ES Forum Archive > Oblivion Mods > The Oblivion Performance Project (TOPP)
Last update Thursday, May 1, 2008
Index
Introduction
Performance-Enhancing Mods
Other Useful And Essential Programs
Various Web Links
General PC Maintenance/Notes
.ini Settings and Tweaks to Consider
Introduction
Welcome to The Oblivion Performance Project. This project is aimed at users who have low-end GPUs and/or PCs, want to play a smoother game, or want to take advantage of graphic-enhancing mods without making Oblivion unplayable. Here, one can find useful information on mods, programs, and .ini file settings that can help increase FPS. This is a community project, so all feedback is welcome. Have you found something else to increase FPS? Let us know! Remember to always make a back-up of you .ini file and/or data folder before making any major changes. If you find this project useful, please post, so this doesn't end up getting lost in the sea of threads. TOPP has a more permanent location on my google pages if you want to bookmark it.
The best other resource for performance tweaking Oblivion is the Oblivion Tweak Guide. It covers quite a bit that was left out of this project to avoid redundancy, so I highly recommend checking it out.
The Oblivion Performance Project was started by Gorgo in 2006, who, with community support and input, collected information and links on improving the performance of Oblivion and shared it all in a single post in a dedicated thread. Gorgo disappeared in November, and the thread, along with its wealth of information, was purged from the forums. Luckily, I foresaw this, saved the thread to my computer before it got purged, and have since revived the project. I have updated the links and notes, improved the organization and presentation, and added the new performance resources I could locate since the project was abandoned. Thus, I present to you the new and improved TOPP. This is, and always has been, a community project, so if you have any feedback or informational contributions to make, I am receptive to all input. Enjoy!
Performance-Enhancing Mods
Optimizers
►Combat FPS Optimizer
This mod changes several .ini settings when you enter combat. It will revert back to you original settings after combat. OBSE is required to use this mod. Made obsolete by Streamline.
►Nearly Perfect Frame Rate FPS Optimizer
Automatically adjusts the detail levels in the video options while playing. Made obsolete by Streamline.
►Oblivion Scripts Optimization
Optimizes in-game scripts to strain CPU less.
►Operation Optimization
Improves performance by optimizing meshes with no quality loss.
►WHOOSH
Lets you manipulate the game speed, thus allowing you to slow down the speed to stop stuttering and make gameplay smoother.
Polygon Reducers
►LowLowPoly Grass - LowPoly Grass - LowLowPoly Grass for SI - LowPoly Grass for SI - LowPoly Grass for UL: The Dark Forest
These mods lower the poly count on all grass models. LLPG lowers polys to 4. LPG lowers polys to 8. Vanilla default is 20.
►LowTriPolyGrass
This mod lowers the poly count on all grass models with 12 different levels.
►LowPolyTrees
Reduces the polygon count of trees.
►Oblivion Polygone Overhaul
This mods removes superfluous polygons.
►Optimised Distant Land MAX
Reduces superfluous polygons from distant land.
►Oscar's Nicer Grass
Lowers grass length and density.
Purgers
►HTFpcb - HTFpcb Extended
This mod gives you the option to 'purge' textures from memory. The extended version requires OBSE to work, but basically does the same thing. Made obsolete by Streamline.
►Streamline
Increases performance by clearing memory buffers intelligently and safely. Now with tons more features.
Removers/Reducers
►De-Parallaxer Mod
This mod removes parallax shaders from some in-game items.
►Dimmer Magic Effects
Lowers the magic effect when casting spells
►Large Battle FPS Increaser
This mod is similar to the above mod. Runs mostly in the Arena during battle.
►Music Controller
Makes music play only under certain conditions, allowing bMusicEnabled in the .ini to be changed to 0 for greater frames per second.
►No Lights Flicker
This mod removes the 'flickering' from all light sources.
►No Refraction Gates
This mod replaces the vanilla textures of Oblivion Gates.
►No Refraction Spells
This mod also replaces the vanilla textures, but for spells.
►No Wind and No Wind for SI
Removes the swaying animation from trees and plants.
►Spells No Lighting
Removes lighting from spells.
►Quiet Feet
This mod removes the 'footstep' sounds from all non-humanoid creatures to prevent stuttering.
►Quiet Feet MAX
Replaces problematic footstep sounds with a 0 byte or smaller sound file to reduce stuttering.
Texture Reducers
►LowRises Cyrodiil - Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 - Patch
LowRises for OOO - Parts: 1 2 3
This mod retextures almost every in-game with a smaller texture size that appears to be a larger size.
►Wiseman's Reduced Textures - Parts: 1 2 3 - Extras
This mods also reduces the textures of almost all of the in-game items.
Other Useful And Essential Programs
►Driver Cleaner
This cool program removes ALL traces of old drivers. Use this after removing old drivers and before installing new ones.
►Everest Home Edition
Probably considered the best Benchmark utility around. Use this to see how well your PC is performing and/or how it should be performing.
►Oblivion Script Extender
This program 'extends' the amount of scripts in the game. Some new mods require OBSE to run. Follow the link for more details
►Oldblivion
This program is essential for all who have low-end GPUs. It provides support for 1.x Shaders found on older GPU cards.
►Tweak Oblivion
This nifty little program can automatically change your .ini settings and has some pre-set values to choose from. If you are unsure about changing the .ini file yourself, then this program is for you.
►Wrye Bash
Multi-purpose program that can remove bloat from saved games, fix certain glitches, and make mods work better together.
Various Web Links
Antivirus
►Avast Antivirus
Uses less system resources than most antivirus programs.
Defragmenters
►Diskeeper
This cool program is by far the best in disk maintenance.
►jkDefrag
Free defragmentor.
►PerfectDisk 2008
Defragments the harddrive. Free trial version available.
►Ultimate Defrag
Defragments harddrives.
Guides
►Clean Boot
This link will provide you with information on how to perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP.
►Oblivion Mods FAQ
Absolutely essential resource for everything mod-related.
►Oblivion Tweak Guide
This site offers descriptive explanations of the .ini tweaks found here. One can also find other game tweaks here as well.
►Optimising Oblivion
This site also offers a selection of tweaks for Oblivion as well as other games.
►Trim Down Windows to the Bare Essentials
Guide to removing parts of Windows that you don't need to improve performance.
►TuneXP
This site has tips, downloads, and links for tuning-up, tweaking, and optimizing Windows XP.
Other
►AlacrityPC
Temporarily shuts down unnecessary services and programs before running a program and starts them up after you finish.
►Ashampoo
Optimizes system-related settings. Free trial version available.
►CCleaner
Removes temporary data to increase system performance.
►FSAutoStart
Allows the user the ability to automatically shutdown services and programs to save resources. Has other features such as defragmenting. Has a patch here.
►Game XP
Tweaks and modifies various XP settings (cache settings, CPU priority etc.) and optionally disables or stops several Windows services that are usually not needed.
►PC Accelerate 2.1
Free program that prioritizes processes for optimal performance, fixes registry errors, and cleans the system.
►Priority Master
Clean, high quality program with a free limited version. It automatically gives any foreground program very high priority, and LOWERS the background program priorities, freeing up processor cycles. Unlike many other priority programs it is compatible it is compatible with OBSE.
►Winaso Registry Optimizer
An advanced registry cleaner and optimizer for Windows that allows you to safely clean and repair registry problems. Free trial version available.
►Startup Cop
Let's you easily control which programs start upon boot.
►Tuneup Utilities
Incredible program. Optimizes system-related settings, fixes errors in the registry, defragments the registry, and far more things than I will list here. Free trial version available.
Spyware
►Ad-Aware SE
Keeps your PC clean from spyware.
►Pest Patrol
Finds spyware that other programs tend to miss.
►Spybot
Finds and removes spyware and blocks malicious websites.
Video Card Stuff
►ATI drivers and related stuff - get the latest and Official drivers here.
Official ATI Driver Page
ATI Tools - a tweaking and overclocking tool for ATI users. Make sure you fully understand what this does before making any changes.
►Nvidia drivers and related stuff
Official Nvidia Driver Page - get the latest and Official drivers here.
Coolbits - a reg key to enable overclocking of your Nvidia GPU. Be very carefull when attempting to do so ! Make sure you fully understand what this does before making any changes.
RivaTuner - similar to Coolbits, alowing one to overclock a Nvidia GPU. Make sure you fully understand what this does before making any changes.
►TweakRus
This site offers a variety of tweaked GPU drivers.
General PC Maintenance/Notes
►Keep in mind that your frames per second (FPS) is determined by your weakest link at any given time, whether that be your CPU, video ram, or whatever.
►HDD Defragmentation - perform routine HDD defragmentations, esp. after installing large programs and/or mods. Fragmentation of a HDD will slow down file access, thus causing performance issues. Windows XP is good with keeping the HDD defragged at all times, but you will need to defrag after those large program installs. I recommend using Diskeeper for all you defrag needs.
►Remove Dust – Some computers, especially laptops, accumulate dust in the fans and vents that lead to blocked air and overheating. Blowing out the dust occasionally can make a surprisingly significant difference. Use a compressed air canister for unbelievably more effective dust removal than old fashioned blowing.
►Avoid Overheating - Overheating can cause your computer to run significantly slower, so make sure vents remain unblocked so heat can escape, and even consider aiming a fan at your computer if the problem is large enough.
►Update Your Drivers - up-to-date drivers can make a difference. However, this is not always the case. Many people use tweaked drivers that are versions behind the official drivers. Ask around and see which driver fits your PC and GPU the best. It might take some time, but is well worth it.
►Virus/Spyware Scan - If you use Antivirus, perform routine scan to ensure your PC is virus free. Most newer antivirus programs scan for spyware as well. On the flip side, it is recommended to disable any antivirus programs will playing Oblivion (or any other game as well).
►"If you're playing with VSync on, it's practically mandatory to also use the D3D Overrider tool that comes with Riva Tuner. It enables triple buffering in Directx games."- Marty81
►"Also people can !WITH CARE! run msconfig and remove non necessary (!NON-NECESARRY!) startup applications, and with care startup services." -Marty81
►Jaga’s dual core computer .ini recommendations:
And...
[BackgroundLoad]
bBackgroundLoadLipFiles=1
bLoadBackgroundFaceGen=1
bUseMultiThreadedFaceGen=1
bBackgroundCellLoads=1
bLoadHelmetsInBackground=1
iAnimationClonePerLoop=5
bSelectivePurgeUnusedOnFastTravel=0
bUseMultiThreadedTrees=1
iPostProcessMillisecondsEditor=50
iPostProcessMillisecondsLoadingQueuedPriority=20
iPostProcessMilliseconds=5
bUseBackgroundFileLoader=0
►"Here's another tip for those with two harddrives.
