Re: Accelerating the CPU!

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Jason Compton writes ...
> 
> Rubywand (rubywand@swbell.net) wrote:
> :      In any case, it is clear that the new machines will not, in 
> : general, be running old wares in 'new machine' mode. A few wares, like 
> : GEOS, will be converted. Otherwise, compatibility will be maintained by 
> : permitting the user to switch OFF the enhancements in order to load and 
> : use older programs.
> 
> I'm not sure what's lead you to this conclusion.  I've been telling you
> that you can run a whole slew of stuff in the SuperCPU 20Mhz mode, with
> the option to selectively shut things off if needed.
>

     Sure; word processors, spread sheets, check balancing/accounting 
programs, curve-fitters, astronomy, astrology, and similar wares should 
benefit from a major speed-up. However, in a few years of doing C-64 wares 
reviews for RUN, there is no recollection of a single arcade/action game 
which would be remotely playable at 20MHz acceleration.

     Several adventures which include animation sequences (e.g. the SSI gold 
box AD&D games) would be much less fun. Games with cycled animated insert 
pics would end up displaying blurred images; etc., etc..

     The FAQ's as much as concede that many games are unplayable on earlier 
8MHz accelerators. Quite a few games, including some arcades and combat 
simulations, _would_ be improved at accelerations of 2-4MHz; but, this is 
not a Super 64/20 option.

     Of course, if users are willing to crack an old game and modify it for 
speeded operation, then, there should be no problem. An alternative would be 
a mod to the Super 64/20 to permit selectable acceleration speeds of 2MHz, 
4MHz, ... etc..


     Promoting Super 64/20 as a means to make old wares run better is like 
trying to justify U.S. Space Exploration on the grounds that we get home 
appliance goodies as spin-off. Converting old games will be a fun project; 
but, the real benefit comes when new wares, wares designed to take maximum 
advantage of 20MHz acceleration, are developed.



Rubywand