rec.autos.simulators

I run SCGT, Heat and GPL, pretty much with no problems.  I'm thinking of
upgrading to a GeForce 4 Ti4200 (and probably bump up to 512 Meg RAM).

The reason is to get F1 2002 and the Mods.  I had F1 2001 and the mods but I
had to dumb it down so much to run that it always sent me back to Heat and
SCGT.

As well I want to get N2003 in a couple of months.  (And SCGT places like
Kyalami, Watkins Glen and the 'Ring at the start are slide shows and I'd
like to improve this).

So my question is this, will upgrading to a proper GeForce 4 allow me to
run, acceptably, F1 2002 plus mods or will I bottle neck at the CPU and be
wasting my money?

ps I don't have a sound card I'm just running on board sound.  To me the
sound is good, but is it slowing everything else down?

TIA

I run GTR 2002 at 1024 x 768, 32 bit color (the menus don't work well at 16
bit). I have all graphics options to Full except shadows and special effects
that are disabled. At the back of a 35 car grid (GT & N-GT) it crawls down
to 20 fps in dry weather and even less if its raining.

However it goes up to 40+ fps after the cars are spread on track.

All other games (N2002, Heat, GPL, F1 2001 and its Mods) run like a dream
with full graphics.

This should give you an idea of what you can get with your Mobo and a new
CPU plus a Sound Card and a GF Ti4200 (not much difference to the 4400).

Regards,

Jo?o Gonzalez

   You WILL NOT EVER get the SCGT starts smoothed out.  Especially if you
are running more cars than the default.  I have a GF3 ti 200 with an xp1800+
and full field starts are HORRENDOUS!
The only way to get smooth running with SCGT is to use a 3dfx card with a
modern cpu.  Now this is not your fault, but the shoddy optimazation that
SCGT used.  If F1 2k2 was coded similarly to SCGT, we'd need half a dozen
CRAYs to run it.
    You will need as much cpu as possible for N2003.  A sub 2ghz chip
probably won't be enough.  Neither will a GF3 level (or beleow)video card.
(without really scaling back the graphics and visible cars.)
    F1 2k2 will run adequately with my level equipment, but if you really
want it to fly, then a cpu of greater than 2ghz (and I MEAN LOTS greater,
not a 2100+) and a newer vidcard are a must.  F1 2k2 handles better the
higher your framerate.  So you really need some serious HP to get the full
benefit.  BUT....as I said...it runs fairly well for me.  I average 40 to 50
fps with full 36 car GTR fields.
   My basic thrust is, IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT, do NOT sell yourself short by
wimping out on a cpu.  Get as MUCH GHZ as you can.
   May not slow things down.  They sometimes are NOT as compatible.  You
will often see more lockups.  But if it works and doesn't cause problems.
then be happy with it.

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Changed nothing else and the difference is remarkable! I've started
running F12001 again and have F12002 on order. It was just a waste of
time with the 2MX, but Ti4200 is great. And I run GPL with all the
addons, 16 bit cars etc., so I think it's a worthwhile upgrade. I don't
get too ambitious with the res, but 1024 X 768 is fine for GPL.

And it means you've got scope to upgrade your mobo and CPU when you've
got the cash without needing a new vid card.

AS for upgrading to 512MB RAM, I'm told there's no point in Win98, but
SDRAM's pretty cheap at the moment.

Glenn

My next question is if I was going to upgrade the MoBo and Processor what's
the best options out there?  Like I said I've got a 1 Gig Athalon but a Via
chip set that I've had nothing but trouble with and hate. Also I don't have
a lot of money.

TIA