FC2, multicore usage and XP/Vista/W7

[Distiler]

So, I suppose FC2 works like DCS:Ka-50 in multicore usage matter. Am I wrong?

 

If I'm right, then those with Windows XP will have just 1 core active while those with Vista or W7 will have 2 cores active (if played in full screen, I think in windowed mode doesen't work, have to try). This means more fps in those Windows (from 20-50% more)

 

Also, if you're thinking about upgrading windows, do it to a 64 bit version.

 

Just a tip for those who don't have DCS:Ka-50 :)

[Pilotasso]

You will need Vista or Windows 7 for more than 1 core perfomance increase. This a sytem level issue.

[topdog]

Is that true if you disable HT too?

 

My memory is hazy (XP is, after all, over 8 years old and Windows NT is over 15), but I thought it had the capability and was just soft-locked (license limitation) to 2 CPUs for SMP.

 

Pretty sure Windows 2000 Pro with my dual Slot-1 P2 400's I could do it even heh (that machine is still around somewhere I should see if it works).

 

A quick google (which does point out that XP Home edition can't do more than 1 physical CPU, something I wouldn't have been aware of) produces plenty of bytes saying it can:-

 

http://searchwindowsserver.techtarget.com/tip/0,289483,sid68_gci1189223,00.html

http://www.tomshardware.com/news/microsoft-windows-xp-vista,6895.html (actually declares XP as the fastest Win OS in this regard, at time of publishing a year ago)

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/246654-10-windows-quad-core-processors

http://www.microsoft.com/licensing/about-licensing/multicore-processor-licensing.aspx

 

Also seems it is referring to physical CPUs as a distinction in the licensing, so it probably isn't even bugging out over a 'faked CPU' via HT.

 

Did I misunderstand what you meant by a system level problem?

[EtherealN]

XP does not have Dx10/11 support. Therefore it cannot do an "affinity trick" for improving load balancing. Vista and 7 does support Dx10/11 respectively, so they can do it. This is basically an issue of how the OS does things, and XP doesn't do it the "right way" for this to work.

 

Disabling HT shouldn't make a difference technically (it may still have performance effects though).

[topdog]

Some hackery in DX10+ would make sense, thanks, I'd like to read more on the inner detail of any 'affinity trick' if someone has it though.

[Distiler]

Exactly, it's not that XP isn't multicore capable (it is), the thing is that DCS/FC2 is not optimized for that, so it relies in directx10 and graphics drivers to load the second core.

[EtherealN]

Well, FC2 also loads the second core with sound.

[RvEYoda]

The new sound engine in FC2/DCS is multicore and I dont think you need

windows7/Vista to see gains for that. For graphics performance however

I guess win7 could run faster, since drivers could be differently optimized

for multi core systems.

 

EDIT: Darn, EtherealN was faster!

[Distiler]

Well, yes I forgot!, the sound engine will use both cores even in XP. But FC will continue to run faster in Vista/W7 due load in 2 cores.

[Rikus]

I have windows XP Pro.

 

And W7 but not installed, mi PC is:

 

Mother Board: Asus P5B Deluxe

CPU: Conroe 6600 2.400@3.100mhz

RAM: G.Skill 2GB (2x1GB) DDR2-800Mhz 4-4-4-12

Graphic: ASUS 9800GT 512

HD: Seagate 320 gygas SATA II 7200.10

 

As you can see i only have 2 GB RAM, so, i will get more FPS in FC2 if i install W7, or better stay with XP PRO

 

Greetings

[Sawamura]

I hope its worth to use both cores by using W7.

 

When i tried out W7, switching from XP to W7 64, i had an fps drop of ~20 - 25. :music_whistling:

[Distiler]

Sawamura, that is with LO:FC 1.12, too old engine it even doesen't use 2 cores in Vista or W7 (tho you were loosing more fps than anyone, dunno why). We are talking here about DCS/FC 2.0, that is way faster in Vista/W7 than in XP AFAIK. I think we discussed that.

Edited March 25, 2010 by Distiler

[Bucic]

I hope its worth to use both cores by using W7.

 

When i tried out W7, switching from XP to W7 64, i had an fps drop of ~20 - 25. :music_whistling:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showpost.php?p=823470&postcount=31

See the thumbnailed chart.

[RvEYoda]

I think multi core will work fine in XP also. (xp32 here with classic E8400 3.0 GHz c2d)

 

[Distiler]

I think multi core will work fine in XP also. (xp32 here with classic E8400 3.0 GHz c2d)

 

That is running FC2.0? if it is, then that is because the new sound engine that it is indeed multicore. Anyway, in Vista/W7 should be way faster.