Trident XP4: Pathetic 3D Performance

[jadison]

Sorry to see this, but Trident didn't live up to its promises!

I still have a 4MB Trident 3D Image 9850, waiting to be put to use.

Here's the review: click here (http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,746233,00.asp)

Sad to see there comeback fail so miserably :(

[RobRich]

The numbers are not impressive, then again you have to remember the transistor count of the chipset. I am surprised Trident could squeeze a hardware pixel shading engine into a 30 million transistor package. Vertex shading is software, but then again, so is the SIS Xabre. It certainly performs better than other 30 million transistor chipsets, such as the original GF-256. ;)

No. the XP4 is not a hardcore gaming chipset. However, it would make for a great low heat solution (trans. count!) for mobile or small form factor systems. Additionally, the XP4 will be dirt cheap because of the low transistor count and the availability of in-expensive fabrication options. Accordingly, expect the XP4 to ship in a variety of OEM systems in the upcoming months.

The review should have compared the card to competitively priced products, like the Xabre 200 or old GF-2 MX. BTW, I have repeatedly warned everyone to avoid Trident PR hype over the years, as it has never panned out upon products delivery.

Robert Richmond