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View Full Version : RFB/RSRDC and "large" files...


DeepIron
05-20-08, 11:08 AM
There have been some posts about "larger than normal" save and replay files with RFB and RSRDC. I wanted to share this information with you and a few thoughts. These tests were concerned primarily with the size of the replay.tmp files. These files are used to record your actions during a patrol or mission and can be saved when one checks the "Replay" box during a save.

Here's my test methodology and data:

American Campaign Dec 1941 Pearl Harbor Porpoise Class
TC 1 - 2048 Start outside of harbor.

Set waypoint #1 160 W 20 N
Set waypoint #2 137 E 34 N

Simple scenario: Set the above waypoints from Pearl, run the sim between 1 and 2048 TC. Note: I don't run above 2048 TC because I THINK it corrupts file writes on systems <2GB RAM (like mine currently)...

replay.tmp file results:

Stock SH4 v1.5: 37,383Kb
SH4 RFB +shp files: 51,437Kb
SH4 RFB +shp +RSRDC: 52,179Kb
SH4 RFB -shp files (per Sober): 53,760Kb
SH4 RFB -shp +RSRDC: 51,266Kb
SH4 RFB -shp -RSRDC: 53,601Kb

Overall, RFB/RSRDC added 14-16M to the replay file over stock in my tests.
Wilcke ran the same tests on his system and verified the results.

Ok, you can see the results from various combinations of RFB and RSRDC. The -shp refers to removing the NSS_<shipname>_shp.dds files from RFB. These modded files have a "compass row" added to the stock submarine graphic and can be seen in the navigation screen when you zoom in at high levels. Sober discovered removing these files had an impact originally. The -RSRDC is that mod uninstalled.

So, what does it mean? Well, both RFB and RSRDC will increase the file size. The changes to the RFB and RSRDC files which add more realism evidently add more data to both the replay and save files.

How to deal with it? This has been posted before but I'll reiterate:
1. Having at least 2Gb RAM is a good idea as SH4 will use it. More RAM = faster play.
2. Be sure you have sufficient drive space to handle the size of the files.
3. Defragging your HD healthy will speed up both read and writes not only for SH4 but ALL your programs and increase system performance.

As RFB and RSRDC are "evolving", we may see either more or less data being written as we refine and change those mods. Only time will tell at this point but we'll keep an eye on it...

BTW, if anyone would like to test their system using the simple configuration I listed above and post your results, we'd love to see it. The more testing we can get like this the better. Please be sure to include your OS version, amount of RAM you have and any other mods installed. :up:

akdavis
05-20-08, 11:38 AM
So removing the NSS_<shipname>_shp.dds files was not necessary?

DeepIron
05-20-08, 11:50 AM
So removing the NSS_<shipname>_shp.dds files was not necessary?It did decrease the file size slightly in my tests AKD. Personally, now that I have a better understanding of the replay file and how it works, I left the _shp files in my sh4 directory and I'm looking at other ways to optimize the mods...

Fish40
05-20-08, 03:24 PM
I'm useing RFB, RSRD, and OM. My current patrol is rather young, so mabey the fact that I haven't noticed any long load times on saved games has to do with that. I don't use the replay feature either. I totally agree with you in that a defragged HD is key. I always run Ccleaner, and defrag useing Perfectdisk prior to running the sim. :yep:

kylesplanet
05-21-08, 06:27 PM
I'm running out of Midway 10/43 Balao class. I'm over halfway to the bongo straits and my file size is 323mb. It loads in about the same time (so far) but it takes about 35 or 40 seconds to save as opposed to about 3 seconds before and gets longer the farther I get. I'm running:
SH4 V1.5

Several of foo's skins
PE 3.3
RFB 1.5
RSRD 395
various radio mods
RSM

Not complaining just trying to give some information.:yep:

lurker_hlb3
05-21-08, 06:38 PM
Problem discovered see "Divide by 0" thread