I installed a fresh copy of windows xp on the second harddrive used for playing Oblivion only while having Oblivion installed on my main drive where my primary windows installation resides. Everytime I want to play Oblivion, I would go to the bios to enable my second harddrive to boot as primary so I can load the clean windows installation. While in the second installation, I run Ultimate Disk Defragger to selectively place the Oblivion folder to the outer edge of the harddrive for quicker access. I also set the virtual memory to a fixed 2.0gig on the secondary drive. Playing OB on the second drive reduced stuttering by 300%!!"- jacky89
►"If you have two fisical HD drivers you could copy the half of the BSA files to the other HD. For ex. leave the textures.bsa file in the Oblivion data folder, and move meshes.bsa and sounds.bsa files to the other drive, in a folder like d:\Ob\ Then you change in the Archive section of the oblivion.ini file, the path to the moved BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> d:\Ob\meshes.bsa You can do this with any BSA file (Frans, etc) but ALWAYS checking the resitered path in the oblivion.ini file. It reduce de stuttering when loading new content in the game!!!!"- skeleton
►"Another tip is that you could unpack the BSA files and pack them again without compression. Do this using BSA Commander software. You can get BSA Commander soft here: Again less stuttering, comproved!"- Skeleton
►"Another tip: You install a lot of mods, they add little files to the meshes, textures and sound folders.. Using BSA command, you can pack them in a BSA file. For ex. creating a new texture1.bsa file with the content of the modded texture folder. The same with meshes, sound, etc. AND register them in the oblivion.ini file. If you dont have more space to register (max 255char) change the name of the BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> m.bsa. Sounds.bsa -> s.bsa so you could add more BSA files without problems. Then you can delete all these little files, that you already have in a BSA pack file. And again less stuttering!!!!! comproved!"- Skeleton
►"ALWAYS do a HD defrag after these procedures."- Skeleton
►Skeleton's elaboration:
.ini Settings and Tweaks to Consider
(Note that most of these possible changes were made pre-patch 1.2, and may or may not still be applicable. These tweaks are NOT necessarily recommended, merely options to consider. DO NOT simply apply all of these changes without knowing what you are doing, or you will probably cause more harm than good. Input on updated recommended .ini tweaks is welcome! Make sure you not only make a backup .ini, but that you compare frame rates before and after making changes: changes that speed things up on one compter may cause problems on another.)
General (defaults in parenthesis)
1) uGridstoLoad = 3 (5)
Extend Texture LOD Blocks
uGridsToLoad = 5 (Default)
uGridsToLoad = 5 (Recommended)
Or:
uGridsToLoad = 7 (Not Recommended due to FPS loss, water glitch and 'jump bug')
2) uInteriorCellBuffer=6** (3)
For 1Gb of RAM Change to:
uInterior Cell Buffer = 6**
For 1.5Gb of RAM Change to:
uInterior Cell Buffer = 9**
For 2Gb of RAM Change to:
uInterior Cell Buffer = 12**
3) uExteriorCellBuffer = 36** (36)
uGrid Memory - These settings will automatically change if you modify uGridsToLoad
uExterior Cell Buffer = 36**
For 1Gb of RAM Change to:
uExterior Cell Buffer = 36**
For 1.5Gb of RAM Change to:
uExterior Cell Buffer = 64**
For 2Gb of RAM Change to:
uExterior Cell Buffer = 72**
4) bPreEmptivelyUnloadCells = 0 (0)
This is for unloading cells the game determines are no longer needed. Streamline does this intelligently, so it is a preferable alternative to changing this value.
5) iPreLoadSizeLimit = * (26214400)
6) bDoTallGrassEffect = 0 (1)
Lowers the height of the grass.
7) bDoSpecularPass = 0 (1)
Removes the 'shine' from objects. Works well, but can crash the game in ceratin areas (Weynon Priory)
8) bUseRefractionShader = 0 (1)
9) iMaxDecalsPerFrame = 0 (10)
Decals refers to blood. The higher the value, the more blood you will see during battle. This can be a FPS killer.
10) bUseJoystick = 0 (1)
There have been many reports of joysticks either not working or crashing the game. This should be disabled.
11) iMaxImpactSoundCount = 16 (32)
12) iNumBolts = 3 (7)
I assume this settings lowers the number of bolts seen when casting 'lightning' spells. Too many bolts can be a FPS killer.
13) bBackgroundPathing = 1 (0)
14) bUseBackgroundPathing = 1 (0)
15) bSelectivelyPurgeUnusedOnFasttravel = 1 (0)
16) iMinGrassSize = 100 (80)
Try higher values for low-end PCs. If you're using LowPolyGrass - change it to 120 for
maximum density without FPS loss.
17) fTexturePCTThreshold = 0.6000 (0.3000)
18) fLODLandVerticalBias = -200.0000 (0.0000)
This setting is recommended to use with Oldblivion.
19) fGrassWindMagnitudeMax = 0.0000 ( )
The maximum amount the grass sways in the wind.
20) fGrassWindMagnitudeMin = 0.0000 ( )
The least amount the grass sways in the wind.
21) bBackgroundLoadLipFiles = 1 (0)
22) bLoadBackgroundFaceGen = 1 (0)
This seems to be linked to bUseMultiThreadedFaceGen, so either have both on or both off.
23) bUseMultiThreadedTrees = 1 (0)
24) bCloneModelsInBackground = 1 (0)
*Jaga Telesin's explanation:
"iPreLoadSizeLimit is one of those things people thinks work like a regular "cache", when in fact it does not. Larger values in this setting are WORSE for players since the 1.2.x patch. Martigen and I spent a week straight looking into this and a few other performance related INI values, and in fact it's better to keep it lower if possible. The right number is something you arrive at based on what you are using. The default value of 26214400 can be equated to one "unit" of cache. To find out how many units you need, refer to the following list:
A high end machine with 2gb of RAM doesn't need to set their cache at 1gb, that's just insane. They need instead to evaluate what they run and see what setting value they need. If they had Oblivion+mods, FCOM, and QTP3 they would need: 1+2+3, or around 6x default (157286400), which is roughly 153mb of Oblivion cache.
Everyone's experience is unique, so people will have to play with their settings to get it just right. Too large and you will get problems, too small and you'll get different problems with similar symptoms (stutter and lag). Finding the sweet spot is what tweaking this entry is all about. My numbers are just a rough guide, and are by no means the final word on the setting."
**-pk-'s explanation:
"I would recommend leaving uExterior Cell Buffer alone as increasing this value will clutter your ram and vram with additional objects, textures, and actors which can reduce your average fps if your vram is already high from texture packs, or in other cases cause a constant stutter (despite whatever your fps may be) or system lockup. This value can only reduce stuttering when backtracking to previously loaded cells. Also, this setting does not determine how many cells are initially loaded, instead the uGrid is used for this (as well as when on the move).
Worst-case Scenario (clicky) :
The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are to be loaded next. One or both of the yellow cells will be loaded depending on which adjacent squares the player touches before reaching the destination to the upper left. As you can see, this is where the exterior cell buffer of 36 is derived from.
Best-case Scenario :
This shows the player running in a straight line parallel to the cells orientation. The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are previous cells that are still loaded in the buffer. White cells were unloaded from the buffer. In this example, if you were to turn around and run directly back you would not have to load any of the light blue cells; however this is not what the cell buffer was designed for!
Likewise, increasing uInterior Cell Buffer will keep additional unneeded cells. Around 3 to 5 is a good setting for this. Interiors can be very large, 1 interior cell contains everything up until the next door with a loading screen. The reason this was set to 3 is because of actors in adjacent cells (most stores have 1 basement, 1 main floor, and 1 top floor; most caves are typically either a chain with up to 3 rooms right after each other, or 1 large central room with 2-3 rooms branching off). Also note that oblivion gates are exterior cells and not interiors.
I should also mention that walking close to a door leading to a exterior (like inside IC) will seamlessly load a few of the exterior cells on the other side, but this does not happen for doors leading to interiors so there is no reason to have a high interior cell buffer. If you are in an exterior cell and walk through a door with a loading screen leading to another exterior (cities/gates), then the buffer will automatically purge the interior and exterior cell buffers. The biggest problem for having a large interior cell buffer comes from caves/ruins that are attached to the main Cyrodiil exterior since the interior cell buffer will never be purged until you enter a city or oblivion gate.
With an unmodded Oblivion, both interior and exterior cells can take around 3-7Mb of vram each depending on what the cell contains and how many textures are shared between the cells. The cell buffers should be kept as small as feasibly possible. That is uExterior Cell Buffer should be (uGrid + 1)^2 it is impossible to get more efficient than this! And a uInterior Cell Buffer of 3 to 5."
Optional
1) bSaveonWait = 0 (1)
2) bSaveonRest = 0 (1)
3) bSaveonTravel = 0 (1)
4) bSaveonInteriorExteriorSwitch = 0 (1)
Speeds up loading times.
5) bPrecipitation = 0 (1)
Turns off the rain effect. Will help with FPS, but you lose immersion.
6) bMusicEnabled = 0 (1)
Turns ALL the music off. Will speed up the game a bit, but at the loss of music.
7) bSoundEnabled = 0 (1)
This setting will tun off ALL sounds in the game. Will speed up the game, but you lose realism. Turning the sound all the way down doesn’t improve performance.
Index
Introduction
Performance-Enhancing Mods
Other Useful And Essential Programs
Various Web Links
General PC Maintenance/Notes
.ini Settings and Tweaks to Consider
Introduction
Welcome to The Oblivion Performance Project. This project is aimed at users who have low-end GPUs and/or PCs, want to play a smoother game, or want to take advantage of graphic-enhancing mods without making Oblivion unplayable. Here, one can find useful information on mods, programs, and .ini file settings that can help increase FPS. This is a community project, so all feedback is welcome. Have you found something else to increase FPS? Let us know! Remember to always make a back-up of you .ini file and/or data folder before making any major changes. If you find this project useful, please post, so this doesn't end up getting lost in the sea of threads. TOPP has a more permanent location on my google pages if you want to bookmark it.
The best other resource for performance tweaking Oblivion is the Oblivion Tweak Guide. It covers quite a bit that was left out of this project to avoid redundancy, so I highly recommend checking it out.
The Oblivion Performance Project was started by Gorgo in 2006, who, with community support and input, collected information and links on improving the performance of Oblivion and shared it all in a single post in a dedicated thread. Gorgo disappeared in November, and the thread, along with its wealth of information, was purged from the forums. Luckily, I foresaw this, saved the thread to my computer before it got purged, and have since revived the project. I have updated the links and notes, improved the organization and presentation, and added the new performance resources I could locate since the project was abandoned. Thus, I present to you the new and improved TOPP. This is, and always has been, a community project, so if you have any feedback or informational contributions to make, I am receptive to all input. Enjoy!
Performance-Enhancing Mods
Optimizers
►Combat FPS Optimizer
This mod changes several .ini settings when you enter combat. It will revert back to you original settings after combat. OBSE is required to use this mod. Made obsolete by Streamline.
►Nearly Perfect Frame Rate FPS Optimizer
Automatically adjusts the detail levels in the video options while playing. Made obsolete by Streamline.
►Oblivion Scripts Optimization
Optimizes in-game scripts to strain CPU less.
►Operation Optimization
Improves performance by optimizing meshes with no quality loss.
►WHOOSH
Lets you manipulate the game speed, thus allowing you to slow down the speed to stop stuttering and make gameplay smoother.
Polygon Reducers
►LowLowPoly Grass - LowPoly Grass - LowLowPoly Grass for SI - LowPoly Grass for SI - LowPoly Grass for UL: The Dark Forest
These mods lower the poly count on all grass models. LLPG lowers polys to 4. LPG lowers polys to 8. Vanilla default is 20.
