Okay, I've done some testing to see how the Reactor helps my P100 in
NASCAR2, and my testing shows MUCH more improvement than most of the
previous posts have indicated. First, the numbers:
NASCAR2 vs MULTI
Test 1 22.5 20.5
Test 2 26.5 24.5
Conclusion - I see about 2 fps improvement in NASCAR2 over multi (This
is with standard NASCAR2, no acceleration used)
For the 3 modes of NASCAR 2:
NASCAR NASREND RENDDMA
Test 1 12.5 14.5 20.5
Test 2 15.5 18.5 26.5
Conclusion - I am seeing between 64 and 71% frame rate increase between
the non-accelerated version of N2 and RENDDMA!!!! Fabulous. Much better
than I expected after reading posts saying "Not much frame rate
improvement, but does look better" etc., etc. Of course, based on your
machine and your setup, your mileage may vary.
Bottom line - VERY IMPRESSIVE! Makes my P100 run like a much higher
machine. Note that ICR2 still seems to run a little better, but what
else is new. Can't wait for NRO with this setup!
Okay here are the details for those who are still*** in there.
Hardware - P100 with 512K normal cache (non-pipeline, 15 ns), 32 MB RAM,
Intergraph Reactor video card, No-name motherboard with Triton chip set.
Test Method - I ran with Grass/Asphalt, Walls, Trees, and Vehicles off.
I used Skids/Paint auto to find the thresholds, and ran with all others
on. (Note that I used a different approach for the Multi/NASCAR2
comparison.) I ran a Michigan Race Start on the front straight only.
Starting last, I had 8/4 drawn (8 in front only actually displayed) and
2 heard. A 15.5 fps indicates that the skids/paint were flashing at one
end, and either solid on or solid off on the other. Test 1 was for
solid off, and test 2 was for solid on. Average frame rate was
somewhere in between.
Note that for actual racing, 8 cars shown is probably a little high for
much of the race, so the actual fps will be higher for much of the race.