M2's Official Source Tweak Guide

[akaM2]

M2's Tweak Guide

 

Last Updated: 1/25/05

 

Below is my expanded tweak guide for getting the best performance out of CS: Source.

 

Drivers

 

First and foremost, drivers are key to performance; but not all drivers are created equal, and no one driver is right for every card. It is up to you to research and test to find the best driver for your specific card. However, below are some generally recommended 3rd-party drivers for your brand of card. One thing to keep in mind: Just because a driver is newer doesn't mean it's better. You'll need to test different versions to find out which one best suits your card.

 

ATi Recommended Drivers:

 

OmegaDrivers

DNA-drivers

 

nVidia Recommended Drivers:

 

DNA-drivers

NGO Drivers

 

When removing previous driver installations, it's very important to make sure all files and registry entries have been removed before installing your new driver. Following these directions should help ensure your old drivers are properly uninstalled and new ones installed:

 

* Download, install, and updateDriver Cleaner

* Download new driver

* Uninstall previous driver via Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel

* Reboot in Safe Mode (F8)

* Run Driver Cleaner

* Reboot

* Install new driver

 

 

Note: If you have discovered an optimal driver for a specific model of card, feel free to PM me and I'll compile a list of recommended drivers for different card models.

 

Launch Options

 

Source has many performance-friendly launch options built-in that you may find give you a significant performance gain.

 

Launch properties can be added by right-clicking Counter-Strike: Source in Steam's My Games menu, clicking Properties, then Launch Options.

 

-dxlevel: Sets the DirectX level Source runs in.

 

You may find that setting this value lower than what your card can actually support to yield a performance increase. For example, a DirectX 9 card may run significantly faster in DirectX 8. Below is the recommended usage:

 

* -dxlevel 90 for DirectX 9

* -dxlevel 81 for DirectX 8.1

* -dxlevel 80 for DirectX 8

* -dxlevel 70 for DirectX 7

 

 

-heapsize: Dedicates a specific amount of memory to Source.

 

Increasing the allotted memory can yield substantial performance gains. However, it is important that you dedicate the right amount of memory. Dedicating too much or too little could actually cause a performance decrease.

 

It is recommended you dedicate half of your system memory. Below is the recommended usage:

 

* 512MB System Memory: -heapsize 262144

* 1GB System Memory: -heapsize 524288

* 2GB System Memory: -heapsize 1048576

 

 

(I'll add more later.)

 

CVARs

 

The following is a list of CVAR tweaks I've compiled through experimenting and various research. These commands help to strike an appropriate balance between quality and performance. You can find other CFGs that basically destroy the look of the game. I tried to maintain the appeal of Source while making it playable. These commands are CAL / CSP compliant.

 

Simply paste the following into Notepad, and save the file as autoexec.cfg in your Steam\SteamApps\your@email.com\counter-strike source\cstrike\cfg folder.

 

Note: The comments will not interfere with the commands.

 

My FPS cfg

 

//M2's Source Config

//Updated 1/25/05

 

// _Set netcode settings_

// _adjusts hitboxes and netcode settings for optimal registration_

cl_cmdrate 101

cl_interp 0.01

cl_interpolate 1

cl_lagcomp_errorcheck 1

cl_lagcompensation 1

cl_updaterate 101

cl_smooth 1

rate 25000

 

