akaM2 January 26, 2006 Share akaM2 Member January 26, 2006 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. 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digdug January 26, 2006 Share digdug Member January 26, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScubaDan January 26, 2006 Share ScubaDan Member January 26, 2006 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_". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wayfarer January 26, 2006 Share wayfarer Member January 26, 2006 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brillow_Head January 26, 2006 Share Brillow_Head Member January 26, 2006 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k-wix January 26, 2006 Share k-wix Member January 26, 2006 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akaM2 January 26, 2006 Author Share akaM2 Member January 26, 2006 I use omega drivers and can tell a diff between them and the regular catalyst by about 5-8fps i think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akaM2 January 26, 2006 Author Share akaM2 Member January 26, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brillow_Head January 26, 2006 Share Brillow_Head Member January 26, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VooDooPC January 26, 2006 Share VooDooPC Member January 26, 2006 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... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ephemeral January 26, 2006 Share ephemeral Member January 26, 2006 what is the launch command? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VooDooPC January 26, 2006 Share VooDooPC Member January 26, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skyline January 31, 2006 Share skyline Member January 31, 2006 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} Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akaM2 January 31, 2006 Author Share akaM2 Member January 31, 2006 I have a ATI 9800 pro,and i was wondering if anyone had and got ideas of best drivers for my card.i havetryed 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digdug February 11, 2006 Share digdug Member February 11, 2006 whats the command to get nightvision to work again, ever since i used ur config nightvision goes insane. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allanon April 5, 2006 Share Allanon Member April 5, 2006 So... launch options you can either put dxlevel or heapsize but you can't have both going? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akaM2 April 5, 2006 Author Share akaM2 Member April 5, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laz.e.rus April 6, 2006 Share Laz.e.rus Member April 6, 2006 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) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demoner April 21, 2006 Share Demoner Member April 21, 2006 ok so i did this tweak guide but now all players have silver color to them how do i reset this part? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutelittlerabbit December 14, 2006 Share cutelittlerabbit Member December 14, 2006 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Demoner December 15, 2006 Share Demoner Member December 15, 2006 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ephemeral December 28, 2006 Share ephemeral Member December 28, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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