Post by Hobbes on May 21, 2008 12:09:26 GMT -5
Note this is not my own post but one I copied for your use:
GUIDE: How to improve your performance and play in AoC
Computer Basics
I'm assuming that some of you have at least a bare minimum of computer knowledge handy to perform some of the tasks to follow. If you don't, just ask away and I'm sure someone can assist you with them.
RAM, Virtual Memory, and Readyboost
32-bit operating systems, Windows-XP, Vista-32 bit, support up to 4 GB of RAM but this is very misleading. You'll actually only get to use up to 2 GB of RAM because the remainder is not usable. In 64-bit system environments you can utilize the full 4 GB and depending on the type of software you purchased (Vista Ultimate for instance) can allow up to 128 GB of RAM to be usable.
So, the bottom line is most people here (a bulk of us) use either 4 GB of RAM or less, or operate on a 32-bit system environment. So, virtual memory is an important step to assisting with initial performance problems regarding memory usage.
The ideal situation for virtual memory usage is to move the page file to a completely different drive than the one that is being used by the system. Some of you may remember the swap file terminology that was present with older Windows environments. Windows XP and beyond uses page files now.
If you move the page file to a separate drive you cause the virtual memory to be cached/usable without interfering with system performance on the main drive. This is extremely valuable when gaming. If you need that extra bit of performance, it's utilizing resources away from the running environment!
If you purchased a "very small" but extremely fast 10,000 RPM+ drive to use as a resource drive, you could move the page file over there "first" and then utilize the drive for storage of files only.
But, what if you don't have another drive to utilize?
Well, if you are operating Windows Vista 32-bit+, there's a nice feature called Readyboost. Readyboost simply allows you to take a normal flash memory drive (one of those 2.0 USB flash drives you can buy for next to nothing in a local store) and "caches" that drive when it needs more memory. Keep in mind that Vista allocates 95% of "all" of the free space on a flash memory key when you use Readyboost. So, you won't be able to use that drive to store files on. In fact, you definitely want to make sure that the drive is free and empty. There are a lot of new flash memory keys out there that already support Readyboost and are specifically made for it. You can ask any one at your local store to find out if the flash memory key supports it.
But, what if you don't have another drive, or windows vista, or a flash memory key. What then?
You simply optimize your virtual memory. One of the fundamental flaws that I see people do over and over again, is to allow Windows to decide how much of the virtual memory to use. Also, the virtual memory is set dynamically rather than statically which creates a few issues that I'll explain in a moment.
First, a dynamic page file is one that has a minimum and no default maximum. It can continue to grow. The first problem with dynamic page files, as with any page file, is that you cannot defragment them. Page files by default are unmovable resources. Therefore, they can't be defragmented. However, dynamic page files can become fragmented. And, they can become "largely" fragmented.
By working with static page files you define a minimum and a maximum value that are the same, thus keeping the page file from becoming fragmented at all. This is an important thing to understand.
So, how do we do all of this?
RAM: For AoC, I recommend making sure you have a minimum of 2 GB installed and if you can afford it, go to 4 GB. If you have the capability of upgrading to Windows Vista 64-bit (requires a 64-bit processor as well) - that's the better thing to do. Otherwise, go with 2 GB minimum.
Virtual Memory: Depending on your OS, visit the following links:
Windows XP Link
Windows Vista Link
Keep the following in mind. In the minimum and maximum memory boxes for either link, make sure you set them statically. The formula is generally observed as (1.5 x Current Ram) but I tend to go higher (2.0 x Current Ram). So, if you have 2 GB of RAM you would place 4000 in both the minimum and maximum boxes.
If you have 4 GB you would place 8000 in both boxes for Vista-64 Bit only. For 32-bit you would still only use 4000.
If you have an additional drive to use, the drive maps will be listed and you would delete the page files from the "master" drive where the operating system is being used, and instead put the minimum / maximum static values on the secondary drive instead.
As an example of this, let's say I have two drives:
C:\ is my main
F:\ is my secondary
I would put the 4000 MB minimum and 4000 MB maximum on the F:\ drive and make sure no other drives have page files in use.