// _Set graphics settings_

// _adjusts graphics settings to boost framerate_

cl_ejectbrass 0 // _disables shells flying out of guns_

cl_forcepreload 1

cl_phys_props_enable 0 // _disables trash and cans etc_

cl_phys_props_max 0 // _disables trash and cans etc_

cl_radartype 1 // _solid radar_

cl_ragdoll_physics_enable 0 // _disables dead bodies_

cl_show_splashes 0 // _disables splashes when in water_

fps_max 101 // _caps FPS_

mat_bloomscale 0

mat_bumpmap 0 // _disables bumpmapping_

mat_clipz 0 // _lowers water quality_

mat_fastnobump 1 // _faster bump mapping_

mat_fastspecular 1 // _fast specular lighting_

mat_mipmaptextures 1 // _texture quality decreases with distance_

mat_hdr_enabled 0 // _disables high dynamic range lighting_

mat_hdr_level 0 // _disables high dynamic range lighting_

mat_picmip 2 // _lower texture quality--set between 0 and 2_

mat_specular 0 // _disables specular lighting_

mat_trilinear 0 // _disables trilinear filtering_

mat_wateroverlaysize 16 // _lowers water quality_

mat_vsync 0 // _disables vertical synchronization_

mp_decals 50 // _how many bullets etc will be shown_

muzzleflash_light 0 // _disables muzzleflash_

r_avglight 0 // _disables average lighting_

r_cheapwaterend 1 // _worse water rendering_

r_cheapwaterstart 1 // _worse water rendering_

r_decal_cullsize 2 // _lower texture quality at distance_

r_decals 0 // _disables player sprays_

r_drawdetailprops 0

r_drawflecks 0// _disables bullet impacts_

r_drawmodeldecals 0 // _disables decals on models_

r_dynamic 0

r_eyes 0 // _removes eyes from player models_

r_lightaverage 0 // _disables average lighting_

r_lightinterp 0

r_lod 3 // _adjusts model quality--set between -5 and 5_

r_occlusion 0 // _disables occlusion--lowers image quality but gains FPS_

r_propsmaxdist 100 // _lower object fading distance_

r_renderoverlayfragment 0

r_rootlod 2 // _lower overall game detail level_

r_shadows 1 // _set to 0 to disable shadows (not recommended)_

r_teeth 0 // _removes teeth from player models_

r_waterforceexpensive 0 // _disables high-quality water_

rope_averagelight 0 // _disables average lighting on ropes_

rope_smooth 0 // _disables antialiasing on ropes_

rope_subdiv 0

rope_wind_dist 0 // _disables wind effects on ropes_

 

// _Set processing settings_

// _transfers load from GPU to CPU to boost performance_

r_3dnow 1

r_mmx 1

r_sse 1

r_sse2 1

 

// _Set audio settings_

// _corrects audio synchronization_

snd_mixahead // _adjust in intervals of .1 to reduce stuttering_

 

// _Set violence settings_

// _increases blood to help you see hits better_

violence_ablood 1

violence_agibs 1

violence_hblood 1

violence_hgibs 1

 

// _Other settings_

budget_show_history 0

cl_crosshairalpha 999

cl_crosshairusealpha 1

jpeg_quality 100

sv_forcepreload 1

 

clear

echo "_M2's config loaded_"

 

 

Special thanks goes to CAL-Casey, its basically his post and cfg, just brought over to GC by me

 

I do know lots about it so feel free to ask any question.

[digdug]

is there any thing u can notice to see if the config file is working? i saved it to the right place and played militia just now and i was still geting bad FPS. i still heard water running etc tho, so i dont know if it worked

[ScubaDan]

As soon as CSS starts up, check the console. If the config worked you should see a line near the bottom that says "_M2's config loaded_".

[wayfarer]

Launch properties can be added by right-clicking Counter-Strike: Source in Steam's My Games menu, clicking Properties, then Launch Options.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I tried this & it prompted me for a password saying "these options

are for advanced users only" tried my steam pass. but would'nt work

any suggestions?

[Brillow_Head]

I loaded the autoexec file, however my game sits at Parsing.... for ever, Sending Client info.... forever, then lags constantly when I get ingame. I go back to my own autoexec and everything works fine.

 

This would be the second custom autoexec I've tried in the past month or so with the same outcome.

 

Also,

 

I'm run -dxlevel 90 from the launch options

 

I check my hardware and software directX level in Source Options

Hardware: directx 0.9 <---no typo

 

Also, I want to turn HRD off....but the option to change HDR is grayed out...can change it so it's perm set to "HDR on when availible" and flash nades are bruital with this...I want it off in a bad way.

Edited January 26, 2006 by Brillow_Head

[k-wix]

I like my netcode settings much more. Yours is very jaggy and wierd. Mine feel smoother (atleast to me) and seems to be just as accurate.

