rec.autos.simulators

Hi,
A friend and I play F1GP2 using a serial-link. While this is great fun,
we have a problem of low frates while in serial-link mode.

I have a P133, 16MB, with an old 1MB video card.
My friend had a 486DX4 100MHz, 16MB, unknown video card.

We can both play the game reasonably well in single-player, it runs well on
my P133, and ok-ish on my friend's 486 provided he turns the detail down.
However, if we play a serial-linked game, we have to turn the detail down
still further and set the frame rate to ~ 10 fps and even then we often get
CPU usage over 100%, despite the fact that the computer suggests a frame
rate of around 16fps. We have experimented with different baud rates and
noticed little difference.

I wonder if anyone could provide more information on optimising the
serial-linked game. In particular, I intend to upgrade my video card soon -
can I expect a significantly better frame rate by doing this? My reasoning
is that maybe my processor is overloaded as it is the "lead" computer, and
having a better graphics card would relieve some of the load?? Or do you
think it's because my friend's DX4 is too slow, even though it runs much
faster on his computer when he is in single-player?

Any advice appreciated,
Steve

It was said that Microprose were going to bring out updates for this
problem, but they let everybody down (and
I haven't bought a piece of Microprose software since). So unfortunately,
your not going to get
much joy from running a linked GP2.  Hopefullg F1 from ubisoft will have
decent connections routines, although
you really need a 3dfx card + a  high pentium to do it justice.

regards

Mat

Hi Steve - that other reply you got was a useless rant so here's my two
cents. You're friend's 486 is definitely not helping, but there are some
things that can help. You should definitely use your P133 as the master
that is correct. Also, don't go too high on the baud as if it's too
fast, the performance actually starts to degrade (19,200 or the next
higher should be fine). First, make sure you start the program on both
machines with the command line '-use16550' (e.g. 'gp2 -use16550').
Before you connect, set BOTH machines on low detail (minimum trackside
objects, textures etc.), even on the P133 (especially BIG textures, the
road in particular). Then set both machines to the same frame-rate - try
something like 14 to start. This should at least make the game playable.

I picked up a fast 2D card which helped my P133 a bit, but it's the
processor that really makes the difference. I now have an AMD P200 and I
can run nearly full detail at 25 fps and it's fantastic.

Hope this helps,
Simon

I would agree with Simon's comments. I ran similar (actually slightly
worse) systems with a friend - a P60 and a DX4-100, and we were able to
have a reasonable race with low detail settings. The difference was we had
a couple of 2mb graphics cards.
As it is, the DX4-100 will struggle to cope.
You certainly need to make sure you've both got 16550 ports, & recognized
by the software. If not, you can get these pretty cheaply as an addon card.
Also, your 'old 1mb card' and your friend's 'unknown card' aren't really up
to the job. Changing these would make a big difference. Beyond that,
there's nothing to beat upgrading the CPUs.