PS1/2 PCSX2 Optimization

[machomuu]

Does anyone have tips for optimizing PCSX2? I'm not expecting it to run flawlessly, but I'd prefer it to work better than it does.

 

[granville]

Firstly- what are your PC specs (CPU including clockspeed, ram, gpu).

You can try some speedhacks in the options, they give great boosts in speed (sometimes at the expense of compatibility, but it might help).

 

[machomuu]

Firstly- what are your PC specs (CPU including clockspeed, ram, gpu).

You can try some speedhacks in the options, they give great boosts in speed (sometimes at the expense of compatibility, but it might help).

Um...where would I find such things? Via DXDIAG?

 

[Fel]

Firstly- what are your PC specs (CPU including clockspeed, ram, gpu).

You can try some speedhacks in the options, they give great boosts in speed (sometimes at the expense of compatibility, but it might help).

Um...where would I find such things? Via DXDIAG?

Yup. If you've got PC power along the lines of 4GB RAM, 3.00 GHz and 512 MB graphics card (though it all also depends on various other factors which someone else could explain better, like what company made it and how it's all tuned), then it should work flawlessly with most games. Just use DX10 in the graphics option, 4x scaling (uncheck native resolution) and you're all set to go.

 

[Nujui]

Firstly- what are your PC specs (CPU including clockspeed, ram, gpu).

You can try some speedhacks in the options, they give great boosts in speed (sometimes at the expense of compatibility, but it might help).

Um...where would I find such things? Via DXDIAG?

You can also go to "Can You Run It" and just chose a random game.

 

[machomuu]

Here's all of the important stuff

Spoiler

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 6/7/2011, 16:56:35
Machine name: WILLIAM-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.101026-1503)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: GM5478
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel Core™2 Quad CPU @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 3072MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3062MB RAM
Page File: 3038MB used, 3082MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 9500 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0640&SUBSYS_094319F1&REV_A1
Display Memory: 2282 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1007 MB
Shared Memory: 1274 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: FPD1976W
Monitor Id: GWY0784
Native Mode: 1440 x 900(p) (60.070Hz)
Output Type: DVI
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver File Version: 8.17.0012.7533 (English)
Driver Version: 8.17.12.7533
DDI Version: 10
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/25/2011 02:09:12, 15223912 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4500-11CF-2C67-4F291FC2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0640
SubSys ID: 0x094319F1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Driver Strong Name: oem50.inf:NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1:Section005:8.17.12.7533ci\ven_10de&dev_0640
Rank Of Driver: 00E62001

 

[Nujui]

Here's all of the important stuff

Spoiler

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 6/7/2011, 16:56:35
Machine name: WILLIAM-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.101026-1503)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gateway
System Model: GM5478
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel® Core?2 Quad CPU @ 2.40GHz (4 CPUs), ~2.4GHz
Memory: 3072MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 3062MB RAM
Page File: 3038MB used, 3082MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9500 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 9500 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0640&SUBSYS_094319F1&REV_A1
Display Memory: 2282 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1007 MB
Shared Memory: 1274 MB
Current Mode: 1440 x 900 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: FPD1976W
Monitor Id: GWY0784
Native Mode: 1440 x 900(p) (60.070Hz)
Output Type: DVI
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver File Version: 8.17.0012.7533 (English)
Driver Version: 8.17.12.7533
DDI Version: 10
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/25/2011 02:09:12, 15223912 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4500-11CF-2C67-4F291FC2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0640
SubSys ID: 0x094319F1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Driver Strong Name: oem50.inf:NVIDIA_SetA_Devices.NTamd64.6.1:Section005:8.17.12.7533ci\ven_10de&dev_0640
Rank Of Driver: 00E62001

That's weird, it's like you have the same computer has me, lol. Only I don't have a nivida and windows 7.

I'd go with using the speedhacks.

 

[granville]

Yes, dxdiag is one way to check. You need at least a decent dual core CPU to get decent speeds, preferably somewhere near 3ghz or higher. By decent, i mean something like at least a Core 2 Duo, if not a Core i series chip. The Phenom II or Athlon II series ships from AMD will probably work well enough for many games (if clocked high enough). Intels are better though. I've got a laptop with a Core i7 that can clock upwards of 2.4-2.6ghz via turbo boost, and i still sometimes have some slowdown.

