ooh but ravenholm is a pretty low-demanding scenario tbh. the level-to-level load times in ravenholm costs ten times less waiting then for example the Coast or Canals. i think the levels in ravenholm aren't that big like the others, plus the fact that its close-quartered mostly, which gives high-fpses mostly. i know cuz i happen to had NET_GRAPH 3 command line on in that pirticualr level. (shows fps and packet send, which was higher to allmost 30 fps avarage than other levels)

hl 2 isn't demanding at all when it comes to good graphics but still smooth gameplay. take for example doom3. for a good/great visual experience on MY rig, i need to cut into gameplay smoothness dramatically, leaving me no option but to turn down the graphics for a better play experience. this also gives the awkward feeling of non-scaryness, because it looks so bad.
HL2 doesn't have this at all. settings on hi, fps around 70, no problem at all. tho the AF and AA thing (you say it doesn't effect gameplay smoothness?) sure deserves a try, because i know out of shear experience AA and AF on is a real fps-sucker, thats why i never had it on.
OR its just plain simple, because i have a RADEON graphics card, and you Nvidia. doom 3 plays best on nvidia, then again HL2 plays best on Radeon.

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