Introduction

A chat with 3dfx

In the past week, we've talked with NVIDIA, and listened in on a conference call. Today we finally had a chance to talk to 3dfx.

Interview

We had the opportunity to ask 3dfx's Scott Taylor about the asset sale and the future of 3dfx. Our questions are in bold, and Scott's answers are in normal font.

FiringSquad: When did 3dfx first start talking to NVIDIA about the sale? Were ATI, Matrox or other companies ever in the running?

Some specifics I can't answer, but we looked at a lot of different options before the NVIDIA transaction. It's our feeling that that this is the best possible option for our creditors, shareholders and employees.

FiringSquad: Is 3dfx still manufacturing cards at this time, or is your product line effectively discontinued? If Voodoo 5 production continues, does this mean that you will have buy chips from NVIDIA?

We're selling through our remaining inventory. The product is still available. At this point we are not making any more new cards. All of the existing chip inventory went to NVIDIA.

We've sold certain assets to NVIDIA, but we still have the Voodoo brand at retail and we still have the factory. Our Board of Directors is recommending that the company be dissolved.

FiringSquad: What will happen to your board products such as the VoodooTV?

Again, we're continuing to sell and support our current Voodoo Graphics and VoodooTV inventory. As the company moves toward dissolution, our operations will eventually cease.

FiringSquad: Any plans to sell the VoodooTV to a third party?

I am not aware of any plans at this time.

FiringSquad: NVIDIA has already stated that tech support for all current and past 3dfx products will remain with 3dfx. How much longer will 3dfx be able to offer customers technical support? Have recent events had an effect on 3dfx's current level of customer support?

We are currently fully staffed on technical support. As we move forward and dissolve that will eventually go away. We anticipate this to occur early next year pending shareholder approval.