GPL framerate problems

I finally got GPL, and am experiencing lower frame rates than I expected. My hardware: P200, 48MB RAM, Creative 12MB Voodoo2 I realize this isn't the latest powerhouse, so I've turned down the graphics a lot, but I'm still only averaging 20 fps (ranging from 15 - 24 fps) doing hotlaps. I'f lowered the graphics as follows: Turned off: - crowds - clouds - beveled tires - skid marks - dynamic lighting - specular highlights - all mirror textures off - res 640x480, 3Dfx mode - detail bias, set all the way to the left, the lowest setting - mirror detail level: cars & track - trackside objects: many So even with all that, it goes as low as 15 fps (on Monza) in many areas. I haven't even dared try running a real race, with frame rates this low running alone. Is there something else I can do to speed things up? Any other suggestions (aside from a new computer)? Joe

I'm getting mid-20's, similar setup. The word is that more L2 cache has a noticeable effect. I think my wife will inherit the 200 mhz machine sooner than we expected. I'm having a tough time now deciding between a 330 mhz laptop, or a 450 mhz desktop. I hate to admit that GPL is the primary reason why it's a dilemma. (Hmmm. Push just came to shove; I think I'll one of each. :) Michael.

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> I realize this isn't the latest powerhouse, so I've turned down the > graphics a lot, but I'm still only averaging 20 fps (ranging from 15 - > 24 fps) doing hotlaps. I'f lowered the graphics as follows: > Turned off: > - crowds > - clouds > - beveled tires > - skid marks > - dynamic lighting > - specular highlights > - all mirror textures off > - res 640x480, 3Dfx mode > - detail bias, set all the way to the left, the lowest setting > - mirror detail level: cars & track > - trackside objects: many

As we have been trying to say here for quite a while now, it's the AI (computer controlled cars) that is killing your frame rate, not the graphics. Your 3dfx card is more than adequate to process the less than stellar but more than adequate graphics in GPL. A P200 is not up to the task of processing all the advanced physics calculations that this most realistic simulation requires. Marc.

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>I finally got GPL, and am experiencing lower frame rates than I >expected. My hardware: >P200, 48MB RAM, Creative 12MB Voodoo2 >I realize this isn't the latest powerhouse, so I've turned down the >graphics a lot, but I'm still only averaging 20 fps (ranging from 15 - >24 fps) doing hotlaps. I'f lowered the graphics as follows: >Turned off: > - crowds > - clouds > - beveled tires > - skid marks > - dynamic lighting > - specular highlights > - all mirror textures off > - res 640x480, 3Dfx mode > - detail bias, set all the way to the left, the lowest setting > - mirror detail level: cars & track > - trackside objects: many >So even with all that, it goes as low as 15 fps (on Monza) in many >areas. I haven't even dared try running a real race, with frame rates >this low running alone. Is there something else I can do to speed >things up? Any other suggestions (aside from a new computer)? >Joe

>As we have been trying to say here for quite a while now, it's the AI >(computer controlled cars) that is killing your frame rate, not the >graphics. No, I'm talking about hotlaps - Training mode running by myself. Interestingly, I gain almost 10 fps by going to the outside view (very hard to drive from there though). It seems to have trouble drawing the ***pit. Joe

>It seems to have trouble drawing the >cockpit. Turn off the driver's arms, it makes a big difference. Also set mirrors to cars only.

>Turn off the driver's arms, it makes a big difference. Also set mirrors to >cars only. Tried that, and it did help somewhat - I'm now running in the low 20s which is still slow but tolerable. Gotta see about getting a new computer. Intel should be sending Papyrus a big fat royalty check for CPU sales in this quarter... Joe

Yah, your machine is barely adequate to do training mode unless you are willing to drive in arcade view mode, etc. You want to see a frame rate drop?--add 12-18 opponents onto the track. Marc.

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>>As we have been trying to say here for quite a while now, it's the AI >>(computer controlled cars) that is killing your frame rate, not the >>graphics. >No, I'm talking about hotlaps - Training mode running by myself. >Interestingly, I gain almost 10 fps by going to the outside view (very >hard to drive from there though). It seems to have trouble drawing the >cockpit. >Joe

...and, by the way, turning off the driver's arms has absolutely no effect on frame rates on my set-up. Again, I believe it is because I have 6MB Voodoo card which has double the texture memory of the standard Voodoo I card, but who knows?? >>It seems to have trouble drawing the >>cockpit. >Turn off the driver's arms, it makes a big difference. Also set mirrors to >cars only.