The PowerVR Series2 architecture lists full scene anti-aliasing (otherwise known as image supersampling) as one of its features. 3dfx wisely chose to dispense with the feature due to the performance hit entailed when the feature is enabled (via DX6). As the two in game Unreal shots show, when implemented, the feature quashes any aliasing artifacts, which polishes up images getting rid of the 'jagged edges'. It works by rendering a high-resolution version of the image internally, and writing a filtered image to the screen. Just don't expect FULL scene anti-aliasing to crop up on the gaming scene for a while. The performance hit is way too heavy with today's hardware.

On (left) - Off (right)

Much more than just an OEM checklist item, the current rage for features that stand out visually is real bump mapping (as opposed to the emboss method employed by hardware manufacturers up to now to preserve frame rate) and when properly used, it can be a feast for the eyes. It serves many purposes, one of which is creating the illusion of much more complex geometry. As we have seen with the Matron G400, the difference between bump mapped and non-bump mapped scenes is quite spectacular. The Neon 250 also employs hardware bump mapping. This card is not left out in the rain (embossed or otherwise) when it comes to high-end features.

Extensive 2D testing seems to be a thing of the past with 300MHz RAMDACs. And even though the Neon 250 managed to whizz through the usual 2D Windows applications, with a 250MHz RAMDAC, it's not going to be the fastest on the block. Matrox's G400MAX will sell with a 360MHz RAMDAC, so if 2D is something you worry about the Neon 250 won't scream through in first place. The maximum resolution of 1920x1440 in 16bit at 65Hz or 1600x1200 in 32bit at 85Hz is not as high as some of the Neon 250's competition.