*Updated* ATi and vsync-Does it work??

[dbal]

I know that when vsync is enabled max fps is limited to the monitor's refresh rate plus that Direct3D has a max fps value of 75 that you can override in dxdiag. Question is why in cstrike (under OpenGL) with vsync disabled fps is stuck at 60max. Is it the API's upper limit that blocks it or an ATi driver issue like the nVidia's refresh story??

 

[rainypickles]

the override value in dxdiag is a refresh rate, not a direct fps limit.

i dont play cstrike (do those exist?), but are you sure youre supposed to be getting more than 60fps with your card? is there an in-game fps cap for some reason? i think in rtcw, there is a fps cap at 100 or so.

 

[Roxxor]

well I run cstrike in OpenGL with vsync disabled and I get 100 fps...make sure u type "fps_max 100" in console of CS. I also have 4xAA enabled and playin windowed mode

 

[BFG10K]

FPS = frames per second.
Refresh rate = number of times per second the monitor is updated.

The two have absolutely nothing to do with each other (as far as their values go) unless you enable vsync, in which case your FPS will not go higher than your current refresh rate (among other things, but that's a another story altogether).

The refresh rate issue exists on the combo of Windows 2000/XP and your video card drivers. Both OpenGL and Direct3D are affected but Microsoft tells Direct3D to use 75 Hz by default but doesn't do the same for OpenGL. In reality both need fixing because 75 Hz is often not the highest a monitor can do at the resolution you've set it to.

The solution is to download a program like RivaTuner, ATi refresh rate fix, PowerStrip or any other program to force refresh rates to the highest possible available for a given resolution.

 

[dbal]

<< well I run cstrike in OpenGL with vsync disabled and I get 100 fps...make sure u type "fps_max 100" in console of CS. I also have 4xAA enabled and playin windowed mode >>



Could u be getting more than 100fps with other settings or are u restricted by fps_max 100? Can u set this command higher than that?

 

[dbal]

<< The refresh rate issue exists on the combo of Windows 2000/XP and your video card drivers. Both OpenGL and Direct3D are affected but Microsoft tells Direct3D to use 75 Hz by default but doesn't do the same for OpenGL. >>



If I get it well, there's not an upper FPS limit for both OpenGL and Direct3D under any circumstances (OS, drivers etc.), but just a default value for D3D by 2000/XP when vsync is on, which u can override by dxdiag or any other external utility mentioned , right? It's just a matter where a given card performs better....
BTW where are the nVidia drivers involved ? (still can't get what this refresh rate fix story is all about.... )

 

[duragezic]

That's right. It's not something about OpenGL that way it's made that makes run at 60hz, rather it's just at at that by 2000/XP. By default it goes to 75hz in Direct3d. Of course as you know, this can be overidden by the setting in dx settings. So what you are looking for is something to override the refresh rate in OpenGL. I heard something about new Nvidia drivers came with the fix that was installed automatically (?). Otherwise there's programs like BFG suggested, or you could edit the registry, but it's easier to download a program. I use RefreshLock. It's very straightforward, just load it up before I play an OGL game and close it down when I'm done. But since you have an Nvidia card, you might as well get the nvrefreshfix or whatever it's called.

All of that is assuming vysync is on, which makes your refresh rate the limiting factor, so if you're running at 60hz, then you can't get anymore than 60fps, no matter if your system could run it at 100fps. Rather than overriding the refresh rate, you COULD always simple turn vysync off, but then you might be some tearing in games (sometimes noticeable, other times not) but I'd recommend doing your eyes a favor too and run at 85hz+ if possible at all times.

 

[dbal]

<< All of that is assuming vysync is on, which makes your refresh rate the limiting factor, so if you're running at 60hz, then you can't get anymore than 60fps, no matter if your system could run it at 100fps. >>



Ok, we all say (me included) that when vsync is on max. fps is limited to the D3D or OpenGL's default value (75&60 hz respectively)....
1. I just ran QuakeIII timedemo @800x600 (60Hz refresh rate reported by PStrip at all resolutions I tried) with vsync on (from game and windows) and I got 100+ fps during the run (average 68)
2. I play Cstrike under D3D@1024x768 and I get much more than 75+fps with vsync on.....
What the heck.....

P.S: I noticed sth else, interesting too-Max Payne and CStrike under D3D is set to 60 and not 75 Hz default value! Does anyone know what's going on????

 

[dbal]

Anyone??? I think it's important to know....

 

[duragezic]

Oh you have a Radeon. Well that explains it lol.

The vsync in the Radeon drivers you are using is basically broken. I'm not really sure if ANY of the recent drivers have it fixed it or not. So even though you set it to vsync enabled, it's really disabled because it doesn't work properly. Therefore, you get results that vsync is off.

 

[dbal]

:Q First time to hear that Radeons don't really have vsync on as an option!! I use the latest official 6043 drivers -same set with the 8500etc.... Consequently, does this issue apply to the 7500, 8500 series as well or only to my ready-to-ditch VE???

How about the thing I noticed for Max Payne and CStrike under D3D? Any ideas?

P.S: In conclusion-as far as ATi is not concerned this is much true right? Ok, we all say (me included) that when vsync is on max. fps is limited to the D3D or OpenGL's default value (75&60 hz respectively)....

 

[dbal]

Do the nVidia cards have this issue too? Or their vsync behaves as expected (limiting the FPS rate to it's value) when turned on??

 

[duragezic]

I'm not sure if it applies to the 7500 and 8500 but it does to my Radeon 64 DDR so that should include the 7500 and I assume all since its all the same driver set.

I'm not sure about your Max Payne & CS thing. It really doesn't matter, for me anyway. It could be 60hz or 75hz and although 75hz is tolerable, I make sure it's 85hz+. You play CS in D3D?

Not sure what you mean about ATi there...

AFAIK, Nvidia's vsync works properly, and yes therefore limits the fps to the refresh rate when on.

 

[dbal]

<< You play CS in D3D? >>



Strange to happen I know but it gives me much better average fps rate with a little tearing tho.... (vsync doesn't exist anyway to fix the thing..! )
Thx for the precious info eagle - I am heading for an nVidia card to replace that VE for one more reason now.... :|