MAME-Configuration-Question

[Drachenherz]

As I am an lazy-ass bastard, I just wanted to ask you for any advices for MAME-Configurations.

I'm using the 143.u9 build (MameUI 64bit, for the "forbidden SH3" games, I use the slowpoke 2nd Editione EXE (in the same MAME-Folder as the 143.u9 build, so the settings for the UI-build apply for the slowpoke.exe).

I'm using Direct3D, and a scanlines filter, I *think* it's the 2x4j (or something like that...) Filter.

I'm having sligth tearing in most of the games, applying monitor-sync gets rid of the tearing, but... Adds some lag, is that correct?

Now, what settings do you use? For reference, my laptop is like this:

Intel® Core™ i7 2670QM, 2.2 (multicore) to max 3.1 Ghz (singlecore on turbo)
8 GB Ram
Nvidia Gforce GT555m
a small penis.

What settings would you recommend in order to get minimal lag with optimal image-quality (no tearing)?

Yes, I know there are no "general" settings, as per the nature of MAME (multiple drivers etc...), but maybe you could direct me in the general directions what settings bring the most with the smallest impact on lag.

kthxbye

Edit: Mods, please feel free to put this in the correct subforum, if I'm wrong in shmups chat.

[Estebang]

I can answer one bit of your question: don't use VSync or any of MAME's other settings that reduce screen tearing, like triple buffering and "wait for vertical sync." While they do fix the problem, they add loads of input lag. So unless you want laggy games you'll just have to deal with it.

[Drachenherz]

I can answer one bit of your question: don't use VSync or any of MAME's other settings that reduce screen tearing, like triple buffering and "wait for vertical sync." While they do fix the problem, they add loads of input lag. So unless you want laggy games you'll just have to deal with it.

Thx Estebang, I remember having heard of this, that's why I actually don't use it. So there is no actuall "middleground" of settings, i.e. quite optimized grfx without toooo much lag?

Oh well, so be it...

What about "sync to monitor refresh"?

IIRC, it syncs the "speed" of the game, ie something like 57 Hz, to the monitor refresh"speed" (i.e. 60 Hz). I tried this with the metal slug games. Screen tearing disappeared, the game probably run faster (but I couldn't actually notice this tiny difference) and I couldn't notice more input-lag either.

Would anything else besides the slightly increased speed of the emulation speak against the "sync to monitor refresh"?

[Obiwanshinobi]

I just set my CRT to 120 Hz (640x480 only, which is enough for most games on MAME). Screen tearing in 60/30 fps games stil occurs, but it's easier on the eye. You can also set the monitor refresh rate to 75 Hz, 85 Hz etc. and see if you like it. Neither solution should affect the responsiveness.