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IL-2 Guide for Computers, Benchmarking, Optimizing, Tweaking - Printable Version

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+--- Thread: IL-2 Guide for Computers, Benchmarking, Optimizing, Tweaking (/showthread.php?tid=66246)

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- Fireskull - 23.04.2010

FANATIC MODDER, congradulation I give to you. Persistence rewarded you.

After examining all your graphics settings, I knew that it could only be a driver or your motherboard. Driver issues tend to be by far the more common.


In your conf.ini file, try landgeometry=3 and let me know if it stays for you. After you set it, restart IL-2. Fly in a mission to see if your land geometries look normal. If they are normal and detailed, then you know that landgeometry=3 works for you. I am very curious if you can use this and other Best Image Quality settings which I have in my tech topic with your GTX 260.

Please share the results with us! Big Grin

- FANATIC MODDER - 25.04.2010

Thank you Fireskull, it was with your help too!!

These are the OGL settings that I have now:

TexQual=3
TexMipFilter=2
TexCompress=0
TexFlags.UseDither=1
TexFlags.UseAlpha=0
TexFlags.UseIndex=0
TexFlags.PolygonStipple=1
TexFlags.UseClampedSprites=0
TexFlags.DrawLandByTriangles=1
TexFlags.UseVertexArrays=1
TexFlags.DisableAPIExtensions=0
TexFlags.ARBMultitextureExt=1
TexFlags.TexEnvCombineExt=1
TexFlags.SecondaryColorExt=1
TexFlags.VertexArrayExt=1
TexFlags.ClipHintExt=1
TexFlags.UsePaletteExt=1
TexFlags.TexAnisotropicExt=1
TexFlags.TexCompressARBExt=1

TexFlags.TexEnvCombine4NV=1
TexFlags.TexEnvCombineDot3=1
TexFlags.DepthClampNV=1
TexFlags.SeparateSpecular=1
TexFlags.TextureShaderNV=1

HardwareShaders=1

Shadows=2
Specular=2
SpecularLight=2
DiffuseLight=2
DynamicalLights=1
MeshDetail=2
VisibilityDistance=3

Sky=2
Forest=2
LandShading=3
LandDetails=2

LandGeom=3
TexLarge=1
TexLandQual=3
TexLandLarge=1

VideoSetupId=17
Water=4
Effects=2
ForceShaders1x=0

PolygonOffsetFactor=-0.15
PolygonOffsetUnits=-3.0

works without problems with them. BETTER than ever. I am going to try to improve them further. I want to increase the distance that makes planes visible (I think is MaxLen=3000.0 for 3 miles, isnt'it?) and tweak further and see how it works. Possibly change HardwareShaders=1 to 2 or change HighGore=1 to 2.

There are some negative things too, the old 3do/paratrooper error appeared again in some missions. Possibly it has nothing to do with the conf.ini. I 'll check again given time...Let's see...

- 8FS_Bulau - 25.04.2010

FANATIC MODDER Wrote:TexCompress=0

I want to increase the distance that makes planes visible (I think is MaxLen=3000.0 for 3 miles, isnt'it?)

change HardwareShaders=1 to 2

...the old 3do/paratrooper error appeared again in some missions.

Glad to see you've got your game running well in OpenGL!

I think the paratrooper error is related to Texture Compression, but I can't recall. I think if you are getting that error, you need to use some Texture compression, like =2 (S3TC)

Also, I don't think there is any way to change the visibility of plane distance, which is something built into the LOD (level of detail) in the 3D models, but I could be wrong. I think MaxLen is lens focal length for external view (zoom in and out)

And I'm 100% sure there is no HardwareShaders=2...it is either 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

- TomFF - 04.05.2010

Hi gents!
Today I read myself through many posts and patched my IL-2 1946 (virgin) install up to HSFX 4.1.

I am very happy with all the new goodies and the amazing eye candy factor.
However, I read myself through the highly appreciated technical tips in the first 3 pages of this thread and would like to ask a question before I start more tests and fine tuning later:
I run a quadcore Athlon PC with an Ati 5770 in Windows XP SP2. Latest Ati driver 10.4..
I set my Ati driver to max settings without VSync.
I spare you the details of my config ini and setup settings (learned to stick with anisotropic and none e.g, used highest settings except clip hint not marked and texture compress ARB extension marked ) and my PC specifications, I just have a problem AFTER installing HSFX 4.0 and HSFX 4.1 + the Fixer:
Exactly the same GFX, Setup and config ini settings, but now the clouds flicker and have a small "side vibration", as reported in another thread by another fan.

MY question: Is it possible that any of the mods I activated or simply a GFX change while installing the mods caused my anomalies--and is there any known starting point for this specific cloud flickering problem with Ati cards?

