rec.autos.simulators

GPL on W2K

Jazzbo

GPL on W2K

by Jazzbo » Wed, 17 Nov 1999 04:00:00

Has anyone tried running GPL on W2K? I think as long the video card is
supported by W2K, it should work, right?

--
Jaz

Sent via Deja.com http://www.racesimcentral.net/
Before you buy.

Borut Srebotni

GPL on W2K

by Borut Srebotni » Wed, 17 Nov 1999 04:00:00

Hmm, i have Win2000 RC2 and with the drivers shipped with Win2000 you won't
get very far. I found the right combination of Win2000 Voodoo3 drivers,
Glide drivers and a GPL 3dfx patch and now it works. The only drawback is
that i can't get the screen refresh rate higher than 60Hz but on the other

a bit faster under Win2000 than under Win98!

Borut

Sebastien Tixie

GPL on W2K

by Sebastien Tixie » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00


> Hmm, i have Win2000 RC2 and with the drivers shipped with Win2000 you won't
> get very far. I found the right combination of Win2000 Voodoo3 drivers,
> Glide drivers and a GPL 3dfx patch and now it works. The only drawback is
> that i can't get the screen refresh rate higher than 60Hz but on the other

> a bit faster under Win2000 than under Win98!

Sorry, but i can't beleive that GPL is using SMP dual processor. It have to
be coded for it, and i don't think it is the case.

The better thing you can have is that the other applications that running
at the same time are using the other processor. But if you run GPL alone
it can't have a dual processor benefit.

Currently the only game that is plan to use SMP dual processor is Quake3,
and not in the release version, it will be a patch.

I think your a victim of a placebo effect :o) or better driver implementations.

However the real benefit of W2K is that the drivers have to be certified, that
mean, drivers are tested by MS ( normally ). So this have 2 effects :
1 - Drivers will take longer time to be realased
2 - No more ***driver, so better stability.

Sorry to disappoint you :o)

--
====================================
Sebastien Tixier - Game Developer

http://www.racesimcentral.net/
http://www.racesimcentral.net/

Arne Marti

GPL on W2K

by Arne Marti » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00


> Sorry, but i can't beleive that GPL is using SMP dual processor. It have to
> be coded for it, and i don't think it is the case.

> The better thing you can have is that the other applications that running
> at the same time are using the other processor. But if you run GPL alone
> it can't have a dual processor benefit.

GPL (1.1 and later) does indeed take advantage of dual processors, at
least this is what Randy Cassidy wrote on 1999/05/18:

<quote>
Win 98 does not support dual processors.  Win NT does.  And the
upcoming 1.1 patch for GPL does run on NT (*).  And it does run on
dual processor NT systems (at least NT5, I don't think we've ever tried
it
on a dual processor NT4 system).  And it does use both processors.  I
imagine it would also run on a 4 processor system, but, given the way
the game is architected, it won't likely use more than two at a time.
And
on the class of processor that one would bother to configure a dual CPU
machine with, GPL isn't often CPU bound, so there's not a huge benefit
to having two of them (unless you're running without 3D
acceleration).

(*) NT4 w/SP3 and NT5 Beta 2.  Our "Generic" joystick driver is not
supported on NT.  NT4 only supports DirectX 3, not DirectX 5, so
controller support is further limited on NT4 to those devices that the
standard Win32 "joyGetPos" function recognizes.  Plain old joysticks up
to 4 axes and 4 buttons should work OK.  Fancy digital, serial or USB
controllers are probably right out.  If Microsoft ever releases DirectX
5 for
NT4, such controllers should work fine (though I don't believe they have
any plans to do this).

Randy
</quote>

--
Arne Martin

Johan Foedere

GPL on W2K

by Johan Foedere » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00


> <SNIP>

> Currently the only game that is plan to use SMP dual processor is Quake3,
> and not in the release version, it will be a patch.

> <SNIP>

This is not true. There are already games that take advantage of dual
processor systems. Unfortunatly most games are programmed for Windows 9x
which only recognizes one CPU. I have MythII for Linux and the load is
evenly devided over two processors. The only thing required for a game
to use two CPUs is that is written in at least two threads. The OS is
then responsible for deviding the load.

// Johan

Sebastien Tixie

GPL on W2K

by Sebastien Tixie » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00



> > <SNIP>

> > Currently the only game that is plan to use SMP dual processor is Quake3,
> > and not in the release version, it will be a patch.

