HP COMPAQ PROFESSIONAL XP1000 User Manual
Technical Guide
February 2000
0053-0499-D
Compaq Workstations Graphics
Prepared by Workstation Division
Compaq Computer Corporation
Contents
Introduction..................................3
Graphics Excellence Program....5
Market Requirements……………7
ATI Rage Pro Turbo………………7
Matrox G200 Quad MMS………...8
ELSA Synergy II…………………..8
Matrox Millennium G400………..9
Appian Gemini…………………….9
3Dlabs Oxygen GVX1…………..10
Compaq PowerStorm 600……..10
ELSA GLoria II…………………..11
Intense3D Wildcat 4110 Pro…..11
Figures
GEP Tiers………………………….3
Performance and Productivity
Solution Functionality…………..7
Product Positioning
Abstract: This paper covers all graphics options certified for use
with Compaq Professional and Deskpro Workstations. This paper
also introduces updated information regarding Compaq’s Graphics
Excellence Program and how this program stands to usher in a new
age of customer choice for the 21
of the benefits of and defines how Compaq delivers the widest
selection of powerful graphics solutions for nearly every customer
type and requirement.
It provides a new comparison framework for considering the various
levels of price, performance, functionality and features available on
each of two classes of graphics. This paper includes product features,
positioning and comparisons between products and recommended
selection criteria based on application usage and customer
environments and perspectives.
st
century. It provides an overview
Compaq’s Graphics Advantage
Quantified………………………..12
Appendices
GEP Certified Solutions………12
Compaq Workstations Graphics
Support Matrix…………………..13
Compaq Professional Workstations Graphics Product Positioning 2
Notice
The information in this publication is subject to change without notice and is pro vided “AS IS” WITHOUT
WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF THIS
INFORMATION REMAINS WITH RECIPIENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL COMPAQ BE LIAB LE FOR
ANY DIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, PUNITIVE OR OTHER DAMAGES
WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF BUSINESS
PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION OR LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION), EVEN IF
COMPAQ HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
The limited warranties for Compaq products are exclusively set forth in the documentation accompanying
such products. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting a further or additional warranty.
This publication does not constitute an endorsement of the product or products that were tested. The
configuration or configurations tested or described may or may not b e the onl y available solution. This test
is not a determination or product quality or correctness, nor does it ensure compliance with any federal
state or local requirements.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, Windows NT Server and Workstation are trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Synergy, ELSAview3D, POWERdraft, MAXtreme are registered and/or trademarks of ELSA Corporation.
Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
Copyright ©1999 Compaq Computer Corporation. All rights reserved.
Compaq Professional Workstations Graphics Prod uct P ositioning
Technical Guide prepared by Workstation Division
Fourth Edition (February 2000)
Document Number 0053-0499-D
Compaq Professional Workstations Graphics Product Positioning 3
Introduction
The workstation market is renowned for its high performance, highly specialized capabilities,
however it also shares many of the attributes of the mature and largely commoditized PC market.
As such, the workstation market should not be considered one solitary mass, but is more like a
market of many sub-markets. This diversity has spawned a need for a diverse set of graphics
solutions—some of which are fairly basic and akin to traditional desktop PC graphics solutions
and some that are highly specialized for the often-unique tasks that have been the traditional
domain of RISC-based UNIX workstations. It has also spawned a need for a flexible way to
deliver these solutions to market. After all, no one vendor could possible develop solutions for all
of the varied requirements of such as massive collection of customer needs.
Compaq has created a way to meet these varied market requirements. The Graphics Excellence
Program (GEP) is the most critical element of Compaq’s ability to continue to drive the broadest
portfolio of graphics solutions in the market to address the need for a diverse array of workstation
graphics solutions. It allows Compaq to efficiently extend its line and solutions portfolio and
enables solutions that otherwise would not enjoy broad recognition. This program also allows
Compaq to bring the latest graphics technologies to market faster without sacrificing
compatibility and stability. Compaq uses the three-tiered GEP approach to enable this flexibility
in the most efficient manner possible. Consider each in turn, from the niche oriented Specialty
graphics solutions to the more strategic, higher volume Select and Premier solutions.
