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Time to clock this sucker.

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:02 am
by :FI:Sneaky_Russian
I've been trying to up my framerates here.

First step I lowered the graphics settings and no difference whatsoever,
Mid 20s either way on average.

It was suggested when I upgraded the GPU, but this confirms the log jams at the CPU (AMD XP2600+ FSB333 which run at 1.9 Ghz). I've managed to clock it in the BIOS to 2.12Ghz and can go further with the jumper pins on the multiplier. Seen a slight improvement from that but not enough. Also checked across versions and 4.08 runs faster than 4.04m
here.

Ideally I should replace it with a XP3200 with FSB400 and get the most out of the RAM as well.

Dont think the SBLive is helping either but need the MIDI/Gameport and not seen any newer Soundcards with one.

Any suggestions gladly received.

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:18 am
by Deathsledge
it appears your FSB has got you on this one. the bigger the better. :)

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 10:41 am
by :FI:Gadje
Whats the MB Sneaky?

Find out whats the highest rated cpu you can put in and overclock it if your memory is up to it.

Even an XP3200 should get you to 3500 at least and should only cost a few quid these days.

That should relieve the bottleneck considerably.


ps Remember the cooling though. ;)

pps You said you used the multiplier . Cant you up the FSB in the Bios?

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 1:18 pm
by :FI:Sneaky_Russian
FSB clocked in BIOS to 185 (370) any higher upsets the RAID controller


Waiting on some jumper pins to clock the multiplier
mobo is Asrock K7VT6

With 526mb on the ATI card , would it be better to use a smaller AGP aperture in BIOS.

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:02 pm
by :FI:TacticalS!
When tweaking I also notice that even switching from Perfect to Excellent video mode makes no appreciable difference with fps, hence why I fly using Perfect mode.

Unlike many other games where the video card makes a substantial difference, there are just so many calculations going on with IL-2 that our CPUs are vital. My P4 3.06 HT (and 1 GB RDRAM, 6800 GT 256MB OC) usually runs Historic Encounters missions varying from (low/take-off) 35 to 60-70 (high altitude/no action).

Btw I try to keep H.E. missions to approximately 24-32 planes in total to ensure good online performance for everyone. I also use the old cloud types that can recover @10 fps.

TS!

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:29 pm
by Badger
Guy's - Noob question probably for another thread..... (sorry Sneaky)

What are you using to calculate your FPS? Is Frapps good enough?

Thanks

Also, Sneaks, I'm thinking about tweaking my GC settings shortly and have found this old thread:

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/guides/hwG ... hp/1463741

I'm a bit nervious about doing it, but I'm gonna have a go!

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:41 pm
by :FI:Nellip
FRAPS is OK for continuous readout of Frame rates, but you could just use the in game frame counter?

If you call up the dialogue box - press shift and tab I think (?) and then type:

FPS start show

Then hit return, and shift + tab to close the dialogue box again and you will have the frame rate displayed on screen.

Same process but type "FPS end show" when you want to get red of it.

:D

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 2:54 pm
by Badger
Crikey - I didn't even know that there was an in-game frame counter! :oops:

Hmmm, maybe I should leave my machine alone before I bugger it up...

Good luck Sneaky - The Gods are with you!!!

(cue - heroic 'Jason and the Argonauts' style music!!)

^:)

FPS counter

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:21 pm
by :FI:Sneaky_Russian
Open the file "RCU" un notepad and add these lines:-
@a on fps START SHOW
@a off fps STOP SHOW
Shift/Tab will bring up console in-game.
type in on/off to start/stop display
Shift / Tab to exit console

____________________________________________________________

Well I've tried the multiplier (11.5 to 13.5) though theres no indicated change.

Flashed the latest BIOS (seriously scary operation)

set clock to 187 now (188 and the SATA fails)

Showing 2.15Ghz in Properties

Dont Know if the AMD XP2600+ is locked, but in theory should be at 2.5Ghz

It now shows up as an XP2800+ and its running @ 29 deg C.

Posted: Wed Feb 14, 2007 6:23 pm
by :FI:Gadje
AGP aperture size doesnt do much Snee. Unless your having stutter or lockup leave alone, if probs drop it down .

3200xp Barton core seems to be the way to go.

looky

http://forums.amd.com/index.php?showtopic=59392

post 11 very informative

Posted: Thu Feb 15, 2007 9:29 pm
by Badger
How did it go Sneaks? Are you basking in super-frame-rate Utopia?

:shock:

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 1:08 am
by :FI:Sneaky_Russian
Dropped back to 185 mhz now, 187 was a bit too unstable (Il2 crashing).

The difference is slim but noticeable, enough to be scouring ebay for 3200.

On the downside the XP sp2 boot on my SATA drive got corrupted and I'm still in the process of repairing that. May have to reinstall some stuff there (not sure what state the registry's in at the moment) and MS dont do support for OEM installs.

Framerates in IL2 drop when close to other objects, aircraft etc. At least I've got a bit more headroom now not to be shooting at last weeks news .
Track IR is smoother. Handling seems more responsive as well.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 9:44 am
by Badger
Great news!

Thanks again to Nellip and your good self for the access to the in game FPS feature, I was messing around with it last night. I seem to be getting the average FPS that every one else is reporting, so I think I should just leave it alone before I break something. :lol:

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 10:39 am
by :FI:Gadje
:FI:Sneaky_Russian wrote: and MS dont do support for OEM installs.
lol yeah was on the phone for 15min with an Indian lady from MS before she discovered I had an OEM. And how much useful info did I receive in that time?

BIG NADA!

I couldnt even get into safe mode after a messed up driver uninstall. I used the Windows disc to do a repair which went fine so I got to keep all my old settings etc. But both the graphics driver and USB were neffed. Uninstalled and got into Windows proper at last. Took a whole day but better than a reformat for me.

Posted: Fri Feb 16, 2007 12:17 pm
by :FI:Sneaky_Russian
:badgrin: Yeah they're about as much use as "Recovery Console".