►LowTriPolyGrass
This mod lowers the poly count on all grass models with 12 different levels.
►LowPolyTrees
Reduces the polygon count of trees.
►Oblivion Polygone Overhaul
This mods removes superfluous polygons.
►Optimised Distant Land MAX
Reduces superfluous polygons from distant land.
►Oscar's Nicer Grass
Lowers grass length and density.
Purgers
►HTFpcb - HTFpcb Extended
This mod gives you the option to 'purge' textures from memory. The extended version requires OBSE to work, but basically does the same thing. Made obsolete by Streamline.
►Streamline
Increases performance by clearing memory buffers intelligently and safely. Now with tons more features.
Removers/Reducers
►De-Parallaxer Mod
This mod removes parallax shaders from some in-game items.
►Dimmer Magic Effects
Lowers the magic effect when casting spells
►Large Battle FPS Increaser
This mod is similar to the above mod. Runs mostly in the Arena during battle.
►Music Controller
Makes music play only under certain conditions, allowing bMusicEnabled in the .ini to be changed to 0 for greater frames per second.
►No Lights Flicker
This mod removes the 'flickering' from all light sources.
►No Refraction Gates
This mod replaces the vanilla textures of Oblivion Gates.
►No Refraction Spells
This mod also replaces the vanilla textures, but for spells.
►No Wind and No Wind for SI
Removes the swaying animation from trees and plants.
►Spells No Lighting
Removes lighting from spells.
►Quiet Feet
This mod removes the 'footstep' sounds from all non-humanoid creatures to prevent stuttering.
►Quiet Feet MAX
Replaces problematic footstep sounds with a 0 byte or smaller sound file to reduce stuttering.
Texture Reducers
►LowRises Cyrodiil - Parts: 1 2 3 4 5 - Patch
LowRises for OOO - Parts: 1 2 3
This mod retextures almost every in-game with a smaller texture size that appears to be a larger size.
►Wiseman's Reduced Textures - Parts: 1 2 3 - Extras
This mods also reduces the textures of almost all of the in-game items.
Other Useful And Essential Programs
►Driver Cleaner
This cool program removes ALL traces of old drivers. Use this after removing old drivers and before installing new ones.
►Everest Home Edition
Probably considered the best Benchmark utility around. Use this to see how well your PC is performing and/or how it should be performing.
►Oblivion Script Extender
This program 'extends' the amount of scripts in the game. Some new mods require OBSE to run. Follow the link for more details
►Oldblivion
This program is essential for all who have low-end GPUs. It provides support for 1.x Shaders found on older GPU cards.
►Tweak Oblivion
This nifty little program can automatically change your .ini settings and has some pre-set values to choose from. If you are unsure about changing the .ini file yourself, then this program is for you.
►Wrye Bash
Multi-purpose program that can remove bloat from saved games, fix certain glitches, and make mods work better together.
Various Web Links
Antivirus
►Avast Antivirus
Uses less system resources than most antivirus programs.
Defragmenters
►Diskeeper
This cool program is by far the best in disk maintenance.
►jkDefrag
Free defragmentor.
►PerfectDisk 2008
Defragments the harddrive. Free trial version available.
►Ultimate Defrag
Defragments harddrives.
Guides
►Clean Boot
This link will provide you with information on how to perform a Clean Boot in Windows XP.
►Oblivion Mods FAQ
Absolutely essential resource for everything mod-related.
►Oblivion Tweak Guide
This site offers descriptive explanations of the .ini tweaks found here. One can also find other game tweaks here as well.
►Optimising Oblivion
This site also offers a selection of tweaks for Oblivion as well as other games.
►Trim Down Windows to the Bare Essentials
Guide to removing parts of Windows that you don't need to improve performance.
►TuneXP
This site has tips, downloads, and links for tuning-up, tweaking, and optimizing Windows XP.
Other
►AlacrityPC
Temporarily shuts down unnecessary services and programs before running a program and starts them up after you finish.
►Ashampoo
Optimizes system-related settings. Free trial version available.
►CCleaner
Removes temporary data to increase system performance.
►FSAutoStart
Allows the user the ability to automatically shutdown services and programs to save resources. Has other features such as defragmenting. Has a patch here.
►Game XP
Tweaks and modifies various XP settings (cache settings, CPU priority etc.) and optionally disables or stops several Windows services that are usually not needed.
►PC Accelerate 2.1
Free program that prioritizes processes for optimal performance, fixes registry errors, and cleans the system.
►Priority Master
Clean, high quality program with a free limited version. It automatically gives any foreground program very high priority, and LOWERS the background program priorities, freeing up processor cycles. Unlike many other priority programs it is compatible it is compatible with OBSE.
►Winaso Registry Optimizer
An advanced registry cleaner and optimizer for Windows that allows you to safely clean and repair registry problems. Free trial version available.
►Startup Cop
Let's you easily control which programs start upon boot.
►Tuneup Utilities
Incredible program. Optimizes system-related settings, fixes errors in the registry, defragments the registry, and far more things than I will list here. Free trial version available.
Spyware
►Ad-Aware SE
Keeps your PC clean from spyware.
►Pest Patrol
Finds spyware that other programs tend to miss.
►Spybot
Finds and removes spyware and blocks malicious websites.
Video Card Stuff
►ATI drivers and related stuff - get the latest and Official drivers here.
Official ATI Driver Page
ATI Tools - a tweaking and overclocking tool for ATI users. Make sure you fully understand what this does before making any changes.
►Nvidia drivers and related stuff
Official Nvidia Driver Page - get the latest and Official drivers here.
Coolbits - a reg key to enable overclocking of your Nvidia GPU. Be very carefull when attempting to do so ! Make sure you fully understand what this does before making any changes.
RivaTuner - similar to Coolbits, alowing one to overclock a Nvidia GPU. Make sure you fully understand what this does before making any changes.
►TweakRus
This site offers a variety of tweaked GPU drivers.
General PC Maintenance/Notes
►Keep in mind that your frames per second (FPS) is determined by your weakest link at any given time, whether that be your CPU, video ram, or whatever.
►HDD Defragmentation - perform routine HDD defragmentations, esp. after installing large programs and/or mods. Fragmentation of a HDD will slow down file access, thus causing performance issues. Windows XP is good with keeping the HDD defragged at all times, but you will need to defrag after those large program installs. I recommend using Diskeeper for all you defrag needs.
►Remove Dust – Some computers, especially laptops, accumulate dust in the fans and vents that lead to blocked air and overheating. Blowing out the dust occasionally can make a surprisingly significant difference. Use a compressed air canister for unbelievably more effective dust removal than old fashioned blowing.
►Avoid Overheating - Overheating can cause your computer to run significantly slower, so make sure vents remain unblocked so heat can escape, and even consider aiming a fan at your computer if the problem is large enough.
►Update Your Drivers - up-to-date drivers can make a difference. However, this is not always the case. Many people use tweaked drivers that are versions behind the official drivers. Ask around and see which driver fits your PC and GPU the best. It might take some time, but is well worth it.
►Virus/Spyware Scan - If you use Antivirus, perform routine scan to ensure your PC is virus free. Most newer antivirus programs scan for spyware as well. On the flip side, it is recommended to disable any antivirus programs will playing Oblivion (or any other game as well).
►"If you're playing with VSync on, it's practically mandatory to also use the D3D Overrider tool that comes with Riva Tuner. It enables triple buffering in Directx games."- Marty81
►"Also people can !WITH CARE! run msconfig and remove non necessary (!NON-NECESARRY!) startup applications, and with care startup services." -Marty81
►Jaga’s dual core computer .ini recommendations:
CODE
[HAVOK]
bDisablePlayerCollision=0
fJumpAnimDelay=0.7500
bTreeTops=0
iSimType=1
bPreventHavokAddAll=0
bPreventHavokAddClutter=0
fMaxTime=0.0167
bHavokDebug=0
fRF=1000.0000
fOD=0.9000
fSE=0.3000
fSD=0.9800
iResetCounter=5
fMoveLimitMass=95.0000
iUpdateType=0
bHavokPick=0
fCameraCasterSize=1.0000
iHavokSkipFrameCountTEST=0
fHorseRunGravity=3.0000
fQuadrupedPitchMult=1.0000
iNumHavokThreads=3
fChaseDeltaMult=0.0500
iEntityBatchRemoveRate=100
iMaxPicks=40
bAddBipedWhenKeyframed=0
bDisablePlayerCollision=0
fJumpAnimDelay=0.7500
bTreeTops=0
iSimType=1
bPreventHavokAddAll=0
bPreventHavokAddClutter=0
fMaxTime=0.0167
bHavokDebug=0
fRF=1000.0000
fOD=0.9000
fSE=0.3000
fSD=0.9800
iResetCounter=5
fMoveLimitMass=95.0000
iUpdateType=0
bHavokPick=0
fCameraCasterSize=1.0000
iHavokSkipFrameCountTEST=0
fHorseRunGravity=3.0000
fQuadrupedPitchMult=1.0000
iNumHavokThreads=3
fChaseDeltaMult=0.0500
iEntityBatchRemoveRate=100
iMaxPicks=40
bAddBipedWhenKeyframed=0
And...
CODE
[BackgroundLoad]
bBackgroundLoadLipFiles=1
bLoadBackgroundFaceGen=1
bUseMultiThreadedFaceGen=1
bBackgroundCellLoads=1
bLoadHelmetsInBackground=1
iAnimationClonePerLoop=5
bSelectivePurgeUnusedOnFastTravel=0
bUseMultiThreadedTrees=1
iPostProcessMillisecondsEditor=50
iPostProcessMillisecondsLoadingQueuedPriority=20
iPostProcessMilliseconds=5
bUseBackgroundFileLoader=0
►"Here's another tip for those with two harddrives.
I installed a fresh copy of windows xp on the second harddrive used for playing Oblivion only while having Oblivion installed on my main drive where my primary windows installation resides. Everytime I want to play Oblivion, I would go to the bios to enable my second harddrive to boot as primary so I can load the clean windows installation. While in the second installation, I run Ultimate Disk Defragger to selectively place the Oblivion folder to the outer edge of the harddrive for quicker access. I also set the virtual memory to a fixed 2.0gig on the secondary drive. Playing OB on the second drive reduced stuttering by 300%!!"- jacky89
►"If you have two fisical HD drivers you could copy the half of the BSA files to the other HD. For ex. leave the textures.bsa file in the Oblivion data folder, and move meshes.bsa and sounds.bsa files to the other drive, in a folder like d:\Ob\ Then you change in the Archive section of the oblivion.ini file, the path to the moved BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> d:\Ob\meshes.bsa You can do this with any BSA file (Frans, etc) but ALWAYS checking the resitered path in the oblivion.ini file. It reduce de stuttering when loading new content in the game!!!!"- skeleton
►"Another tip is that you could unpack the BSA files and pack them again without compression. Do this using BSA Commander software. You can get BSA Commander soft here: Again less stuttering, comproved!"- Skeleton
►"Another tip: You install a lot of mods, they add little files to the meshes, textures and sound folders.. Using BSA command, you can pack them in a BSA file. For ex. creating a new texture1.bsa file with the content of the modded texture folder. The same with meshes, sound, etc. AND register them in the oblivion.ini file. If you dont have more space to register (max 255char) change the name of the BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> m.bsa. Sounds.bsa -> s.bsa so you could add more BSA files without problems. Then you can delete all these little files, that you already have in a BSA pack file. And again less stuttering!!!!! comproved!"- Skeleton
►"ALWAYS do a HD defrag after these procedures."- Skeleton
►Skeleton's elaboration:
CODE
Ok, this is what I did.
