Sould I buy...

[trainzsam]

TRS 04? Its rather an odd question but does it work better than 06'? I need some opinions, I have already fried/roasted one computer with 06', so I'm looking to see if I could get something a little easier on my computer. Thanks. I currently don't have any routes, or custom content, that was lost when I tried to fix TRS 06'. Sorry about the typo in the title...

Trainzsam

 

[SuperFudd]

In my opinion, 06 is better than 04 but 04 does have some advatages.
How do you mean "fried"? If 06 overheated your computer, so will 04. If any program will overheat your computer, Trainz will. You need better cooling, or a better power supply?

 

[meridious]

The decision is ultimately yours but I would say Yes.

 

[ColPrice2002]

I've noticed that TRS 2006 is demanding on the graphics card (and processor) - and so is TRS 2004.

I installed one of the Akasa CPU cooling fans (heatpipe type) which reduced the CPU temperature from about 60C to <30C. That helped a lot.

I've just upgraded the case (tower) to an Akasa Zen (I seem to like their products ) - that has twin 12cm fans and has knocked about 10C off the graphics card temperature (nVidia 6600 GT) as well as another 5C off the CPU.

I suspect that a lot of commercial PCs are OK for cooling - but don't expect long periods of being used at full capacity all the time. It's well worth (IMHO) using your computer's BIOS settings to monitor and warn of the system temperature exceeds the limits.

I'd rather spend about £20 on a decent CPU cooler than another piece of software - which may not solve the problem...

Colin

 

[trainzsam]

Thanks, it may not be trainz at all, or the overheating problem. The computer is a cheapo refurbished thing that we (my dad and I) got a "good deal" on, (we bought it a Fry's so the joke is that "we've fried the Fry's computer!") Its most likely just a big piece of junk that we shelled out $600+ for though.

Trainzsam

 

[BidMod]

I've noticed that TRS 2006 is demanding on the graphics card (and processor) - and so is TRS 2004.

A few members (myself included) have noticed that '06 is slightly kinder on the hardware than '04, but it still isn't too hard to push the limits. The idea that the AI is better coordinated in '04 also appears to be myth, but this depends a lot on the layout.

The differences (and in my opinions these are the advantages of '06) lie in content management - in '06 much of the processing of the libraries is done using CMP, but '04 does it all on the fly as the program is loaded and the times needed to launch the program can reach as much as 20 minutes in extreme cases. Since getting '06 I've only launched '04, so for me there is no reason I can see to revert to older software.

As for the overheating - others have mentioned that this is not Trainz at fault, but if you push the processor and graphics systems to the limits your machine will always heat up - one thing not mentioned is that opening up the case and cleaning it using a can of air (you can use a vacuum cleaner on the case itself, but keep it off the boards) will allow it to breathe properly and may help in the short term.

 

[gisa]

Hi Trainzsam,


I personally think 04 is the way to go (I own all three). I think 06 has some great routes, but the whole cmp thing is a nightmare to many people and I just can't see the point of seriously trying to learn a flawed product in that sense. TC is great for driving the few routes that come with it, but it comes without any objects to really make any routes (and good luck importing them from what I heard). If you are into route creation, I suspect that there might be more and newer things for 06, but most people still use 04 to build the route as it's somewhat more stable than 06. Plus, you could always import the route later...

That's my first of two cents. :hehe: As for your computer, don't be afraid to shell out some money for a new computer. The only thing refurbished that I'd consider buying ever is a monitor and even then...the good news is that if your family isn't obsessed with "keeping up with the Jones", then a modest newer computer should give you more than enough power to run antivirus, internet explorer, winamp, watch movies, etc...while letting you play games such as trainz at a decent level.

There's my second cent

:wave:

Gisa ^^

 

[BidMod]

I don't agree - I think '06 is the more stable program, though I guess this depends a lot on computer set-up.

CMP isn't really that hard to use once you've got your head around the features. I suspect that like MS Office and similar products, most people only use a handful of the simple features, neglecting the more powerful ones, which is OK, but if people learnt to fully use the software then they'd fare better.

 

[johnwhelan]

TRS 04? Its rather an odd question but does it work better than 06'? I need some opinions, I have already fried/roasted one computer with 06', so I'm looking to see if I could get something a little easier on my computer. Thanks. I currently don't have any routes, or custom content, that was lost when I tried to fix TRS 06'. Sorry about the typo in the title...

Trainzsam

TC is the lowest load on a computer, TRS2006 has the next lowest load TRS2004 has the highest demands for a given level of performance.

Trainz invaribly runs the cpu at 100% and many computers are not designed to run at 100% for a period of time hence the suggestions of cooling fans etc. Also the high current draw is hard on some cheaper power supplies.

Cheerio John

 

[Forest_Runner]

TRS 04? Its rather an odd question but does it work better than 06'?

Trainzsam

This point varies with users. For me TRS2006, at least the sim part of the program, runs alot smoother with significant improvement to framerates. TRS2006 also contains some great Aussie stuff built-in, so that was another selling point for me.

I prefer the "theory" side of TRS2006 CMP vs the download and content management style of TRS2004. Whilst the theory is good, actuality and working and general stability of CMP is a totally different issue however.

As Meridious already posted, the decision is ultimately yours. It's difficult to base a decision on others personal opinions and others results given the diversity of them.

Cheers,
Simon