setting UT99 processor affinity

[z00t]

Dunno how often this will come up, but I suspect a bit more as time goes on.

UT99 is showing its age as far as being unable to deal with multiprocessor (including dual core) setups when running on MS-Win OSes that support multiple processors. My particular example was a Dell Latitude D630 notebook running WinXP SP2. Eventually, the UT app would crash -- sooner rather than later if the level of graphics activity was high (as in, during a heated match -- duh!).

The solution, as given to me by fellow [FUN] members, is to set UT's processor affinity to where UT runs on only one CPU. If you *think* this applies to your situation, there's an easy way to test: fire-up UT, then go into Task Manager and set the process to where it runs only on the first processor. Not a permanent fix: you have to do this each time you run the program.

The permanent fix involves the use of a program called "imagecfg.exe". If you're fortunate enough to have access to server versions of recent MS OSes, you'll find the tool buried in the "Debug" directory (supposedly). The rest of us get to find a copy on Google. This (http://www.reality-xp.com/support/knowledgebase/1006.htm) is a pretty good place to look for more info. Example usage:

imagecfg -a 0x1 prog.exe

which sets "prog.exe" to run only on the first CPU.

[Draco]

Example usage:

imagecfg -a 0x1 prog.exe

which sets "prog.exe" to run only on the first CPU.

Where do you put this? Do you use it as an argument in the shortcut?

-Johnny Jones

[Chef]

"set UT's processor affinity to where UT runs on only one CPU"-- I read about what you are trying to do, but the fix you posted is actually forcing a "virtual" processor, and is talking about 16-bit applications. I don't think dual core's or multiprocessor's is the problem. z00t, what processor, graphics card and how much ram do you have?

[Chef]

Actually z00t, what is the service tag for your laptop, should be on a sticker on the bottom 7 characters, alpha numeric. I have some ideas already for you. I will probably on line tonight, reply here or send me a PM...

[Draco]

z00t, I'd like to introduce you to our local level 2 Dell Tech Chef. The man knows his stuff. I've read a ton of stuff about the dual-core/UT99/graphics issues. From what I've read, XP doesn't know how to distribute UT99 across the CPU's real well which causes the graphics to do strange things. It doesn't help when you try using SLI graphics, either. The solution is to have the game run on one CPU and one GPU. I hear that they fixed this issue with Vista and Vista knows exactly what to do and automatically assigns the game to one CPU. But, if you run SLI, you still gotta figure out how to use one videocard. I know they have programs out there that automatically have UT99 run on one processor, but I've never heard about what z00t is doing. If it is a good work around then I would like it published here to help all those looking for it. Thank you my 2 computer techie friends and I'll see you on the servers. Frag on!

-Johnny Jones

[z00t]

Where do you put this? Do you use it as an argument in the shortcut?


I opened up a command-line window, changed directories to "c:\UnrealTournament\System" and ran
"imagecfg.exe -a 0x1 UnrealTournament.exe"

This modifies the header of the executable to set the processor affinity.

Chef's remarks got me thinking about whether I really solved my problem or not, so I'll have to go on-line with the notebook this evening and see if the application crashes have really gone bye-bye. After running the above, I tried a quick practice session with a graphics-intensive map and lots of bots running around -- no problems -- but I admit that's not quite the same thing as trying to play a game on a remote server. The laptop is running Linux and in a docking station as I type this, so I'll have to get you the tag number later.

FYI, TeamSpeak with the Latitude D630 is an issue... I've been using a Logitech gaming headset with my desktop system (spkr and mic connections, not USB), and I can't crank up the microphone gain enough to be heard when the headset is plugged into the D630. I'll keep playing with it, but if Chef or anyone else has any suggestions not involving the usual suspects (Windows Volume Control inputs panel has the external microphone selected and the gain cranked up to 100%), I'd gladly give them a try. Thanks in advance...

[z00t]

Chef's remarks got me thinking about whether I really solved my problem or not, so I'll have to go on-line with the notebook this evening and see if the application crashes have really gone bye-bye.


Found a few spare minutes over my lunch break, and had a wonderful time handing some poor victims (non-[FUN]) and numerous aggressive robots their heads :-). I was polite and thanked the human opponents for helping me test my laptop. It appears to be fixed (except for the microphone gain issue that I mentioned earlier). N.B.: the key difference between the work and home environments is the docking station --> wired Ethernet vs. built-in wireless (much better bandwidth), external keyboard, wired optical mouse vs. wireless optical. Software-wise, I didn't have either TS or TS Overlay running, whereas I'd have both of those running at home. Reckon I'll still try a test from home this evening, just to eliminate all these variables.

Tag number for Chef: 8SG4WD1. I would have gotten the high-res display, but Dell was quoting me three weeks delivery time when I didn't have the time to spare. If it saves time, WinXP (SP2) says the display adapter is a NVIDIA Quadro NVS 135M. Driver version is 6.14.11.119 dated 4/28/2007. CPU is an Intel Core2 Duo T7300 @ 2 GHz. System has 2 GB of RAM.

[Chef]

zoot, what version BIOS do you have on that one currently? may need to update, would explain a lot. Dell's have a "system software" that is fundamental to their machines, go figure, just a way to force the proprietary. I will need to do a little research on running w/ the Linux platform with that model and see if the system software would need to be updated or not. Usually the best drivers for Dell systems are from their website, as they alter/change the driver from the manufacturer, but for this model, only windows drivers avail, I would update the chipset(which will help with the North Bridge) and the video drivers, from the manufacturer site for your OS. To me, that would be the starting point to help with the errors you are getting. That link you had posted was also referencing "hyperthreading" capable cpu's, not the dual core....I did like the your direction of thinking on the issue, but like you said, it may or may not have corrected...Try the driver updates--BIOS last if need be. Install chipset first--reboot then video.

[Chef]

The laptop is running Linux and in a docking station as I type this

Alright, I didn't get any sleep last night and I think I am seeing double, sorry. Are you running a dual boot, and the linux was just the OS you were in when posting, but you are gaming in Windows, if so, definately need to talk, will change my last post a little if not gaming from linux. Sorry for the confusion.:cool:

[z00t]

Alright, I didn't get any sleep last night and I think I am seeing double, sorry. Are you running a dual boot, and the linux was just the OS you were in when posting, but you are gaming in Windows, if so, definately need to talk, will change my last post a little if not gaming from linux. Sorry for the confusion.:cool:

No problem... I understand running on "empty" all too well :-). Yes, the laptop is dual-boot, and when I use it for gaming, it's running WinXP SP2.

As threatened, I re-ran my informal tests this evening, complete with TeamSpeak and TeamSpeak Overlay both active, and my problems have definitely gone bye-bye. Only change I made to my setup between the "it doesn't work" and the "it works" case was setting the processor affinity in the UnrealTournament.exe header using imagecfg.exe. Bottom line, I'm a happy camper (or at least a happy run-and-gunner).

[Chef]

Hey man, I am glad to hear that it definately worked. Good call on looking in that direction. I also pulled up your service tag...nice laptop! Have a good one and catch ya around

[groovychick]

never had a problem running on a quad core never needed to set the infinity to just1 core

must just be you lot