rec.autos.simulators

I want to speed up GP2!

I have a friend who runs a computer business, and for whom I`ve gotten a
few leads, and in return he does me good deals.

He has offered to swap my Intel P133 for a Cyrix 686/133.

Now, do I do it or not.

I use my PC mainly for Netscape, Hot Dog Pro 32bit, Lotus Smartsuite 96,
Microsift Office 96, and graphic intensive games, like Microprose GP2, ICR2
and all those 3D things.

What do you think?

Lyndon J. Allen

Well my father owns a 686/133 and its not so fast as the P133.

--
Rui Cook
Ferrari, chariots of God

Portugal

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If you really want to speed up your PC save your money until you can
afford to change to a faster Intel Pentium CPU.

Bear in mind that Intel sets the standards in CPU technology and
everyone
else follows.

Sure the Cyrix/IBM Cpu's work fine but you should also consider
the resale value will always be much lower on a non Intel CPU.

Then there is the old "WILL THIS PROGRAM RUN ON MY PC" question.
With the Intel CPU's there is no real doubt, whereas sometimes
the other manufacturers can't live up to the same reputation.
EXAMPLE: Try playing the current demo of NASCAR II with a CYRIX/IBM CPU
THIS WILL NOT WORK. Whilst they say that this will be fixed before the
final
release this just proves my point that you never know.

Go with the proven brands unless you simply can't afford the real thing.

Similar scenario to sound cards I guess. You can buy many Sound Blaster
compatible cards, but how many problems are experienced by people. I
have lost count.

Stick with what you have got for now Lyndon.

Kind regards
David Strid
DLS Computers

dont do it!!!!!!!!! DONT DO IT KEEP THE INTEL

This has always been my dream: having a friend who runs a computer
business... Some might tell to go for it, a lot more will tell you not
to (and reading posts here in usenet I wouldn't do it either). But I
would never miss a chance to kindly ask for a Cyrix for a week-end to
quietly test at home and learn first hand. You might notice something
that nobody would tell you :)
Sorry if your friend would never do that...

Karim

   Is that a Cyrix 6x86 P133+ (runs at 110 MHz) or a 133 MHz Cyrix 6x86
(which is more commonly refered to as the P166+)?

   If its the first (P133+, 110 MHz), be advised:
1. the speed is quite similar to the Pentium 133 (so you wouldn't gain much)
2. the Cyrix FPU unit is significantly slower than the Pentium, so math-
   intensive software (CAD, scientific, etc) and a few games (Quake) would
   suffer
3. not all motherboards support the 55/110 MHz frequency (so it may not work)
4. the Cyrix chips draw more power and disipate more heat, so you need a
   good power supply, MB voltage regulator, and cooling
5. the chip is only worth around $135 US now, while the P133 goes for $230
   (not a very good swap)  :(
6. the Cyrix 6x86 is not compatible with some software (in particular, the
   NASCAR2 demo [although Papyrus says the final product will work with
   the Cyrix] and Rendition-ready ICR2-3D [a patch has been released, so
   it is now functional, but still has a few minor bugs])

   If its the second (133 MHx, P166+), be advised:
1. Points 2, 4, and 6 above still apply (I've heard the P166+ FPU is
   comparable to a P90-P100 FPU, I've also heard of an AutoCAD benchmark
   that runs 1/3 the speed of a Pentium 166)
2. You would get a decent speed boost (maybe 20 percent?)
3. The chip goes for $200 US now, so you're still giving away a little,
   although perhaps gaining value for your usage

   For more info on the Cyrix, check THE (unofficial) Cyrix info page:
http://www.ionet.net/~rbdavis/

   If you plan to go Cyrix, check the Cyrix site for a motherboard
compatability list:
http://www.cyrix.com/

   Or hang out in

for more CPU info than you ever wanted to know!  :)

   Good luck!

PS - I'm a ICR2/NASCAR/GP2 fan who's upgrading my DX2/66.  Just wanted
to share some of the info I've digested in the past month.  I ended up
deciding to go with a Pentium 133 and the Intergraph Reactor, so ICR2
and NASCAR2 will fly, GP2 will become more palatable.

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?

Don't do it!!!! the co-processor is rated as a 387!!!

Brian

 If you're not getting anything else for it, NO. The Intel 133 is about
$150 higher in price than the Cyrix 133. If he's offering the Cyrix 166,
then maybe, but I like Intel better. I have an Intel 166, and GP2 runs
really good, as well as every other app.

Just my opinion.
Craig Marcho
http://members.gnn.com/cmarcho/

Are you out of Monty Python's or something? As you can read (I suppose
so, coz you at least thought you were answering to something) he who
asked the question in the first place, uses Win95 software the most.
And according to every test there is, Cyrix beats them all in Win95
using 32-bit programs. And where does he need the co-processor in
those programs. I have to admit that I don't know much about Hot Dog
(not a vegetarian though), but the only thing that might be slower /
have problems is ICR2. GP2 is very fast indeed especially if the Cyrix
is the 133MHz P166+ one. I have one myself so I think I know and I
guess you have Intel Inside logo even in your vital parts, so it's
easy to guess why you're blaming Cyrix.

And to Lyndon: the best way to test is, as said, to borrow both of the
chips and try it by yourself. You said your friend was in the
business, so it shouldn't be a problem.

   -Jam DiTroid
    De Rectum Non Tolerandum Sunt ;)

--
  ("'-''-/").___..--''"'-._     .   You have contacted :  



(il).-''  (li).'   ((!.-'     http://www.aljan.com.au/~qball

I know as a fact that Cyrix P166+ running at designed 133 MHz is faster than
my Intel P150 running at 166 MHz (83*2) in Win95.  But Intel is way faster
playing ICR2 in DMA rendition mode.

Hope this helps.

"At the beginning of any project, a high level of e***ment
can be found with a low level of execution." - Trevor Harris