[!] [GUIDE] [!] The (un)OFFICIAL Better Performance and Gameplay Guide! - By DDRRE.

[legacy-DDRRE]

LEVEL 1 - USING OpenGL **NOTE: ATI users may not feel a performance boost. **
**OpenGL rendering is not selectable through the game, and must be done manually. How to do so is shown here. **
Purpose - HIGHER FPS
Enter the System directory and edit UT2004.ini .
Inside, switch
"
[Engine.Engine]
RenderDevice=D3DDrv.D3DRenderDevice
;RenderDevice=D3D9Drv.D3D9RenderDevice
;RenderDevice=Engine.NullRenderDevice
;RenderDevice=OpenGLDrv.OpenGLRenderDevice
;RenderDevice=PixoDrv.PixoRenderDevice
"


With:
"
[Engine.Engine]
;RenderDevice=D3DDrv.D3DRenderDevice
;RenderDevice=D3D9Drv.D3D9RenderDevice
;RenderDevice=Engine.NullRenderDevice
RenderDevice=OpenGLDrv.OpenGLRenderDevice
;RenderDevice=PixoDrv.PixoRenderDevice
"
And keep the rest of the file.

LEVEL 2 - Detail Adjustments
Purpose - HIGHER FPS
Make sure ALL details are set to Low, not Lower or Super Low, cause then you will notice the uglyness. When using Low you won't feel a big difference between it and high, except for FPS.

Uncheck "Detail Textures" and "Show Decals". Also uncheck "Trilinear Filtering".

Switch "32bit" to "16bit". Smoke and other effects should look blurry, but the FPS will rise sky-high!! Unlike other games, in this game there's a huge FPS difference between 32Bit-mode and 16Bit-Mode.

LEVEL 3 - The Ultimate Gaming Resolution
Purpose - BETTER GAMEPLAY

After performing level 2, switch the resolution 1024x768. Now the FPS will be OK, even though the resolution is high. Don't change it to a higher res or lower, because gameplay gets harder when you do so.


LEVEL 4 - CacheSizeMegs
Purpose - FASTER LOADING
LEVEL 4 IS UNCONFIRMED AND EPIC PROGRAMMERS SAY IT DOESN'T DO MUCH, SO DON'T USE IT! - I still believe it works, it worked for me.
Edit the file System\UT2004.ini

And Change:
"
[Engine.GameEngine]
CacheSizeMegs=32
"

To:
"
[Engine.GameEngine]
CacheSizeMegs=64
"
Also try doing 66% of your physical memory. Sometimes 64 is better, but sometimes the game will lag less if you set it to 66% of your physical memory (if you have 256MB's, for example, and you want to try the 66% settings, change the 32 to 169 and try running the game.)

LEVEL 5 - OpenGL Advanced Preferences
Purpose - HIGHER FPS

After performing level 2 and 3, edit System\UT2004.ini and change:
"
[OpenGLDrv.OpenGLRenderDevice]
DetailTextures=True
HighDetailActors=True
SuperHighDetailActors=True
UsePrecaching=True
UseCompressedLightmaps=True
UseTrilinear=True
UseStencil=False
MaxTextureUnits=8
VARSize=32
ReduceMouseLag=True
UseVSync=False
LevelOfAnisotropy=1
DetailTexMipBias=0.0
DefaultTexMipBias=-0.5
UseVBO=True
UseVSync=False
AppleVA=1
"

