S3 Graphics
S3 Graphics, Ltd. was an influential American computer graphics company known for its contributions to the development of graphics processing technology. The company gained recognition for its innovation in graphics accelerators, with a strong focus on the mobile graphics market following its collaboration with VIA Technologies.
Origins and Development
S3 Graphics was founded by Dado Banatao, marking his third startup venture, hence the name "S3". It became known for its development of some of the earliest graphical user interface (GUI) accelerators. These chips were popular among video card manufacturers and made significant inroads with OEMs, especially with designs like the Trio64.
Product Lines
S3 Trio
The S3 Trio line was S3's first fully integrated series of graphics accelerators, which found popularity in the personal computer market. Its integration of key functionalities made it a favorite among users seeking effective video card solutions.
Savage Series
The S3 Savage series represented a product line of PC graphics chipsets that made a significant impact in the late 1990s. The first product, Savage3D, was introduced at the 1998 E3 Expo. Despite early driver issues, it introduced S3 Texture Compression (S3TC), which has since become an industry standard for texture compression in graphics.
Chrome Series
The S3 Chrome series, which emerged in 2004, introduced the DeltaChrome line of chips. These were available as discrete, mobile, or integrated graphics solutions, continuing S3's legacy in diverse graphics offerings.
Industry Impact
In addition to its product lines, S3 Graphics was instrumental in advancing technology standards in the graphics industry. Notable among these advancements was the development of S3 Texture Compression, which became a pivotal technology in rendering high-quality graphics efficiently.
Acquisitions and Evolution
S3 Graphics underwent several transformations, including a merger with Diamond Multimedia and the acquisition of assets from Number Nine Visual Technology. These moves culminated in the formation of SONICblue Incorporated, which eventually refocused on consumer electronics. The graphics segment of the business was spun off in collaboration with VIA Technologies and later acquired by HTC Corporation in 2011.
Legacy
S3 Graphics has left an indelible mark on the computer graphics landscape. Its pioneering work in GUI accelerators and texture compression has played a crucial role in shaping the development of modern graphics processing units, contributing to the dynamic evolution of computer graphics technology.