Linux Preformance

Benson · August 2013

So i've been toying with the idea of switching to linux (I'm thinking Mint) now that NS2 is available.

So, big question, what is performance like running NS2 on linux? and which Distro do you recommend?

ezekel · August 2013

I don't have linux but from playing in openGL I had the worst performance of the three options.. however this may be completely not relevant! I think most people with linux do some type of dual boot or have a separate rig running it.. not sure if you'd want to get rid of windows if you like gaming :}

Zaggy · August 2013

Performance is good, 30-50 FPS for me, input handling seems to be way better than on Windows.
Distro I'd recommend: Linux Mint
My experience so far with NS2 on Linux: http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/comment/2143483/#Comment_2143483
I run Manjaro, it's Arch for lazy people, it updates a bit quicker than Mint but requires a lot more maintenance.
My experience with Manjaro: http://www.reddit.com/r/ManjaroLinux/comments/1kxey8/my_experienced_with_manjaro/ (note: guide is already outdated)

Benson · August 2013

Its mainly due to a conflict I have with the way Microsoft treats their customers and develops their OS (not like I've EVER paid for Windows tough, its just not worth the money)

Also, I like the idea of being able to customize any and all parts of my PC

I'm hoping that the game is just not optomized to run with OpenGL, and will run as smoothly as it does for me now under windows 7

Badevil · August 2013

I am using ArchLinux x86_64 and the FPS are good, but it feels laggy, delaying. It is the same under GameLauncher aka Windows. DX9 fine, DX11 finer and OpenGL laggy and much lower FPS.
I think UWE will need to work hard on OpenGL Performance theoretical OpenGL could be faster but even Valves game still has problems with it (micro stutter/laggy/delaying).
The other problem is the memory leak which is annoying for me.

So my experience http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/131775/linux-some-minor-problem

shonan · August 2013

Badevil wrote: »

I am using ArchLinux x86_64 and the FPS are good, but it feels laggy, delaying. It is the same under GameLauncher aka Windows. DX9 fine, DX11 finer and OpenGL laggy and much lower FPS.
I think UWE will need to work hard on OpenGL Performance theoretical OpenGL could be faster but even Valves game still has problems with it (micro stutter/laggy/delaying).
The other problem is the memory leak which is annoying for me.

So my experience http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/131775/linux-some-minor-problem

Spam problem reports here if you have AMD drivers:

http://www.amdsurveys.com/se.ashx?s=5A1E27D23CFE9B36

delta78 · August 2013

Zaggy wrote: »

Distro I'd recommend: Linux Mint

Could you tell me what is the difference between Mint and Ubuntu and why you prefer it? Does it work better? I was wondering to use a Linux OS but couldn't decide on any.

wiry · August 2013

I have the same performance on ubuntu x64 that i had on windows.

Cant complain.

tuxator · August 2013

Benson wrote: »

So i've been toying with the idea of switching to linux (I'm thinking Mint) now that NS2 is available.

So, big question, what is performance like running NS2 on linux? and which Distro do you recommend?

I'm on Ubuntu 13.04 Gnome edition, 32 bit. I've an AMD Radeon HD 5870 with AMD Catalyst driver from april (13.4). I had to set my resolution to 1280x780 and windowed mode(or something like that). Also I had to disable the AntiAliasing/Blur/and so on but now I've a decent frame rate

Zaggy · August 2013

delta78 wrote: »

Zaggy wrote: »

Distro I'd recommend: Linux Mint

Could you tell me what is the difference between Mint and Ubuntu and why you prefer it? Does it work better? I was wondering to use a Linux OS but couldn't decide on any.

Mint includes flash, java, codecs, drivers, some nice inhouse developed apps and a better GUI, it's pretty much a 15 minute installation and you're done.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_mint

edit: forgot a word

lwf · August 2013

People with major input lag as well as general performance problems on Windows, but were fine before build 253, how is it in Linux?

If I want to play NS2 at this time, and I would like that, the current build on Windows is not an option.

Benson · August 2013

@Zaggy

Good to know that I chose well in Mint

My system is very similar in specs to yours, so at least I know what to expect, though I still hope more work gets put into optimizing the linux version.

P.S. now I'm interested in preformance on AMD vs. nvidia cards (I have nvidia)

Thanks for all the info!

notyourbuddy · August 2013

My NS2 Linux experience,

15-20 FPS drop when I play on Linux as opposed to Windows (and that is with some graphical settings toned down on the Linux side.) I also experience some stutters on the Linux side and the extra buttons on the mouse don't work. I of course have an ATI card (their proprietary drivers are still a work in progress which could explain the performance loss.) One's NS2 experience with a Nvidia card might be better.