Unpacked this the BSA files to another directory (not Oblivion one)
Oblivion - Textures - Compressed.bsa
Knights.bsa (if you have Knight of the Nine installed)
anda all the SI bsa files.
Exclude Meshes, voices and misc bsa files (the original Oblivion ones, not SI)
Copied all the modded files to the new directory (where the original BSA are unpacked), some overwrites will occur, thats all right.
Now packing all again....
If the texture directory is bigger than 1.5 gb, divide it in two or more BSA files, I divide the by class, armor and weapons, clutter and clothes, etc. this way is easiest to upgrade the BSA files later with new content.
The same with the modded meshes, if everything enter in 1.5 its just fine to do only one BSA.
And the same with the voices, and the same with the sound (FX). I packed sound\voice in one BSA and sound\fx in aonther BSA file.
OK - now you have a new set of textures BSA files, new modded bsas files for meshes, sound, and voice, ok.
Tip, when creating a new BSA file use a short name, an ex. for meshes will be: M2.bsa modded voices will be V3.bsa
Texutes. A.bsa, B.bsa
It is for the 256 character limit in the oblivion.ini archive section.
Now installing the new BSA files
------------------------------------------------------------------
Criate a directoy in the second HD, mini is D:\O
Copy the the new VOICE, SOUND and MESHES files there, adn MOVE the original MESH bsa (better rename it to something like M1.bsa) here too.
Then you can rename the original MISC, and VOICE files (like MISC.bsa, and V1.bsa, V2.bsa), leving them where they are.
Ok, now the oblivion.ini changes....
[Archive]
SMasterMiscArchiveFileName=Misc.bsa <-CHANGE TO THE ORIGINAL (RENAMED) Oblivion - Misc.bsa
SMasterVoicesArchiveFileName2=V2.bsa <-SAME WITH Oblivion - Voices2.bsa
SMasterVoicesArchiveFileName1=V1.bsa <-SAME WITH Oblivion - Voices1.bsa
SMasterSoundsArchiveFileName=D:\S1.bsa <-ADDING THE SECOND DISC DIRECORY, AND RENAMED FILE
SMasterTexturesArchiveFileName1= <-BRANK NOT NEEDED
SMasterMeshesArchiveFileName=D:\M1.bsa <-ADDING THE SECOND DISC DIRECORY, AND RENAMED ORIGINAL MESH FILE
SInvalidationFile=ArchiveInvalidation.txt
iRetainFilenameOffsetTable=1
iRetainFilenameStringTable=1
iRetainDirectoryStringTable=1
bCheckRuntimeCollisions=0
bInvalidateOlderFiles=1
bUseArchives=1
SArchiveList=D:\M1.bsa, D:\T1.BSA (HERE GOES THE NEW TEXTURES FILES), D:\S1.bsa, D:\S2.bsa (moddified sounds), V1.bsa, V2.bsa, D:\V3.bsa (moddified Voices), Misc.bsa
Hope this helps.
Ah, before all this unpack and pack the original mesh file without compression, ALWAYS remember to set the correct tags at BSA Commander!!!!!!!!!!
ALL THIS REALLLYYYY HELP ME WITH SUTTERING, NO KIDDING
Unpacked this the BSA files to another directory (not Oblivion one)
Oblivion - Textures - Compressed.bsa
Knights.bsa (if you have Knight of the Nine installed)
anda all the SI bsa files.
Exclude Meshes, voices and misc bsa files (the original Oblivion ones, not SI)
Copied all the modded files to the new directory (where the original BSA are unpacked), some overwrites will occur, thats all right.
Now packing all again....
If the texture directory is bigger than 1.5 gb, divide it in two or more BSA files, I divide the by class, armor and weapons, clutter and clothes, etc. this way is easiest to upgrade the BSA files later with new content.
The same with the modded meshes, if everything enter in 1.5 its just fine to do only one BSA.
And the same with the voices, and the same with the sound (FX). I packed sound\voice in one BSA and sound\fx in aonther BSA file.
OK - now you have a new set of textures BSA files, new modded bsas files for meshes, sound, and voice, ok.
Tip, when creating a new BSA file use a short name, an ex. for meshes will be: M2.bsa modded voices will be V3.bsa
Texutes. A.bsa, B.bsa
It is for the 256 character limit in the oblivion.ini archive section.
Now installing the new BSA files
------------------------------------------------------------------
Criate a directoy in the second HD, mini is D:\O
Copy the the new VOICE, SOUND and MESHES files there, adn MOVE the original MESH bsa (better rename it to something like M1.bsa) here too.
Then you can rename the original MISC, and VOICE files (like MISC.bsa, and V1.bsa, V2.bsa), leving them where they are.
Ok, now the oblivion.ini changes....
[Archive]
SMasterMiscArchiveFileName=Misc.bsa <-CHANGE TO THE ORIGINAL (RENAMED) Oblivion - Misc.bsa
SMasterVoicesArchiveFileName2=V2.bsa <-SAME WITH Oblivion - Voices2.bsa
SMasterVoicesArchiveFileName1=V1.bsa <-SAME WITH Oblivion - Voices1.bsa
SMasterSoundsArchiveFileName=D:\S1.bsa <-ADDING THE SECOND DISC DIRECORY, AND RENAMED FILE
SMasterTexturesArchiveFileName1= <-BRANK NOT NEEDED
SMasterMeshesArchiveFileName=D:\M1.bsa <-ADDING THE SECOND DISC DIRECORY, AND RENAMED ORIGINAL MESH FILE
SInvalidationFile=ArchiveInvalidation.txt
iRetainFilenameOffsetTable=1
iRetainFilenameStringTable=1
iRetainDirectoryStringTable=1
bCheckRuntimeCollisions=0
bInvalidateOlderFiles=1
bUseArchives=1
SArchiveList=D:\M1.bsa, D:\T1.BSA (HERE GOES THE NEW TEXTURES FILES), D:\S1.bsa, D:\S2.bsa (moddified sounds), V1.bsa, V2.bsa, D:\V3.bsa (moddified Voices), Misc.bsa
Hope this helps.
Ah, before all this unpack and pack the original mesh file without compression, ALWAYS remember to set the correct tags at BSA Commander!!!!!!!!!!
ALL THIS REALLLYYYY HELP ME WITH SUTTERING, NO KIDDING
.ini Settings and Tweaks to Consider
(Note that most of these possible changes were made pre-patch 1.2, and may or may not still be applicable. These tweaks are NOT necessarily recommended, merely options to consider. DO NOT simply apply all of these changes without knowing what you are doing, or you will probably cause more harm than good. Input on updated recommended .ini tweaks is welcome! Make sure you not only make a backup .ini, but that you compare frame rates before and after making changes: changes that speed things up on one compter may cause problems on another.)
General (defaults in parenthesis)
1) uGridstoLoad = 3 (5)
Extend Texture LOD Blocks
uGridsToLoad = 5 (Default)
uGridsToLoad = 5 (Recommended)
Or:
uGridsToLoad = 7 (Not Recommended due to FPS loss, water glitch and 'jump bug')
2) uInteriorCellBuffer=6** (3)
For 1Gb of RAM Change to:
uInterior Cell Buffer = 6**
For 1.5Gb of RAM Change to:
uInterior Cell Buffer = 9**
For 2Gb of RAM Change to:
uInterior Cell Buffer = 12**
3) uExteriorCellBuffer = 36** (36)
uGrid Memory - These settings will automatically change if you modify uGridsToLoad
uExterior Cell Buffer = 36**
For 1Gb of RAM Change to:
uExterior Cell Buffer = 36**
For 1.5Gb of RAM Change to:
uExterior Cell Buffer = 64**
For 2Gb of RAM Change to:
uExterior Cell Buffer = 72**
4) bPreEmptivelyUnloadCells = 0 (0)
This is for unloading cells the game determines are no longer needed. Streamline does this intelligently, so it is a preferable alternative to changing this value.
5) iPreLoadSizeLimit = * (26214400)
6) bDoTallGrassEffect = 0 (1)
Lowers the height of the grass.
7) bDoSpecularPass = 0 (1)
Removes the 'shine' from objects. Works well, but can crash the game in ceratin areas (Weynon Priory)
8) bUseRefractionShader = 0 (1)
9) iMaxDecalsPerFrame = 0 (10)
Decals refers to blood. The higher the value, the more blood you will see during battle. This can be a FPS killer.
10) bUseJoystick = 0 (1)
There have been many reports of joysticks either not working or crashing the game. This should be disabled.
11) iMaxImpactSoundCount = 16 (32)
12) iNumBolts = 3 (7)
I assume this settings lowers the number of bolts seen when casting 'lightning' spells. Too many bolts can be a FPS killer.
13) bBackgroundPathing = 1 (0)
14) bUseBackgroundPathing = 1 (0)
15) bSelectivelyPurgeUnusedOnFasttravel = 1 (0)
16) iMinGrassSize = 100 (80)
Try higher values for low-end PCs. If you're using LowPolyGrass - change it to 120 for
maximum density without FPS loss.
17) fTexturePCTThreshold = 0.6000 (0.3000)
18) fLODLandVerticalBias = -200.0000 (0.0000)
This setting is recommended to use with Oldblivion.
19) fGrassWindMagnitudeMax = 0.0000 ( )
The maximum amount the grass sways in the wind.
20) fGrassWindMagnitudeMin = 0.0000 ( )
The least amount the grass sways in the wind.
21) bBackgroundLoadLipFiles = 1 (0)
22) bLoadBackgroundFaceGen = 1 (0)
This seems to be linked to bUseMultiThreadedFaceGen, so either have both on or both off.
23) bUseMultiThreadedTrees = 1 (0)
24) bCloneModelsInBackground = 1 (0)
*Jaga Telesin's explanation:
"iPreLoadSizeLimit is one of those things people thinks work like a regular "cache", when in fact it does not. Larger values in this setting are WORSE for players since the 1.2.x patch. Martigen and I spent a week straight looking into this and a few other performance related INI values, and in fact it's better to keep it lower if possible. The right number is something you arrive at based on what you are using. The default value of 26214400 can be equated to one "unit" of cache. To find out how many units you need, refer to the following list:
- (+1) Vanilla Oblivion + 30 or less mods (all small)
- (+1) OOO, Fran's, Warcry (not FCOM)
- (+1) MMM (not FCOM)
- (+2) FCOM
- (+1) QTP1 (or similar normal-size texture pack)
- (+2) QTP2 (or similar medium-size texture pack)
- (+3-4) QTP3 (or other large-size texture pack)
A high end machine with 2gb of RAM doesn't need to set their cache at 1gb, that's just insane. They need instead to evaluate what they run and see what setting value they need. If they had Oblivion+mods, FCOM, and QTP3 they would need: 1+2+3, or around 6x default (157286400), which is roughly 153mb of Oblivion cache.
