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=='''DMA Mode'''==
 
=='''DMA Mode'''==
  
Games are loaded via DMA mode by default, which enhances performance in many games. AKAIO on the R.P.G. uses DMA on the microSD at all times and there is currently is no way to turn it off. On the AK2 DMA is active when the "Loading" text turns red or green.
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DMA stands for Direct Memory Access; it is a way of allowing a device to directly access memory blocks without the involvement of the Central Processor Unit. This reduces the processing overhead and in the case of the Acekard, reduces lag associated with MicroSD data transfers.
[[Image:DMA_TKS_.png|DMA|right]]
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As of v1.4.1 the new DMA-QuickSave mode has been made default. You can see that this mode is working when the "Loading" text turns green. This new mode fixes video and sound glitches which occur in older patching modes, and offers faster save writing/reading support. This mode uses the same patching methods as holding "X" but with the benefit of an updated DMA mode.
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The original DMA mode can be accessed by holding "X". You can see that this mode is working when the "Loading" text turns red. This uses the same patching method as holding "A" but with the benefit of DMA.
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Older builds of AKAIO featured different DMA modes. The software informed the user as to which DMA mode was working based on the color of the "Loading..." text; Yellow is an improved DMA mode, Green was the Quick-Save DMA mode which was previously the default in AKAIO v1.4 - v1.6, and Red was the original DMA mode. Before Red was used for the original DMA mode it denoted a no-DMA mode, where DMA was turned off. As of v1.8.5 the new DMA yellow mode has been made default, this mode is significantly faster than the previously tested DMA modes. The older DMA modes have been removed and are no longer supported. There is currently no way to turn off DMA, it is on permanently.  
  
If you encounter a problem with a particular game, you can disable DMA mode by holding the "A" button while loading. In this case the "Loading" text will stay blue.
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Loader encryption was added starting with AKAIO 1.6RC1 as clone/fake teams with AK2i based Flash Kits were using AKAIO as their firmware. This added encryption increased loading times until the yellow DMA mode restored loading times to those of AKAIO 1.5.1 while maintaining encryption levels. Due to AP patching and other internal patches loading times may be slightly increased depending on user settings, microSD speed, etc.
  
There is no way for users to force the execution of the old DMA mode or the non-DMA mode either globally or on a per-ROM basis. DMA-QuickSave will always run unless the user inturrupts its execution by pressing one of the above mentioned buttons. However, some problem ROMs have been preset through the loaders to access a particular DMA mode. This behavior is normal and can not be overridden. There is currently no collected list of the ROMs which have a pre-set DMA mode.
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For games that are problematic with DMA mode, please make sure to first update the loaders to the most recent version. Updated loaders can be found at the [http://www.akaio.net/loaders/ Loaders Download Page] or via Wi-Fi Update from within AKAIO. If you notice a problem, even with the latest loaders, please visit the [[AKAIO ROM Compatibility|AKAIO ROM Compatibility Page]]. Add your problematic game as needed by following the on-site instructions. You should also visit the [http://akaio.net AKAIO Forums] and submit a proper bug report, please read the rules and previous bug reports before submitting your own.
 
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For games that are problematic with DMA mode, please make sure to first update the loaders to the most recent version. Updated loaders can be found at the [http://akaio.gbatemp.net/nloaders/ Loaders Download Page] or via Wi-Fi Update from within AKAIO. If you notice a problem even with the latest loaders, please visit the [[AKAIO ROM Compatibility|AKAIO ROM Compatibility Page]]. Add your problematic game as needed by following the on-site instructions
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Latest revision as of 23:46, 7 September 2012

DMA Mode

DMA stands for Direct Memory Access; it is a way of allowing a device to directly access memory blocks without the involvement of the Central Processor Unit. This reduces the processing overhead and in the case of the Acekard, reduces lag associated with MicroSD data transfers.

Older builds of AKAIO featured different DMA modes. The software informed the user as to which DMA mode was working based on the color of the "Loading..." text; Yellow is an improved DMA mode, Green was the Quick-Save DMA mode which was previously the default in AKAIO v1.4 - v1.6, and Red was the original DMA mode. Before Red was used for the original DMA mode it denoted a no-DMA mode, where DMA was turned off. As of v1.8.5 the new DMA yellow mode has been made default, this mode is significantly faster than the previously tested DMA modes. The older DMA modes have been removed and are no longer supported. There is currently no way to turn off DMA, it is on permanently.

Loader encryption was added starting with AKAIO 1.6RC1 as clone/fake teams with AK2i based Flash Kits were using AKAIO as their firmware. This added encryption increased loading times until the yellow DMA mode restored loading times to those of AKAIO 1.5.1 while maintaining encryption levels. Due to AP patching and other internal patches loading times may be slightly increased depending on user settings, microSD speed, etc.

For games that are problematic with DMA mode, please make sure to first update the loaders to the most recent version. Updated loaders can be found at the Loaders Download Page or via Wi-Fi Update from within AKAIO. If you notice a problem, even with the latest loaders, please visit the AKAIO ROM Compatibility Page. Add your problematic game as needed by following the on-site instructions. You should also visit the AKAIO Forums and submit a proper bug report, please read the rules and previous bug reports before submitting your own.