Written and Edited by: MarkEAW

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CONTENTS

INTRO

TESTING METHOD
Test Machine | Results

MODERN SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Modern Machine Requirements
Suggested Reading
GOG Minimum Requirements (2021)

LEGACY SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Legacy Supported
Minimum Requirements | Recommended Machine
Optimized For | Further Requirement
Legacy Tested Hardware |  Install On Legacy OS

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Updated Drivers | System Resources | Video Card Upgrades
CPU Cores | Over Clocking CPU/MB | Monitor Updates

WINDOWS 7
Conclusions

WINDOWS 10
Test and Results | Conclusions | FXEXE Performance

Results:
OS:
EAWv: (1.2GoG , 1.28GoG , 1.28CodeGroup, 1.2stock or EAWPRO1.0)
Mode: Direct3D
Resolution: 1024x768 (Frame)
Wrapped:
Presentation:
DenseFighterFPS:
DenseBomberFPS:
ClearFPS:
Other Notes:

To get a FPS counter in the top right corner of the un-official Code-Group v1.28 and up, use CTRL-G. (Full screen is used for true FPS). For the FXEXE/EAWPRO and the official EAW games without frame counters, you'll need a third party program. I'm currently using Nvidia's 'FrameView' app that equals true FPS. You get at their web site.

1. The tests for 'Dense Fighter Formation' was done when approaching and flying within a bunch of fighters.
2. The tests for 'Dense Bomber Formation' was done when approaching and flying within a bunch of bombers.
3. The tests for 'In The Clear' where done with zero activity or objects on screen; such as at higher altitude and or flying over sea when all ground objects are not visible (effectively turned off by the game). You can move your view so your looking up to see just the sky to get a sense of what the Max FPS is.
   
4. Direct3D Mode is best to gauge speed of the game, as there is room for improvement. Glide Mode is known to be super fast in comparison to the DX results. Note: A Glide update (faster) was added to the CodeGroups 1.40 exe (also 1.28e and 1.29), so determine if your running Glide 2 or 3 when testing that Mode with which ever unofficial eaw.exe your using.

"EAW has captured most of the tremendous amount of action that took place in WWII!" Others and I have determined the following to be useful guidelines for system requirements on Modern Windows OS Desktop Computers.

Modern Machine Requirements (NT based Windows , 1999 to Today):

Running on a Windows OS version higher than WinME will work. However on NT machines, this is done with some sort of built in WinOS compatibility layers / fixes provided automatically or introduced by the player. (Note that, any form of software compatibility regardless how seamless it is, can cause slowdowns (lower frames per second) or other issues. Despite all this, EAW runs well natively on a modern Window OS, some better than others. Wrapper Programs are another great software solution that players use a lot as it solves issues that you may have. Read my NOTES further down after you read the following:

• 32 or 64 bit WinOS.
   
• -WinNT no multiplayer and several other issues... (use w/ wrapper program).
  -Win2k no multiplayer and a few issues (native compatibility; with the ACT Toolkit, manually configured).
  -WinXP with at least SP1 needed (native compatibility; comes w/ compatibility database).
  -WinVista/Win7 with some correctable issues (native compatibility and w/ reg fix or wrapper program)
  -Win8.1/Win10 with little to no issues (native compatibility or w/ wrapper program).
   
• Uses DirectX9.x, however runs with backward compatibility, some graphic features may not be available.
  (Enable Legacy supported DirectX DirectPlay in Windows 10 Features if you plan on multiplayer.)
   
• Single Core CPU (Two or more Cores for WinVista or later) Four cores preferred for Win8.1/Win10.
  Approximately a 3.8Ghz CPU (The less cores the faster you want it).
   
• 3D Graphics Card (256MB or more memory). No integrated to the cpu or motherboard video, game runs too slow.
   
• 2x CD-ROM drive to copy files off of the CD for a Full 'Install'. (high speed not required with full install).

NOTES

Suggested Reading:
If you do not have an old Win9x system (many of us no longer do) or if you prefer to use a modern Windows OS, I suggest you read and examine my 'Install Help Document' in it's entirety.

Note: The un-official Source Coded games with custom frontend launchers such as the Code-Group builds, will require WinXP or later versions due to the frontends using older Visual Basic 6 runtime files. See my 'CodeGroup Patches Help Document' for install instructions for those versions.

GOG Minimum Requirements (2021):

Windows: 7 / 8 / 10
(Its unknown if the automated installer, the modified eaw.exe and wrappers etc work on WinXP and Vista systems, however the stock game is known to work correctly).

Processor: 1.8GHz

Memory: 512 MB System RAM

Graphics: 3D graphics Card compatible with DirectX 7

DirectX: DirectX 9

Storage: 590 MB

Size: 572 MB

See my 'GOG Patches Help Document' for more information on the GOG/Steam EAW release.

For old computers, Win95, 98 , ME.

