Hacked graphics driver for PCI Macs

#1 Sun, 1 Nov 2009 - 19:47 68kMLA

I've already mentioned this in the programming thread; just thought I'd repost it here as of interest to users, rather than developers.

Slashdot comment:

I've recently hacked the 7300/7500/7600/8500/8600 Graphics Driver {archive link and readme} to support resolutions in the 1600x1200 range on a stock PowerMac 8500 (probably works on the other models as well). I now have a 20" 1680x1050 LCD connected and working perfectly, locking on to the analog signal with perfect pixels. I figured out where the timing parameters are stored in the driver, allowing other new resolutions as well (like 1440x900), and fine-tuning of the pixel rate. Even with a CRT, this allows higher resolutions. Contact me {see original post} if you'd like try the driver or have a different resolution.

#2 Sun, 1 Nov 2009 - 22:29 68kMLA

Nice little find Bunsen, better late than never (all markers point to 1997!)

#3 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 - 00:27 68kMLA

The original Graphics Driver hack, yes (released as part of NYU's visual psychology toolbox, and only supporting 640x480@120Hz) - but the post above was made this year.

#4 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 - 18:20 68kMLA

Actually, what is linked above is the original unhacked driver. My plan was to first test it with a few people before posting. Since then, I've gotten it working perfectly on a 1920x1080 LCD on my PowerMac 8500 with built-in video. Given the 4MB video limit of built-in video, any higher resolution wouldn't support 16-bit color (thousands), and this is already pushing the video clock a bit (about 146 MHz). I also hacked the IX-Micro TwinTurbo PCI card driver to allow the same (as well as 1680x1050).

#5 Mon, 2 Nov 2009 - 21:30 68kMLA

Actually, what is linked above is the original unhacked driver.

My bad.

Welcome aboard, noidentity. May you find many likeminded hackers here.