GPU i'm not sure about the minimum specs. Tell me yours and i should be able to tell you how decent it is. First note of recommendation is to definitely not have an integrated GPU from intel. The gpu requirements aren't quite as high as the CPU. The better the GPU, the better the resolution you can crank out in games while maintaining decent speed. If you don't notice much difference when running at native or high resolution, your GPU is probably good enough and not the bottleneck.

As long as you have at least 512MB of memory (at least DDR2), you should probably be ok there. In general, pcsx2 is mostly CPU intensive. It does have SOME ram and GPU requirements, but the CPU is the most important spec here.

EDIT- ok saw the specs. Your CPU is clocked a little low for pcsx2. I doubt you can overclock since it's a Gateway. Your best bets is to try using speedhacks in pcsx2 settings if you haven't. GPU isn't the best either, but i think you should at least be able to handle some games at native, maybe slightly higher. I've managed native on worse.

One other important question i forgot to ask- what games are you trying to run? Different games have different requirements. A game like Final Fantasy X or Kingdom Hearts might run easily on slower hardware. But a game like Metal Gear Solid 3 might have issues even on more powerful PC's.

 

[machomuu]

One other important question i forgot to ask- what games are you trying to run? Different games have different requirements. A game like Final Fantasy X or Kingdom Hearts might run easily on slower hardware. But a game like Metal Gear Solid 3 might have issues even on more powerful PC's.

Well the games I mainly play are:

Persona 4 - Lags at Junes, and when too many sprites are on screen at the same time, or if a Persona is attacking. Otherwise, runs rather well.

Shadow of the Colossus - Lags all the time. It's not terrible, but it's noticeable. I've managed to beat 7 Colossus in 3 days, so you can tell I've managed.

Dark Cloud - Lags when too many enemies are on the screen and when at HQ area.

Kingdom Hearts - Lags slightly. I haven't gotten to the baddies yet.

.Hack//G.U. Vol 1 and Klanoa 2 - Lag alot.

 

[machomuu]

While I'm at it, are there any unofficial plugins, speed hacks, or builds I should use?

 

[granville]

One other important question i forgot to ask- what games are you trying to run? Different games have different requirements. A game like Final Fantasy X or Kingdom Hearts might run easily on slower hardware. But a game like Metal Gear Solid 3 might have issues even on more powerful PC's.

Well the games I mainly play are:

Persona 4 - Lags at Junes, and when too many sprites are on screen at the same time, or if a Persona is attacking. Otherwise, runs rather well.

Shadow of the Colossus - Lags all the time. It's not terrible, but it's noticeable. I've managed to beat 7 Colossus in 3 days, so you can tell I've managed.

Dark Cloud - Lags when too many enemies are on the screen and when at HQ area.

Kingdom Hearts - Lags slightly. I haven't gotten to the baddies yet.

.Hack//G.U. Vol 1 and Klanoa 2 - Lag alot.

I've tried two of those games- Kingdom Hearts and SOTC. SOTC is very stressful on the hardware. It pushed the PS2 to its absolute limits and lags even on normal hardware. You need a beefy PC to play it, though you might want to tinker around with speedhacks, specifically VU Cycle Stealing. I doubt you can get full speed, but you might get lucky with speedhacks.

Kingdom Hearts is an odd one. The intro world, Destiny Islands, is one of the most stressful parts of the game. After you reach Traverse Town, the game becomes much faster. That island is just quite intensive on hardware. Again, try speedhacks. Though be careful. Some of the speedhacks cause synchronization issues with cutscenes and may cause crashes. This game seems to dislike VU Cycle Stealing.

To try speedhacks, go it Config > Emulation Settings > Speedhacks. Enable them and play around. I usually have most of the boxes checked, but leave both MicroVU hacks unchecked (i find they cause the most glitches. The best speedups result from sliding the EE Cyclerate and VU Cycle Stealing sliders up as high as you're comfortable with. VU Cycle Stealing may result in some minor frameskipping in order to keep the audio and speed at the right rate. Just play around with them, different games like different settings.