Readyboost: See the following link:
Readyboost Link
CHKDSK and Defragmenting Your Computer
Most people remember the old Scandisk tool for cleaning up your file allocation tables and checking the drive and system integrity of your system. However, Scandisk became obsolete during the emergence of Windows XP and beyond. What we use now is CHKDSK or (Check Disk).
Using chkdsk is very easy. Simply click Start > Run > type "cmd" and hit enter. This will drop you to a DOS command prompt.
Type chkdsk /f and hit enter.
This command will then prompt you on whether or not you want to perform chkdsk and automatically fix errors after the next reboot. Simply say yes. Then, type exit and go through the motions of rebooting your machine.
On the reboot, the system will automatically go into chkdsk and perform a 3-phase verification process. If anything is wrong with your drive or your system, it will automatically be repaired. This is, unless of course, you have a physical drive issue with your hard drive. If that were to happen, you'd want to replace the drive.
Defragmenting Your Computer
If you followed the first steps with virtual memory allocation on a "separate" drive, defragmenting will be a lot nicer for you. This is because there will be a much smaller block of unmovable data.
Why should I defragment my system and when?
Files become fragmented when you install applications, uninstall applications, or through everyday use. After installing Age of Conan, a 21 GB installation, it's important to perform a defrag.
What should I do before I defrag my system? What should I prepare in advance?
The first thing I like to do is re-visit my currently installed applications. You'll be amazed at how many applications you might have installed that you don't use anymore. If you don't need them, remove them. Basic cleanup is great for your system.
You should also use a system cleanup utility such as "Disk Cleanup". By default, it's in the system tools area of accessories for your OS (Vista may differ). Cleanup Temporary Internet Files, Temp files, and anything else that you aren't using or need.
Once you are finished with the initial prep, perform your defrag overnight. Sometimes it can take up to 3 or 4 hours, depending on how fragmented your drive is and how large it is. I tend to do mine overnight to make it easier.
Performing these two steps will help you immensely with your performance issues.
Windows Processes and Cleaning
People ask me all of the time, how do you determine what windows processes are really necessary? And, if they aren't necessary, what's the best method of stopping/removing them?
Thankfully, there's numerous sites out there that can be used to determine whether or not you need to use some of those processes running on your machine.
* The first thing you should do is open up "msconfig". Go to start > run > type msconfig and hit enter.
* Click the startup tab.
Each startup item is listed under the Startup Item column. While you have this open, open up a browser and go to the following URL:
www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/index.html
Neuber is a great utility site that can tell you what each process is that you are running, and it even has user comments that tell you what their take is on the subject and whether or not it's necessary.
You may just find out that you have some malicious windows processes running or just some aggravating announcement processes running that you don't need. If you determine that you don't need the process, uncheck it and click APPLY and OK.
For processes that you may or may not understand what detrimental effects they will have, you may want to reboot just to make sure everything is okay. Or, if it's something that leans along the critical possibility level and you feel it may still be necessary or needed, don't do anything with it at all.
There are some simple processes listed that don't need to be used.
Once you've made all necessary changes and rebooted, those processes will no longer run at startup. This will help you to alleviate any extra resource issues that other applications might be taking up and help you to move those vital resources to your gaming and other usages.
AV, Spy ware Removal
One of the biggest reasons for bandwidth consumptions and performance issues on a machine is due to Trojan's - malware/spy-ware, and an infected machine. Without using a good solid AV program and checking things thoroughly, you will find that this may indeed be one of the major reasons you are experiencing adverse performance issues.
I recommend the following two AV software packages with the topmost being the one I recommend most:
* Kaspersky (recommended for 32-bit systems)
* Bitdefender (recommended for 64-bit systems)
Kaspersky is stronger than Bitdefender because of its default rootkit detection mechanisms. Both of the AV software packages are rock solid, however Bitdefender has way too many false positives present. If it detects any type of UPX compression, it goes batty sometimes. Both are consistent and offer the fastest AV definition upgrades. This means they keep your system up to date and clean 24/7.
