The GeForce2 GTS was generally faster, while the Voodoo5 5500 offered better full-scene anti-aliasing (FSAA) and lost less performance when FSAA was enabled. That conclusion comes from a period comparison of a Voodoo5 pre-production sample and a GeForce2 GTS reference board, so game, driver, system and production status matter.
What each card represented in 2000
The 3dfx Voodoo5 5500 was a dual-chip VSA-100 board. Its 64 MB of graphics memory was divided between the two processors, 32 MB per chip; a diagnostic tool showing 32 MB therefore did not mean the board was missing half its advertised memory.
PC Games Hardware’s later retrospective places the Voodoo5 5500’s market arrival in June 2000, after delays and after the GeForce2 GTS had already launched. This was a comparison between a delayed 3dfx flagship and NVIDIA’s established second-generation GeForce2 product.
Core Voodoo5 5500 specifications
| Specification | Voodoo5 5500 AGP | GeForce2 GTS |
|---|---|---|
| Graphics processors | Two VSA-100 processors working in parallel, according to 3dfx’s preliminary specification | Not stated in the supplied period evidence |
| Graphics memory | 64 MB total; 32 MB allocated to each VSA-100 chip | Not stated |
| Hardware FSAA | Yes, a vendor-documented feature | Comparison evidence discusses FSAA performance, but does not establish a complete manufacturer specification |
| Color rendering | 32-bit rendering listed by 3dfx | Not stated |
| Other listed features | T-Buffer effects, DirectX and FXT1 texture compression, and textures up to 2K × 2K | Not stated |
| Maximum listed 2D resolution | 2048 × 1536 | Not stated |
| Bus and drivers | AGP; preliminary drivers listed Windows 95, 98, NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 | Not stated |
These feature entries are 3dfx’s own preliminary specifications, not independent benchmark measurements. 3dfx’s Reviewers Guide declared, “We believe strongly that FSAA is something that no graphics card should be without.” That is the company’s marketing position, not a neutral industry finding.
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- HDMI / VGA 2 ports output available. HDMI Max Resolution-2560x1600, VGA Max Resolution-2048x1536
- Support DirectX 11, OpenCL, CUDA, DirectCompute 5.0
- Original half height bracket matches with the low profile brackets make the Glorto GeForce GT 610 graphics card fit well with all PC tower, small form factor and HTPC(except micro form factor)
Which card was faster without FSAA?
The clearest period result favors the GeForce2 GTS. Tweakers’ April 29, 2000 report of a WON.net comparison said the GeForce2 was faster in every reported test. In the cited Quake III Arena run at 1024 × 768 and 16-bit color, the GeForce2 GTS led by 28% with FSAA disabled.
Those numbers describe one test configuration. The Voodoo5 sample was pre-production, and the report itself warned against treating the result as a universal performance gap. Different games, APIs, drivers, resolutions and CPU limits could change the ranking.
Rank #2
- Chipset: NVIDIA Geforce GT 710, Passive 0dB efficient cooling, huge heat sink radiator covers the area of GPU and memory. Providing a low noise & temperature environment for gaming and multimedia.
- Low profile design, Compatible with most of the computer case (even ITX or SFF), you can DIY slim or smaller system easier.
- Support: PhysX，NVIDIA CUDA，PureVideo HD 4K decode，HDR，MFAA，GeForce 3D Vision，GameWorks，G- Sync-Ready，GameStream-Ready，GeForce ShadowPlay，GPU Boost 2.0
- FUll HD I/O: HDMI + VGA + DVI-D support multi screens
- Support built-in DirectX 12 effect test
Why FSAA changed the comparison
FSAA was the Voodoo5 5500’s strongest counterargument to its lower raw frame rates. In the same reported Quake III Arena test, enabling FSAA reduced GeForce2 GTS performance by more than 53%, while the Voodoo5’s frame rate fell by 13%.
That does not make the Voodoo5 faster overall. It means the 3dfx board retained substantially more of its performance when smoothing jagged edges, and the period reviewer judged its FSAA implementation better. Image quality preferences, the selected FSAA level and the game engine still determine whether that advantage is visible or worthwhile.
