Suggestions?

[Bobbergibbs]

Fellow Trainzers:

Acer Aspire AX1200 8400 AMD Phenom x3 64bit
AMD Athlon x2 Dual Core Processor
4GB 2/2 DDR2 memory
640GB SATA hard disk

Nvidia GeForce 9200 with updated drivers

C Drive = used 82MB, free 205MB
E Drive = used 12MB, free 288MB
D Drive = external Seagate 2TB used 79GB, free 1.74GB

Vista Home Premium

I use C Drive for browzing, email, etc
I use E Drive only to back up files
I use D External Drive only for Trainz TS09 Build 44653
==================================

I've been in Trainz from the start and love to create my own narrow gauge routes, operating 30", 24" and 18" mining, freight and passenger equipment in the mountains. I was okay with TS06 on my older PC but upgraded to the Acer desktop just for TS09. I installed all service packs to 44653 build.

Question: Is this a reasonable use of this PC?

(In a few days, I'll be driving to the National Narrow Gauge Convention in Hickory NC where I will deliver my Virtual Narrow Gauge Clinic.)

I will install my Trainz TS10 over 09 if advised to do so.

Is there a better use of my drives for maximum operating benefit?

Currently, while building small and simple narrow gauge demonstration routes in TS09, it freezes often in Surveyor and I have to wait for a few seconds, sometimes longer before it unfreezes and I can continue. Could it be overheating? If so, I dont know if I can monitor operating temperature. I use to jam a lot into one screen but now I spread it out over several screens and keep my sliders low.

Of course, operation now is often jerky with short freezes.

Dont seem to see much difference whether GL or DirectX 10?

I create great routes but I'm not a computer techie.

Any suggestions?

The Convention starts on September 5 and I'm a bit frustrated.....

Thanks for your time from Bobber at the Beach

 

[bobhahn]

A couple of ideas

You don't tell us what interface you're using to the external drive. If it's USB, that disk will be substantially slower than either of your internal drives. That means it's a bad place for your Trainz installation. If you are using USB, and your computer and the disk enclosure can do ESATA, get thee to Best Buy for an ESATA cable. Otherwise, I'd say move Trainz to one of the internal drives.

The built-in GeForce 9200 is not really up to the task. You'll see huge improvements from almost anything else. You probably can't put a high-end card in that machine because the power supply couldn't handle it, but something like the GeForce GT130 ($40 at Amazon) would give you six times the graphics performance (Passmark 3D benchmark).

 

[Euphod]

I find myself agreeing with everything he's said. In addition, Trainz likes a fast HD, so I would figure out which one is fastest and use that. The HD will cause Surveyor to freeze. Sniper has a post around here about that very issue, if I run across it, I'll edit this post to include the link.

Edit: http://forums.auran.com/trainz/showthread.php?t=78256

Interesting subject; the whole post may be of use to you.