Other software that I recommend are:
Registrybooster 2 : Allows you to clean and defragment your "registry". It is the best registry cleaning software on the market and well worth the price of having. Most people might tell you that registry cleaners don't work. This one does! And, it's also rock solid.
Rootkit Unhooker: This is by far the best rootkit detector ever created and it's free. I'd get it just so you can have it to detect rootkits on your machine. Keep in mind that it will detect KIS (Kaspersky) in the rootkits but that's because kaspersky installs itself into the roots to find unwanted applications. Rootkit trojans are malware that infests itself into the roots of your system core, allowing the ability to control your system to some extent, generally wreaking havoc in the process.
Hijackthis (latest version) : Hijackthis is a great utility for looking over anything on your system and you can post the results to numerous sites to receive feedback on what negative things might be occurring on your system. I recommend this for those of you who have AV/Anti-spy-ware software loaded but still run into strange bandwidth or performance issues. Post your logs to the correct sites and get some help!
Spyware Blaster : This is just a simple browser layering application that layers your browsers preventing sites that could cause problems to be reached. It's free and a good software to use.
So, what web browser should I be using?
I would use mozilla firefox. Internet Explorer is one of the least secure web browsers in the market. Most people get infections from using unsecure browsers. Firefox is a solid secure browser that offers a lot of rich features in the process.
Remember to stay current on your AV software, your registry cleaners, and your browser security and you will not have very many infections ever reach your machine.
Game Mechanics - Setting Resources
"this is a portion of the guide that may continually become outdated and require change. So, take from it what works for you, and notify me if something changes so I can update it"
"Currently a work in progress"
Audio Options
-- Not Implemented Yet
Video Options
Default Resolution: The higher the resolution, the more performance hit you will encounter. Using windowed mode, and lowering your resolution slightly will improve performance greatly.
From my own numbers, decreasing resolution to "half" of your normal value will increase your FPS by 20 to 25 frames.
Also, for those of you using dual view versus horizontal span for your system video cards, there is another adverse hit for dual view users. I've seen a 5 to 10 FPS positive difference using horizontal span versus dual view. This really only applies to those of you with 2 monitors. I'm pretty certain this has to do with the drawing mechanism in place between monitors.
Overall Quality
If you click on Low, Medium, or High, it will completely erase any custom settings you make. Therefore, you should set one of these to start with before making custom changes.
If you are on a low-end system or medium-system, start with Low and work your way up through the custom settings.
If you are on a very high end system, go with Medium and work your way up through the custom settings.
High should only be used if your system can truly handle it. You'll know right away when you enter the game and find that you are showing 5 FPS, then you will want to change this. If you set this to high and go in and find yourself averaging 20 FPS, you are doing "GOOD" but you may want to lower via custom and increase your FPS to 35 FPS which is a very playable state.
Anti-Alias Quality (Recommended none or 2x)
Controls the jagged appearance around objects. You can set this to none, 2x, or 4x. The higher the setting the better visually the game will appear, but you will be hit with 5 to 7 FPS decrease per setting. This may differ on your system.
View Ranges (recommended: 2000m)
Controls how far you can view in the game. If you increase this greatly, it will decrease performance. This is something you will have to tailor for yourself. I personally think 2000 m is a good start. Work your way downwards/upwards depending.
Advanced Video Options
DirectX 9 vs. 10: I can't offer any huge differences in performance in this section as of yet. They appear to either a) be the same and not implemented, or b) offer no negative performance hit either way.
Shader Model Version: This one has me a bit perplexed. Shader Models by default were set with the type of directX you were using. So, anyone who used 9.0c were set to 3.0 by default. However, there is a "CONSIDERABLE" difference between using 3.0 and 2.0. If you set to 2.0, Frame rate is substantially different. However, due to the auto detect method in place, anytime you make further custom changes, it automatically forces it back to 3.0. So, for my system, I force it to 2.0 at the end of altering custom settings. Again, I'd like to hear some more perspective from the technical team regarding this implementation and why it's so adverse on framerate.