To:
"
[OpenGLDrv.OpenGLRenderDevice]
DetailTextures=False
HighDetailActors=False
SuperHighDetailActors=False
UsePrecaching=True
UseCompressedLightmaps=True
UseTrilinear=False
UseStencil=False
MaxTextureUnits=8
VARSize=32 {Set to 64 or 96 if you have a large size of Video Memory. Thanks go to Daniel from Epic again!}
UseVSync=False
LevelOfAnisotropy=0.000000
DetailTexMipBias=1.000000
DefaultTexMipBias=0.5
UseVBO=False {Thanks again Daniel!}
UseVSync=False
AppleVA=1
MultisampleHint=0
MultisampleSamples=0
MultisampleBuffers=0
DesiredRefreshRate=0
ForceCompression=False
TerrainLOD=0.4
SkyboxHack=True
LowQualityTerrain=True
Use16bitTextures=True NOTE! this will make your game flickery [**Thanks Madfresh**], but if you want more FPS like me, do this!
Use16bit=True NOTE! this will make your game flickery [**Thanks Madfresh**] , but if you want more FPS like me, do this!
ReduceMouseLag=False {NOTE: Thanks go to Epic's programmer, Daniel Vogel. Thanks Dude! }
UseTripleBuffering=True {NOTE: This one isn't approved, but it is said that it gives smoother gameplay. Thanks SSHAwk for this one.}
"

LEVEL 6 - Changing UT Default Graphics
Purpose - HIGHER FPS
This level is independent upon other levels.

Change:
"
[WinDrv.WindowsClient]
WindowedViewportX=640
WindowedViewportY=480
FullscreenViewportX=800
FullscreenViewportY=600
MenuViewportX=640
MenuViewportY=480
Brightness=0.800000
Contrast=0.700000
Gamma=0.800000
UseJoystick=False
CaptureMouse=True
StartupFullscreen=True
ScreenFlashes=True
NoLighting=False
MinDesiredFrameRate=35.000000
AnimMeshDynamicLOD=0.0
Decals=True
Coronas=True
DecoLayers=True
Projectors=True
NoDynamicLights=False
ReportDynamicUploads=False
TextureDetailInterface=Normal
TextureDetailTerrain=Normal
TextureDetailWeaponSkin=Normal
TextureDetailPlayerSkin=Normal
TextureDetailWorld=Normal
TextureDetailRenderMap=Normal
TextureDetailLightmap=UltraHigh
TextureMaxLOD=0
TextureMinLOD=0
NoFractalAnim=False
ScaleHUDX=0.0
MouseXMultiplier=1.000
MouseYMultiplier=1.000
UseSpeechRecognition=True
WeatherEffects=True
DrawDistanceLOD=1.0
"

To:
"
[WinDrv.WindowsClient]
WindowedViewportX=640
WindowedViewportY=480
FullscreenViewportX=1024
FullscreenViewportY=768
MenuViewportX=640
MenuViewportY=480
Brightness=0.840000
Contrast=0.740000
Gamma=1.110000
UseJoystick=False
CaptureMouse=True
StartupFullscreen=True
ScreenFlashes=True
NoLighting=False
MinDesiredFrameRate=35.000000
AnimMeshDynamicLOD=1.000000
Decals=False
Coronas=True
DecoLayers=True
Projectors=True
NoDynamicLights=False
ReportDynamicUploads=False
TextureDetailInterface=Normal
TextureDetailTerrain=Lower
TextureDetailWeaponSkin=Lower
TextureDetailPlayerSkin=Lower
TextureDetailWorld=Lower
TextureDetailRenderMap=Lower
TextureDetailLightmap=Lower
TextureMaxLOD=8
TextureMinLOD=1
NoFractalAnim=False
ScaleHUDX=0.000000
MouseXMultiplier=1.000000
MouseYMultiplier=1.000000
UseSpeechRecognition=True
WeatherEffects=True
DrawDistanceLOD=1.200000
"

