X with Linux on the Compaq Presario 1220

with the NeoMagic MagicGraph 128ZV+ Chipset

For all those who are frustrated by NeoMagic (who is the only graphics chip manufacturer I know refusing to release specifications on their chips), here is an unaccelerated X server with support for 8 bpp and 16 bpp at a resolution of 800x600.  This implementation is based on the XFree86 3.3.2 link kit.

Here is the site configuration file, imake file, driver file and bank switching routines.  Note that the server runs in linear mode unless directed not to with the "nolinear" option.  To compile the, take the stock XFree86 3.3.2 link kit source tree, chmod lib/Server/xf86site.def to be writeable, and untar these files from the lib/Server directory.  Type "mkmf", and then "make".  You can then make the XF86_SVGA server file in this directory suid root and install it into your X tree (i.e. /usr/X11R6/bin/XF86_SVGA).  Here is a compiled server if you don't want to bother with making it yourself. Note that the image is gzipped, and some browsers automatically decompress the file when you download it.

In your /etc/XF86Config, you need something like the following:
 

Make sure there is also a mode line like:
  The actual CRTC programming in the server is hardwired, so the only thing that really matters is that there is a 800x600 mode that matches one of the clocks.

Also make sure you have a screen section similar to:
 

The 8 bpp mode supports a virtual screen vertically larger than the physical, but only up to a point.  I haven't really tried to get it working better than that.

For the uninitiated, start up your X server using "startx -- -bpp 16" to get to the 16 bpp mode.

I haven't tried this with an external monitor, only the LCD.  I'm not sure what will happen, so use it at your own risk.

Suggestions, comments, fixes, etc. are welcome at js@mnsinc.com.

No warrantees are implied, use at your own risk, yadda yadda yadda.
 
BTW NeoMagic should wake up and smell the coffee.  They are losing  business by using the Nazi approach to tech support (maybe they should call themselves NeoNazi ;-) ) - there are probably thousands of Linux users who intentionally did not buy a laptop with their chipset because it is not supported.  Just ask Diamond, who had a similar attitude until a few years ago.
 
This page last updated 980423. Coming soon, an 8 bpp server with a 1024 pixel wide virtual screen.

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