To TS 12 or not to TS 12

[drjoe]

Getting an offer for 50% off for TS 12, but it expires on Jan. 7. 2012. I have 2010 and get wildly varying framerates depending on the route, etc. Not been able to find a combo of settings that seems to even things out. I also have 2006 and don't think it varies so much. Some routes and sessions put me in single digit frame rates, and at other times I get upper 40's.

Here are my laptop's specs:
System Manufacturer: Dell Inc.
System Model: Inspiron 1520
BIOS: Phoenix ROM BIOS PLUS Version 1.10 A09
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual CPU T2310 @ 1.46GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 3582MB RAM ( 4 Gigs installed, but some used by system )
Page File: 763MB used, 3654MB available
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 8600M GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0407&SUBSYS_01F11028&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 800 (32 bit) (63Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0012.6724 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 2/23/2011 03:27:00, 6398720 bytes
Description: SigmaTel Audio
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_8384&DEV_76A0&SUBSYS_102801F1&REV_1002
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: sthda.sys
Driver Version: 5.10.5515.0000 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
Date and Size: 5/10/2007 10:24:34, 1222840 bytes

So, it appears to me to be more than the minimum for TS 12, but less than the recommended. Is TS 12 going to run on this machine. Can I expect the uneven performance I get with 2010? Thanks for any input.

 

[RRSignal]

That laptop is well below the minimum performance specs for Trainz. a 1.46GHz CPU is a terrible gaming CPU, and the 8600 would be just barely above minimum specs if you had the desktop version; you have a mobile version though. Mobile CPUs and graphics tend to fare much worse in the performance department than their desktop equivalents since they are generally stripped-down in order to reduce heat and power consumption.

 

[Euphod]

I have a lesser laptop and it runs on mine. The routes will depend on how it was made and what content is in it. 2010 would see a wide variation in the way a route operates, because it is a mixture of newer and older routes. I wouldn't expect to be able to run every route flawlessly, but I do think it will be serviceable on your machine.*

*of course this is anecdotal, and my experience only...

 

[drjoe]

Well, it handles both MSTS and RW3 smoothly. That is a dual CPU, and the 1.46 is supposed to be more with it than the Pentium D at the minimum specs. And System explorer shows about 50% CPU usage when running any of my train sims.

Of course, maybe that is just enough of a challenge for me to buy TS 12 just to prove it will run. LOL

 

[steamboateng]

I too, am interested in the differences 'tween '10 and '12. I'm about to upload a large TrainzDEM route to TS10. Would I be better off, in the long run, to acquire a copy of TS12 and build my route to that? Is stability and performance a real issue, as well as downloaded content? I have a a descent desktop computer and TS 10 runs quite smoothly on it.

 

[RRSignal]

Trainz is very CPU-intensive, though. TS12 should run a bit faster than TS2010, but it shouldn't make a huge difference. Good luck, though, if you get it, and report back your findings either way if you do. 50% off ain't bad if it's the Auran version. If I were in your shoes, I'd take a gamble. It's still cheaper than a ballgame or a night at the movies!

 

[steamboateng]

In my case, computer specs aren't an issue. But I am about to commit myself to a year or 2 on a new route. That's the point of the dilema!

 

[clam1952]

I've been working on a route for around 3 years now,
I moved it to TS12 as it's stable in surveyor whereas 2010 had the tendency to crash occasionally.
In TS12 there are less delays when changing tabs in surveyor and the speed trees behave a lot better.

 

[steamboateng]

Thanks for insights, gents. Ya'll have inclined me towards TS12. I have this eve, placed an order for the Anniversary edition.

 

[drjoe]

Well, my poor old laptop has just managed to be stable and smooth running the Jeff coal run on E. Kentucky 3.0, so I guess I will just have to give TS 12 a try. Thanks all for your comments. Even the "negative" ones were helpful. Much appreciated.