phoenix 1.02a

[jamiem]

i have to say that im not overly impressed with the update so far. it ran perfectly before on both my pc (amd 3000+ 64, 768 ram, geforce fx5200), and on my missus' much lower spec laptop, and it noticably slower on both, and with no real noticable improvements??? the glare from the sky is pretty, but is it necessary? the choppers still dont seem to fall under gravity any better, and to top it off, both times ive used it on my desktop, its crashed the system in to a full instant reset whereas before it was perfect.

maybe they have some issues to iron out on the update, because i did think it was brilliant.

[Ade_Law]

you are right on the bottom or the recomended spec for graphics cards.

Unfortunately better graphics puts more load on things so when your running at/below minimum spec it is going to suffer.

have you tried turning off reflections?

Ade

[Leebert]

Hi all
I had a Geo Force 5200 until this week and Reflex would run at around 20 to 30 fps max and go jerky when the scenery had to move fast such as when you fly past the camera position closely. I then went out and bought a Radeon X1600 video card (£90) and the frame rate now hovers () around the 300 area.
Not Phoenix I know but shows the difference a decent video card makes.

[ChrisB]

I also have the X1600 its a stunning card and also gives me 270 plus FPS on Reflex,but for some reason the Phoenix update has killed my framerate with smoke on..I am going to try a complete Phoenix reinstall tonight

Update is welcome though

[Ade_Law]

i will have a chat with phoenix re: smoke. my 9600 pro gets killed with the smoke on close in too. To be expected on an older card like mine tho Smoke is pretty hard on the system especially when theres lots of it. Wonder if he can simplify the smoke without reducing the density.

Ade

[robgt]

I had my smoke setting on White @ 25%.
I thn decided to turn it off, but left the 25% slider untouched.
I still get a little bit of smoke but the smoothness of the sim increased, which is cool
I'm running a 256meg 9600 I think (so long since I put it in there that I forget exactly...)
Cheers,
Rob

[Fixxxer]

No probs with frame rate, smoke or any other effects and I'm only running a 256mb 9550 aswell coupled with a P4 3ghz & 1gb of ram. For those who are having problems then get windows defender if you haven't already got it and make sure it is upto date, although this is mostly a malware tool etc the latest version includes a software explorer in you control panel, run this and it will give you a detailed analysis of all programs currently running at startup, in the backround etc. make sure you have nothing taking up valuable resources. All the best folks.

[andylinney]

Well, I've just put my copy of reflex up for sale to buy Phoenix - I hope you're right ade!

Andy

[wang_uk]

Getting a Good graphics card has become one of the more important things in your rig. (Wait till Vista is out)
Just a few things to try if you have lower end machines. 1. Kill of any process you don’t need. (Remove all the icons down next to the clock) and Alt Ctrl Del.
2. Stop or shutdown your antivirus while using the Sims.
3. Defrag your machine.
4. make sure you have at least 25% disk space spare


One other thing to think of that might be cheaper is RAM. Just my sticking in 128Mb cheap ram £16 will make a difference. One thing I will say if you can afford good memory then go for it. It does make a difference!!!!!!

Sorry to correct you Ade but if you purchase a good Graphics card it actually uses less system resources as they use there own GPU instead of the CPU and the onboard memory is a better quality and faster mhz then your systems. (Most of the time )

Well Geek signing off!!!

[Ade_Law]

sorry.. to clarify, better graphics in the sim put more load on the computer.

Ade

[col9]

I've given up worrying about GFX, it runs silky smooth at 1280x1024 with white frames on the pod and booms when they are lit, in the shade they are fine. I think pheonix have also given up but I cant complain after such a great amount of effort. No one should be working and exchanging emails at midnight, respect to them for that alone, without anything else theyve done.

So end result is.....with a 2ghz P4, 1GB RDram and a GF4 MX440 I get no smoke shame but no biggy, and now white frames only on pod and booms, scales and fixed wing are fine, and I'm over it.

See ya
Col.

[wang_uk]

Ok ade i stand corrected. most Software now days uses less system hardware

[col9]

THEY'VE FIXED IT! I had an update to 1 heli to try and it works a treat full textures with lighting, nice.

So once again a big thankyou to the Pheonix support team for such outstanding service.

See ya
Col.

[andylinney]

Well, reflex sold - phoenix is on it's way. I just need a Futaba round plug now, anyone.....?

[Ade_Law]

congrats!

phoenix do the adapters or you can take a trip to maplins for a Din connector.

Ade