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                                                                     Exhibit 5.1

                            ___________________, 1997


AccelGraphics, Inc.
1942 Zanker Road
San Jose, CA  95112-9704

         REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM SB-2; FILE NO.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         We have examined the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No.
__________) (the "Registration Statement") filed by you, AccelGraphics, Inc.,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on _____________ in connection with
the registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of ___________
shares of your Common Stock (the "Shares"). The Shares include an over-allotment
option to purchase _____________ shares granted to the Underwriters. As your
counsel in connection with this transaction, 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 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 nonassessable.

         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
