Hi guys,
I have run some tests with the debug versions of FMS 2.0b7, since I also have been afflicted with slow frame rates on the release version.
My recommendation after these tests: Go with page flipping!
How these tests were conducted:
These tests were conducted on a Gateway SOLO 9300 XL notebook running Windows 2000 Professional, Service Pack 2 level with current hotfixes, and DirectX 8.0a. This unit was fitted with a Pentium-III 700MHz processor, 288MB RAM and an integrated 8MB ATI Rage Mobility-M1 (2xAGP). It was also connected to a Gateway docking station for use with a Microsoft SideWinder 3D Pro (game port edition) for control. The LCD display is hard-wired to run at 60Hz, which is likely a limiting factor on FMS’s frame rate for lower resolutions.
The desktop was set to 1280x1024 16-bit resolution before running FMS.
FMS 2.0b6 was configured with no sound (to put as much work as possible into graphics); “Speed and altitude†on; “Frames per second†on; and all graphics options turned on.
FMS 2.0b7 was configured in a somewhat different manner. Before running each version, the registry key
HKLM\Software\Flying-Model-Simulator\MainForm*1 was deleted to reset the “factory defaults†for standing position, etc. FMS was then run and configured with no sound; “Speed, altitude and vario†on; “Frames per second†on; all graphics options turned on with 16-bit colour; and the menu bar was hidden.
In all cases, the actual measurement was made using the “SU-26†model sitting at its standing position on the runway of the “World.scn†landscape. It was noted, though, that higher frame rates could be achieved whilst flying when only one or two “triangles†of sky were visible behind the model.
Results for FMS 2.0b6:
320x240, 60 fps
512x384, 43 fps
640x480, 30 fps
*2
800x600, 30 fps
*2
1024x768, 20 fps
1280x1024, 12 fps
Results for FMS 2.0b7 (Release version):
320x240, 9 fps
512x384, 4 fps
640x480, 3 fps
800x600, 2 fps
1024x768, 1 fps
1280x1024, 1 fps
Results for FMS 2.0b7 (Debug “do flip†version):
320x240, 58 fps
512x384, 30 fps
*2
640x480, 30 fps
*2
800x600, 30 fps
*2
1024x768, 20 fps
1280x1024, 14 fps
Results for FMS 2.0b7 (Debug “no mip†version):
320x240, 9 fps
512x384, 4 fps
640x480, 3 fps
800x600, 2 fps
1024x768, 1 fps
1280x1024, 1 fps
Results for FMS 2.0b7 (Debug “vblank†version):
320x240, 9 fps
512x384, 4 fps
640x480, 2 fps
800x600, 2 fps
1024x768, 1 fps
1280x1024, 1 fps
*1 I highly recommend that you
DO NOT edit your own Registry. Neither I nor Microsoft support modifying the registry through programs like RegEdit nor RegEdt32. Be it on your own head.
*2 These “curious†results were re-tested several times for verification.
Hope this helps.
Kind regards,
Anthony.