rec.autos.simulators

GPL + FSAA / Almost but no cigar...

George M. Smile

GPL + FSAA / Almost but no cigar...

by George M. Smile » Sat, 22 Apr 2000 04:00:00


> I've been following some of the early reviews of the Voodoo5 5500.
> When FSAA is enabled, the V5 takes quite a performance hit when
> moving to higher resolutions.  For this reason alone I was discouraged
> about purchasing the card, but if I can run GPL at 640x480x32 with
> good results then I may reconsider.

The majority of source art in GPL is 4 bit (aside from modified dashes
and converted horizon textures, neither of which are subjected to
blending), that is to say a meager 16 colors.   So there is no benefit
to running GPL in a 32 bit video mode.

As for the V5 5500 it should have more than enough fill rate to run
GPL at 1024 x 768 with 4X FSAA enabled.  We know GPL runs fine
at 1024 x 768 on a Voodoo2, we know a V2 has a fill rate of 90 MP/s.
A V5 5500 is billed as having a minimum fill rate of 667 MP/s.  Putting
it all together - 4 x 90 = 360 < 667.

It may even have enough fill rate to do 1280 x 1024 with 4X FSAA
enabled (similar computations, only with a V3 3000, i.e. 4 x 166 =
664 < 667).  If so 1600 x 1200 with 2X FSAA should also be a
real possibility.

Of course all of the above depends on the spin 3dfx marketing gave
to the fillrate numbers of the VSA-100 chip.  In particular 2 pixels per
clock for single texture content may prove problematic in GPL.

 - George

johnjnelso

GPL + FSAA / Almost but no cigar...

by johnjnelso » Sat, 22 Apr 2000 04:00:00

I've pre-ordered the Voodoo 5 from 3dfx's web site, primarily because I wanted
any replacement for my Voodoo 2 to be easily compatible with GPL. I'll let you
know about resolution issues when it comes in. Sounds like the end of May is the
likely time now.


> snip
> > I'm sure that AA will look great, but I've always one to turn off
> > eye-candy in order to keep the important things right (primarily
> > frame-rate) but not that I'm in a position to run it, I also like clarity,
> > which is what's missing from an AA scene where you reduce resolution.

> > Please note, I'm all for AA, but necessarily by having to reduce your res
> > to 640x480.

> The 640x480 only came up using the GeForce cards because they do it in
> software. On a current system w/ V5 at least 800x600 with 2xFSAA should
> be
> possible without a major fps hit. And if you can't see that car at
> 800x600,
> chances are you can't see it at 1280 either. Of course, that's just a
> guesstimate...

> Like I said, I only read previews and the reported amount of e***ment
> seeing FSAA enabled in flight sims (Falcon4) was quite convincing.

> > Cheers,

> > Steve.

> --
> l8er
> ronny

> Your mouse has moved. Windows must be restarted for the change
> to take effect. Reboot now?
>           |\      _,,,---,,_        I want to die like my Grandfather,
>    ZZZzz /,`.-'`'    -.  ;-;;,_              in his sleep.
>         |,4-  ) )-,_. ,\ (  `'-'     Not like the people in his car,
>        '---''(_/--'  `-'\_)            screaming their heads off!

keit

GPL + FSAA / Almost but no cigar...

by keit » Sat, 22 Apr 2000 04:00:00


>How do you know what refresh rate is being used once your in the game
>?

Newer monitors often have an on screen display available to show the refresh
rate.

Keith.


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