Everyone's experience is unique, so people will have to play with their settings to get it just right. Too large and you will get problems, too small and you'll get different problems with similar symptoms (stutter and lag). Finding the sweet spot is what tweaking this entry is all about. My numbers are just a rough guide, and are by no means the final word on the setting."
**-pk-'s explanation:
"I would recommend leaving uExterior Cell Buffer alone as increasing this value will clutter your ram and vram with additional objects, textures, and actors which can reduce your average fps if your vram is already high from texture packs, or in other cases cause a constant stutter (despite whatever your fps may be) or system lockup. This value can only reduce stuttering when backtracking to previously loaded cells. Also, this setting does not determine how many cells are initially loaded, instead the uGrid is used for this (as well as when on the move).
Worst-case Scenario (clicky) :
The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are to be loaded next. One or both of the yellow cells will be loaded depending on which adjacent squares the player touches before reaching the destination to the upper left. As you can see, this is where the exterior cell buffer of 36 is derived from.
Best-case Scenario :
This shows the player running in a straight line parallel to the cells orientation. The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are previous cells that are still loaded in the buffer. White cells were unloaded from the buffer. In this example, if you were to turn around and run directly back you would not have to load any of the light blue cells; however this is not what the cell buffer was designed for!
Likewise, increasing uInterior Cell Buffer will keep additional unneeded cells. Around 3 to 5 is a good setting for this. Interiors can be very large, 1 interior cell contains everything up until the next door with a loading screen. The reason this was set to 3 is because of actors in adjacent cells (most stores have 1 basement, 1 main floor, and 1 top floor; most caves are typically either a chain with up to 3 rooms right after each other, or 1 large central room with 2-3 rooms branching off). Also note that oblivion gates are exterior cells and not interiors.
I should also mention that walking close to a door leading to a exterior (like inside IC) will seamlessly load a few of the exterior cells on the other side, but this does not happen for doors leading to interiors so there is no reason to have a high interior cell buffer. If you are in an exterior cell and walk through a door with a loading screen leading to another exterior (cities/gates), then the buffer will automatically purge the interior and exterior cell buffers. The biggest problem for having a large interior cell buffer comes from caves/ruins that are attached to the main Cyrodiil exterior since the interior cell buffer will never be purged until you enter a city or oblivion gate.
With an unmodded Oblivion, both interior and exterior cells can take around 3-7Mb of vram each depending on what the cell contains and how many textures are shared between the cells. The cell buffers should be kept as small as feasibly possible. That is uExterior Cell Buffer should be (uGrid + 1)^2 it is impossible to get more efficient than this! And a uInterior Cell Buffer of 3 to 5."
Optional
1) bSaveonWait = 0 (1)
2) bSaveonRest = 0 (1)
3) bSaveonTravel = 0 (1)
4) bSaveonInteriorExteriorSwitch = 0 (1)
Speeds up loading times.
5) bPrecipitation = 0 (1)
Turns off the rain effect. Will help with FPS, but you lose immersion.
6) bMusicEnabled = 0 (1)
Turns ALL the music off. Will speed up the game a bit, but at the loss of music.
7) bSoundEnabled = 0 (1)
This setting will tun off ALL sounds in the game. Will speed up the game, but you lose realism. Turning the sound all the way down doesn’t improve performance.
QUOTE
4) bPreEmptivelyUnloadCells = 1 (0)
This setting will unload cells the game determines that are no longer needed. Frees up memory and is recommended.
5) iPreLoadlimitSize = 78643200 (26214400)
This setting will unload cells the game determines that are no longer needed. Frees up memory and is recommended.
5) iPreLoadlimitSize = 78643200 (26214400)
FYI, neither of these settings is listed such that people take advantage of them correctly.
- bPreEmptivelyUnloadCells is for very low memory machines (512mb of RAM and under). It was off by default, signifying that even Bethesda didn't think the "average" computer would need it on. It isn't an intelligent purge, and just like typing "PCB" into the console, can unload things at the wrong times. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone using 1gb of RAM or more. And for *any* type of computer, Streamline (2.1 or 3.0) is a better option to avoid the problems that this can cause. There is a big difference between simply letting Oblivion purge content from memory when it wants to, vs when it's a good time to. Streamline knows when it's a good time to do it, Oblivion does not.
- iPreLoadLimitSize is one of those things people thinks work like a regular "cache", when in fact it does not. Larger values in this setting are WORSE for players since the 1.2.x patch. Martigen and I spent a week straight looking into this and a few other performance related INI values, and in fact it's better to keep it lower if possible. The right number is something you arrive at based on what you are using. The default value of 26214400 can be equated to one "unit" of cache. To find out how many units you need, refer to the following list:
- (+1) Vanilla Oblivion + 30 or less mods (all small)
- (+1) OOO, Fran's, Warcry (not FCOM)
- (+1) MMM (not FCOM)
- (+2) FCOM
- (+1) QTP1 (or similar normal-size texture pack)
- (+2) QTP2 (or similar medium-size texture pack)
- (+3-4) QTP3 (or other large-size texture pack)
A high end machine with 2gb of RAM doesn't need to set their cache at 1gb, that's just insane. They need instead to evaluate what they run and see what setting value they need. If they had Oblivion+mods, FCOM, and QTP3 they would need: 1+2+3, or around 6x default (157286400), which is roughly 153mb of Oblivion cache.
Everyone's experience is unique, so people will have to play with their settings to get it just right. Too large and you will get problems, too small and you'll get different problems with similar symptoms (stutter and lag). Finding the sweet spot is what tweaking this entry is all about. My numbers are just a rough guide, and are by no means the final word on the setting.
Thanks for the info. As mentioned, this is a community project, so those are the values that were more or less agreed upon as ideal in the previous thread (last year!). Since you are pretty much the authority on the subject, I'll take your word over the previous consensus and update it, but I'm on my way out right now so I'll have to get to that later. Thanks!
Updated. I quoted your explanation since I literally couldn't say it better myself. Thanks again.
I read a lot of people saying that the default .ini generated by a fresh game install and update to 1.2 is better than many previous tweaked .ini file from older versions of Oblivion... Is this actually true?
Also, can anyone clarify the bit about setting uGridsToLoad? When installing the UOP, it says that if you set it to something other than 5 strange things will happen in-game.
And one other thing: You have stated the switch as iPreloadLimitSize... I think it should be iPreloadSizeLimit.
Also, can anyone clarify the bit about setting uGridsToLoad? When installing the UOP, it says that if you set it to something other than 5 strange things will happen in-game.
And one other thing: You have stated the switch as iPreloadLimitSize... I think it should be iPreloadSizeLimit.
Might put TuneXP on the list as well, nice piece performancesoftware. 
Thanks for taking this project on to the next level. I will be away from the game for another 10-1/2 months and hope you are still around when I get back to the States, buy my next computer and load up Oblivion and all the wonderful mods the community continues to generate.
Cheers
Cheers
QUOTE(tharawdeal @ Jun 26 2007, 01:07 AM) 
I read a lot of people saying that the default .ini generated by a fresh game install and update to 1.2 is better than many previous tweaked .ini file from older versions of Oblivion... Is this actually true?
The .ini recommended settings is the one part of the project I didn't touch, as I am hardly an expert on tweaking the .ini. Those recommendations were made before the 1.2 patch, and may or may not still be applicable. If anyone has any input on the subject, please let us know. Otherwise, I'm getting started on researching the .ini to provide updated recommendations.
QUOTE(tharawdeal @ Jun 26 2007, 01:07 AM)
And one other thing: You have stated the switch as iPreloadLimitSize... I think it should be iPreloadSizeLimit.
Thanks. Fixed.
QUOTE(Mormacil @ Jun 26 2007, 01:09 AM)
Might put TuneXP on the list as well, nice piece performancesoftware.
Doing so now, thanks.
QUOTE(Bravo06 @ Jun 26 2007, 03:02 AM)
Thanks for taking this project on to the next level. I will be away from the game for another 10-1/2 months and hope you are still around when I get back to the States, buy my next computer and load up Oblivion and all the wonderful mods the community continues to generate.
Cheers
Cheers
I'm glad you find this useful.
Hey guys. I just thought I'd bring forth an issue with one of the 'accepted' tweaks that I discovered.
That is, bLoadBackgroundFaceGen=1.
Considering I have changed a number of things in the past week, it was difficult to determine at first, but the problem was simpler than I was fearing. For some reason, when I enabled this particular option, my character had blue artifacts flickering all over her hair. Once I pulled back a certain distance, the blue was constant. Thing is, it ONLY appeared on her hair. I didn't check any NPCs - if you want I can look at that as well.
All I know is that when I turned it off again, the hair went back to normal. This is a base Oblivion hair, mind you, not a mod.
If you'd like a screenshot, I'll get one (or two). It can be tough getting an image with a significant amount though. The artifacts change location with every frame, so while it's bad and extremely noticeable in-game, there often isn't a whole lot of it in each individual frame.
FYI, I'm running with an Intel Core 2 6600, a GeForce 7950 GX2 on the 158.22 drivers on WinXP. It is notable that these aren't 'official' 7000 series XP drivers, but this is the first graphical oddity I've seen since I installed them (numerous weeks ago) and they came with a significant boost in framerates.
That is, bLoadBackgroundFaceGen=1.
Considering I have changed a number of things in the past week, it was difficult to determine at first, but the problem was simpler than I was fearing. For some reason, when I enabled this particular option, my character had blue artifacts flickering all over her hair. Once I pulled back a certain distance, the blue was constant. Thing is, it ONLY appeared on her hair. I didn't check any NPCs - if you want I can look at that as well.
All I know is that when I turned it off again, the hair went back to normal. This is a base Oblivion hair, mind you, not a mod.
If you'd like a screenshot, I'll get one (or two). It can be tough getting an image with a significant amount though. The artifacts change location with every frame, so while it's bad and extremely noticeable in-game, there often isn't a whole lot of it in each individual frame.
FYI, I'm running with an Intel Core 2 6600, a GeForce 7950 GX2 on the 158.22 drivers on WinXP. It is notable that these aren't 'official' 7000 series XP drivers, but this is the first graphical oddity I've seen since I installed them (numerous weeks ago) and they came with a significant boost in framerates.
Generally the default 1.2.x Oblivion.ini as created by the game engine is quite good. There are a few tweaks I'd recommend:
- The iPreLoadLimitSize, as discussed in my last post
- Interior cells set to 6 (from 3)
- Thread entries set to correspond to the particulars of the machine it's running on. The default ini was not "geared" for multi-core CPUs.
- GrassDensity, 100-120 is a good default.
The Low-Low-Poly Grass link should point to the Low-Poly Grass page on TESS, the entries have been merged now.
Quick update...
bLoadBackgroundFaceGen
bUseMultiThreadedFaceGen
These two settings seem to be tied. If both are on or both are off, the blue artifacts don't show up. If only 'bLoadBackgroundFaceGen' is enabled, however, they do.
bLoadBackgroundFaceGen
bUseMultiThreadedFaceGen
These two settings seem to be tied. If both are on or both are off, the blue artifacts don't show up. If only 'bLoadBackgroundFaceGen' is enabled, however, they do.
What is the "bCloneModelsInBackground" setting? I think I used to have it pre-1.2, but I think its gone now. I can't find it anywhere in my ini. Should I add the line in somewhere?