If you are a gamer dual boot. If you are not a gamer, you know what? Still dual boot. You will regret having only a Linux install as some games might run poorly while others do not run at all. Having a Windows backup in such cases is a life saver.

As for Ubuntu vs Mint. Ubuntu is the new Microsoft. Stay away. Its UI is more tabletly like Win8 (though some like it.) But more importantly the Ubuntu developers are really pushing it by including spy/adware directly into their operating system. A big no no. They also discourage customizability by actively trying to hide settings from its users. Their behavior is very anti-Linux.

Mint is the new king and has been for some time. Easy, familiar, powerful, very newbie friendly since it looks like Windows, and their development team respects freedom of choice, privacy, and customizability like the majority of Linux distros do. My experience with it in the past was a very positive one.

femngi · September 2013

Seems to be related to compositing, apparently it has started happening on windows too http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/131902/100-unplayable-with-the-mouse-lag . So try switching to a non compositing window manager, i.e. not Gnome Shell, Unity/Compiz, KWin.

Namm · September 2013

delta78 wrote: »

Zaggy wrote: »

Distro I'd recommend: Linux Mint

Could you tell me what is the difference between Mint and Ubuntu and why you prefer it? Does it work better? I was wondering to use a Linux OS but couldn't decide on any.

I haven't played NS2 in Linux, but I experienced various bugs with Linux Mint and decided to replace it (with Xubuntu). You might want to try the LTS release of Mint (http://www.linuxmint.com/oldreleases.php). The latest release is probably not as stable/robust.

Kamamura · September 2013

The most important thing is the quality of the GFX card drivers. Always go for the NVidia or Ati native drivers, do not use the Noveau or how it's called open driver.

The problem with OpenGL is that in recent years, they dropped the ball a bit with implementing new HW supported features that became available with DirectX 10 and 11, but I have read a few articles saying that with OpenGL 4.x, things are getting back on track. The problem is that OpenGL is not a primarily gaming library, while DirectX is, so the priorities are obviously elsewhere.

That said, the performance really depends from game to game. Left4Dead2, for example, allegedly runs faster on Linux, but it's an old DX9 game.

Asraniel · September 2013

For a first release its pretty good. But its just too jittery and too many fps drops to play full time on it. Im sure this will improve and i will be able to switch fulltime to linux

zimzum · September 2013

I'm using opensuse v12.3 x64. I get between 40-60fps using opengl and a GTS 250 with nvidia drivers. Originally had fps ~30-40 until I switched to a windowed mode. I am also experiencing jittery-ness, but it's very playable.

*should also note, I'm using gnome not kde.

Badevil · September 2013

shonan wrote: »

Badevil wrote: »

I am using ArchLinux x86_64 and the FPS are good, but it feels laggy, delaying. It is the same under GameLauncher aka Windows. DX9 fine, DX11 finer and OpenGL laggy and much lower FPS.
I think UWE will need to work hard on OpenGL Performance theoretical OpenGL could be faster but even Valves game still has problems with it (micro stutter/laggy/delaying).
The other problem is the memory leak which is annoying for me.

So my experience http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/131775/linux-some-minor-problem

Spam problem reports here if you have AMD drivers:

http://www.amdsurveys.com/se.ashx?s=5A1E27D23CFE9B36

I am using Nvidia, I think that is the reason why I can play

Would http://devgurus.amd.com/community/steam-linux not better for AMD driver issues instead of there surveys?
In a forum you have to get the chance to receive an answer from a AMD dev.

shonan · September 2013

Badevil wrote: »

shonan wrote: »

Badevil wrote: »

I am using ArchLinux x86_64 and the FPS are good, but it feels laggy, delaying. It is the same under GameLauncher aka Windows. DX9 fine, DX11 finer and OpenGL laggy and much lower FPS.
I think UWE will need to work hard on OpenGL Performance theoretical OpenGL could be faster but even Valves game still has problems with it (micro stutter/laggy/delaying).
The other problem is the memory leak which is annoying for me.

So my experience http://forums.unknownworlds.com/discussion/131775/linux-some-minor-problem

Spam problem reports here if you have AMD drivers:

http://www.amdsurveys.com/se.ashx?s=5A1E27D23CFE9B36

I am using Nvidia, I think that is the reason why I can play
Would http://devgurus.amd.com/community/steam-linux not better for AMD driver issues instead of there surveys?
In a forum you have to get the chance to receive an answer from a AMD dev.

Didnt know about that, thanks for posting.

Linux Preformance

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