Hercules Dynamite / Dynamite Pro
Hercules' follow-up to the Graphite was the Dynamite, launched in April 1994.
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Released | April 1994 |
| Bus | 16-bit ISA or VESA Local Bus | |
| Chipset | Tseng Labs ET4000 W32i/p | |
| Standards | VGA | |
| Memory | 1 MB or 2 MB DRAM (32-bit) | |
| RAMDAC | AT&T ATT20C490/491 | |
| Ports | 15-pin DSUB (analogue RGB video out) | |
| Part # | D301 (1MB ISA), D302 (2MB ISA) D602 (2 MB VLB) HS601 (2 MB VLB version?) GB2050 (ISA) |
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| FCC IDs | EW65T5HERCULESJSL | |
| Price | At launch: $164 (1 MB ISA), $226 (2 MB ISA) Jan 1994: $159 Nov 1994: $119 (1 MB ISA), $149 (2 MB ISA), $188 (2 MB VLB) May 1995: $153 (1 MB ISA), $197 (2 MB ISA) |
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| See Also | Graphite, Graphite Pro, Stingray |
The Hercules Dynamite and Dynamite Pro cards were based on the popular Tseng Labs ET4000 W32i (or ET4000 W32p) graphics accelerator chipset, and were sold in both 16-bit ISA and VESA Local Bus interface forms. A faster version called Dynamite Power was also released in late 1994, offered in VESA Local Bus and PCI form only (no ISA option).
A number of Dynamite cards were released, including:
- Dynamite Pro 1 MB ISA (HD301S)
- Dynamite Pro 2 MB ISA (HD302S)
- Dynamite Pro 1 MB VLB (HD601S)
- Dynamite Pro 2 MB VLB (HD602S)
- Dynamite Power 2 MB VLB (HD702S) - available in VLB or PCI interface
Board Revisions
No information on board revisions is known.
Competition
In the Media
Like other boards built around the Tseng Labs ET4000/W32p chip set, the Dynamite Power features 2MB of DRAM for a maximum display resolution of 1280-by-1024 at 8-bit color. Unlike most other Tseng-equipped boards, the Dynamite Power is easy on the eyes, maintaining a 72-Hz refresh rate in all test resolutions.
Pure video performance was mixed. The Dynamite Power performed well in 8-bit mode, averaging in the top quarter of the VLB field and besting all other ET4000/W32p-based products. The situation was reversed in 24-bit mode, where the board dropped into the bottom half of the field, and was dead last against its W32p relatives. The Dynamite Power should prove to be well suited for text-oriented spreadsheet and word processing applications, but ill suited for image editing and similar graphics-intensive tasks.
While product installation was generally smooth, there were some potholes. For example, the Dynamite Power required memory range exclusions for memory managers in the CONFIG.SYS and WIN.INI files. Just the same, Hercules documented the installation directions in the manual, and most users should have no problem getting this done. The installation program offers a significant variety of monitor presets, and was one of the few that support the NEC 4FG test bed. You configure unsupported monitors in the installation process, where you can access specifications on generic monitors. Otherwise, you must use a command-driven program, which would be too technical for most users.
Windows drivers are installed through the DOS Windows Setup program. The Windows configuration program enables resolution and color depth switching - although you still have to reboot Windows - but little else. Hercules includes a refresh meter to test your monitor's refresh rate and a display power management signalling (DPMS) screen saver to use with DPMS-capable monitors.
Usability testing proved to be the Dynamite Power's undoing. After loading four Windows applications, the board had insufficient memory to shell to DOS, and couldn't complete our tests. During abbreviated tests, the Dynamite Power consistently crashed when operated at or near memory limits. This bodes poorly for consistent, stable field performance, especially for users who multitask.
On a positive note, Hercules' documentation was outstanding, offering both Quick Start and Full Installation instructions, extensive troubleshooting tips, and other valuable information.
Assuming that Hercules finishes this work in progress and cures the Dynamite Power's memory problems, the board will offer solid performance backed by one of the most venerable companies in the graphics business."
PC Magazine, December 1994
Setting it Up
I have no information on setting up the Dynamite or Dynamite Pro cards.
Downloads
Windows 95 comes with a Tseng Labs W32 family driver that works well on all Dynamite models. Select Hercules Dynamite Pro (Tseng). Hercules' own drivers are an update on these and provide additional features.
Operation Manual Get in touch if you can provide this missing item! |
Windows 3.x, 95, NT 3.1/3.5/4.0 and OS/2 Warp 3.0 & 4.0 Drivers
Hercules Drivers & Utilities CD-ROM. Provides drivers for Terminator 32/64/Professional/3D and 3D/DX, Dynamite/Pro/Power/128, and Stingray 64/Pro and 128/3D. |
Windows 3.x, 95, NT 3.1/3.5/4.0 and
Hercules Drivers & Utilities CD-ROM. Provides drivers for Terminator 32/64/Professional/3D and 3D/DX, Dynamite/Pro/Power/128, and Stingray 64/Pro and 128/3D. |
VGA BIOS ROM Get in touch if you can provide this missing item! |
