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                                                                    EXHIBIT 5.1

                                   May 7, 1997


AccelGraphics, Inc.
1942 Zanker Road
San Jose, CA 95112

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-8 (the
"Registration Statement") filed by you with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission") on or about May 7, 1997 in connection with the
registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of an aggregate of
3,441,304 shares of Common Stock (the "Shares") pursuant to the Company's 1995
Stock Plan, 1997 Employee stock Purchase Plan, and 1997 Directors' Stock Option
Plan (collectively, the "Plans"). As your counsel in connection with the
Registration Statement, we have examined the proceedings taken and are familiar
with the proceedings proposed to be taken by you in connection with the sale and
issuance of the Shares.

         It is our opinion that upon conclusion of the proceedings being taken
or contemplated under the Plans or by us, as your counsel, to be taken prior to
the issuance of the Shares, and upon completion of the proceedings being taken
in order to permit such transactions to be carried out in accordance with the
securities laws of the various states where required, the Shares when issued and
sold in the manner described in the Registration Statement will be legally and
validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

         We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement and further consent to the use of our name wherever appearing in the
Registration Statement, including the Prospectus constituting a part thereof,
and in any amendment thereto.

                                        Very truly yours,

                                        VENTURE LAW GROUP
                                        A Professional Corporation






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