Just either grab the official 0.9.8 PCSX2 release from the official website. Or visit emucr (google it) and look for the latest SVN revision from there. I've not noticed much speed difference since 0.9.6, so i never saw any reason to stick with older ones.

I don't think there's any unofficial plugins. Speedhacks are built in and can't be added as far as i know.

 

[machomuu]

One other important question i forgot to ask- what games are you trying to run? Different games have different requirements. A game like Final Fantasy X or Kingdom Hearts might run easily on slower hardware. But a game like Metal Gear Solid 3 might have issues even on more powerful PC's.

Well the games I mainly play are:

Persona 4 - Lags at Junes, and when too many sprites are on screen at the same time, or if a Persona is attacking. Otherwise, runs rather well.

Shadow of the Colossus - Lags all the time. It's not terrible, but it's noticeable. I've managed to beat 7 Colossus in 3 days, so you can tell I've managed.

Dark Cloud - Lags when too many enemies are on the screen and when at HQ area.

Kingdom Hearts - Lags slightly. I haven't gotten to the baddies yet.

.Hack//G.U. Vol 1 and Klanoa 2 - Lag alot.

I've tried two of those games- Kingdom Hearts and SOTC. SOTC is very stressful on the hardware. It pushed the PS2 to its absolute limits and lags even on normal hardware. You need a beefy PC to play it, though you might want to tinker around with speedhacks, specifically VU Cycle Stealing. I doubt you can get full speed, but you might get lucky with speedhacks.

Kingdom Hearts is an odd one. The intro world, Destiny Islands, is one of the most stressful parts of the game. After you reach Traverse Town, the game becomes much faster. That island is just quite intensive on hardware. Again, try speedhacks. Though be careful. Some of the speedhacks cause synchronization issues with cutscenes and may cause crashes. This game seems to dislike VU Cycle Stealing.

To try speedhacks, go it Config > Emulation Settings > Speedhacks. Enable them and play around. I usually have most of the boxes checked, but leave both MicroVU hacks unchecked (i find they cause the most glitches. The best speedups result from sliding the EE Cyclerate and VU Cycle Stealing sliders up as high as you're comfortable with. VU Cycle Stealing may result in some minor frameskipping in order to keep the audio and speed at the right rate. Just play around with them, different games like different settings.

Just either grab the official 0.9.8 PCSX2 release from the official website. Or visit emucr (google it) and look for the latest SVN revision from there. I've not noticed much speed difference since 0.9.6, so i never saw any reason to stick with older ones.

I don't think there's any unofficial plugins. Speedhacks are built in and can't be added as far as i know.

Thanks for all of the help

I'll try using your suggestions.

 

[granville]

No problem, i hope you get some speed out of it.

 

[cmpunkowns]

Does the Suikoden games require higher hardware?

 

[Holified 2x]

Or u can try these intel tweaking tools http://www.mediafire.com/?um7d8u2qc5yk8k0

This is how u use it (Can work for Pcsx2)

Quote. Coto
Intel Display Adapter Management Tool.exe is the tool I´ll talk about later:


Well you see, if you have windows 7, you can switch certain games/executables to run into HW TnL & SW TnL. Some games will have a nice speed up if run from SW TnL, but since you have a pseudo celeron core, you should stick with HW TnL. You can change these modes once you open one of the 2 programs, choose the desired executable, then click on "change vertex processing mode".

Those listed as software will run based off SF TnL, if you click change vertex processing mode, it´ll switch to HW TnL. You have to play a little with these options. To add executables you click the button called "add executables" lol.

But I don´t think your intel card will run off HW TnL, since X3100 + was one of the first to introduce hardware GPU vertex processing. You could try it anyway...

Basically games an emulators run faster thru SW TnL processing mode. The default is Hw TnL on all computers

 

[damedus]

Sukoden V runs decently on a EEE pc with a dual core atom and 3650 256 video card while MKA does 13 fps so id say no Suikoden games dont require high end but ud need at least 2g of ram and 256+ video card and a dual core and up processor.