> > <SNIP>

> This is not true. There are already games that take advantage of dual
> processor systems. Unfortunatly most games are programmed for Windows 9x
> which only recognizes one CPU. I have MythII for Linux and the load is
> evenly devided over two processors. The only thing required for a game
> to use two CPUs is that is written in at least two threads. The OS is
> then responsible for deviding the load.

What you say is totally TRUE ! I've also try Myth2 at home.
But, i've not considering Linux games because it's quite a niche.
But i don't think, Myth2 is multi-thread under WIN9x.

--
====================================
Sebastien Tixier - Game Developer

http://www.eden-studios.fr
http://www.multimania.com/hclyon

Sebastien Tixie

GPL on W2K

by Sebastien Tixie » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00



> > Sorry, but i can't beleive that GPL is using SMP dual processor. It have to
> > be coded for it, and i don't think it is the case.

> > The better thing you can have is that the other applications that running
> > at the same time are using the other processor. But if you run GPL alone
> > it can't have a dual processor benefit.

> GPL (1.1 and later) does indeed take advantage of dual processors, at
> least this is what Randy Cassidy wrote on 1999/05/18:

NT can use SMP
GPL can work on NT,
that NO mean GPL use SMP !

An appli could take advantage of SMP dual proc for only 2 cases :
1 ) it's coded to use it ( quake3 )
2 ) it's multi-htread , that mean that there are 2 differente process
running at the same time. So the OS can dispatch them on 2 different
processor.

I don't think GPL enter in on these twwo categories.

--
====================================
Sebastien Tixier - Game Developer

http://www.eden-studios.fr
http://www.multimania.com/hclyon

Arne Marti

GPL on W2K

by Arne Marti » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00


> > > Sorry, but i can't beleive that GPL is using SMP dual processor. It have to
> > > be coded for it, and i don't think it is the case.

> > > The better thing you can have is that the other applications that running
> > > at the same time are using the other processor. But if you run GPL alone
> > > it can't have a dual processor benefit.
> NT can use SMP
> GPL can work on NT,
> that NO mean GPL use SMP !

> An appli could take advantage of SMP dual proc for only 2 cases :
> 1 ) it's coded to use it ( quake3 )
> 2 ) it's multi-htread , that mean that there are 2 differente process
> running at the same time. So the OS can dispatch them on 2 different
> processor.

> I don't think GPL enter in on these twwo categories.

I'm no expert on dual processor systems, but from Randy's post note the
following:
"And it [GPL] does use both processors. (...) And on the class of
processor that one would bother to configure a dual CPU machine with,
GPL isn't often CPU bound, so here's not a huge benefit to having two of
them (unless you're running without 3D
acceleration)."

GPL was changed to take advantage of dual processors in 1.1 (when
support for Win NT was added), and if I'm not mistaken one processor
handles the physics and the other everything else. Of course if you have
a 3d accelerator there's not much else for the cpus to do than the
physics...

--
Arne Martin

Sebastien Tixie

GPL on W2K

by Sebastien Tixie » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00



> > > > Sorry, but i can't beleive that GPL is using SMP dual processor. It have to
> > > > be coded for it, and i don't think it is the case.

> > > > The better thing you can have is that the other applications that running
> > > > at the same time are using the other processor. But if you run GPL alone
> > > > it can't have a dual processor benefit.
> > NT can use SMP
> > GPL can work on NT,
> > that NO mean GPL use SMP !

> > An appli could take advantage of SMP dual proc for only 2 cases :
> > 1 ) it's coded to use it ( quake3 )
> > 2 ) it's multi-htread , that mean that there are 2 differente process
> > running at the same time. So the OS can dispatch them on 2 different
> > processor.

> > I don't think GPL enter in on these twwo categories.

> I'm no expert on dual processor systems, but from Randy's post note the
> following:
> "And it [GPL] does use both processors. (...) And on the class of
> processor that one would bother to configure a dual CPU machine with,
> GPL isn't often CPU bound, so here's not a huge benefit to having two of
> them (unless you're running without 3D
> acceleration)."

> GPL was changed to take advantage of dual processors in 1.1 (when
> support for Win NT was added), and if I'm not mistaken one processor
> handles the physics and the other everything else. Of course if you have
> a 3d accelerator there's not much else for the cpus to do than the
> physics...

Well, if it's TRUE, i have to apologize.It's rare that SMP is support by games!
... I've to test IT !
And if i can i'll report some stats.

--
====================================
Sebastien Tixier - Game Developer

http://www.eden-studios.fr
http://www.multimania.com/hclyon

Johan Foedere

GPL on W2K

by Johan Foedere » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00

I'm not absolutely sure, but I suspect it IS multi threaded under W9x.
The only difference is that both threads are run on the same CPU since
this silly OS only supports one CPU. You could try it under NT to find
out.

