Kernel panic on OS X 10.4 / MacBook (GMA 950)

[Mathew Burrack]

Hello everyone, long-time Myth fan here. Decided to try to get back into playing, and downloaded 1.6 for both laptops I have. The MacBook Pro runs it beautifully, no problems at all for the most part. However, the 1st gen MacBook I have has several issues running the game. First, I noticed that on Gimble, it runs at a very slow framerate for the first four minutes or so, then smoothes out (no, not a single other program running, and this was from a clean boot). Second, about every 5-10 minutes, it will pause, almost like the system is hanging, for up to 10-15 seconds, then suddenly rush forward to catch up with the game clock. This will progressively get worse as I play, until it suddenly kernel panics (first time I've ever seen one on a Mac, actually).

Now, this is the first-gen MacBook, so it's the crappy Intel GMA 950 chipset, and I'm well aware of how much it really does suck. However, it's obvious that it can run it smoothly on occasion; it's just the pausing that is the problem. Texture thrashing, maybe? Not sure.

I've tried all the usual things--kill preferences, etc, and nothing changes. If anyone wants me to provide more info or try anything to help debug the issue, I'll be happy to help.

Also, on a somewhat unrelated note: I noticed that even my Pro machine has a slow framerate at the beginning of Gimble. As in 5-10 fps for about 3 minutes, then smoothes out to 30 fps or better. Have no clue why my Pro machine would do that, but at least it doesn't kernel panic. :~)

Anybody have any ideas? I'd love to get my brother-in-law into playing Myth with me, but without a second workable machine to play it, it's going to be a bit difficult...

Thanks!
--mcn

[Pyro]

I don't have experience with Macs so the only thing I could think of that doesn't involve the OS is that perhaps your Myth CD is scratched or damaged in some part. That when you installed it, some important part of the game is corrupt and causes lag-like problems. Does this happen on other maps other than Gimble?

[Mathew Burrack]

Yes, it happens on all maps, although the amount of pausing and how long it takes to kernel panic seems to vary depending on the map.

It seems all but certain it's graphics related, not a corrupt file. I just used the CD to install both copies yesterday, so the chances of one having a corrupt file compared to the other is next to nil. Plus, a corrupt file shouldn't cause the game to pause intermittently during play. Load, yes, but not play.

[Myrd]

What's the version of your OS?

[Mathew Burrack]

Sorry, thought I mentioned that before.

MacBook 2 GHz Core Duo
OS X 10.4.11
2 GB RAM
Intel GMA 950 Graphics (64 MB shared VRAM)
1280x800 display
15 GB free drive space

If there's any other information that would help, just let me know. Thanks!