2-1 Architecture of the Graphics Process

To render graphics, the N64 CPU constructs a display list (GBI command list) and designates the RSP as the processor to use to render graphics. The RSP outputs the resulting graphic drawing into the frame buffer in RDRAM by simply reading and executing the display list provided by the CPU. The accumulated content of the frame buffer is output as a video signal from the video DAC (digital-to-analog converter) by way of the VI (video interface).

Figure 2-1-1 The flow of graphics process