PU discussion thread

[jmikkone]

Since this PU discussion seems way off-topic for 'submit your new titans here'-thread, let's start another specifically for it.

[jmikkone]

So, the BIG question here is, what can be considered as 'enough' power to run various designs? (Let's ignore backing up for engine damage for now, OK?)

Sorry, Iceman, I'll propably get carried away by my maths again. Try to bear me. <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

I believe a safe assumption is to require at least 2 PUs for a titan 'just to be there', having heat reg and scanner running. Most necessary, but still in some cases optional is movement, but 2 PU will get you around if you really must skimp on something. IOW, a base of 4 PU should be sufficient for this calculation, 2 if you count on finding a nice spot to crouch into.

On heavier titans, ECM and at least a Shield 1 are very common, so another 2 PU from there, and we end up with 6 (4) PU base. What remains is weapons and various CC situations plus 'luxuries' you may sometimes want.

Case one : Various lasers. Average PUs per second equal to 1.0 (SL), 1.3 (ML), 1.3 (PL), 1.5 (LL) and 2.0 (PG) while heat per sec ratings are 1.4 (SL), 2.0 (ML), 2.1 (PL), 2.1 (LL) and 1.8 (PG).

With HEAT being the worst enemy for all of these, it can be seen that having just two or three of any kind will already cap the heat reg at 9/A. Hence, unless you absolutely WANT to be able to heat up while standing still, you'll only need 4 PU max. Adding this up with the base, PU output of 10 is enough everywhere, and 6 in extreme cases.

Case two : Special energy weapons. Average PUs are 2.0 (TB), 1.7 (CLG), 1.9 (BRG) and 1.7 (NB) and heats similarly 2.0 (TB), 1.3 (CLG), 1.9 (BRG) and 1.3 (NB).

Here again, two TBs or two BRGs are all that can be handled 'reasonably' (other than standing still) with heat regs. Polar would allow for a third. That same cap is reached via four of either CLGs or NBs. The max value here is 7 PU. Adding with the base, 13 PU is enough for anyone while a mere 9 is still acceptable. TB/BRG should be happy with three PU less.

Case three : Close Combat. I can't recall if PX and CS required PUs to reload, but using punches & kicks does, so at max we're looking at constant 3 PU usage. Together with base, 7 is plenty (you have to stay still) while 5 is acceptable. I don't think anyone would prefer spending PUs for lasers etc since punches & kicks deal out damage just as fast, if not faster, but with a LOT less heat.

Case four : Luxuries. Better shields will heat you up, further limiting your firepower, so PU needs do not rise up by much. Ditto for running and dodging. Jump ports do require one extra IF you need to use them very often.

Overall conclusions : Engines above Durania (7) are very seldom actually NEEDED. Those all-NB or all-CLG titans already risk running into someone with a great shield and/or Life support, so they'd better have a backup plan via sacrificing either shield or ECM together with a smaller engine for saved tonnage for other weapons. Not always being able to install Heat Reg 9/A for whatever reason, this further reduces the need for those humongous engines. Especially on lighter titans, reducing engine size gives you the most tonnage to play with.

[Thorgrim]

Hmmm, don't really know what to say to this. Maybe I'll just say nothing.
Did you read the section of the guide concerning the choice of an engine?