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- The low-profile design of the PC graphics card saves installation space, easy to install,plug &play,making it easy to build a compact computer system, even compatible with ITX chassis.
- The 4x outputs enables multi-monitor productivity on up to 4 monitors simultaneously,including 2x HDMI,VGA,DP.Designed for full-size chassis and small case installations.
- PCI Express based PC is required with one X8 lane graphics slot available on the motherboard. 300 Watt or greater power supply. This video card can automatically install new drivers and support Win11,DirectX 12.
- 30W low power,no external power supply and the all-solid-state capacitor keeps low power consumption and high performance.If you have any problems about this card,please contact us via amazon messages.
Feature and image-quality trade-offs
Choose the GeForce2 GTS for unfiltered speed
- Period testing gave it the higher frame rate without FSAA.
- It was already on the market when the delayed Voodoo5 arrived.
- The available evidence does not support a complete side-by-side specification table for NVIDIA, so claims about features or memory beyond the cited test should not be inferred here.
Choose the Voodoo5 5500 for practical FSAA
- Hardware FSAA was central to 3dfx’s design and marketing.
- The cited test showed a 13% FSAA performance loss, versus more than 53% for the GeForce2 GTS.
- 3dfx also listed 32-bit rendering, T-Buffer effects, texture compression and 2K × 2K texture support.
The comparison conclusion reproduced by Tweakers called the Voodoo5 a strong contender with better FSAA, but said it lacked the raw power to displace the GeForce2 GTS. That is a period assessment of early hardware and drivers, not a modern benchmark.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Restoring or installing a Voodoo5 5500 today
A surviving card needs more than a compatible AGP slot. The archived 3dfx FAQ describes an auxiliary power connection, warns about the board’s physical length and lists DirectX 7 as required for proper operation in its documented Windows environment. Those instructions belong to period Windows 98 and Windows 2000 support; they should not be read as current operating-system compatibility guidance.
Rank #4
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- PCI Express 2.0 interface,offers compatibility with a range of systems. Also includes VGA and HDMI outputs for expanded connectivity,supports up to 2 monitors.Good for adding a simple low profile gpu to a small form factor pc.
- The computer graphics cards is small in size and saves more space,easy to install,plug and play,you can build a compact PC system easily for slim/ITX chassis.
- This low profile video card is good value option for entry level, if you just want basic upgrade graphics and daily simple work for your computer, or not be AAA gamer.(include low profile bracket)
- No external power supply and the all-solid-state capacitor keeps low power consumption and high performance,supports Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP(not compatible with windows 11).
- Identify the board variant. Confirm AGP versus PCI before buying a replacement or planning a build.
- Measure case and slot clearance. The full-length board can conflict with drives, case bracing or nearby components.
- Provide the external power connection. Do not assume the slot alone is sufficient; inspect the connector and the board for damage before powering it.
- Inspect condition. Check capacitors, heatsinks, fans, corrosion and signs of overheating. A diagnostic reporting 32 MB can be normal because memory is split between the two VSA-100 chips.
- Plan for period software. The supplied FAQ’s drivers target Windows 98 and Windows 2000, and its DirectX 7 requirement reflects that historical setup. Modern systems may need a dedicated retro-computing configuration.
The FAQ listed an approximate historical price of US $299.99 for the Voodoo5 5500 AGP and stated that overclocking voided the original warranty. Neither figure establishes a current used-market value or a warranty for a surviving card.
Quick Recap
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Which one should a retro-gaming buyer choose?
- For the highest period frame rates without FSAA: the GeForce2 GTS is the safer choice based on the cited comparison.
- For hardware FSAA and smoother edges: the Voodoo5 5500 is more compelling, particularly in games where the GeForce2’s FSAA penalty is severe.
- For collecting 3dfx hardware: prioritize authenticity, board condition, the correct AGP or PCI version, included accessories and whether the card has been tested.
- For a modern daily PC: neither card should be treated as plug-and-play current hardware; their documented software support is historical.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
