rec.autos.simulators

   I did a little testing with the three versions of NASCAR2 (and
NASCAR1) to check frame rate.  I'm using a Pentium 133, SuperMicro
P5STE w/512k cache MB, 32 meg EDO, and Intergraph Reactor.  For the
test, I turned *everything* on (all graphics on [except wall detail
set to auto]; max cars on track, visible, and heard; spotter on full).
I ran a pace lap at Talladega (at the back of the field, no
qualifying) and determined the frame rate exiting turn 4, as the field
goes green.  This test was designed as the maximum CPU load for
comparison of the versions.  It is not intended to produce frame rates
worth bragging about (as you'll see).  The wall detail began flashing
at the following frame rates:

NASCAR2 (VESA SVGA, no UniVBE)     10-11fps
N2REND (no DMA)                     5-6fps
RENDDMA (DMA)                      13-14fps
NASCAR1 (VESA SVGA, no UniVBE)     10-11fps

* I'm surprised at how *slow* the non-DMA Rendition version is (-50%
below N2).  It's a tiny bit prettier, but hardly worth the frame rate
hit if you don't have DMA available on your machine.  :(

* The performance gain by the DMA version is worthwhile (+30%).  Not
as dramatic as ICR2 vs. ICR2-3D, but worthwhile none the less (how
much would you have to pay for a CPU upgrade to increase frame rate
30%? ;).  Also, the frame rate is generally much higher than this test
value.  In less traffic (but with similar graphics settings) I
typically get over 20fps.

* By my numbers, NASCAR2 runs about as fast as NASCAR1 did.  On the
other hand, it does look better and offer a richer graphics
environment (as well as other program enhancements).  For us
racing-sim junkies, its a simple must-buy, just like ICR1/2 or GP1/2.
:)

* BTW, In DMADIAG I'm getting 21 M/sec FIFO and 97-98 M/sec DMA.  How
does that compare with other Rendition users out there?

Pick one or more: Model Rockets (competition-NERCB) / PCs (even Atari!) /
Papyrus ICR-ICR2-NCR / Who needs a life when you have multiple non-lives?

That sounds just fine for your setup.

--

Emory University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Nascar Setups Page: http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~ebusch/

From the practical side of things the difference in frame rates or whatever
from Nascar1 to Nascar2 with Rendition is amazing. I have a P75 with 16MB.
Sears Point in N1 was near unplayable and as barren as a lunar landscape when I
found the heart to try it.  I tried Sears Point in N2 with renddma with 12
ahead and grass and asphalt ON.  WOW!!!  With the anti-aliasing fix it'll be
near photgraphic.

Love the car physics.  The on-track feel over N1 is much improved.  Wonder how
feel compares to GP2?

MPA

How are you guys checking frame rates?  The alt+R and alt+f don't seem
to work, and the check box to turn the frame counter on is nowhere to
be found (at least it's not where the manual said it was...).  Am I
missing something?

David

*** You're only young once, but you can stay immature forever ***

You have to do it the same way you did it in the original Nascar.  Turn
on all graphics details and set one to auto (either wall texture or
track texture is easy to use).  Set the min/max to the same number and
then go run some laps.  Adjust these numbers until the texture flickers
on and off.  This number is your FPS.

--

Emory University Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
The IWCCCARS Project: Q & A Representative
Nascar Setups Page: http://userwww.service.emory.edu/~ebusch/

Great Thank you to this report, Jeff.

I determine to get the Nascar2. J

Because I'm using same Pentium 133.
It is really good thing to device to get more performance on the same
hardwares.

Yoshihiko Minami