Ok first I haven't flown the game for a couple years due to lack of proper PC to run the new versions.
Recently, I built a 1GB machine and started testing AH settings and Machine performance. Using the same exact runway and land marks in ever single offline testing sortie. Using a mouse as a joystick.
CPU: PIII 1GB
RAM: 512
Video: Pny Geforce 4 MX 420 (gag!)
HD: 2-40 GB
At first I had an older version of AH II (202). Using the default Offline Field, and runway NW.
In the Tower I got 28 fps.
Starting engine period would be around 15-18 fps. Depending on settings.
Passing the first hanger object on the runway I was getting between 14-17 FPS, depending on settings. 19 was tops I could milk out of it.
When the wheels left the ground I was at between 18-22 fps, again depending on the settings.
Once in the air I averaged between 21-24.
As I made a left bank I could sustain anywhere between 23-32 fps.
Over the ocean I could keep it at 40 fps.
As soon as I turned back towards the base it would drop as I got closer back down to 19-21 fps.
On someone's 6 around 18-22 fps
In almost every occasion side views produced a much higher fps no matter where I was, probably due to the cockpit graphics etc..
I decided to update the game version, of course anticipating another fps hit.
NOT SO. Version 208 actually produced a much higher fps. I attribute this due to the optimizations provided in the new version. And as stated some cards will not notice much difference while others will.
Evidently the Pny Geforce 4 MX 420 benefits greatly from this feature.
I was just floored to see the results using the same testing method. making no changes in my settings at the end of my 202 test.
In the Tower I got 34+ fps.
Starting engine - 24+ fps
Passing first hangar object - 23 fps
Lifting off ground - 25+ fps
Once in air - 28-32+ fps
First Left Bank - 35-41+
Over ocean between 45-58+ fps
On someone's 6 - 31+ fps.
Now some people whith current fast paced machine won't think a 10 fps increase isn't all that much. But when older machine like mine is on the brink of not being able to deal with intensive graphics, 10+ fps puts it in the playing field.
A little more tweaking and I'll be able to deal with the hords to a point.
Then again, Grimm (if I remember right) and I had PIII 450s tweaked to almost be able to play the game.
I'll be back into the game REAL soon, I just have to fix a broken stem on my X45. ;-)
Animl