 

// ~~~kwix's Netcode settings~~~

cl_smooth 0

cl_interp 0.001

cl_interpolate 0.5

cl_updaterate 101

cl_cmdrate 101

 

 

Also some of the graphical tweaks are so strong they *hurt* for me to view, i tend to leave most things on, but then again i love the eye-candy. I stole your memory cache thing and your

 

r_3dnow 1

r_mmx 1

r_sse 1

r_sse2 1

 

What does this do exactly? i couldnt tell if it affected my performance for the better or worse.

 

Also, i was unaware of other drivers for my Rosewell GeForce 6600 .. are those actually better? .. i couldn't imagine a 3rd party being able to do it better then Nvidia themselves.. but.. could anyone tell me if they do work remarkably better or something?

Edited January 26, 2006 by k-wix

[akaM2]

I use omega drivers and can tell a diff between them and the regular catalyst by about 5-8fps i think

[akaM2]

I loaded the autoexec file, however my game sits at Parsing.... for ever, Sending Client info.... forever, then lags constantly when I get ingame.  I go back to my own autoexec and everything works fine. 

 

This would be the second custom autoexec I've tried in the past month or so with the same outcome.

 

Also,

 

I'm run -dxlevel 90 from the launch options

 

I check my hardware and software directX level in Source Options

Hardware: directx 0.9 <---no typo

 

Also, I want to turn HRD off....but the option to change HDR is grayed out...can change it so it's perm set to "HDR on when availible" and flash nades are bruital with this...I want it off in a bad way.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

thats weird to see brillow, i usually am the first in the game on a map load because it has less to load, to turn hdr off trying adding this to your autoexec

 

mat_hdr_enabled 0 // _disables high dynamic range lighting_

mat_hdr_level 0 // _disables high dynamic range lighting_

 

also try using the heapsize command and see if that makes it parse game info any faster, i use -heapsize 786432 because I have 1.5gbs of ram and thats prolly what makes it load so fast

[Brillow_Head]

Yeah, the heapsize will be a new addition, I have 1Gig so I'll set to 512.

Thanks for the HRD commands.

 

I think I'll also run in dx8.1 I had the best luck with this. I dont think 8.1 even has the option for HDR, but I'll still include it.

[VooDooPC]

Launch properties can be added by right-clicking Counter-Strike: Source in Steam's My Games menu, clicking Properties, then Launch Options.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I tried this & it prompted me for a password saying "these options

are for advanced users only" tried my steam pass. but would'nt work

any suggestions?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's where you put the Launch Command, not your password...

[ephemeral]

what is the launch command?

[VooDooPC]

The heapsize and dxlevel commands are launch commands. You put them in the little box. Don't forget the - before you put them in.

 

 

I just tried this config in scopeless, works pretty well. Now I can be as cool as M2.

[skyline]

I have a ATI 9800 pro,and i was wondering if anyone had and got ideas of best drivers for my card.i have

tryed alot but none really seem to be to great.

 

Thanx alot

=Eh?=Skyline{240}

[akaM2]

I have a ATI 9800 pro,and i was wondering if anyone had and got ideas of best drivers for my card.i have

tryed alot but none really seem to be to great.

 

Thanx alot

=Eh?=Skyline{240}

 

Hey Shane I have that exact card in my comp, I recommend the Omega Drivers and also make sure to run cs at dx level 8.1 or lower, it will boost your performance, i run it at 7 lol

[digdug]

whats the command to get nightvision to work again, ever since i used ur config nightvision goes insane.

[Allanon]

So... launch options you can either put dxlevel or heapsize but you can't have both going?

[akaM2]

So... launch options you can either put dxlevel or heapsize but you can't have both going?

 

you can have both, just have it like this "-dxlevel 81 -heapsize 524288" without the qoutes of course

[Laz.e.rus]

So... launch options you can either put dxlevel or heapsize but you can't have both going?

