PM versus SM Math

[skillabstinenz]

Modding a Furnace/chem plant with 2 PM3 reduces it‘s speed from 1 to 0,7. With a 2SM3 Beacon we get 0,5 more speed. A relative gain of about 0,5/0,7=0,71. But PM3 cost 3273 (oil not included) and SM3 „only“ 2692,5 (oil not included). So SM3 only cost 2692,5/3273=0,82 of PM3, so the relative gain needs to be more than that, to make them viable one vs one. Which they are not in this case.

A modded mining drill has a speed of 0,55, the speed beacon gain is 0,5, so the relative gain is about 0,91. Meaning it is more efficient to build a new beacon even if it only reaches one drill than to build a new drill module cost wise.

For assemblies the odds are even more in favor of beacons 0,4 vs 0,5.

In conclusion if the production building has >2 mod slots it is always more resource efficient when you build more beacons instead of more production buildings. If it has only 2 mod slots your beacon has to affect at least two production buildings to make it viable.

Can someone verify this?

[DaveMcW]

I don't quite follow your numbers, but your conclusion is correct.

Use rows of speed-beacons and productivity-machines for maximum bonuses (everything affects 8 buildings).