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Trying to optimize NFL Blitz
mikeveli20:
Hello,
I am trying to optimize NFL Blitz so it plays a little smoother. This is the original version of Blitz. I am running Windows XP SP3 32-Bit, with a 3.71GHz E8400 Core2Duo (overclocked from 3.0), with 2GB RAM. It runs at above 100% before I start a game, but once I get in game it drops to about 80%. There is not too much noticeably lag in the gameplay, but the audio announcer stutters and skips a bit.
I've tried adding the -mt parameter when launching the game and that helps a bit. I've tried various frameskips and they don't seem to help at all, only make it worse.
Any ideas on how I can improve the performance of this game with my current hardware setup?
joeH:
I believe that blitz runs faster on the 64 bit version of Mame as compared to the 32 bit version. Also, like most games, raw horsepower is king. I have my 8400 overclocked to 4.0ghz with an aftermarket cooler. I think, if I recall taz's thread, that blitz runs almost 100% completely at 4.0ghz.
massive88:
You definitely need a 64 bit OS and the 64 bit binary. On Blitz2k I saw about a 25% speed increase on the same hardware just by going 64-bit.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=72776.msg826587#msg826587
mikeveli20:
I have considered going to 64-bit, but I have the feeling that it may cause more problems. This machine is for my cab, and I also have two EMS TopGun II, a Logitech MOMO steering wheel, Model 2 emulator, Zinc, and nullDC Naomi. I am worried that if I make the jump to 64-bit, I may get some compatibility and driver issues with my current setup. I'm also running MameWah as well. If I'm wrong about these compatibility/driver issues, please let me know. Last time I checked though the EMS TopGun II didn't work on 64-bit XP.
In response to joeH, 3.7 was the highest I could get without my heat going up too much. Right now at 3.7GHz, my CPU temp goes to 56-58 degrees under load and that's with an OCZ Vendetta cooler as well and two case fans. I think my processor's OCing capabilities are limited. I've overclocked a E7200 from 2.66 to 3.7 with the same heat output as my E8400 OCed to 3.7. What is the heat output you get on your processor under load?
Paul Olson:
I have an e8400 clocked at 4GHz and my temps hit 62 while testing with Orthos. It is stable, so I am letting it go. I had a Zalman 9700pro, and I couldn't get above 3.7 stable with it. The true black is supposed to be one of the best coolers, so you may want to give that a shot. I am running XP64 since Soft15KHz does not run on Vista 64. You may have driver issues, it is pretty common when moving to 64 bit. Wireless cards were the hardest for me to get drivers for. Maybe you could set up a dual boot to try it.
At 4GHz, Blitz runs well, but I still hear a stutter from the announcers once in a while.