October 22nd, 1999

[11:30 AM] 3dfx Updates Mac Voodoo3 Drivers, Includes Support For New Voodoo3 3000 PCI

3dfx Interactive® Inc. announced that it has released Beta version 5.0 of its Macintosh developer drivers, with support for the recently announced Voodoo3(tm) 3000 PCI board. According to 3dfx:

The drivers include two selectable ROMs for the 143MHz and 166MHz clock speeds, featured on the Voodoo3 2000 PCI and Voodoo3 3000 PCI respectively. The release of the drivers shows a continued commitment to the Apple® Macintosh® market, by enabling developers to utilize the Company's fastest PCI board on the Mac.

"This version of the Mac beta drivers incorporates the different clock speed of the new Voodoo3 3000 PCI, as well as other new features for selecting Mac-specific resolutions," said Bryan Speece, director Macintosh business development at 3dfx Interactive, Inc. "The release of these drivers is a milestone in our efforts to extend the reach of our Voodoo3 graphics boards to Macintosh systems worldwide. They signify a concerted effort by 3dfx to give developers the tools to deliver the most immersive 3D experience available, to gamers of all platforms."

In August, 3dfx introduced the first version of its beta drivers to the Macintosh development community in order to enable leading game developers to create Macintosh versions of their best-selling Windows® PC games, and to attract more cutting-edge 3D titles to the Mac platform. 3dfx also announced that its graphics technology and new T-buffer technology would be available for Apple's new Power Mac G4, with new Mac products from 3dfx planned in the near future.

The drivers are available for download from the 3dfxgamers.com web site.

The Mac Observer Spin: Despite the fact that these drivers are considered beta, our experience with them in The Mac Observer Labs has been quite pleasant. With other vendor's schedules slipping further and further behind, folks waiting for a Voodoo3 card need to wait no longer. Look for an in-depth review of these cards here soon.

3dfx Interactive®