H-L FPS halved w/ 5.1x vs. 5.0x w2k drivers - please help

[Rags]

Smiff,

I think I know what's going on. V-sync is messing with your frame rates. First thing to do is make sure that HL is running the same refresh rate as your desktop. To do this, make sure you have your monitor properly selected in windows, then customize your display modes using monitor settings in Powerdesk. Make sure you customize the display mode you run HL/TFC in, and make sure you tell powerdesk to allow windows to use that customization. Next thing to do is get the MTSU (it's the tech support's tweak utility), and disable v-sync in OpenGL, and maybe even check the box that says optimize for speed. Report back to let me know how this works for you.

Rags

[Smiff]

Rags,

I always run everything at 100Hz, using Powerstrip (don't like using Powerstrip but no choice with 5.0x). So when I went to 5.14 I just left Powerstrip handling refresh rates, it makes switching between drivers much less painfull.

My monitor was not set up in windows (due to BNC connection - listed as "unknown monitor"). So I manually installed it as Sony GDM-400PS. Then I used Powerdesk to set the relevant modes back to 100Hz.

Only weird thing here is that it is not the same 100Hz as Powerstrip's - 91.2khz v.s 90.9khz, so I have to adjust the screen. But i digress...

Using MTSU I can't see any way to disable v-sync in OGL (in d3d yes, but not ogl). I tried setting "optimise for speed", no noticeable difference If I choose "customised settings" then the section "vertical sync" becomes available. However, I do not understand these options ("block transfers", "page flipping" etc.) and every change requires a reboot, so takes long time to try everything... I tried always disable page flipping - didn't help either

Argh I just missed a clan match 'cos of this! Heh, anyway, appreciate the suggestions Rags

Smiff

[Rags]

Just disable vertical sync in the OpenGL section. It should work with those drivers (mind you I haven't had that version of the utility or those drivers on my system in over a month now).

Rags

[Kruzin]

In the OGL section, vsynch is not called vsynch.
It's called "Page Flipping"
Turn off page flipping.

[Smiff]

OK well that's what I guessed - I set "Page Flipping" to "Always OFF". It don't help

Rags what do you mean about not having that version? Are there newer drivers already or are you a beta tester or something? I would ask if this issue was addressed, but then neither Matrox nor anyone else apparently HAS an issue!!

[Rags]

Yes, I am a beta tester. I had those drivers (or some that were close) some time ago, and that's what I am referring to. I tell you what, I will put my old version (which is what you are using) on there if you give me a link to where I can find the demo you are using, so I can see myself.

Rags

[Smiff]

k thanks, well it's recorded on Counter-Strike b7.0, will also playback on 7.1 - do you have either?

I'm uploading the file now, will post link in a sec. if you do.

[Smiff]

http://www.smiff.clara.net/files/smiff1.rar

85kb compressed, a short and very boring run into cs_assault.

Here are my timedemo results again:

Half-Life v1.1.0.1 1152x864 16-bit, home-made demo on cs_assault
(default video settings)

5.14 5.04

36.5 62.1
38.8 62.2
38.8 61.8

[Smiff]

I can make a demo for normal HL deathmatch if that helps - this problem has nothing to do with CS - that's just my fav. game (actually the only game I play, heh)

Or is there a demo included with HL that we all have already?

[Rags]

I don't have CS 7.x do you have a link where I can get it, and how do I run your demo?

[Smiff]

http://www.counter-strike.net/downloads.html

Just extract demo to \Half-Life\cstrike\

Load up CS and at the console type "timedemo smiff1"
that's it

Thanks alot Rags I really appreciate it

[Rags]

smiff, something is not right with the demo you sent me. I ran it from the console after updating to CS 7.1b and the console said something about a CRC error in one of the dll files...strange, but it did give me results. I got 99 fps, but I don't think that is right, because I ran it again and got 142 fps.

Rags

[Smiff]

well yes I get the CRC error too, that's just 'cos it was recorded under a different version. It works fine for me and gives sensible results, i.e. figures that tally with my in-game FPS (given by cl_showfps 1)

So sorry about that, I have no idea why you get such mad high results (!)

Anyway I'm good at judging FPS by eye and feel, and 5.14 is jerky as hell (my aim is terrible), whilst 5.04 is smooth as silk ( I rock ) It's that simple.

Anyway for now I'm back on 5.04 and CS runs great (60FPS instead of 30). I'm just worried that sooner or later I'll have to buy a new card just because of the drivers - i.e. something won't work on these old ones Already there are some cool features I noticed in 5.14 that I'm missing...

I'll keep checking back here, very interested to see if anyone comes up with anything. Also the official Matrox forum will be open tommorrow.

[Smiff]

...though I don't expect them to know any more than you guys. hmm.

[Smiff]

OK I think we're barking up the wrong proverbial tree with the CVARS.



I'm going to have to go back to 5.04 again - I'm getting Counter-Strike withdrawal and my clan needs me, heh Actually they've gone from 9th to 7th in the UK since I stopped playing, hmm

I'll be checking back here often to see if anyone has a EUREKA! moment