Diamond FIRE GL 2000/3000 README -------------------------------- Diamond Multimedia Release 0598 This README file contains the following information: 1. Introduction 1.1 General Information 2. Installation 2.1 Installing the Windows NT 4.0 Graphics Driver 2.2 Choosing a Monitor 3. Features and Restrictions 4. Diamond Multimedia: Support & Service 1. Introduction ================ 1.1 General Information ----------------------- IMPORTANT! Read this README file and all the documentation supplied BEFORE you continue the installation. These documents contain useful information that will help you complete the install procedure as quickly and easily as possible. Please be aware that you can use the full power of the Diamond FIRE GL 2000/3000 only if the other components of your system, especially the graphic monitor that is being used, fully comply to the specifications for the Diamond FIRE GL 2000/3000. (For example : You cannot use the 1280x1024 resolution that is supported by the FIRE GL 2000/3000 with a monitor supporting only resolutions up to 1024x768). Dualscreen: Please note that both monitors must support the resolution and the refresh rate that you want to specify. You cannot set different resolution values for your two monitors. 1.2 System preparation ====================== Follow these steps before beginning the installation procedure: 1) If you are upgrading the graphics card in your system, return the display adapter settings back to 'Standard VGA', then remove the graphics card to be replaced from your PC. 2) Follow the hardware installation instructions provided with your card before beginning the software installation. If you plan on installing Diamond Autocad productivity tools (BigFocus for ACAD 13 and 3DWin ACAD 13/14), make sure that Autocad release 13 or higher is correctly installed first. These drivers have been tested and released with BIOS version 1.54. 2. Installation =============== The installation procedures described below. 2.1 Installing the Windows NT 4.0 Driver ======================================== Run the EXE (self-extracting) file from WEB or BBS and follow the instructions. Select the 'Custom' option and choose desired options from the list. 2.2 Choosing a Monitor ====================== For using the full power of your Diamond FIRE GL 2000/3000 board, the graphics monitor you choose should be technically suitable for use with this board. In Dualscreen mode, both monitors must support the same resolution and refresh rates. If you specify a single screen configuration,the driver software will automatically switch off the second monitor. To select refreshrates in Windows NT click on the 'Display' icon in the 'Control Panel'. For more information, please refer to your manual. *** IMPORTANT *** Only use settings that your monitor supports. If you specify settings that exceed the ratings specified for your monitor, you may permanently damage the monitor! If you change the monitor, first check the ratings of the new monitor and, if necessary, reconfigure your settings accordingly! 3. Known Restrictions ====================== (1) 2 x VGA in one system You cannot run more than one active VGA board in a PC. If your PC has a VGA adapter on the motherboard and you want to use the FIRE GL 2000/3000, you must disable the VGA adapter in the PC first. Today, most computer systems will automatically select a VGA on the graphics board with priority. However, if you prefer using the motherboard-VGA, disable the VGA on the Fire GL 2000/3000 and use the loop-thru cable to connect your VGA on the motherboard and the Fire GL 2000/3000 once the software installation procedure has been completed. Refer to your manual for more information. (2) Boot problems The Diamond Fire GL 2000/3000, as any other graphics board, uses a system interrupt. There may be problems because of other components in your system using the same interrupt, or fix-installed interrupts of the motherboard manufacturer - (booting problems). Please install your graphics board into another PCI slot, or, in the boot-setup, change the IRQ-value of the PCI slot and then reboot the system. (3) Resolution 640x480 The resolution 640x480 is available with TrueColor (32bit) only. (4) HEIDI installation. 3D Studio MAX must be properly installed on your system AND MUST HAVE BEEN STARTED AT LEAST ONE TIME before HEIDI can be installed using the installation procedure. 3.1 Motherboard Compatibility ============================ The Diamond FIRE GL 2000/3000 is designed for motherboards supporting the PCI v.2.0 (or higher) standard. This standard supports and correctly initializes multi-function devices like the FIRE GL 2000/3000. If your motherboard BIOS does not correctly identify and initialize your graphics adapter, the software drivers proivided with the card will not function properly. A system BIOS update on your motherboard, available from your motherboard manufacturer or supplier, may remedy the problem. Alternatively, changing the setting in the check box entitled "Use PCI BIOS addresses" ( part of the driver properties ) may rectify the problem. 3.2 Corrections to the Manual ============================= The Win95 drivers have been extended to include 3D specific property settings similar to those included in the NT driver. If your printed documentation does not contain a description of these new features, please refer to the online documentation file located on this CD. 4. Diamond : Service & Support ========================================================= Technical support for the installation and configuration of Diamond graphic boards and multimedia products, as well as software updates, or optional software packages, are available: - from the Diamond BBS - in the internet - via the Diamond ExpertLine Refer to your manual for more information (addresses, phonenumbers, etc).