GUIDE: How to improve your performance and play in AoC
Computer Basics
I'm assuming that some of you have at least a bare minimum of computer knowledge handy to perform some of the tasks to follow. If you don't, just ask away and I'm sure someone can assist you with them.
RAM, Virtual Memory, and Readyboost
32-bit operating systems, Windows-XP, Vista-32 bit, support up to 4 GB of RAM but this is very misleading. You'll actually only get to use up to 2 GB of RAM because the remainder is not usable. In 64-bit system environments you can utilize the full 4 GB and depending on the type of software you purchased (Vista Ultimate for instance) can allow up to 128 GB of RAM to be usable.
So, the bottom line is most people here (a bulk of us) use either 4 GB of RAM or less, or operate on a 32-bit system environment. So, virtual memory is an important step to assisting with initial performance problems regarding memory usage.
The ideal situation for virtual memory usage is to move the page file to a completely different drive than the one that is being used by the system. Some of you may remember the swap file terminology that was present with older Windows environments. Windows XP and beyond uses page files now.
If you move the page file to a separate drive you cause the virtual memory to be cached/usable without interfering with system performance on the main drive. This is extremely valuable when gaming. If you need that extra bit of performance, it's utilizing resources away from the running environment!
If you purchased a "very small" but extremely fast 10,000 RPM+ drive to use as a resource drive, you could move the page file over there "first" and then utilize the drive for storage of files only.
But, what if you don't have another drive to utilize?
Well, if you are operating Windows Vista 32-bit+, there's a nice feature called Readyboost. Readyboost simply allows you to take a normal flash memory drive (one of those 2.0 USB flash drives you can buy for next to nothing in a local store) and "caches" that drive when it needs more memory. Keep in mind that Vista allocates 95% of "all" of the free space on a flash memory key when you use Readyboost. So, you won't be able to use that drive to store files on. In fact, you definitely want to make sure that the drive is free and empty. There are a lot of new flash memory keys out there that already support Readyboost and are specifically made for it. You can ask any one at your local store to find out if the flash memory key supports it.
But, what if you don't have another drive, or windows vista, or a flash memory key. What then?
You simply optimize your virtual memory. One of the fundamental flaws that I see people do over and over again, is to allow Windows to decide how much of the virtual memory to use. Also, the virtual memory is set dynamically rather than statically which creates a few issues that I'll explain in a moment.
First, a dynamic page file is one that has a minimum and no default maximum. It can continue to grow. The first problem with dynamic page files, as with any page file, is that you cannot defragment them. Page files by default are unmovable resources. Therefore, they can't be defragmented. However, dynamic page files can become fragmented. And, they can become "largely" fragmented.
By working with static page files you define a minimum and a maximum value that are the same, thus keeping the page file from becoming fragmented at all. This is an important thing to understand.
So, how do we do all of this?
RAM: For AoC, I recommend making sure you have a minimum of 2 GB installed and if you can afford it, go to 4 GB. If you have the capability of upgrading to Windows Vista 64-bit (requires a 64-bit processor as well) - that's the better thing to do. Otherwise, go with 2 GB minimum.
Virtual Memory: Depending on your OS, visit the following links:
Windows XP Link
Windows Vista Link
Keep the following in mind. In the minimum and maximum memory boxes for either link, make sure you set them statically. The formula is generally observed as (1.5 x Current Ram) but I tend to go higher (2.0 x Current Ram). So, if you have 2 GB of RAM you would place 4000 in both the minimum and maximum boxes.
If you have 4 GB you would place 8000 in both boxes for Vista-64 Bit only. For 32-bit you would still only use 4000.
If you have an additional drive to use, the drive maps will be listed and you would delete the page files from the "master" drive where the operating system is being used, and instead put the minimum / maximum static values on the secondary drive instead.
As an example of this, let's say I have two drives:
C:\ is my main
F:\ is my secondary
I would put the 4000 MB minimum and 4000 MB maximum on the F:\ drive and make sure no other drives have page files in use.
