# S3 ViRGE

> trademark

**Wikidata**: [Q1132199](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1132199)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S3_ViRGE)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/s3-virge

## Summary
S3 ViRGE is a trademarked graphics processing unit (GPU) brand developed and commercialized by S3 Graphics in 1996. It belongs to the specialized electronic circuit class known as graphics accelerators.

## Key Facts
- **Commercialization Date:** 1996
- **Manufacturer:** S3 Graphics
- **Instance Of:** trademark, graphics processing unit (GPU)
- **Aliases:** S3 Virtual Reality Graphics Engine, ViRGE, S3 ViRGE
- **Image Source:** Commons File: DIAMONDSTEALTH3D2000-top.JPG
- **Wikipedia Title:** S3 ViRGE
- **Wikipedia Languages:** commons, de, en, fr, ko, pt, ru, zh
- **Wikidata ID:** /m/03rm69
- **Microsoft Academic ID (Discontinued):** 39714245

## FAQs
### Q: What is the S3 ViRGE?
A: S3 ViRGE is a trademarked graphics processing unit (GPU) developed by S3 Graphics and launched in 1996, functioning as a specialized electronic circuit for graphics acceleration.

### Q: Who manufactured the S3 ViRGE?
A: The S3 ViRGE was manufactured by S3 Graphics.

### Q: When was the S3 ViRGE first available?
A: The S3 ViRGE was commercialized in 1996.

### Q: What other names is S3 ViRGE known by?
A: S3 ViRGE is also known as S3 Virtual Reality Graphics Engine, ViRGE, and S3 ViRGE.

## Why It Matters
S3 ViRGE represents a significant step in the evolution of consumer graphics hardware from S3 Graphics during the mid-1990s. As a trademarked graphics processing unit, it exemplifies the industry's shift towards dedicated hardware for accelerating graphical tasks, a fundamental development enabling more complex and visually richer computing experiences. Its commercialization in 1996 places it at a critical juncture in the timeline of PC graphics acceleration, contributing to the foundation upon which future GPU advancements were built.

## Notable For
- Being a trademarked name for a graphics processing unit (GPU) class device.
- Its development and commercialization by S3 Graphics.
- Its launch year of 1996 marking a point in the timeline of consumer graphics acceleration hardware.
- Being cataloged across multiple Wikipedia language editions and Wikidata.
- Association with the Microsoft Academic ID 39714245.

## Body
### Basic Information
- S3 ViRGE is a trademark.
- S3 ViRGE is classified as a graphics processing unit (GPU).
- A graphics processing unit (GPU) is defined as a specialized electronic circuit and a graphics accelerator.

### Identity and Relationships
- Manufacturer: S3 Graphics
- Aliases: S3 Virtual Reality Graphics Engine, ViRGE, S3 ViRGE
- Freebase ID: /m/03rm69
- Instance Of: trademark, graphics processing unit
- Wikidata Description: trademark

### Availability and References
- Commercialization Date: 1996
- Wikipedia Title: S3 ViRGE
- Commons Category: S3 ViRGE
- Wikipedia Languages: commons, de, en, fr, ko, pt, ru, zh
- Microsoft Academic ID (Discontinued): 39714245
- Sitelink Count: 8
- Related Entity: graphics processing unit (class)

### Visuals
- Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/DIAMONDSTEALTH3D2000-top.JPG

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013