Thanks everyone.
@Jaga: Whoever previously suggested the values for uInteriorCellBuffer thought that the value should depend on the amount of RAM the user has. Is that not the case?
@Jaga: Whoever previously suggested the values for uInteriorCellBuffer thought that the value should depend on the amount of RAM the user has. Is that not the case?
I would like to point out that, if you're playing with VSync on, it's practically mandatory to also use the D3D Overrider tool that comes with Riva Tuner. It enables triple buffering in Directx games.
QUOTE(BallOfFire @ Jun 27 2007, 01:11 AM)
Thanks everyone.
@Jaga: Whoever previously suggested the values for uInteriorCellBuffer thought that the value should depend on the amount of RAM the user has. Is that not the case?
@Jaga: Whoever previously suggested the values for uInteriorCellBuffer thought that the value should depend on the amount of RAM the user has. Is that not the case?
It is tied to the amount of cache yes. But an increase of 3 cells compared to what people were doing before (bumping interior to 12 and exterior to 144) is nothing. It's just an efficiency tweak so that shop-hopping in town (or moving around between rooms in a building) doesn't continually flush the cache. An interior cell setting of 3 is quite frankly moronic, and allows almost no room for the system to breathe.
I updated my .ini per your suggestions and it bumped me down to 15 fps in an outside setting with npc's and horses on full graphics including HDR and 8xQ AA enabled in my tweaker. It even lowered my settings automatically quite a bit and I still only had 15 fps.
I reverted back to my default unchanged .ini and I was back at 30 - 40 fps at the same location with the same graphics. lol
I reverted back to my default unchanged .ini and I was back at 30 - 40 fps at the same location with the same graphics. lol
QUOTE(dragonfirexz95 @ Jun 27 2007, 03:21 PM)
I updated my .ini per your suggestions and it bumped me down to 15 fps in an outside setting with npc's and horses on full graphics including HDR and 8xQ AA enabled in my tweaker. It even lowered my settings automatically quite a bit and I still only had 15 fps.
I reverted back to my default unchanged .ini and I was back at 30 - 40 fps at the same location with the same graphics. lol
I reverted back to my default unchanged .ini and I was back at 30 - 40 fps at the same location with the same graphics. lol
That is quite bizarre. Perhaps it has something to do with your specific video card. I don't know. Note that these are not my recommended .ini changes, as I know very little about tweaking the .ini. These are just what were recommended in the previous thread and more or less agreed upon pre-patch 1.2. If one of these settings is causing major problems, please let me know if you figure out which one so I can change the recommendation!
You might want to list Tuneup Utilities and Ashampoo, two utilities that have free trials and help to optimize most system related settings,
Also you may want to name Avast antivirus, a free antivirus program that uses less system resources than most,
Adaware SE to help keep your pc clean from spyware
CCleaner to help remove temp data, to increase sys performance, i have seen this remove as much as 1.5 gig wasted!
also people can !WITH CARE! run msconfig and remove non necessary (!NON-NECESARRY!) startup applications, and with care startup services.
The Ultimate Defrag for defragging hard drives is also a great tool, I believe it has a trial, not sure. But it is worth it.
another quick piece of advice would be to look at these performance sites for non necessary services, by default Microsoft enables a lot of services in windows you do not need, example: every XP system has zero wireless service enables, whether or not you have the capability of wireless, ?? odd hu?
Btw this is from a cert pc technician.
Edit: Dragonfirexz95 had a problem with my typos.
Also you may want to name Avast antivirus, a free antivirus program that uses less system resources than most,
Adaware SE to help keep your pc clean from spyware
CCleaner to help remove temp data, to increase sys performance, i have seen this remove as much as 1.5 gig wasted!
also people can !WITH CARE! run msconfig and remove non necessary (!NON-NECESARRY!) startup applications, and with care startup services.
The Ultimate Defrag for defragging hard drives is also a great tool, I believe it has a trial, not sure. But it is worth it.
another quick piece of advice would be to look at these performance sites for non necessary services, by default Microsoft enables a lot of services in windows you do not need, example: every XP system has zero wireless service enables, whether or not you have the capability of wireless, ?? odd hu?
Btw this is from a cert pc technician.
Edit: Dragonfirexz95 had a problem with my typos.
Woops. Ignore this post. lol
QUOTE(BallOfFire @ Jun 27 2007, 08:58 PM)
That is quite bizarre. Perhaps it has something to do with your specific video card. I don't know. Note that these are not my recommended .ini changes, as I know very little about tweaking the .ini. These are just what were recommended in the previous thread and more or less agreed upon pre-patch 1.2. If one of these settings is causing major problems, please let me know if you figure out which one so I can change the recommendation!
Well Balloffire, I do have operation optimization and Streamline 3.0 on. Maybe these mods have something to do with it?
For a PC tech Laneyfamily, you sure have bad typing lol. I'm getting certified myself next month.
QUOTE(Jaga Telesin @ Jun 27 2007, 01:48 AM)
Generally the default 1.2.x Oblivion.ini as created by the game engine is quite good. There are a few tweaks I'd recommend:
- The iPreLoadLimitSize, as discussed in my last post
- Interior cells set to 6 (from 3)
- Thread entries set to correspond to the particulars of the machine it's running on. The default ini was not "geared" for multi-core CPUs.
- GrassDensity, 100-120 is a good default.
Is there a limit that is recommended for iPreLoadSizeLimit? I have a 3.4 ghz Dell with 2gb ram and an ATI Radeon XT PE 850 with 256mb ram. I also use about 200 mods, including OOO and MMM, and also use QTP2, among a bunch of smaller texture packs. Should a iPreLoadSizeLimit value of vanilla x6 be the limit for those of us pushing moderate power rigs to their limits? I know you said that if you make this number too high it can actually decrease performance.
QUOTE(cjwilke @ Jun 27 2007, 10:19 PM)
Is there a limit that is recommended for iPreLoadSizeLimit? I have a 3.4 ghz Dell with 2gb ram and an ATI Radeon XT PE 850 with 256mb ram. I also use about 200 mods, including OOO and MMM, and also use QTP2, among a bunch of smaller texture packs. Should a iPreLoadSizeLimit value of vanilla x6 be the limit for those of us pushing moderate power rigs to their limits? I know you said that if you make this number too high it can actually decrease performance.
A "limit" is completely irrelevant. You aren't trying to push it higher to improve performance, that's not how it works. Read my prior post on how that setting works, and how to find your ideal number.
QUOTE(dragonfirexz95 @ Jun 28 2007, 12:03 AM)
For a PC tech Laneyfamily, you sure have bad typing lol. I'm getting certified myself next month.
Come on it was like 12:00 at night, give me a break....
Updated, added notes, reorganized, and added several new links. Sorry for the delay, and thanks for the support everyone!
Is Oblivion PolyGone Overhaul still recommended? I don't need the performance increase, but I have seen and can understand that a lot of meshes have pointless polys in default oblivion. It hasn't been updated in a long time, but all of the changes are virtually unnoticeable correct?
I'm not sure how much of an increase in FPS it provides, but considering that there is no real downside and every little bit helps, you can't really go wrong using it.
QUOTE(BallOfFire @ Jul 1 2007, 06:37 PM)
Updated, added notes, reorganized, and added several new links. Sorry for the delay, and thanks for the support everyone!
Just wanted to say Thanks!
to BallOfFire for reviving/maintaining this project, and to Jaga and everyone else who have lent their knowledge & expertise.
Just a note before I forget again:
I would recommend leaving uExterior Cell Buffer alone as increasing this value will clutter your ram and vram with additional objects, textures, and actors which can reduce your average fps if your vram is already high from texture packs, or in other cases cause a constant stutter (despite whatever your fps may be) or system lockup. This value can only reduce stuttering when backtracking to previously loaded cells. Also, this setting does not determine how many cells are initially loaded, instead the uGrid is used for this (as well as when on the move).
Worst-case Scenario (clicky) :
The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are to be loaded next. One or both of the yellow cells will be loaded depending on which adjacent squares the player touches before reaching the destination to the upper left. As you can see, this is where the exterior cell buffer of 36 is derived from.
Best-case Scenario :
This shows the player running in a straight line parallel to the cells orientation. The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are previous cells that are still loaded in the buffer. White cells were unloaded from the buffer. In this example, if you were to turn around and run directly back you would not have to load any of the light blue cells; however this is not what the cell buffer was designed for!
Likewise, increasing uInterior Cell Buffer will keep additional unneeded cells. Around 3 to 5 is a good setting for this. Interiors can be very large, 1 interior cell contains everything up until the next door with a loading screen. The reason this was set to 3 is because of actors in adjacent cells (most stores have 1 basement, 1 main floor, and 1 top floor; most caves are typically either a chain with up to 3 rooms right after each other, or 1 large central room with 2-3 rooms branching off). Also note that oblivion gates are exterior cells and not interiors.
I should also mention that walking close to a door leading to a exterior (like inside IC) will seamlessly load a few of the exterior cells on the other side, but this does not happen for doors leading to interiors so there is no reason to have a high interior cell buffer. If you are in an exterior cell and walk through a door with a loading screen leading to another exterior (cities/gates), then the buffer will automatically purge the interior and exterior cell buffers. The biggest problem for having a large interior cell buffer comes from caves/ruins that are attached to the main Cyrodiil exterior since the interior cell buffer will never be purged until you enter a city or oblivion gate.
With an unmodded Oblivion, both interior and exterior cells can take around 3-7Mb of vram each depending on what the cell contains and how many textures are shared between the cells. The cell buffers should be kept as small as feasibly possible. That is uExterior Cell Buffer should be (uGrid + 1)^2 it is impossible to get more efficient than this! And a uInterior Cell Buffer of 3 to 5.
I would recommend leaving uExterior Cell Buffer alone as increasing this value will clutter your ram and vram with additional objects, textures, and actors which can reduce your average fps if your vram is already high from texture packs, or in other cases cause a constant stutter (despite whatever your fps may be) or system lockup. This value can only reduce stuttering when backtracking to previously loaded cells. Also, this setting does not determine how many cells are initially loaded, instead the uGrid is used for this (as well as when on the move).
Worst-case Scenario (clicky) :
The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are to be loaded next. One or both of the yellow cells will be loaded depending on which adjacent squares the player touches before reaching the destination to the upper left. As you can see, this is where the exterior cell buffer of 36 is derived from.
Best-case Scenario :
This shows the player running in a straight line parallel to the cells orientation. The dark blue squares are the loaded cells around the player with a uGrid setting of 5. The light blue cells are previous cells that are still loaded in the buffer. White cells were unloaded from the buffer. In this example, if you were to turn around and run directly back you would not have to load any of the light blue cells; however this is not what the cell buffer was designed for!
Likewise, increasing uInterior Cell Buffer will keep additional unneeded cells. Around 3 to 5 is a good setting for this. Interiors can be very large, 1 interior cell contains everything up until the next door with a loading screen. The reason this was set to 3 is because of actors in adjacent cells (most stores have 1 basement, 1 main floor, and 1 top floor; most caves are typically either a chain with up to 3 rooms right after each other, or 1 large central room with 2-3 rooms branching off). Also note that oblivion gates are exterior cells and not interiors.
