Comment Re:Speed is overrated (Score 2) 309
CPU speed needs to catch up with graphics video card 3D accelerator fill rate, which is increasing a la Moore, with CPU falling behind until K7.
High fill, and future and present hardware transform and lighting which will lead to even higher polygon throughput, will lead to the "ability" to draw greater detail. But so what?
When the bottleneck of many 3D engines is the per dynamic entity cost?
When there is not enough CPU power to handle sophisticated physics and AI of a lot more entities now that are capable of being rendered? Do remember the algorithmic complexity rise quadratically.
If you don't want to see new 3D games make "meaningful" use of extra polygons, except prettier and smoother and "static" geometry, then you don't need the speed to catch up with fill.
Without faster CPU to catch up, there will be too many technical barriers beyond pretty but dumb 3D gaming.
Console conglomerates like Sony and Nintendo are already learning their lessons of fast polygon and dumb CPU, and are reverting their trends in their PS2 and Dolphin designs. PC definitely should not fall behind.
With due respect, if you are happy with the current state of PC gaming technology, or you don't play games on the PC at all, this may not apply to you.
Corrinne Yu
3D Engine Programmer
3D Realms
High fill, and future and present hardware transform and lighting which will lead to even higher polygon throughput, will lead to the "ability" to draw greater detail. But so what?
When the bottleneck of many 3D engines is the per dynamic entity cost?
When there is not enough CPU power to handle sophisticated physics and AI of a lot more entities now that are capable of being rendered? Do remember the algorithmic complexity rise quadratically.
If you don't want to see new 3D games make "meaningful" use of extra polygons, except prettier and smoother and "static" geometry, then you don't need the speed to catch up with fill.
Without faster CPU to catch up, there will be too many technical barriers beyond pretty but dumb 3D gaming.
Console conglomerates like Sony and Nintendo are already learning their lessons of fast polygon and dumb CPU, and are reverting their trends in their PS2 and Dolphin designs. PC definitely should not fall behind.
With due respect, if you are happy with the current state of PC gaming technology, or you don't play games on the PC at all, this may not apply to you.
Corrinne Yu
3D Engine Programmer
3D Realms
