Diamond FIRE GL 3000 README Release 0998 This README file contains the following information: 1. General Information 2. System Preparation 3. Choosing a Monitor 3.1 Windows NT Refresh Rates 3.2 Windows 95 Refresh Rates 3.3 Windows 98 Compatibility 4. Known Restrictions 5. Diamond Multimedia: Support & Service 1. General Information ---------------------- This driver release adds support for the following new software features: -DirectX5 for Win95/Win98 -Win98 Compatibility 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 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 3000. (For example : You cannot use the 1280x1024 resolution that is supported by the FIRE GL 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. 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) Check the jumper settings on the card prior to installation in the PC. Your board is shipped with the following jumper settings as seen from the front: 1 2=3 = represents jumper present 1=2 3 Refer to the online user's manual or printed documentation (if applicable) for a detailed description. 3) Follow the hardware installation instructions provided with your card before beginning the software installation. Note: The onboard legacy VGA adapter must be enabled during the installation procedure. If you wish to disable the onboard VGA and use another VGA source via the loop-thru cable, follow the software installation procedure first. Refer to the documentation for instructions on how to configure the FIRE GL 3000 for loop- through operation. If you plan on installing Diamond Autocad productivity tools ( BigFocus and 3DWin ), make sure that Autocad release 13 or higher is correctly installed first. 3. Choosing a Monitor ---------------------- For using the full power of your Diamond FIRE GL 1000 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. 3.1 Windows NT Refresh Rates ---------------------------- To select refresh rates in Windows NT click on the 'Display' icon in the 'Control Panel'. 3.2 Windows 95 Refresh Rates ---------------------------- If your monitor is capable of displaying ergonomic refresh rates at the resolution you have selected, but Windows95 is using a lower refresh rate, use the Windows95 device manager to check the following device properties: For the Fire GL 3000, make sure that the device properties entry is set to maximum or the specific refresh rate required. For the monitor, make sure the device is set to reflect the monitor you are using, or a similar type, and make sure the properties are set to allow using the maximum allowable refresh rate. 3.3 Windows 98 Compatibility ---------------------------- This driver release has been tested for basic compatibility with Windows98. 4. 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 3000, you must disable the VGA adapter in the PC first. 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 3000 and use the loop-thru cable to connect your VGA on the motherboard and the Fire GL 3000 once the software installation procedure has been completed. Refer to your manual for more information. (2) Boot problems The Diamond Fire GL 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) OpenGL Support. This driver does not support OpenGL Hardware Acceleration under Windows95/98. (5) 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. HEIDI support is available under Windows NT only. (6) Motherboard Compatibility The Diamond FIRE GL 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 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. 5. 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 Mailbox - in the Internet - via the Diamond ExpertLine Refer to your manual for more information (addresses, phone numbers, etc).