I've model detail on medium because it gives me one FPS extra in Black Death (average 32 vs 30/31). When testing the FPS in black death I use every time the following consistent procedure. Every test I start the game clean from Windows, load and start the track for 5 seconds and then exit the track. Then load it again, wait 5 seconds and start the track for the second time. From this run I take the average from the absolute beginning (includes building the screen and loading all textures) to the absolute end. The reason for this is because I've learned that the game is not always consistent in its FPS returns when running each benchmark right after the other. Another reason is that I like to restart the game when changing settings, even when the game itself doesn't ask for it. This is just to be sure.
The biggest performance hit I get from shadows. Shadows cost me easily 30-40% in frame rate. However, I think it's worth it because it adds enormous to the overall experience.
I've played extensively with all the settings and I have to get my FPS from somewhere. It's a tradeoff that I'm willing to make because the loss in quality between medium and high is in my opinion minor. But I clearly understand that others would make other choices on personal preference and hardware.
|