using large page memory mapping, for increased performance

[fred41 42]

With the latest stable update 1.68, large page usage is simpler than ever before.

 

Basically large page mapping is possible and useful for 1. code and 2. data

 

for 1.(code):

  use regedit to create/set DWORD value 'UseLargePages' = 1, for key [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Image File Execution Options\arma3_x64.exe]

 

for 2.(data)

  either use BI's default allocator and simple add -hugePages to your arma start line (i think the launcher provides a checkbox for this already),

  or use blub's 'xtbbmalloc.dll' for some interesting features like diagnostics, etc, the performance advantage should be the same

 

In any case, your (windows) useraccount must have the 'Lock pages in memory' privilege enabled (probably already done, if not use secpol.msc).

[jumpinghubert 49]

I am not at home. Anyone test the performance difference reproducible?

[k0rd 3]

I am getting surprisingly amazing performance with this tweak

[fred41 42]

@JumpingHubert, don't believe him, he's joking as usual :) (but at least there is a real difference)

[giorgygr 61]

Thank you grand master for your contributions on the ruthless -unfair struggle for some moar FPS

Will try almost ASAP

:)

*added later*

Although i should add...

I m using 'by default' your custom malloc both dedi and client

1 question plz.

I should let -maxMem=3072 /disable it /or raise the number?? oO

Edited May 8, 2014 by GiorgyGR

[bravo409 13]

Does this go into arma 3 folder and then merge or on desktop and then hit merge? thank you

[Greenfist 1863]

I thought all I needed was to use the '-doublefps' startup parameter. ;) just kidding

Under what kind of circumstances would you say this should improve performance?

My results are:

Heavy AI fight in town: 29.3 fps average before -> 30.8 after

Altis bnchmrk: 47.3 -> 47.0 and 53 -> 54

I'm running a Win 7, 32bit with 4GB RAM

[jumpinghubert 49]

Thanks greenfist, hmm seems to be within mesurement tolerance.

[fred41 42]

@GiorgyGR, it depends on the amount of physical RAM in your system (without any relation to the reg. tweak presented here).

@bravo409, it doesn't matter where the file is located, you just merge it and the data are in your registry, thats all

@Greenfist, move to 64bit OS and upgrade to at least 8GB, ASAP :)

@JumpingHubert, never trust statistics, which you didn't manipulated by yourself ;)

!!!!!! Guys, sorry, i forgot to mention that the 'lock pages in memory' privileg have to be set for large page availability, will update initial post accordingly !!!!!

So, if you don't use 'tbbmalloc for arma' already successfully, you have to pay attention to this privilege now.

Edited May 8, 2014 by Fred41

[Greenfist 1863]

@Greenfist, move to 64bit OS and upgrade to at least 8GB, ASAP :)

Yeah, I know. So, improvements only for 64bits? I guess it's time to give my 4 year old trustworthy windows installation its well-earned retirement.

[fred41 42]

Yeah, I know. So, improvements only for 64bits? I guess it's time to give my 4 year old trustworthy windows installation its well-earned retirement.

... i am not absolutly sure, you could set the 'lock pages in memory' privilege as described and give it a new try ...

But generally i think, it is time for an upgrade. Sorry, it hurts to say that.

---------- Post added at 20:50 ---------- Previous post was at 19:10 ----------

UPDATE:

added a little tool for easiest usage (see initial post for details)

[das attorney 858]

Hi Fred,

Keen to use your exe and wanted to check this first

Does this:

GimmeMoarFrames armausername

mean my steam username or the profile in Arma that I use (for example if my current Arma profile was BigBoy then I would type GimmeMoarFrames BigBoy in the command line)?

[fred41 42]

Hi Fred,

Keen to use your exe and wanted to check this first

Does this:

GimmeMoarFrames armausername

mean my steam username or the profile in Arma that I use (for example if my current Arma profile was BigBoy then I would type GimmeMoarFrames BigBoy in the command line)?

Hi, nothing of both. This is the windows useraccount name, the name of the account, which you use to start arma (supports client only currently).

[bravo409 13]

when I hit merge I get a error Say cannot access REG

Hp amd Phenom 8400 triple core processor 2.10ghz

3.00 GB RAM Memory

32 bit

vista

Graphic card Nvidia GT 630

[fred41 42]

@bravo409, with only 3GB system memory? I don't think that this will really work, sorry.

[k0rd 3]

@JumpingHubert, don't believe him, he's joking as usual :) (but at least there is a real difference)

I am really not joking! I am seeing a really huge improvement! Like night and day!

[Brainbug 10]

well, don't take it personal, but I'd rather not run some exe which I know nothing about. I'd appreciate if you could just describe what it does, a short how-to to make these changes manually.

[RuairiAU 1]

@Fred41

I'm sure you're a nice chap, but I'm with brainbug; I won't be running the .exe nor would I advise anyone else to. There could be any sort of payload attached to that.

[vegeta897 13]

When trying to run the command in cmd it tells me the exe is not compatible with my version of windows. I'm on Win7 Pro x64.

[fred41 42]

initial post updated, with info about manual methode (for mor experienced users)

@Brainbug & RuairiAU, i basically share your concerns

@vegeta897, use the 'RAW' button in github to download the 'GimmeMoarFrames.exe' binary file

[nikiforos 450]

Very interesting I wonder if it actually works and if it actually makes enough difference to use it.

I will wait for further reading and results before I attempt to use it. Thank you Fred41 for actually trying to do something about Arma3 performance:)

[Greenfist 1863]

Very interesting I wonder if it actually works and if it actually makes enough difference to use it.

I will wait for further reading and results before I attempt to use it. Thank you Fred41 for actually trying to do something about Arma3 performance:)

Why wouldn't you try it yourself? The operation is non-invasive, completely reversible and done in a minute.

[nikiforos 450]

I'm at work :) But I will try this out later today .

Edited May 9, 2014 by Nikiforos

[EDcase 87]

I didn't do a numbers test but it definitely FEELS noticeably smoother.

Thanks Fred

[Greenfist 1863]

Seriously guys? 1000 views on the thread and I'm the only one who posted any kind of measured results? C'mon people, we need moar feedback and benchmarks! (and fps) :D