Readyboost: See the following link:
Readyboost Link
CHKDSK and Defragmenting Your Computer
Most people remember the old Scandisk tool for cleaning up your file allocation tables and checking the drive and system integrity of your system. However, Scandisk became obsolete during the emergence of Windows XP and beyond. What we use now is CHKDSK or (Check Disk).
Using chkdsk is very easy. Simply click Start > Run > type "cmd" and hit enter. This will drop you to a DOS command prompt.
Type chkdsk /f and hit enter.
This command will then prompt you on whether or not you want to perform chkdsk and automatically fix errors after the next reboot. Simply say yes. Then, type exit and go through the motions of rebooting your machine.
On the reboot, the system will automatically go into chkdsk and perform a 3-phase verification process. If anything is wrong with your drive or your system, it will automatically be repaired. This is, unless of course, you have a physical drive issue with your hard drive. If that were to happen, you'd want to replace the drive.
Defragmenting Your Computer
If you followed the first steps with virtual memory allocation on a "separate" drive, defragmenting will be a lot nicer for you. This is because there will be a much smaller block of unmovable data.
Why should I defragment my system and when?
Files become fragmented when you install applications, uninstall applications, or through everyday use. After installing Age of Conan, a 21 GB installation, it's important to perform a defrag.
What should I do before I defrag my system? What should I prepare in advance?
The first thing I like to do is re-visit my currently installed applications. You'll be amazed at how many applications you might have installed that you don't use anymore. If you don't need them, remove them. Basic cleanup is great for your system.
You should also use a system cleanup utility such as "Disk Cleanup". By default, it's in the system tools area of accessories for your OS (Vista may differ). Cleanup Temporary Internet Files, Temp files, and anything else that you aren't using or need.
Once you are finished with the initial prep, perform your defrag overnight. Sometimes it can take up to 3 or 4 hours, depending on how fragmented your drive is and how large it is. I tend to do mine overnight to make it easier.
Performing these two steps will help you immensely with your performance issues.
Windows Processes and Cleaning
People ask me all of the time, how do you determine what windows processes are really necessary? And, if they aren't necessary, what's the best method of stopping/removing them?
Thankfully, there's numerous sites out there that can be used to determine whether or not you need to use some of those processes running on your machine.
* The first thing you should do is open up "msconfig". Go to start > run > type msconfig and hit enter.
* Click the startup tab.
Each startup item is listed under the Startup Item column. While you have this open, open up a browser and go to the following URL:
www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/index.html
Neuber is a great utility site that can tell you what each process is that you are running, and it even has user comments that tell you what their take is on the subject and whether or not it's necessary.
You may just find out that you have some malicious windows processes running or just some aggravating announcement processes running that you don't need. If you determine that you don't need the process, uncheck it and click APPLY and OK.
For processes that you may or may not understand what detrimental effects they will have, you may want to reboot just to make sure everything is okay. Or, if it's something that leans along the critical possibility level and you feel it may still be necessary or needed, don't do anything with it at all.
There are some simple processes listed that don't need to be used.
Once you've made all necessary changes and rebooted, those processes will no longer run at startup. This will help you to alleviate any extra resource issues that other applications might be taking up and help you to move those vital resources to your gaming and other usages.
AV, Spy ware Removal
One of the biggest reasons for bandwidth consumptions and performance issues on a machine is due to Trojan's - malware/spy-ware, and an infected machine. Without using a good solid AV program and checking things thoroughly, you will find that this may indeed be one of the major reasons you are experiencing adverse performance issues.
I recommend the following two AV software packages with the topmost being the one I recommend most:
* Kaspersky (recommended for 32-bit systems)
* Bitdefender (recommended for 64-bit systems)
Kaspersky is stronger than Bitdefender because of its default rootkit detection mechanisms. Both of the AV software packages are rock solid, however Bitdefender has way too many false positives present. If it detects any type of UPX compression, it goes batty sometimes. Both are consistent and offer the fastest AV definition upgrades. This means they keep your system up to date and clean 24/7.