Any help appreciated.
Since I'm a "Kraut" and live in GMT+1 timezone, I might read not before this day's evening, but all tips are highly appreciated.
I am a long time IL-2 fan since ~2004, but started flying IL-2 1946 just as I got my new rig last week.

Thanks, gentlemen!!

Tom

Cloud Flicker and Shifting, reply to TomFF... - Fireskull - 06.05.2010

Hello, Tom, and welcome to All Aircraft Aracade!



The ATI 5770 with a Quad Core computer system probably can handle maximum graphics settings. You should use Vertical Sync OFF only for Benchmarking and begin Optimization with Vertical Sync ON. You also should have Vertical Sync ON in the end.

Clip Hint has much to do with clouds. When Clip Hint is marked, this enables the graphics system to anticipate things which will appear from behind (and also along the edges) of clouds and a few other objects. When the viewer is in motion while looking at clouds with textures in the background, then Clip Hint allows the best creation of the image. The graphics card can only make appropriate and realistic rendering of motion in relation to clouds and textures with Clip Hint ON. Some very strange artifacts are possible with Clip Hint OFF. I recommend Clip Hint ON for all IL-2 users.

Texture compression ARB extension can benefit some users by increasing performance with little decrease in image quality. However, some graphics drivers reek havoc with this ON, especially with Clip Hint OFF. Therefore I am not surprised by the "clouds flicker" and "small side vibration", which are typical symptoms of your current settings of Clip Hint OFF and Texture Compression ARB Extension ON.



1) Turn Clip Hint ON. That might solve the whole problem.

2) If that does not work, then turn OFF Texture Compression ARB Extension.

3) Your Quad core system should be able to use two of your cores for IL-2 and Multi-Threading ON.

I recommend the use of number 2 and 3 cores for IL-2 in your Quad Core system. You might see benefit of assigning IL-2 related programs to the 4 core. This keeps them separate and they will have much less interference with one another.

In your conf.ini file, try this command line value: ProcessAffinityMask=12, makes core 2 and core 3 process IL-2.


You can assign IL-2 related programs such as TrackIR, HyperLobby, and TeamSpeak to 4 core and keep them separate from IL-2. You would use a program called Prioaff to do this. It has an execution application called Prioaff.exe which allows you to assign any program to a specific core.

Windows Task Manager can be used instead to assign a program to a core, but you need to reassign each time you restart your computer.


Many people can get the best by assigning IL-2 to one core and the other programs to different cores.

Managing Multi-Core Systems and Assigning Programs to Cores with Prioaff.exe
http://mission4today.com/index.php?name ... ow&kid=422


If you want to keep it simple and not change the process core assignment, then that is all right, but getting the best for your system might require changing the Process Affinity Mask in the conf.ini file.

Let us know how things go and if you have any questions. Smile

- FANATIC MODDER - 08.05.2010

8FS_Bulau Wrote:Glad to see you've got your game running well in OpenGL!

I think the paratrooper error is related to Texture Compression, but I can't recall. I think if you are getting that error, you need to use some Texture compression, like =2 (S3TC)

Also, I don't think there is any way to change the visibility of plane distance, which is something built into the LOD (level of detail) in the 3D models, but I could be wrong. I think MaxLen is lens focal length for external view (zoom in and out)

And I'm 100% sure there is no HardwareShaders=2...it is either 0 (OFF) or 1 (ON)

Thanks 8FS_Bulau! THe difference is tremendous and to be honest, so much better than before that it's difficult to stop "flying"! I am going to ask about the LOD, and if I find something, I am going to post it here.

- Dakpilot - 10.05.2010

Thanks for your effort in putting all this together, some very good tips here

However one point you make about extra cooling which could be a bit detrimental, and i speak from experience here! LOL

computers and especially laptops are carefully engineered to run within certain temperature ranges, if something is running to hot then you are pushing it too hard and something is wrong

If you direct an external fan to cool it down, then this is outside the design parameters. no prob you say?

AS i found out [to my cost] the temps are recorded by sensors designed into the system, a carelessly directed fan can cool the sensor
but not the fragile heat sensitive chipss etc.

Thus you can get an overheat without the system shutting down because the heat sensors are fooled, and fry your chips! and not in the good way

If things are getting too hot i would recomend improved cooling components or system upgrade rather than a bodge

It may be cheaper in the long run!! :wink:

just an observation from someone who learnt the hard way

- Fireskull - 10.05.2010

Dakpilot Wrote:Thanks for your effort in putting all this together, some very good tips here

However one point you make about extra cooling which could be a bit detrimental, and i speak from experience here! LOL

computers and especially laptops are carefully engineered to run within certain temperature ranges, if something is running to hot then you are pushing it too hard and something is wrong

If you direct an external fan to cool it down, then this is outside the design parameters. no prob you say?

AS i found out [to my cost] the temps are recorded by sensors designed into the system, a carelessly directed fan can cool the sensor
but not the fragile heat sensitive chipss etc.

