Multi Core

[Froztbyte]

Ok i remember someone saying something about if you have a multi core processor there would be more features or sumthin for people with multicore

dunno if thats the exact words
but what features

or is he just meaning faster, smoother gameplay

[squerl]

Here's what Mike Booth said:

In addition to the new stats and ranking features, we're also working with Valve to include support for multi-core processors. We've added physics-based animation to Source for things such as the Boomer's jiggly belly full of blood, flexible hair that moves naturally, and floppy bits of clothing. We're also leveraging the new particle system coming to Source for enhanced effects. That's just some of what's coming in the first release.

So people with multicores will have some more spiffy features, on top of having faster/smoother gameplay.

[Froztbyte]

nice :)

[Skeetles]

Glad I got that quad-core now :P

[Froztbyte]

wait core 2 duo is still a multi core or whatever right?...

[Kenny]

Yes it is.

@Skeetles, don't think there will be very many benefits for quad-core. TF2 and the like are optimized for dual-core. I doubt they'll introduce new tech just for a 3rd party game.

[hool10]

It costs the same though. So the extra 2 cores for the same price? Easy choice is the quad. The new 45nm ones are coming out I think March of next year. So I would hold off until then. URL (http://www.digitimes.com/mobos/a20071218PD212.html) Right now I overclocked my quad core to 3.0GHz but could go more, but I don't want a nuclear meltdown. All you need is this: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82 E16835109140 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16835109140) It cools it silently with no fans. Cools better than with a fan actually.

[Skeetles]

Looks like we have the same setup hool10.

and @Kenny, we can still take advantage of the dual core optimization with quadcore right?

[squerl]

and @Kenny, we can still take advantage of the dual core optimization with quadcore right?

Yeah. The argument of dual vs quad core right now, given that they cost the same, would be that most software if multi-core at all is dual core. Dual core processors run without producing as much heat, and can therefore be overclocked more. People saying it's better for dual core are the ones that are overclocking and just taking advantage of current technology, but quad core is more future-proof (as soon as software takes advantage of more than 2, the dual core loses its higher clock speed advantage).

[frogopus]

It costs the same though. So the extra 2 cores for the same price? Easy choice is the quad. The new 45nm ones are coming out I think March of next year. So I would hold off until then. URL Right now I overclocked my quad core to 3.0GHz but could go more, but I don't want a nuclear meltdown. All you need is this: http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82 (http://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82) E16835109140 It cools it silently with no fans. Cools better than with a fan actually.

Hool, I've got my quad at 3.3 using the same piece. Go on... more, more, more!

[hool10]

Mine can only go up to 3.23Ghz. I can go more but it won't be stable.

[gorgoth]

I was under the impression that that Booth quote just meant that a multi core processor would run the new effects (Hair, Belly) smoother. Pretty sure that all forms of computers will have that, but the game will take advantage of multiple cores to put more juice into making each part smoother.

[FRAGious]

Pretty sure that all forms of computers will have that, but the game will take advantage of multiple cores to put more juice into making each part smoother.


That's also how I remember it...

I'm getting Q6600 (G0, SLACR) for sure. And now that all the major blockbuster graphics-cards-killer games imho WILL take full advantage of 4 cores and Vista is soon to improve on the same area; I can't see a reason to wait for newer CPUs. The Q6600 is awesome, ridiculously cheap and the SLACR-version OCs very well.

BTW, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanuka and Kwanzaa, Guys!

[Puscifer]

I have a AMD Duel Core 4200 +, should just be ok i reckon:)

(with 2 gig gaming memory and sli 7600's)

[Atari]

I have the same CPU (AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+) running the same 2gb ram, why do you say "just ok"!? You have me a little worried now :p

Even more so as I'm only running a single Nvidia GeForce 6800 GS *gulp*

My first priority was gonna be a 24" TFT, but I really want a smooth frame-rate more.

[hool10]

A TFT monitor? I think you should check out the current LCDs and what they are capable of.

[Puscifer]

I have the same CPU (AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+) running the same 2gb ram, why do you say "just ok"!? You have me a little worried now :p

Even more so as I'm only running a single Nvidia GeForce 6800 GS *gulp*

My first priority was gonna be a 24" TFT, but I really want a smooth frame-rate more.

im hoping that most of the AI, Infected Animations and new addidtions to the Source engine are gonna run from my extra core.

do u play TF2 on high settings, and what kinda fps do u get?

[Atari]

A TFT monitor? I think you should check out the current LCDs and what they are capable of.

TFT (thin-film transistor) is a technology used in LCDs.

do u play TF2 on high settings, and what kinda fps do u get?

I'm on my way out the door, but will have a look later.

[globalenjoi]

im hoping that most of the AI, Infected Animations and new addidtions to the Source engine are gonna run from my extra core.

Pretty sure it doesn't work like that. That's part of the problem with multi-cores right now, is that it's not as simple as tossing one core the job of handling AI, and the other to handle physics.

I'm not too sure on the specifics of it, but I recall something being mentioned in class one day about how even though you can split the data between the cores for processing, there is still some delay because it has to be put back together in order. So if one core has a lot of work, and the other has very little, then you are going to end up waiting on that one core anyway.

[Atari]

do u play TF2 on high settings, and what kinda fps do u get?

If I set TF2 to max settings, I get around 20-25 fps (1280x1024). What ya think?

I'm not too sure on the specifics of it, but I recall something being mentioned in class one day about how even though you can split the data between the cores for processing, there is still some delay because it has to be put back together in order. So if one core has a lot of work, and the other has very little, then you are going to end up waiting on that one core anyway.

My understanding is that at the moment, Valve's source engine is not truly multi-threaded. Certain processes are off-loaded to extra cores if they're detected, otherwise they all run through the same core.

So at the moment, IIRC source only detects 1 extra core, so you're looking at a max of 2 cores even if you have a quad-core setup and TRS have said that they've coded the extra core to handle physics animations (hair/boomer's belly) etc.

I'm not sure of any game engines that are around right now that are 'truly' multi-threaded but I bet Valve will be one of the first to do it.

[Puscifer]

If I set TF2 to max settings, I get around 20-25 fps (1280x1024). What ya think?

thats seems about right, ive not cheked yet ill have a look now.

[Puscifer]

ok i get an avarege of 70-80 with everything maxed and about 130 max (indoors etc)..

so hopefully it will be roughly the same for l4d:)

[Atari]

Hmm must be your SLI'd 7600s thats making such a huge difference?

I'm not up-to-date with all the latest and greatest cards, any ideas on how to up my FPS to at least 60? Maybe get another 6800 GS and SLI them?

[Cradoc]

no, Get a new vid card is the easiest way, and pretty much guarantee playability for future games :D

[globalenjoi]

The new 8800GT cards are a damn good deal, if you're in the market for a new card.

[Atari]

Looks like I'll have to hold back on that 24" TFT lol

Oh, and Merry xmas all :)

[globalenjoi]

Merry Christmas from me too!!