I should also mention that walking close to a door leading to a exterior (like inside IC) will seamlessly load a few of the exterior cells on the other side, but this does not happen for doors leading to interiors so there is no reason to have a high interior cell buffer. If you are in an exterior cell and walk through a door with a loading screen leading to another exterior (cities/gates), then the buffer will automatically purge the interior and exterior cell buffers. The biggest problem for having a large interior cell buffer comes from caves/ruins that are attached to the main Cyrodiil exterior since the interior cell buffer will never be purged until you enter a city or oblivion gate.
With an unmodded Oblivion, both interior and exterior cells can take around 3-7Mb of vram each depending on what the cell contains and how many textures are shared between the cells. The cell buffers should be kept as small as feasibly possible. That is uExterior Cell Buffer should be (uGrid + 1)^2 it is impossible to get more efficient than this! And a uInterior Cell Buffer of 3 to 5.
Here's another tip for those with two harddrives.
I installed a fresh copy of windows xp on the second harddrive used for playing Oblivion only while having Oblivion installed on my main drive where my primary windows installation resides. Everytime I want to play Oblivion, I would go to the bios to enable my second harddrive to boot as primary so I can load the clean windows installation. While in the second installation, I run Ultimate Disk Defragger to selectively place the Oblivion folder to the outer edge of the harddrive for quicker access. I also set the virtual memory to a fixed 2.0gig on the secondary drive. Playing OB on the second drive reduced stuttering by 300%!!
I installed a fresh copy of windows xp on the second harddrive used for playing Oblivion only while having Oblivion installed on my main drive where my primary windows installation resides. Everytime I want to play Oblivion, I would go to the bios to enable my second harddrive to boot as primary so I can load the clean windows installation. While in the second installation, I run Ultimate Disk Defragger to selectively place the Oblivion folder to the outer edge of the harddrive for quicker access. I also set the virtual memory to a fixed 2.0gig on the secondary drive. Playing OB on the second drive reduced stuttering by 300%!!
Thanks a lot guys, and sorry about the slow response. I updated it with your input and finally updated the version on my Google Pages.
Thanks for all the info!
wow, great thread! The colors burn my eyes to cinders however.
A few years back I had a really nice registry cleaner that I can't seem to remember the name of, nor find again. It had a real nice set of features, notably the Orphan culling. CCleaner is nice, which is what I use currently, but I sure wish I could remember the other one...
A few years back I had a really nice registry cleaner that I can't seem to remember the name of, nor find again. It had a real nice set of features, notably the Orphan culling. CCleaner is nice, which is what I use currently, but I sure wish I could remember the other one...
TuneUp Utilities 2007 has a great registry cleaner and other useful toys. It's linked up there on the list.
As for TOPP, I would recommend a link to Wyre Bash: http://wrye.ufrealms.net/
Wyre Bash can help sort out some savegame quirks and make some mods get along better, depending on how well you can get along with Wyre Bash.
As for TOPP, I would recommend a link to Wyre Bash: http://wrye.ufrealms.net/
Wyre Bash can help sort out some savegame quirks and make some mods get along better, depending on how well you can get along with Wyre Bash.
Improved the presentation a bit and added your suggestion. Thanks!
wow, good thing I was directed to this thread. I applied the tweaks from that tweak guide, and it lowered my fps lol.
Nice resource.
I am a bit confused on one point though; iMinGrassSize VS GrassDensity. In my Oblivion INI, my value for Grass.iGrassDensityEvalSize = 2 and is the only place the compound "word" GrassDensity can be found. I have, however, found Grass.iMinGrassSize = 129 and I believe this is the setting that Jaga Telesin was refuring to here. It is logical but I thought I should verify and or clarify the point.
Thanks for keeping this resource alive and vital.
Also if anyone finds errors or obsolete information in the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Tweak Guide I am sure Koroush Ghazi would appreciate the feedback at persianimmortal@tweakguides.com.
Thanks again.
I am a bit confused on one point though; iMinGrassSize VS GrassDensity. In my Oblivion INI, my value for Grass.iGrassDensityEvalSize = 2 and is the only place the compound "word" GrassDensity can be found. I have, however, found Grass.iMinGrassSize = 129 and I believe this is the setting that Jaga Telesin was refuring to here. It is logical but I thought I should verify and or clarify the point.
Thanks for keeping this resource alive and vital.
Also if anyone finds errors or obsolete information in the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Tweak Guide I am sure Koroush Ghazi would appreciate the feedback at persianimmortal@tweakguides.com.
Thanks again.
Excellent information, helped me out of a confusing slowdown on my rig. I am curious about 2 settings, the ithreads, and ihavokthreads (mispelled I'm sure) settings of 5 and 9 for multi core cpu's. I have a quad core cpu should I double or otherwise raise these settings, or is there any practical use in changing these two settings. Many thanks for any insight.
BallofFire, Thanks so much for this....I thought I had all of the performance mods out there, but this introduced a few very useful ones that I didn't know about.
I wanted to let you know that the link for Dimmer Magic Effects is:
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View...etail&id=65
Hope that helps and thanks for the great info!
I wanted to let you know that the link for Dimmer Magic Effects is:
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View...etail&id=65
Hope that helps and thanks for the great info!
can someone post the link where I can get the omod for OBLIVION POLYGONE OVERHAUL, Iv looked around but cant find the mirror for it.
QUOTE(devin @ Aug 29 2007, 10:35 PM)
can someone post the link where I can get the omod for OBLIVION POLYGONE OVERHAUL, Iv looked around but cant find the mirror for it.
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View...ail&id=1848
Alright, I'm back from cali and ready to give some late replies. 
Some computers react very differently to the same tweaks. That's why it's a good idea to back up your .ini and possibly even apply the changes a couple at a time so you can isolate any problems.
Glad you like it.
Glad to know this was helpful for you. I don't know anything about threading or multi core cpu's. The Oblivion Tweak Guide linked to at the top is the first place I would look.
You're very welcome. Thanks for the link!
Thanks for the comments everyone. Both positive and negative feedback are useful, and any post bumps this thread so people can actually see it, so I appreciate your comments!
QUOTE(pc_gamer @ Aug 20 2007, 11:37 AM)
wow, good thing I was directed to this thread. I applied the tweaks from that tweak guide, and it lowered my fps lol.
Some computers react very differently to the same tweaks. That's why it's a good idea to back up your .ini and possibly even apply the changes a couple at a time so you can isolate any problems.
QUOTE(sativarg @ Aug 25 2007, 11:38 AM)
[snip]
Glad you like it.
QUOTE(Sir Geoff @ Aug 28 2007, 06:20 AM)
Excellent information, helped me out of a confusing slowdown on my rig. I am curious about 2 settings, the ithreads, and ihavokthreads (mispelled I'm sure) settings of 5 and 9 for multi core cpu's. I have a quad core cpu should I double or otherwise raise these settings, or is there any practical use in changing these two settings. Many thanks for any insight.
Glad to know this was helpful for you. I don't know anything about threading or multi core cpu's. The Oblivion Tweak Guide linked to at the top is the first place I would look.
QUOTE(LadyDeadlock @ Aug 28 2007, 03:40 PM)
BallofFire, Thanks so much for this....I thought I had all of the performance mods out there, but this introduced a few very useful ones that I didn't know about.
I wanted to let you know that the link for Dimmer Magic Effects is:
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View...etail&id=65
Hope that helps and thanks for the great info!
I wanted to let you know that the link for Dimmer Magic Effects is:
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View...etail&id=65
Hope that helps and thanks for the great info!
You're very welcome.
Thanks for the link!Thanks for the comments everyone. Both positive and negative feedback are useful, and any post bumps this thread so people can actually see it, so I appreciate your comments!
Now that tesnexus is up, I fixed the links. Enjoy.
My pc is a 512 mb computer. Will I be able to run Oblivion smoother at a higher graphic intensity? What level should I set my graphics to?
dont know if people have suggested it yet but u might want to recommend winaso registry optimizer pretty decent program for these things.i dont know if they have a free version since i just bought mine randomly lol. but it works pretty good.
Just want to signal this mod, it's still in beta but it could be useful.
Hmmm...
If I change "iPreLoadSizeLimit" to anything other than the default settings my game crashes about 2 seconds after loading it
Does anyone have any idea why?
I've got 2 GB ram btw.
If I change "iPreLoadSizeLimit" to anything other than the default settings my game crashes about 2 seconds after loading it
Does anyone have any idea why?
I've got 2 GB ram btw.
QUOTE(Sindereon @ Sep 21 2007, 12:20 AM)
My pc is a 512 mb computer. Will I be able to run Oblivion smoother at a higher graphic intensity? What level should I set my graphics to?
Check the links under the Guides section, as well as TOTO.
QUOTE(Jwest @ Sep 25 2007, 07:41 PM)
dont know if people have suggested it yet but u might want to recommend winaso registry optimizer pretty decent program for these things.i dont know if they have a free version since i just bought mine randomly lol. but it works pretty good.
Thanks! And there IS a free version.
Added.QUOTE(BlackRazor @ Sep 26 2007, 04:47 AM)
Just want to signal this mod, it's still in beta but it could be useful.
Thanks, added!
QUOTE(Amsah @ Sep 28 2007, 04:46 AM)
Hmmm...
If I change "iPreLoadSizeLimit" to anything other than the default settings my game crashes about 2 seconds after loading it
Does anyone have any idea why?
I've got 2 GB ram btw.
If I change "iPreLoadSizeLimit" to anything other than the default settings my game crashes about 2 seconds after loading it
Does anyone have any idea why?
I've got 2 GB ram btw.
Sorry, no clue.
Nmv Its already working...
I dunno, but something was wrong with that save
So I had to revert back to an older one and now everythings fine ^^
I dunno, but something was wrong with that save
So I had to revert back to an older one and now everythings fine ^^
Great topic, im downloading quite a few things now
always nice to *raise!!* the FPS
always nice to *raise!!* the FPS
QUOTE(Amsah @ Sep 29 2007, 05:51 PM)
Nmv Its already working...
I dunno, but something was wrong with that save
So I had to revert back to an older one and now everythings fine ^^
I dunno, but something was wrong with that save
So I had to revert back to an older one and now everythings fine ^^
Good to hear!
QUOTE(Qas @ Sep 29 2007, 06:10 PM)
Great topic, im downloading quite a few things now
always nice to lower the FPS
always nice to lower the FPS
Well, personally I prefer to raise my FPS.
heh, silly typo, i meant raise of course, quick question tho. The operation optimizer is now an installation program, and it downloads to the oblivion folder, wheras the initial readme says that it should be in the data folder.
does the new installer put it in the right place? cause its not showing on my data files screen when i run oblivion, or is the new version not supposed to be checked on the data files screen, does it just...work?
does the new installer put it in the right place? cause its not showing on my data files screen when i run oblivion, or is the new version not supposed to be checked on the data files screen, does it just...work?
QUOTE(Qas @ Sep 30 2007, 11:22 AM)
heh, silly typo, i meant raise of course, quick question tho. The operation optimizer is now an installation program, and it downloads to the oblivion folder, wheras the initial readme says that it should be in the data folder.
does the new installer put it in the right place? cause its not showing on my data files screen when i run oblivion, or is the new version not supposed to be checked on the data files screen, does it just...work?
does the new installer put it in the right place? cause its not showing on my data files screen when i run oblivion, or is the new version not supposed to be checked on the data files screen, does it just...work?