Thus you can get an overheat without the system shutting down because the heat sensors are fooled, and fry your chips! and not in the good way

If things are getting too hot i would recomend improved cooling components or system upgrade rather than a bodge

It may be cheaper in the long run!! :wink:

just an observation from someone who learnt the hard way

Hi, Dak

Those are very good words from you. This is among the many reasons why I emphasize several times in my tech topic to watch the core temperatures!

:mrgreen:

Thanks for posting. Smile

- FlyingShark - 23.05.2010

hi,

Just a small remark, I read a lot about prioaf.exe but when going to mission4today.com I see that the 2 links for that program are dead.

I will post something about it on that website and keep you guys informed.


~S~

- Fireskull - 23.05.2010

FlyingShark Wrote:hi,

Just a small remark, I read a lot about prioaf.exe but when going to mission4today.com I see that the 2 links for that program are dead.

I will post something about it on that website and keep you guys informed.


~S~

Hi, FlyingShark

That would be good. I had a subtopic and link posted for it in the past but links got broke. After searching several times on the InterNet without finding a link for it from a website that I trust, I put it in for future project.

If you find a working link for prioaff from a trusted website, then you are very welcome to post it. I will include it in the
"Additional Information" subtopic with instructions.

Thanks for posting here. Smile

- FlyingShark - 24.05.2010

Hi again,

Found this link:

http://174.123.69.202/~subsimc/radioroo ... ?p=1365977

Tested with my NOD32, no virusses.

~S~

Sky=3 in the conf.ini file - Fireskull - 24.05.2010

I just wanted to make sure that this is clear, because I could have done a better job of it in my tech topic. The issue is quite clear now:

Sky=3 gives you the best sky and clouds with no defects. Look in your conf.ini file for this command line.

I highly recommend this setting for all IL-2 users even though it will slightly decrease performance.


There! Now this is clear! Big Grin

See this post and previous post. - Fireskull - 24.05.2010

FlyingShark Wrote:Hi again,

Found this link:

http://174.123.69.202/~subsimc/radioroo ... ?p=1365977

Tested with my NOD32, no virusses.

~S~

Thanks. I will examin this and included it in my topic if it clears my tests and scrutiny. Instructions will be coming with it in a few days.


See previous post about Sky=3.

- BOYAN - 25.05.2010

Hey Fireskull, really man thanks for explanation about that HD4670 to GTS 250 post.
As always, your posts are very helpful and informative.

I`ll have to check for that RAM increase. Don`t think my 4CoreDual-VSTA can handle ddr3 or above.

As for HD4670, i thought it would be enough but i was wrong. It is a low end card, yes, i can run on minimum
perfect settings getting avg 50 fps on slovakia map, it is smooth (would like to be smoother). Would also like
to se some type 1 clouds, type 2 water, some freetrack movement without stuttering and some more smoothness.....
I am asking too much, right?

About 22". As i said, im on 17" CRT. Its ok, but its huge. I cant put my hands on my table while watching, working,
whatever. 22" would be real nice move, getting some wider area for those HD movies, and finally putting my hands on
the table for once. Found a real nice LG 22" IPS, and its not so expensive.

STORM OF WAR. Yes, Its gonna rock, look stunning, feel great, sound great , but for what price. I wouldnt even
consider trying it on my current rig. I am currently not able financially to get anything brand new. Been playing IL2
for 8 years now, the game has reached its peak and is still growing, looking better, and there is no reason for me to
stop enjoying it and move to SOW for big amount of money at this time. Will wait for couple of years for SOW, it wont
go anywhere. And planning to get to that number 10 of years flying in IL2, its just fascinating. A whole decade of flying
in one simulation....

Finally, I ve gone through your tech help for couple of times in the last months, been very helpfull, continue to teach us all please!

So, then what do i do in your opinion with minimal amount of cash to get some decent perfect settings?

- Foxman - 25.05.2010

Hey Fireskull

Nice guide, enjoyed reading it, can I get your advice

I have a Dell Computer on its way to me, since my faithiful older computer died a couple of weeks ago with my IL2 on it (Noooooooo)

I am getting a Dell Inspiron 580s with the following specss, can you please give me your thoughts to what settings I will be able to run IL2 at.

i3-530 Core (2.93GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Windows 7 Professional 64bit
6GB RAM DDR3 1333MHz (3 x 2GB)
ATI Raedon 1GB DDR3

These hardware specs are set, I am not going to upgrade as I believe this will be enough, considering my last system specs

2 Cord Duo (E5300)
Windows Vista Home Premium 32 Bit
2GB RAM
GeForce 7300GT

With those specs, I could run a 120 Plane mission with no shutters

I would please like your advice, as well as any extra tips you have, I should get the PC in 2 weeks, I was running IL2 Sturmovik 1946 HSFX 4.11 before my computer crash