LEVEL 7 (NEW) - Changing D3D Default Graphics Preferences
Purpose - HIGHER FPS
This level is for users who still want to use D3D and not OpenGL, and want better performance.
Change:
"
[D3DDrv.D3DRenderDevice]
DetailTextures=True
HighDetailActors=True
SuperHighDetailActors=True
UsePrecaching=True
UseTrilinear=True
AdapterNumber=-1
ReduceMouseLag=True
UseTripleBuffering=False
UseHardwareTL=True
UseHardwareVS=True
UseCubemaps=True
DesiredRefreshRate=60
UseCompressedLightmaps=True
UseStencil=False
Use16bit=False
Use16bitTextures=False
MaxPixelShaderVersion=255
UseVSync=False
LevelOfAnisotropy=1
DetailTexMipBias=0.0
DefaultTexMipBias=-0.5
UseNPatches=False
TesselationFactor=1.0
CheckForOverflow=False
AvoidHitches=False
OverrideDesktopRefreshRate=False
ReportUnusedTextures=False
"

To:
"
[D3DDrv.D3DRenderDevice]
DetailTextures=False
HighDetailActors=False
SuperHighDetailActors=False
UsePrecaching=True
UseTrilinear=False
AdapterNumber=-1
ReduceMouseLag=False
UseTripleBuffering=True
UseHardwareTL=True
UseHardwareVS=True
UseCubemaps=True
DesiredRefreshRate=80
UseCompressedLightmaps=True
UseStencil=False
Use16bit=True
Use16bitTextures=True
MaxPixelShaderVersion=255
UseVSync=False
LevelOfAnisotropy=0
DetailTexMipBias=0.000000
DefaultTexMipBias=-0.500000
UseNPatches=True
TesselationFactor=1.000000
CheckForOverflow=False
AvoidHitches=True
OverrideDesktopRefreshRate=False
ReportUnusedTextures=False
DecompressTextures=False
TerrainLOD=1
SkyboxHack=False
LowQualityTerrain=True
"

TIP: To see what's your frame rate, enter the console by pressing ` and type 'Stat FPS'.
TIP: Adjust your netspeed to your monitor Hz and FPS. Low-End PCs should use 3200, Mid-End PCs should use 5300 and High-End PCs should use 8120. To adjust your netspeed, enter the console by pressing ` and type 'Netspeed ####'. This might help with lags. {Thanks go to -=Smiley=- for this one!}

Some non-related tips:
*Some users find FOV 100-110 more useful for aiming. I personally use 110. To change your FOV (Field of View) to 110, enter the console and type FOV 110. You cannot pick more than FOV 100 in the Menu.
*When spectating, if you want to switch to first-person view, enter the console and type 'behindview 0'. To switch back to 3rd person view enter the console and type `behindview 1'. This is also nice if in the middle of a game you want to see yourself from 3rd person view and start giving gestures

Well, that's it. Enjoy!
P.S. I am not responsible for whatever happens after using this. Use at own risk

(C) DDRRE, 2004

Special Greetings: HUGE THANKS to Daniel Vogel from Epic for the tips that make this guide better. A little credit given to "madfresh" for that 16-bit tip. Also, I would like to thank "-=Smiley=-" for the netspeed tip. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU for reading my guide and supporting my work that keeps me going!

[legacy-NoGodForMe]

Thanks for the tips. Wow, that didn't take long for them to appear.

I also play at 1024x768 in 16bit mode. Don't care about the eye candy. Sure, I'll try it just to see what it looks like, but then I'll turn everything down. It's the gameplay that matters to me.

[legacy-A2597]

are you trying to make the game look horrible? 1280x960 max-possible, 2xaa/6xAF 100fps

who needs more?

[Buppie]

@DDRRE

You sure that OpenGL = faster then the D3D driver?
I don't think everybody will agree with that.
Further; thanks for the tips :up:

[legacy-DDRRE]

Originally posted by Buppie
@DDRRE

You sure that OpenGL = faster then the D3D driver?
I don't think everybody will agree with that.
Further; thanks for the tips :up:

That's OpenGL's motto. Better Performance at the same Quality.

Anyway, ATI users that use OpenGL usually don't see a performance boost.

[legacy-DDRRE]

Does anyone care?

[legacy-MuffinMan]

Originally posted by DDRRE
Does anyone care?

I don't But then, my system is decent enough to get good fps at the detail levels and resolution I prefer.