 

you can have both, just have it like this "-dxlevel 81 -heapsize 524288" without the qoutes of course

 

 

if tht doesnt work, try a ; after 81. I believe thats how it worked for me.

 

After you set DX once and re-run the game AND steam, make sure to then REMOVE the dx line from the launch options. For most people leaving it in resets the graphics everytime you launch the game ( res/settings/etc)

[Demoner]

ok so i did this tweak guide but now all players have silver color to them how do i reset this part?

[cutelittlerabbit]

Most all the cfg's like the above are spinoffs from Casey's cfg or the like but here is my recommendation for you demoner

 

// _Set netcode settings_

// _adjusts hitboxes and netcode settings for optimal registration

cl_cmdrate 101

cl_updaterate 101

cl_interp 0.01

cl_interpolate 1

cl_lagcomp_errorcheck 1

cl_lagcompensation 1

cl_smooth 1

rate 25000

 

// _Set graphics settings_

// _adjusts graphics settings to boost framerate_

cl_ejectbrass 0 // only use brass on DOD not cs

fps_max 101

mp_decals 50 // i like some decals for eye candy

 

// _Set processing settings_

// _transfers load from GPU to CPU to boost performance_

// r_3dnow 1 // if you run amd's

r_mmx 1

r_sse 1

r_sse2 1

 

// _Set audio settings_

// _corrects audio synchronization_

snd_mixahead 0.1 // in intervals of .1 to reduce stuttering

 

// _Other settings_

jpeg_quality 100

sv_forcepreload 1

cl_downloadfilter "nosounds" // stops custom sound packs

 

** my advice

start with each section of the above and slowly add the other configs as you like the look/feel...as always the big performance gains will allways revolve around AA/Filtering/Bumpmapping/drawing water etc. Refer to m2's for the cvars most useful to change. and remember on the ones that are commented "lowers detal etc" there is more than 0/1 or 0/1/2 so play around. Also cmd rate and all those need to be tweaked off your connection..

 

good luck pm if you or anyone else wants some help

Edited December 14, 2006 by cutelittlerabbit

[Demoner]

Most all the cfg's like the above are spinoffs from Casey's cfg or the like but here is my recommendation for you demoner

 

// _Set netcode settings_

// _adjusts hitboxes and netcode settings for optimal registration

cl_cmdrate 101

cl_updaterate 101

cl_interp 0.01

cl_interpolate 1

cl_lagcomp_errorcheck 1

cl_lagcompensation 1

cl_smooth 1

rate 25000

 

// _Set graphics settings_

// _adjusts graphics settings to boost framerate_

cl_ejectbrass 0 // only use brass on DOD not cs

fps_max 101

mp_decals 50 // i like some decals for eye candy

 

// _Set processing settings_

// _transfers load from GPU to CPU to boost performance_

// r_3dnow 1 // if you run amd's

r_mmx 1

r_sse 1

r_sse2 1

 

// _Set audio settings_

// _corrects audio synchronization_

snd_mixahead 0.1 // in intervals of .1 to reduce stuttering

 

// _Other settings_

jpeg_quality 100

sv_forcepreload 1

cl_downloadfilter "nosounds" // stops custom sound packs

 

** my advice

start with each section of the above and slowly add the other configs as you like the look/feel...as always the big performance gains will allways revolve around AA/Filtering/Bumpmapping/drawing water etc. Refer to m2's for the cvars most useful to change. and remember on the ones that are commented "lowers detal etc" there is more than 0/1 or 0/1/2 so play around. Also cmd rate and all those need to be tweaked off your connection..

 

good luck pm if you or anyone else wants some help

 

i got a new computer now man lol

Edited December 15, 2006 by Demoner

[ephemeral]

Launch properties can be added by right-clicking Counter-Strike: Source in Steam's My Games menu, clicking Properties, then Launch Options.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I tried this & it prompted me for a password saying "these options

are for advanced users only" tried my steam pass. but would'nt work

any suggestions?

that isnt a password prompt, it's the boot options. type stuff like -dxlevel 60 and stuff there; you can have as much as you want there, but make sure that there are spaces in between the commands