rec.autos.simulators

Which is a better system for N2 the cyrix 200+ or pentium 200 MMX, it is
finally time to replace my PS/1 and love to play N2 on my office computer
(p 166) but need a new home PC. Which should I get? Not just for games but
whih is thw best all around, BTW the cyrix costs about $200 less than the
P200 and about 500 less thann the p200 MMX, does N2 even use MMX?
Thanks in advance.      T'roy-

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        " They are gettin' on with it here at Talladega!"   -Ned Jarret

        T'roy In Gainesville-We race for beer here too!

: Which is a better system for N2 the cyrix 200+ or pentium 200 MMX, it is
: finally time to replace my PS/1 and love to play N2 on my office computer
: (p 166) but need a new home PC. Which should I get? Not just for games but
: whih is thw best all around, BTW the cyrix costs about $200 less than the
: P200 and about 500 less thann the p200 MMX, does N2 even use MMX?

You will get about as many different suggestions as replies.  If it was
my money, I would go for the P200.  I don't like Intel's ***hold on
the PC CPU market.  However, at the moment, I would feel safer with an
Intel chip just because they do have the monopoly and they write the
rules that hardware and software companies seem to be following.
However, as the "weaknesses" in the non-Intel chips are being discovered,
good hardware/software developers are making adjustments.  But, rest
assured that Intel is going to do everything in it's mighty power to
make sure there are plently of "undocumented" roadblocks in the way for
non-Intel chips.

(sorry about the social-economic ranting . . . back to question at hand)

If you don't have concerns about possible conflicts with non-Intel chips,
I say go for the cyrix.

Regarding the MMX, it just ain't worth it for the bucks.  The MMX is a
"mickey mouse" approach to combat the non-Intel chips.  The non-intel
chips suffer in FPU and so can the MMX.  If you are using software that
can actually utilize the MMX instructions the FPU can't be used at the
same time.  Basically, for non-MMX software (which N2 is) all you gain
from the MMX chip is a $500 onboard cache!  That's where the minor
improvement comes from.  If that's what you are looking for go for the
Cyrix and save yourself $700 (I'll take 10% thankyou).  The MMX is part
of Intel's masterplan to dominate the chip market (this included video
chips, modem chips, etc.).  They want the PC world to buy a super CPU
chip that will "mimic/emulate" your modem/video/interface cards & chips.
This won't necessarily translate to more effecient and powerful
peformance, but it will help Intel corner the PC chip business. (Damn,
slipped again. . . Now you know why I hardly ever reply to this type of
questions here.)

Bottom line:
  o Got money to burn?  P200MMX

  o Looking for the "safe bet" for compatability across the board?  P200

  o On a budget and looking for the extra edge & don't care about FPU
    and a few possible compatability problems?  Cyrix

Standard Disclaimer:  These are my opinions only, and are not shared by
anyone else in the known universe!

--
**************************** Michael E. Carver *************************
     Upside out, or inside down...False alarm the only game in town.

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=<[ /./.  [-  < ]>=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

970508

Troy,

I purchased an IBM p166+ about a month ago, and I've been very pleased
with its performance and relaibility.  With the money I saved, I added:
64 meg of ram
S3 Virge card (sans xtra ram)

I really had doubts that the IBM would out perform Intel, but mine
benchmarked above six p166 Intels at work.  With the money I saved, it
was well worth it.  If you or anyone else want more specifics, please
contact me.  I'm not pushing the hotdog cart for IBM or Cyrix, but I'll
try to give the straight skinny

Gary

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*************************Ayrton Senna da Silva*********************
                               1960-1994