Other software that I recommend are:
Registrybooster 2 : Allows you to clean and defragment your "registry". It is the best registry cleaning software on the market and well worth the price of having. Most people might tell you that registry cleaners don't work. This one does! And, it's also rock solid.
Rootkit Unhooker: This is by far the best rootkit detector ever created and it's free. I'd get it just so you can have it to detect rootkits on your machine. Keep in mind that it will detect KIS (Kaspersky) in the rootkits but that's because kaspersky installs itself into the roots to find unwanted applications. Rootkit trojans are malware that infests itself into the roots of your system core, allowing the ability to control your system to some extent, generally wreaking havoc in the process.
Hijackthis (latest version) : Hijackthis is a great utility for looking over anything on your system and you can post the results to numerous sites to receive feedback on what negative things might be occurring on your system. I recommend this for those of you who have AV/Anti-spy-ware software loaded but still run into strange bandwidth or performance issues. Post your logs to the correct sites and get some help!
Spyware Blaster : This is just a simple browser layering application that layers your browsers preventing sites that could cause problems to be reached. It's free and a good software to use.
So, what web browser should I be using?
I would use mozilla firefox. Internet Explorer is one of the least secure web browsers in the market. Most people get infections from using unsecure browsers. Firefox is a solid secure browser that offers a lot of rich features in the process.
Remember to stay current on your AV software, your registry cleaners, and your browser security and you will not have very many infections ever reach your machine.
Game Mechanics - Setting Resources
"this is a portion of the guide that may continually become outdated and require change. So, take from it what works for you, and notify me if something changes so I can update it"
"Currently a work in progress"
Audio Options
-- Not Implemented Yet
Video Options
Default Resolution: The higher the resolution, the more performance hit you will encounter. Using windowed mode, and lowering your resolution slightly will improve performance greatly.
From my own numbers, decreasing resolution to "half" of your normal value will increase your FPS by 20 to 25 frames.
Also, for those of you using dual view versus horizontal span for your system video cards, there is another adverse hit for dual view users. I've seen a 5 to 10 FPS positive difference using horizontal span versus dual view. This really only applies to those of you with 2 monitors. I'm pretty certain this has to do with the drawing mechanism in place between monitors.
Overall Quality
If you click on Low, Medium, or High, it will completely erase any custom settings you make. Therefore, you should set one of these to start with before making custom changes.
If you are on a low-end system or medium-system, start with Low and work your way up through the custom settings.
If you are on a very high end system, go with Medium and work your way up through the custom settings.
High should only be used if your system can truly handle it. You'll know right away when you enter the game and find that you are showing 5 FPS, then you will want to change this. If you set this to high and go in and find yourself averaging 20 FPS, you are doing "GOOD" but you may want to lower via custom and increase your FPS to 35 FPS which is a very playable state.
Anti-Alias Quality (Recommended none or 2x)
Controls the jagged appearance around objects. You can set this to none, 2x, or 4x. The higher the setting the better visually the game will appear, but you will be hit with 5 to 7 FPS decrease per setting. This may differ on your system.
View Ranges (recommended: 2000m)
Controls how far you can view in the game. If you increase this greatly, it will decrease performance. This is something you will have to tailor for yourself. I personally think 2000 m is a good start. Work your way downwards/upwards depending.
Advanced Video Options
DirectX 9 vs. 10: I can't offer any huge differences in performance in this section as of yet. They appear to either a) be the same and not implemented, or b) offer no negative performance hit either way.
Shader Model Version: This one has me a bit perplexed. Shader Models by default were set with the type of directX you were using. So, anyone who used 9.0c were set to 3.0 by default. However, there is a "CONSIDERABLE" difference between using 3.0 and 2.0. If you set to 2.0, Frame rate is substantially different. However, due to the auto detect method in place, anytime you make further custom changes, it automatically forces it back to 3.0. So, for my system, I force it to 2.0 at the end of altering custom settings. Again, I'd like to hear some more perspective from the technical team regarding this implementation and why it's so adverse on framerate.