Here’s a few 32 vs. 64-bit SDLMAME benchmarks run on Fedora Core 6. Both versions were run on the 64-bit version. Relevant hardware is: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 @ 3.2 GHz (ASUS P5B Deluxe, Thermalright XP-90 air cooler), 2 GB of Corsair XMS DDR2 RAM, 512 MB NVidia GeForce 7800GT with 97.46 drivers.

Both versions were run with no config file, no artwork, and these switches: -window -noswitchres -video opengl -nothrottle -nosound -ftr 5000
In case EEPROM needed initializing (crusnusa, umk3, sexyparo) that was done first before the benchmark run. GCC 4.1.1 20070105 (Red Hat 4.1.1-51) was used in both cases. The 32-bit binary was PM=1 optimized, the 64-bit AMD64=1 optimized.

Note: DOAPP was chosen because it runs a 640×480 framebuffer, thus putting max stress on the PSX GPU emulation.

Sega System 32 is slower on 64-bit, but it’s within the margin of error. In all other cases, 64-bit has a definite advantage, although in no case is it a full speed vs. not distinction. Previous 64-bit Linux benchmarks with XMAME and GCC 3.x showed no win at all, so GCC 4 definitely improves 64-bit codegen.

None of these are emulation related and Twisty will bring out the cat-o-nine tails if you try and PCPC yourself on MAMEWorld pointing to this. You have been warned 😉

A while back I gave a connectivity tip for Xbox users here. Here’s one for PS3 owners: if you have the 60GB/WiFi model and trying to connect is making your AP/router go wonky, upgrade the firmware on it to the latest from the manufacturer. I have a Buffalo AirStation G54 which had that problem, but since upgrading the firmware from 1.3 to 2.4 everything’s trouble-free (and I get faster downloads on my laptop as a bonus – it pays to stay up to date).

With the onslaught of Vista, many are looking into at least trying Linux (it’s certainly much more usable than it was in 2001 when XP debuted). Here’s a few tips:
1) Dual-boot at first, or install Linux on a secondary machine. You won’t get used to a new OS overnight, and it’s nice to dip your toes in for a while then go back to the familiar.
2) Ubuntu is arguably the easiest to use distro for Windows evacuees (it actually comes as a live CD that you can also install, and it’s auto-configuration is extremely good), but there’s also fantastic support out there for Fedora 6 (my personal distro of choice).
3) CrossOver is worth every penny. Not only does it let you use Windows browser plugins (Quicktime, Real, Shockwave, Windows Media) with your native Linux (or Mac OS X) Firefox, it runs handy things like Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, iTunes, and Photoshop. Plus games like Half-Life 2 and World of Warcraft. Better yet, their normal icons appear in your Linux start menu and on your Linux desktop and you can copy/paste between native and Crossover’d apps. System tray icons (like Steam’s) appear in your KDE or GNOME tray. So even if you work with Word/Excel/Outlook/Powerpoint every day you can still use Linux and be fully productive.
4) For MAME users, the good news is that SDLMAME works very similarly to normal MAME on Windows. You already know 98% of the switches, ini file settings, and all of the default keys and the tab and ~ menus, and the same ROMs and CHDs work with both. ROM managers for Linux are pretty much non-existing right now (some of the console-oriented ones have ports) but in the meantime ClrMAMEPro runs great on CrossOver.

ETA: Here are two great installation guides for Fedora that walk you through all the common landmines and get you working 3D, MP3, videos, Flash/YouTube, and so on. Personal Fedora Installation Guide and Fedora Tips and Tricks.

The Stern speech synthesis is working (at least preliminarily) and has been submitted. Who says we never improve old games?

On the “new” but non-MAME front, M1 and Audio Overload both work well on the PS3. It’s kinda funny playing a PSF2 on the PS3 =)

I’m pleased to report that SDLMAME 0.111u3 compiles out of the box on PlayStation 3 Linux, in this case Fedora 5. Pick the “G5” compile target and remove the “-mcpu=g5” when it sets up the CFLAGS – no other modification is necessary. Yes, I’m a sucky photographer 🙂