quake 3 fps are much higher, why?

[Paul -The Mad Hatter]

I didn't whether to post this here or in the games section.

Anyway when i enable vertex lighting the framerate shoots up, can anyone explain this too me. I have a geforce 2 mx 200. thanx

 

[Len]

Because vertex lighting is lower quality and less demanding on the video card. You'll see similar increases in performance by turning off 'marks on walls', 'high quality sky', 'dynamic lighting'. Its a tradeoff between performance and visual quality