 Product Information Number 83