However, I think it's very cool that you've gone to all this trouble to help those out with lower end systems. Nice work.

[legacy-NoGodForMe]

Of coarse we care. I'm at work right now. Printed the message and will try the tweaks tonight.
You posted early in the morning. Give it some time and others will respond.

[legacy-DDRRE]

Well this isn't exactly a dead forum... I just don't want my thread going to page #200 because no one saw it

[legacy-Jewtron]

I love you.

[legacy-Impy]

Re: [!] [GUIDE] [!] The (un)OFFICIAL Better Performance and Gameplay Guide! - By DDRR

Originally posted by DDRRE
What's up?
Some basic things you need to know.


LEVEL 4 - CacheSizeMegs - FASTER LOADING

Edit the file System\UT2004.ini

And Change:
"
[Engine.GameEngine]
CacheSizeMegs=32
"

To:
"
[Engine.GameEngine]
CacheSizeMegs=64
"
Also try doing 66% of your physical memory. Sometimes 64 is better, but sometimes the game will lag less if you set it to 66% of your physical memory (if you have 256MB's, for example, and you want to try the 66% settings, change the 32 to 169 and try running the game.)


(C) DDRRE, 2004

That is a common misconception of the UT200X ini. The cache size here relates to the size of the cache folder thats stores items you dsownload off the server. Like custom maps and stuff. You wont have one yet in the UT2k4 demo as there is no custom content but if you chekc your 2k3 install you will.

Setting this just changes the size to which that folder can grow....it wont help performance. But apart from that its a nice guide for newbies :up: :up:

Impy

[legacy-DDRRE]

Re: Re: [!] [GUIDE] [!] The (un)OFFICIAL Better Performance and Gameplay Guide! - By DDRR

Originally posted by Impy
That is a common misconception of the UT200X ini. The cache size here relates to the size of the cache folder thats stores items you dsownload off the server. Like custom maps and stuff. You wont have one yet in the UT2k4 demo as there is no custom content but if you chekc your 2k3 install you will.

Setting this just changes the size to which that folder can grow....it wont help performance. But apart from that its a nice guide for newbies :up: :up:

Impy

Dude, you're incorrect. The CacheSizeMegs is for Precaching. UT has a default cachesizemegs of 4. Do you really think that Epic would be dumb enough to let you store only 4MB of cache? the CacheSizeMegs is for precaching and helps loading times. After changing it to a bigger number the first times you will enter a level will be slow but after a day of playing UT2004 with the cache tweak the loading will be much slower.

And thanks for the support Impy. This guide is for non-newbies like you also.

[legacy-Impy]

Re: Re: Re: [!] [GUIDE] [!] The (un)OFFICIAL Better Performance and Gameplay Guide! -

*edited*
Impy

[legacy-DDRRE]

Re: Re: Re: Re: [!] [GUIDE] [!] The (un)OFFICIAL Better Performance and Gameplay Guide! -

Originally posted by Impy
PurgeCacheDays=30

So this cache is only cleared every 30days.... if what I am saying is incorrect please explain that setting and these

CachePath=../Cache
CacheExt=.uxx
CacheRecordPath=../System/*.ucl

which related to where your custom content is stored....

Impy

There are 2 types of caches (<--- Does that word exist?? O_o).
1. Download file cache - has nothing to do with your PC's performance. It is only used for maps and the 'cache' word is caching of making you enter servers faster (not downloading maps, mutators etc.) it's useless in the demo.
2. System, Texture and Map cache - this cache makes loading times faster. Compare it to the Windows-based precache, or old file cache of Windows. It's about the same. It works.

[legacy-MechaFubs]

Anything for better FPS, but I disagree with some of the stuff here.

Turning off everything is sometimes a bad idea. I find that tri-linear both looks better AND runs at a higher FPS, so I keep that on.

Other options may drop FPS by 2-3, but some other visual option will be well worth the effort.