Figure 1: The three tiers of the Compaq Graphics Excellence Program
Premier Graphics
• Full platform integration
• Offered through BTO/CTO/Option
• Fully qualified by Compaq and ISV’s
• Highest quality solution
• Full Compaq support/warranty
Differentiate with performance and
stability
Select Graphics
Promotion
Opportunity
•Fastest TTM
• Offered as after mark et Option
• ISVs qualification initiated by graphics
vendor
• Full Compaq support/warranty
Fastest TTM
Broad Portfolio
Specialty Graphics
• Driven by special customer demand
Promotion
Opportunity
• Offered through reseller channel
• Compatib ility te st e d in Qualification Lab by
vendor
• Support and warranty from graphics vendor
Compaq Professional Workstations Graphics Product Positioning 4
Specialty Graphics
This is the entry-level in the Graphics Excellence Program. Controllers offered as specialty
solutions are tested on Compaq platforms, but are not sold by Compaq nor offered as Compaq
options. This class of graphics solution is integrated by resellers or elsewhere in the channel and
the warranty for the graphics is provided by the graphics hardware vendor. Generally, these
devices appeal to narrow market segments, and as such are best delivered and integrated by
specific, focused value-added channels. The key benefit of this program is that it allows
customers to get the graphics controllers that meet specific requirements or preferences and still
receive the performance and peace of mind of the Compaq quality workstation platform. This
approach also allows Compaq to get new graphics solutions to market quickly and efficiently,
with less stringent testing requirements (for example bypassing some of Compaq’s detailed
platform environmental, thermal and mechanical analyses).
Having identified a solution opportunity in the market, Compaq invites the graphics solution
developer to spend a week in the new, dedicated GEP lab in Littleton, MA for joint testing with
Compaq’s segment, graphics and platform engineers. There, the combined teams work through a
menu of configuration and application options, logging, diagnosing and troubleshooting any
issues in tandem. Critical functionality and parameters that are often part of the test plan are
operating systems such as Windows NT, Windows 98, Windows 2000 and Linux. Compaq is also
interested in thoroughly understanding the controllers’ application performance and general
platform interoperability. Once testing is complete, any issues that have not been resolved by the
end of the graphics partner visits are logged and assigned for resolution based on the nature of the
problem. Representatives from both sides are constantly in contact to assure smooth
reconciliation of outstanding debug work even after the joint testing has been completed. Only
after both parties are satisfied is certification granted.
Select Graphics
The next level of the Graphics Excellence Program is the Select Level. These controllers are more
strategic products that are more thoroughly tested for compatibility with the Compaq workstation
platforms. The Select Graphics solution is the primary vehicle for Compaq to be the first to
market with key new graphics technologies. Examples of this class of solution include the
Matrox G200 Quad MMS controller for multiple-display configurations and the industry-leading
ELSA GLoria II graphics controller. Compaq and its channels offer this class of product as a
Compaq after-market option and these devices are covered under Compaq warranties. Select
solutions are not only qualified and profiled in the GEP lab but are also scrutinized by Compaq
platform and segment engineering teams for overall quality. These solutions are also the top
candidates to promotion to Premier status based on market performance and platform refresh
schedules. In fact, Compaq has already seen that the best of these Select solutions, such as the
Matrox Millennium G400 DualHead and the Intense3D Wildcat 4110 PRO can be rapidly
elevated to the top tier of the GEP program.
Premier Graphics
The Premier level is where Compaq applies the most stringent testing and where it delivers the
solutions that appeal to the broadest base of users. Premier level graphics are preinstalled on
Compaq Professional Workstations and/or offered by Compaq and its channels as after-market
options. These are typically the highest performance, fullest-featured, highest quality graphics
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