How to Optimize a Laptop for Trainz?

N

NJCurmudgeon

New member
Okay...I know already that a laptop isn't the ideal computer to be running Trainz on. But, failing one of you guys buying me standalone fire-breathing computer for Trainz [pauses...hears crickets...], the best I'm gonna be doing for now is this Del Vostro 1500 laptop with the built-in Intel 965 chipset video card.

I've been building a somewhat complex route in Trainz 2009 and note that it struggles with draw distances and frame rates. Not enough that I can't use it, but enough to be kind of annoying.

So does anyone have any suggestions how I can optimize my settings, within the inherent limitations of a laptop, to get as smooth game-play as possible? If you need any further specs, let me know.

Many thanks!

Gordon
 
Hi Gordon,

Some folks here recommend Game Booster.

http://iobit.com/gamebooster.html

Other options could be to reduce options like, draw distance and others to reduce processor (CPU and GPU) bottlenecks.

Other options I use is to...
-Find a route you enjoy
--delete as many splines, trees, unnecessary content to your satisfaction.
*****millions of trees do nothing
---trim excess baseboards out of the route
----I use CAB mode, it reduces the field of vision thus demand
-----Increase RAM to max for your lap
------Defrag regularly
-------Fix or delete faulty content

Others here may suggest better options.

Regards,
Ron

Hope this helps.
 
The graphics card will be the bottleneck here.

Intel graphics cards are usually a no-no for later versions of Trainz, due to OpenGL issues.

It may be worth posting your complete system specs (I have a utility to assist with this if needed)

Shane
 
Thanks guys for the replies.

Shane, if you can send the utility, I can give you my email address in a private message.

RRSignal, it's Windows XP. As for memory, there's different kinds, but if I can get the complete specs from Shane's utility I'll post them here. I use this thing for graphics work, so it's not a dedicated gaming computer.

Ron, I'll check out Game Booster. I've tried to only have splines, cars, traffic lights and more "complex" assets positioned near the tracks, where they will be seen in or around the trains. Beyond a certain point, I try to simplify stuff since it's just background and doesn't need details. I do regular defrags and try to keep things as unburdened as possible - like I said, I also use this professionally for graphics work, so I kind of have to have a regular maintenance routine.

Thanks again. I'll post better specs when I can and see if Game Booster makes a difference.
 
One more suggestion

I also run Trainz on a less than top of the line laptop, although it does run Trainz pretty well. In addition to reducing draw distance, as others have suggested, (I'm at 2000 m), increase "good weather" fog. This makes your reducing draw distance much less annoying.
 
Sorry for the delay in following up! I installed Game Booster and have noticed some improvement, but it still lags on frame rates depending on the angle I'm viewing the train from the outside. From the side, it is pretty smooth, but looking more along the line of travel, it slows - perhaps because of rendering the perspective?

In any case, Shane was kind enough to give me his utility for the specs. I'm pasting them below. If anyone can look at it and tell me any other ways I might improve performance, I would be obliged!

PC Information Report
Generated using PC Information Application by Shane Turner
System Information

System Manufacturer:Dell Inc.
System Model:Vostro 1500
System Type:X86-based PC

Operating System Information

Operating System Name:Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition|C:\WINDOWS|\Device\Harddisk0\Partition1
Build:2600(Multiprocessor Free)
Service Pack:3.0
Status: OK

Memory Information

Total/Free Physical Memory (in GB):1.99/1.06

Graphics Card Information

Graphics Card 1
Graphics Card:Mobile Intel(R) 965 Express Chipset Family
Driver Version:6.14.10.5029
Date of current driver:20090121154256.000000-000
Video Memory:0.38 GB (384.00 MB)
Graphics Card 1
Graphics Card:Mobile Intel(R) 965 Express Chipset Family
Driver Version:6.14.10.5029
Date of current driver:20090121154256.000000-000
Video Memory:0.38 GB (384.00 MB)

Processor Information

Number of Logical Processors: 2
Processor:Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T5470 @ 1.60GHz
Current Clock Speed:1.60 Ghz
Maximum Clock Speed:1.60 Ghz
External Clock Speed (If present):0.20 Ghz
Processor Type:32 Bit
Processor Status:OK
Processor information can be affected by power management and certain processor features.

DirectX and Drive Information

Detected DirectX version: (This may not match any expected values) 4.09.00.0904
Drive Information:
Drive C:\ : 119.61GB Free ( 136.94 GB Capacity after formatting)
Drive G:\ : 163.49GB Free ( 327.80 GB Capacity after formatting)
 
The main issue I can see is your graphics card.

Intel cards do not do very well with Trainz.

Also, 2GB is not a lot for a Trainz system.

Shane
 
Yeah, that's kind of what I figured. I was hoping there was something I might tweak. It doesn't run horribly, but there are issues I was hoping to fix.

I do find it ironic that when I posted the specs it translated the manufacturer name into :D ....as if to mock me!

Thanks everyone for their suggestions. Much obliged!
 
That's easy to stop.

When replying to a thread, simply tick the 'disable smilies' option.

This can also be done when editing posts, but you will need to click 'Go Advanced'.

Shane
 
My Inspiron 1545 handles trainz 2009 better than classics 1&2, and 2006. Here is what I would do, and I have noticed some improvement in fps when doing this.

1. Load trainz using Gamebooster.
2. Also use Iobits turbo boost feature.
3. Don't have too many open windows or background processes running
4. Use a cooling fan because trainz will push your laptop to the limit if ran without this.
5. Fix faulty content.


Most of my routes have an average fps of about 20-35fps on max detail. One time, it reached 75 when I was using trainz classics.
 
Hi Malikrthr,

I have been using Gamebooster and find a little improvement. I presume that's shutting down all the unnecessary background processes. I also have been using a fan for a while because I replaced the hard drive with a faster spinner that generated more heat in general. The two things I didn't do from your list of suggestions was to finish fixing the faulty content and I'm not sure what the "Iobits Turbo Boost" is? Is that something in Trainz or a third party like Gamebooster?

Many thanks!
 
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