Legacy Supported:

These are the Official Machine System Requirements to run the stock game properly on legacy hardware. There is no software layers or fixes used on Win9x systems. These requirements have been slightly increased with my suggestions (and notes follow) to take into consideration that the game needs to run smoothly , especially when using extra custom game data add-ons.

The Technical Prerequisites for this Win95 stock game to work, there are a few things your computer must have.

Minimum Requirements:

• Windows 95/98/ME
   
• DirectX version 6.0 or higher (Works with DirectX9.x, however runs with backward compatibility, some problems can occur above DX7...). You can install version 6.0 as part of the installation process.
   
• Pentium 166+ Processor
  (without Hardware Accelerated 3D Video Card)

• Pentium 133 Processor
  (with Hardware Accelerated 3D Video Card)
   
• 32MB System RAM (working memory)
   
• Super VGA Graphics (640 x 480 x 256 colors)
  To use the game’s 3Dfx Glide support, you must have Glide API version 2.43 (or higher) installed and working.
  The game (EAWv1.0) is graphically accelerated in one resolution (640x480) by either the software renderer or in 3D via Direct3D or Glide.

• DirectSound compatible Sound card (16-bit)
   
• Hard drive (5MB free + 45MB swap file)
   
• Uses 2MB(compact install) to 55MB+(typical install) of HD space
  With the typical install, there are notable pauses during gameplay when receiving radio messages. Full install 552M fixes this.
   
• Mouse (or a device that fulfills the same function)
   
• 4x CD-ROM drive to read the CD during in game activity.
  Since the installation program will copy parts of European Air War onto your hard disk, you must have a enough of empty storage space on your hard drive. How much you need depends on how much of the game you choose to install; the different amounts are calculated for you by the MPS installation program (4 choices), and it shows you what you need versus what you have.

Recommended Machine:

• Windows 95/98/ME
   
• DirectX version 6.0 or above
   
• Pentium II 200+ (Pentium II 233-400) Processor
   
• 64MB System RAM

• Hardware Accelerated 3D Video Card (Table Fog Support) (DirectX 6 or 3DFX)
   
• DirectDraw Support (256 colored 8 bit Front-end Menu Screens)
   
• DirectPlay for Multiplayer (DirectPlay6 (8 works as well)); Modem, Direct Connection, Internet (2-8players)
   
• Hard drive (200MB free)
   
• Uses 552MB of HD space (full install)
   
• Joystick with 8 or more buttons with POV Hat, Throttle and Rudder Twist Handle, all built in or chain-linked.
  (Most types that Windows Recognizes). Foot pedals (for the rudder) recommended. (force feedback technology is also supported)
   
• 3 Button Mouse with Wheel.
   
• 8x CD-ROM drive to read the CD during in game activity. (on less than a full install).
  Make sure all the sound files are copied off of the CD. Without this the spool-up times for a CD drive causes great lags in gameplay whenever voice files are played.
  

NOTES

• Optimized For:
  One of the original EAW Team programmers (Chris Coon) once said sometime after EAW was released, that the game was generally optimized or adjusted for 4MB graphic cards, 32MB system RAM and around a 250MHz CPU. This of course was for the the stock game on (legacy machines) Win95/98 at the time. Keep reading.

• Further Requirement:
  It has been recommended by many past and current virtual pilots to have a higher than optimized spec machine if your running a bunch of custom add-ons. Perhaps if you have many new terrains, skies and high Quality sounds. Keep reading.

• Legacy Tested Hardware:
  On mid-range machines (from 1998), gameplay is smooth, and runs extremely well; In Win98, A Celeron 300A / 128MB System RAM / RIVA TNT 3D Card, the system handles max-detail D3D duties with ease.

  A Pentium 200 with 4M Voodoo1 card and 48M of System RAM (1998); represents just about the minimum spec you would want to run European Air War on. With most of the graphics options set to minimum, You will be able to get the sim running at an acceptable, if not silk smooth, frame rate most of the time including when attacking large bomber formations that are tough on frame rate. The only noticeable slowdown being when really 'close' range to a bunch of bombers.

  With lower-end machines (from around 1998) it runs respectably well too with detail settings lowered; A Pentium 166/ 64 MB RAM/ Voodoo system required most settings to be at minimum for smooth play.

  EAW runs in Direct3D runs very nicely on a VoodooII-8MB at 1024x768 (from 1999). A single 12MB Voodoo2 card will defiantly handle 800 x 600. Voodoo3 cards or Voodoo2 in SLI mode can handle much higher resolutions. A Voodoo3-2000 AGP card, at 1280 x 1024 resolution is possible.

  TNT and TNT2 video cards can also handle very high resolutions.

• Install On Legacy OS:
  Its not really practical to run EAW on the old Windows OS (Win95) which it was designed for. However if you have an older system that meets or exceeds the system requirements, you may want to use the included EAW CD auto installer to place the game on your hard drive. The stock game will run properly on that system without any OS modifications.

