Unlocking the Performance Showdown: Voodoo 4 vs. GeForce 2 MX

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Overview of Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX
3. Specifications of Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX
4. Comparison of Performance
   • 4.1 Expendable
   • 4.2 Deus Ex
   • 4.3 Quake 2
   • 4.4 Quake 3
   • 4.5 Serious Sam
   • 4.6 Unreal
   • 4.7 GTA Vice City
   • 4.8 3DMark 99
5. Conclusion
6. Pros and Cons of Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Article

💡 Introduction

Welcome to the Lab! In this article, we will be diving into a comparison between two popular graphics cards from the early 2000s: the Voodoo 4 and the GeForce 2 MX. These two cards were known for their performance and affordability during their time. We will explore the specifications, performance in various games, and determine which card comes out on top.

Overview of Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX

The Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX were both released around the same time in the early 2000s and were targeted towards budget-conscious gamers. While they didn't directly compete against each other, they were often compared due to their similar price points and performance capabilities.

Specifications of Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX

Let's take a closer look at the specifications of these two graphics cards. The Voodoo 4 Sports a single VSA100 chip with 32 megabytes of SDRAM and a 128-bit bus. Both the core and memory clock are set at 166 megahertz. On the other HAND, the GeForce 2 MX features a chip clocked at 175 megahertz and also comes with 32 megabytes of SDRAM with a 128-bit bus. One notable difference is that the Voodoo 4 supports up to 2x anti-aliasing, while the GeForce 2 MX offers a variety of anti-aliasing options.

Comparison of Performance

4.1 Expendable

Expendable, a popular Game from 1998, is often used to test retro hardware. Both the Voodoo 4 and the GeForce 2 MX perform well in this game, achieving over 60 frames per Second (fps) without anti-aliasing. However, when anti-aliasing is enabled, the Voodoo 4 maintains a stable frame rate above 30 fps, while the GeForce 2 MX stays above 40 fps.

4.2 Deus Ex

Deus Ex, released in the same year as the graphics cards, provides a challenging gameplay experience to test their performance. With both cards running the game in 16-bit color mode, the Voodoo 4 enjoys a slight advantage, reaching frame rates above 60 fps without anti-aliasing. However, once anti-aliasing is enabled, both cards experience a significant drop in frame rates, with the Voodoo 4 averaging around 30-40 fps and the GeForce 2 MX managing to stay above 40 fps.

4.3 Quake 2

Quake 2, a favorite among gamers, showcases the capabilities of these graphics cards. Both cards run this OpenGL-based game smoothly, with the Voodoo 4 taking the lead in performance, surpassing 100 fps without anti-aliasing. When anti-aliasing is turned on, the Voodoo 4 retains a playable frame rate above 60 fps, while the GeForce 2 MX struggles to maintain 120 fps.

4.4 Quake 3

Another popular game, Quake 3, also utilizes OpenGL and provides a more demanding test for the graphics cards. The GeForce 2 MX outperforms the Voodoo 4 without anti-aliasing, averaging around 120 fps compared to the Voodoo 4's 90 fps. However, when anti-aliasing is enabled, the Voodoo 4 performs better, maintaining higher frame rates above 30 fps.

4.5 Serious Sam

Developed by Croteam, Serious Sam is known for its intense action and graphical prowess. In this game, the GeForce 2 MX surpasses the Voodoo 4 in terms of performance without anti-aliasing, achieving higher frame rates above 50 fps. However, with anti-aliasing switched on, both cards experience a significant drop in frame rates, making it advisable to play without anti-aliasing for a smoother experience.

4.6 Unreal

Unreal, released in 1998, allows us to test the performance of these graphics cards using the original Unreal Engine. While the Voodoo 4 performs admirably without anti-aliasing, averaging around 86 fps, the GeForce 2 MX falls slightly behind with an average of 72 fps. However, with anti-aliasing enabled, the frame rates drop significantly for both cards, making it less playable, especially for the Voodoo 4.

4.7 GTA Vice City

GTA Vice City, released in 2002, pushes the limits of these early 2000s graphics cards. The Voodoo 4 achieves an average frame rate of around 30 fps without anti-aliasing, providing an acceptable playing experience. However, with anti-aliasing turned on, the frame rates plummet to around 15 fps, making it unplayable. The GeForce 2 MX performs similarly, struggling to maintain playable frame rates with anti-aliasing enabled.

4.8 3DMark 99

To get an overall benchmark of the cards' capabilities, we turn to 3DMark 99. The results here reflect the reality of performance when it comes to Direct3D. The GeForce 2 MX outperforms the Voodoo 4 in this benchmark, showcasing its superiority in Direct3D-based applications.

Conclusion

After thoroughly examining the performance of the Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX in various games and benchmarks, it is evident that both cards had their strengths and weaknesses. While the Voodoo 4 excelled in some games, especially those supporting Glide, the GeForce 2 MX showcased better performance in DirectX-based applications. Ultimately, the choice between these two graphics cards would depend on personal preferences and the games one intended to play.

Pros and Cons of Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX

Pros of Voodoo 4:

• Superior performance in games supporting Glide
• More affordable compared to the GeForce 2 MX

Cons of Voodoo 4:

• Limited support from 3dfx after their demise
• Inconsistent performance in DirectX-based games

Pros of GeForce 2 MX:

• Better performance in DirectX-based games
• Consistent driver support from Nvidia

Cons of GeForce 2 MX:

• Lack of compatibility with older Glide-based games
• Slightly higher price compared to the Voodoo 4

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can the Voodoo 4 and GeForce 2 MX run modern games? A: Due to their age and outdated specifications, both cards are not suitable for running modern games.

Q: Which card is better for gaming? A: It depends on the games you intend to play. If the games you prefer support Glide, then the Voodoo 4 may be a better choice. However, if you primarily play DirectX-based games, the GeForce 2 MX would offer better performance.

Q: Was 3dfx's lack of support a disadvantage for the Voodoo 4? A: Yes, the lack of support from 3dfx after their demise affected the Voodoo 4's longevity and compatibility with newer games.

Resources:

• Rockstar Games
• Croteam