Normal vs Compact Solid-Core Fission Reactors

[Saltshaker]

Which is better in the long-run?

[Fwiffo]

Normal solid-core fission reactor is one of the, if not the worst type, so switch off it as soon as you can. Compact solid-core has much better for power per ton and power per resource, but has some power limits (mk5 has a limit of 20GW). However, when you start outgrowing that power limit, better invest in other types of reactors, like Molten Core or later types.

[ExavierMacbeth]

Depends on your needs...
The reactors all have max outputs so you would need to check if the engine you are using needs more. If you are using single/dual engines then yea the Compact will probobly work better. If you are using full 6 pack engines, the Compact probobly won't have enough output.

[wei270]

i find that early game compact has two advantage, if you want to build small ships for early defense only then the weight saved from compact can be significant.

also if you want to go to mars early compact is a bit cheaper because it useless resrouces so you don't have to speed like 1k on fuel resources but other wise Normal is better with better output.

[ulzgoroth]

Compact core has flatly better performance. But it has a low enough power ceiling that if you're using high power engines (like advanced pulsar, which you want) the reactor can be the limiting factor.

EDIT: If you want to go to mars early get an efficient electric drive of some sort. Once you've got one, any fission engine is plenty. Fuel cells might be plenty!

Though really you should go to mars by boosting a base there before you could get any value out of sending a ship there, so...