ATI Catalyst Software

[Infohawk]

I'm not talking about the drivers but the utility that comes with it. It seems like it lets you configure antialiasing and filtering outside a game. Is this more or less efficient than doing things in game?

I tried this with Flight Sim X and it seemed like I got better performance turning options off inside the game and having them on in Catalyst. Am I just imagining things?

 

[Jacen]

I'd say you are imagining things. Generally I let all graphic detail options be set in game as some games are more demanding than others and this gives the best performance per game. Sure it isn't as easy as "one setting to rule them all" but it does give the best graphics per game balanced with FPS.

 

[Bill Brasky]

Originally posted by: Infohawk
I'm not talking about the drivers but the utility that comes with it. It seems like it lets you configure antialiasing and filtering outside a game. Is this more or less efficient than doing things in game?

I tried this with Flight Sim X and it seemed like I got better performance turning options off inside the game and having them on in Catalyst. Am I just imagining things?

Why not do a fraps test to see if your hunch is real? Generally in-game settings are better.

 

[Sylvanas]

Originally posted by: Infohawk
I'm not talking about the drivers but the utility that comes with it. It seems like it lets you configure antialiasing and filtering outside a game. Is this more or less efficient than doing things in game?

I tried this with Flight Sim X and it seemed like I got better performance turning options off inside the game and having them on in Catalyst. Am I just imagining things?

I assume you are talking about the Catalyst Control Center which is actually part of the drivers. The CCC is the GUI you use to configure driver settings. Generally it best to use the in game options to reduce potential compatability concerns. There is no difference between enabling 2X AA in the CCC and 2X AA in game for example, the only difference that could arise might be either the CCC or in game are using a different form of AA (e.g. MSAA, SSAA, Wide/Narrow tent and Edge detect AA).

 

[MrK6]

I can't remember the last time I had to use setting through the driver/CCC instead of in game options - that was years ago when that was necessary. I usually install the drivers, set CCC up how I like it (overclocks, everything on quality, and I buff the desktop saturation a little), and then I don't change a thing for the rest of the life of the card. Generally it's better to do everything through a game though, since there's a possibility it might perform better/is more optimized.

 

[Obsoleet]

CCC works really well. Loads instantly and is as intuitive as you need for a video card. I use in-game settings for AA/AF.

 

[BFG10K]

I force values from the control panel wherever possible. It almost always works better and it gives one central place to control my entire gaming library.

 

[Mem]

Originally posted by: Obsoleet
CCC works really well. Loads instantly and is as intuitive as you need for a video card. I use in-game settings for AA/AF.

That's how I do it too,took me awhile to get use to the new style CCC layout however its instant load as you stated and no issues to speak of.

 

[imported_Un4given]

I use the game settings, but sometimes you have to use the CCC, as some games may not give you the option to control some aspects. I've had many games that didn't allow for AA, AF, or filtering methods to be defined within the game.

 

[jlee]

CCC works fine for me - I also love the quicklaunch icon thing (whatever it's called down by the clock) that lets me enable and disable my second display without going through display properties.