On Modern Systems, I have this to say about the overall performance.

Updated Drivers:
Before adding the game to your computer, you will want the latest drivers and updates for your Windows OS, Motherboard Chipsets, Video Card, Sound Device, and Controller Device (If available). If your going to run natively (without a wrapper program) and have a video card that at one point supported games like EAW, but now does not, you could rollback your Drivers if you think you need too....read on below....

On Modern Windows, regardless of the problem (unless the issue is beyond my scope), I would NOT use older drivers. I've found you need the latest drivers and OS updates for the game to work properly under compatibility layers, fixes and Wrappers etc found on those systems. On this Help Site I have included a large amount of information on such methods to properly use compatibility etc for EAW use.

System Resources:
EAW is very CPU and Motherboard / System Memory intensive rather than Graphic card intensive, especially when your game is loaded up with extra mods and extra planes. A Better CPU and fast MB with fast memory is wiser than a better Graphic card, as long as you meet the minimum requirements, a 3D Hardware Card. (Modern systems with integrated video will usually result in 11 Frames per second or lower on a Win10 system. A Win7 system will run it faster but may still be too slow with integrated graphics).

Video Card Updates:
For the users that wish to know more; Testing on all the same modern hardware (from 2010) while updating only the video card, I did not see any improvement, the frame rates stay the same. (I went from a NVIDIA GTX 560SC 1gig ram to an upgrade of a NVIDIA GTX 960 2gig ram). There was no improvement in FPS, the 560 was way over requirements for the game and system already.

CPU Cores:
EAW was made before multi core CPUs. It is considered a Single Threaded Win32 bit game, (runs on Multi core just fine); It hasn't been an issue for anyone. However, you may find old CPU's (say on WinXP) that support multi threading of some sort, like something called HyperThreading, will work better. Multi-Core, like Quad cores (say on Win10) still support single threading, some do it better than others. 6 Core CPUs from what I can tell have less support for single threaded games....

Over Clocking CPU/MB:
On that same hardware I have been using, Just Over Clocking the CPU slightly provided a few more frames. There was a greater increase in FPS when I continued with the OCing; So next I increased the speed in the MB and System Memory (Bus Speeds , HyperTransport Speed etc.). It's not necessary to OC every aspect of your machine, or even at all. I'm just mentioning things I tried in the past and documenting it.

Monitor Updates:
Also updating my old Monitor that can not Scale the Display and is stuck at a maximum of 59hz refresh rate, would only allow the average 30FPS. A new modern Monitor that has a higher 120hz refresh rate and Scaling abilities yielded actually higher (41) FPS during 4:3 set aspect ratio resolution, the games native ratio. See my 'Troubleshoot Help Document' and see the section titled 'OTHER PROBLEMS RUNNING THE GAME' and read about 'Stretched Game Screens'.

• Windows 7 is really my preferred OS for playing EAW just because of the speed of the game natively in Direct3D Mode is ideal, that's until or if ever, Win10 matches that speed. :)
  

Win10 nearly full compatibility; The Windows 10 OS is known to halve the Frames per Second (approximately 60 down to 30) of EAW from those found on Windows 7. However Windows 10 runs the game natively with better compatibility.

Either way I recommend the DxWnd Wrapper (by ghotik) to be used, especially on Win10.

The Results are in a rough order by Month and Year of testing.

Conclusions:

• With Direct3D running natively (no wrapper) on Win10 in a frame, use 1024x768 on a Dual to Quad Core CPU. The game is single thread, however it does not have problems with multiple cores.
• DX Mode is the hardest to keep high or steady FPS natively in Win10.
• The DxWnd Wrapper produces similar results as GoGs DX Wrapper, faster than native. (gives double Frames)
• Glide (as wrapped) consistently out performs in overall speed.
• Glide v3.0 is faster than the older Glide 2.43.
• I checked the standard EAWv1.2 for smoothness. It rates Good (at least 30fps) On my Win10 system, within a Wrapper I hit much higher frames.
• Virtualization enabled on a motherboard will slow down the game considerably, even in a wrapper. If your system is not fast enough to handle WindowsOS and Virtual, performance wise, turn it off.
• Note: If you run full screen, top to bottom, FPS will drop by about 6 compared to Running in a Window when using the DxWnd Wrapper Program.

FXEXE Performance:
I also tested the FXEXE Modification by VBH and its comparable to v1.2 as far as smoothness, the FXEXE has been optimized to support it's own new features (optimized routines). With the FXEXE all objects remain visible for their maximum view distance, even above the standard clouds. That and an extra cloudlayer and the addition of 3D clouds add significant amount of textures + polygons, all added to your views. How well your system does depends on how much power your PC has. Low end to middle level for Win9x systems, may feel a slowdown. Other than that modern systems handle the game with a breeze.

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