// Johan


> What you say is totally TRUE ! I've also try Myth2 at home.
> But, i've not considering Linux games because it's quite a niche.
> But i don't think, Myth2 is multi-thread under WIN9x.

Grant Reev

GPL on W2K

by Grant Reev » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00



> > GPL (1.1 and later) does indeed take advantage of dual processors, at
> > least this is what Randy Cassidy wrote on 1999/05/18:

> NT can use SMP
> GPL can work on NT,
> that NO mean GPL use SMP !

> An appli could take advantage of SMP dual proc for only 2 cases :
> 1 ) it's coded to use it ( quake3 )
> 2 ) it's multi-htread , that mean that there are 2 differente process
> running at the same time. So the OS can dispatch them on 2 different
> processor.

GPL runs 4 or 5 threads, so they can be dispatched to different
processors. Usually only one or two are executing at a time however,
so more than 2 processors won't gain anything.
GPL does run faster on a dual processor machine, not a whole lot,
but definitely noticable.

Hope that helps convince you :)
Grant / Papyrus.

Randy Cassid

GPL on W2K

by Randy Cassid » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00




>> > Sorry, but i can't beleive that GPL is using SMP dual processor. It
have to
>> > be coded for it, and i don't think it is the case.

...
>> GPL (1.1 and later) does indeed take advantage of dual processors, at
>> least this is what Randy Cassidy wrote on 1999/05/18:

>NT can use SMP
>GPL can work on NT,
>that NO mean GPL use SMP !

>An appli could take advantage of SMP dual proc for only 2 cases :
>1 ) it's coded to use it ( quake3 )
>2 ) it's multi-htread , that mean that there are 2 differente process
>running at the same time. So the OS can dispatch them on 2 different
>processor.

>I don't think GPL enter in on these twwo categories.

GPL falls into category (2).

Randy

Sebastien Tixie

GPL on W2K

by Sebastien Tixie » Thu, 18 Nov 1999 04:00:00


> >An appli could take advantage of SMP dual proc for only 2 cases :
> >1 ) it's coded to use it ( quake3 )
> >2 ) it's multi-htread , that mean that there are 2 differente process
> >running at the same time. So the OS can dispatch them on 2 different
> >processor.

> >I don't think GPL enter in on these twwo categories.

> GPL falls into category (2).

Well, i'm impressed.
As game developer, i'm very interested what's the different thread are ?

- Physics
- T&L
- rasterisation
- Front end
???

anyway, i'm gonna bench this :o)

i'm developping on PSX/PSX2/DC, so thread in games are new for me, since DC and
PSX2.
i've only make multi-thread appli under Unix system ( Linux ).

--
====================================
Sebastien Tixier - Game Developer

http://www.eden-studios.fr
http://www.multimania.com/hclyon

Jazzbo

GPL on W2K

by Jazzbo » Fri, 19 Nov 1999 04:00:00


can fire up GPL OK, but am unable to run it because my frigging wheel
isn't supported under W2K (InterAct V3, I know it is a piece of crap,
but until I get the TSW2 or Advantage1 that's all I got to work with).
While it is good to know that GPL will support dual processors, but can
you really notice the differences while driving? If so, in what
respect?

Thanks,
Jaz

Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.

Mr Meane

GPL on W2K

by Mr Meane » Fri, 19 Nov 1999 04:00:00


get 30+ fps with all details maxed out at the back of a full grid. The
Voodoos run at 105Mhz. A Voodoo3 should see 36fps. The starts/first corners
are the main place you notice the extra power.

For some obscure reason, Win2000 handles the CPU sharing much more
efficiently than NT4SP5. No idea why. Maybe MS have made some improvements!

mm



> can fire up GPL OK, but am unable to run it because my frigging wheel
> isn't supported under W2K (InterAct V3, I know it is a piece of crap,
> but until I get the TSW2 or Advantage1 that's all I got to work with).
> While it is good to know that GPL will support dual processors, but can
> you really notice the differences while driving? If so, in what
> respect?

> Thanks,
> Jaz

> Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
> Before you buy.


rec.autos.simulators is a usenet newsgroup formed in December, 1993. As this group was always unmoderated there may be some spam or off topic articles included. Some links do point back to racesimcentral.net as we could not validate the original address. Please report any pages that you believe warrant deletion from this archive (include the link in your email). RaceSimCentral.net is in no way responsible and does not endorse any of the content herein.