The installer unpacks a new data folder into the oblivion folder, which has the effect of simply copying the contents of the new data folder to the old one. In other words, it installs correctly, but the readme describes the installation incorrectly. However, I checked the readme, and it says there should be an .esp to activate, but there is none included in the installer. I'm not sure what to make of that. I've been using this mod for a while, and never noticed that. I thought it didn't require an .esp, so I am guessing that only old versions needed it, or that that is a typo. Otherwise, it seems the installer is incomplete. Given that the installation description is wrong, I'd guess that they simply messed up on the readme, and it requires no .esp.
yeah thats what i was thinking, because in the first lines of the readme it seems as if he is describing a Zipped folder rather than an instillation program, so maybe it was changed in later upgrades, but the readme was just left as it was back when it was an archive folder.
Maybe I don't know how to tweak the .ini, but Sreamline doesn't do pretty much anything for me. In fact, no matter what values I give it (especially FPS) it keeps my frames at around 20 and that's it. I'm running Core 2 Duo, 2gb, 7950GTX 512Mb and running about 15 mods (all the big ones). I'm missing Francesco's and AEVWD but at this point, my frames can't take another hit! Am I expecting too much from this mod?
I dont know if this is was already posted, but it helped me a lot!
If you have two fisical HD drivers you could copy the half of the BSA files to the other HD.
For ex. leave the textures.bsa file in the Oblivion data folder, and move meshes.bsa and sounds.bsa files to the other drive, in a folder like d:\Ob\
Then you change in the Archive section of the oblivion.ini file, the path to the moved BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> d:\Ob\meshes.bsa
You can do this with any BSA file (Frans, etc) but ALWAYS checking the resitered path in the oblivion.ini file.
It reduce de stuttering when loading new content in the game!!!!
----------------
Another tip is that you could unpack the BSA files and pack them again without compression. Do this using BSA Commander software.
Again less stuttering, comproved!
---------------
Another tip: You install a lot of mods, they add little files to the meshes, textures and sound folders..
Using BSA command, you can pack them in a BSA file. For ex. creating a new texture1.bsa file with the content of the modded texture folder. The same with meshes, sound, etc.
AND register them in the oblivion.ini file.
If you dont have more space to register (max 255char) change the name of the BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> m.bsa. Sounds.bsa -> s.bsa so you could add more BSA files without problems.
Then you can delete all these little files, that you already have in a BSA pack file.
And again less stuttering!!!!! comproved!
---------------
ALWAYS do a HD defrag after these procedures. Use professional defragmenters like Perfectdisk.
You can get BSA Commander soft here: http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/BSA_Commander
Hope this helps.
Sorry by my English
Skeleton
Edit: I am using OOO, MMM, FCOM, QTP3 Reduced, Lost Spired plus 100 another mods, with little, no stuttering!!! amazing really!
Pentium 4 Core E440 7600GT Fatal1ty 256 Dram 2 Gigas
If you have two fisical HD drivers you could copy the half of the BSA files to the other HD.
For ex. leave the textures.bsa file in the Oblivion data folder, and move meshes.bsa and sounds.bsa files to the other drive, in a folder like d:\Ob\
Then you change in the Archive section of the oblivion.ini file, the path to the moved BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> d:\Ob\meshes.bsa
You can do this with any BSA file (Frans, etc) but ALWAYS checking the resitered path in the oblivion.ini file.
It reduce de stuttering when loading new content in the game!!!!
----------------
Another tip is that you could unpack the BSA files and pack them again without compression. Do this using BSA Commander software.
Again less stuttering, comproved!
---------------
Another tip: You install a lot of mods, they add little files to the meshes, textures and sound folders..
Using BSA command, you can pack them in a BSA file. For ex. creating a new texture1.bsa file with the content of the modded texture folder. The same with meshes, sound, etc.
AND register them in the oblivion.ini file.
If you dont have more space to register (max 255char) change the name of the BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> m.bsa. Sounds.bsa -> s.bsa so you could add more BSA files without problems.
Then you can delete all these little files, that you already have in a BSA pack file.
And again less stuttering!!!!! comproved!
---------------
ALWAYS do a HD defrag after these procedures. Use professional defragmenters like Perfectdisk.
You can get BSA Commander soft here: http://cs.elderscrolls.com/constwiki/index.php/BSA_Commander
Hope this helps.
Sorry by my English
Skeleton
Edit: I am using OOO, MMM, FCOM, QTP3 Reduced, Lost Spired plus 100 another mods, with little, no stuttering!!! amazing really!
Pentium 4 Core E440 7600GT Fatal1ty 256 Dram 2 Gigas
QUOTE(Skeleton @ Nov 23 2007, 06:01 PM)
Another tip is that you could unpack the BSA files and pack them again without compression. Do this using BSA Commander software.
Again less stuttering, comproved!
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Again less stuttering, comproved!
---------------
If this is true, it should be in big letters on the first page of the faqs. Today most people have HDD space to burn but we all need more speed. The only question in my mind was which took more time, loading an uncompressed file or unpacking a compressed one.
QUOTE(Skeleton @ Nov 23 2007, 01:01 PM)
<snip>
Thanks for the recommendations! I'll add them when my google pages stop acting up so I don't forget to add it there too.
QUOTE(Skeleton @ Nov 23 2007, 01:01 PM)
Another tip is that you could unpack the BSA files and pack them again without compression. Do this using BSA Commander software.
Again less stuttering, comproved!
---------------
Another tip: You install a lot of mods, they add little files to the meshes, textures and sound folders..
Using BSA command, you can pack them in a BSA file. For ex. creating a new texture1.bsa file with the content of the modded texture folder. The same with meshes, sound, etc.
AND register them in the oblivion.ini file.
If you dont have more space to register (max 255char) change the name of the BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> m.bsa. Sounds.bsa -> s.bsa so you could add more BSA files without problems.
Then you can delete all these little files, that you already have in a BSA pack file.
And again less stuttering!!!!! comproved!
Again less stuttering, comproved!
---------------
Another tip: You install a lot of mods, they add little files to the meshes, textures and sound folders..
Using BSA command, you can pack them in a BSA file. For ex. creating a new texture1.bsa file with the content of the modded texture folder. The same with meshes, sound, etc.
AND register them in the oblivion.ini file.
If you dont have more space to register (max 255char) change the name of the BSA files. For ex. meshes.bsa -> m.bsa. Sounds.bsa -> s.bsa so you could add more BSA files without problems.
Then you can delete all these little files, that you already have in a BSA pack file.
And again less stuttering!!!!! comproved!
i tried that and almost all the npcs had no voice.......
edit ah found out why they had no voice was how oblivion loads the bsas fixed that
p.s repacking qtp3 into the texture bsa is a bad idea oblivion doesnt play well with bsa's biger then 2 gbs or so
BallofFire:
This thread gives suggestions for increasing the performance of Oblivion for low-end computers. Can you clarify what you consider a low-end computer, versus a "no hope" computer? For instanse, my computer, which is now 4 years old, has 2.4 ghz CPU, 2 gigs of RAM, and an xfx 5200 graphics card, which the thread, "Bethesda Game Studios Forums > Oblivion > Hardware and Software Issues: 1.2 What are the real system requirements for the game?" suggests is not going to play Oblivion, even though it meets the minimum requirements. And, of course, I found this to be true, when i tried playing, and upon exiting the sewers, my fps dropped dramatically to an unplayable level. Is my computer a "no hope" computer that all the tweaks in the world won't help, or is mine a low end, with which these tweaks would make it playable? There might be others with the same concern, so could you post what you consider low-end systems that these tweak would help, versus "no hope" systems? Thx.
This thread gives suggestions for increasing the performance of Oblivion for low-end computers. Can you clarify what you consider a low-end computer, versus a "no hope" computer? For instanse, my computer, which is now 4 years old, has 2.4 ghz CPU, 2 gigs of RAM, and an xfx 5200 graphics card, which the thread, "Bethesda Game Studios Forums > Oblivion > Hardware and Software Issues: 1.2 What are the real system requirements for the game?" suggests is not going to play Oblivion, even though it meets the minimum requirements. And, of course, I found this to be true, when i tried playing, and upon exiting the sewers, my fps dropped dramatically to an unplayable level. Is my computer a "no hope" computer that all the tweaks in the world won't help, or is mine a low end, with which these tweaks would make it playable? There might be others with the same concern, so could you post what you consider low-end systems that these tweak would help, versus "no hope" systems? Thx.
QUOTE(Fuinur @ Nov 25 2007, 12:27 AM)
i tried that and almost all the npcs had no voice.......
edit ah found out why they had no voice was how oblivion loads the bsas fixed that
p.s repacking qtp3 into the texture bsa is a bad idea oblivion doesnt play well with bsa's biger then 2 gbs or so
edit ah found out why they had no voice was how oblivion loads the bsas fixed that
p.s repacking qtp3 into the texture bsa is a bad idea oblivion doesnt play well with bsa's biger then 2 gbs or so
The idea is to pack the textures in varius BSA, for ex. one for clothes and armors, one for landscape, one for characters and creatures, etc, etc - T1.bsa, T2.bsa, t3.bsa, etc, etc
They are easier to update too
QUOTE(Trogilon @ Nov 25 2007, 01:28 AM)
BallofFire:
This thread gives suggestions for increasing the performance of Oblivion for low-end computers. Can you clarify what you consider a low-end computer, versus a "no hope" computer? For instanse, my computer, which is now 4 years old, has 2.4 ghz CPU, 2 gigs of RAM, and an xfx 5200 graphics card, which the thread, "Bethesda Game Studios Forums > Oblivion > Hardware and Software Issues: 1.2 What are the real system requirements for the game?" suggests is not going to play Oblivion, even though it meets the minimum requirements. And, of course, I found this to be true, when i tried playing, and upon exiting the sewers, my fps dropped dramatically to an unplayable level. Is my computer a "no hope" computer that all the tweaks in the world won't help, or is mine a low end, with which these tweaks would make it playable? There might be others with the same concern, so could you post what you consider low-end systems that these tweak would help, versus "no hope" systems? Thx.
This thread gives suggestions for increasing the performance of Oblivion for low-end computers. Can you clarify what you consider a low-end computer, versus a "no hope" computer? For instanse, my computer, which is now 4 years old, has 2.4 ghz CPU, 2 gigs of RAM, and an xfx 5200 graphics card, which the thread, "Bethesda Game Studios Forums > Oblivion > Hardware and Software Issues: 1.2 What are the real system requirements for the game?" suggests is not going to play Oblivion, even though it meets the minimum requirements. And, of course, I found this to be true, when i tried playing, and upon exiting the sewers, my fps dropped dramatically to an unplayable level. Is my computer a "no hope" computer that all the tweaks in the world won't help, or is mine a low end, with which these tweaks would make it playable? There might be others with the same concern, so could you post what you consider low-end systems that these tweak would help, versus "no hope" systems? Thx.
Sorry, but I can't really help you. I don't know enough about computers to determine whether a system can run Oblivion or not.
What experience I do have has indicated that mosts computers owned by gamers that were bought in the last few years can run Oblivion, IF the user is willing to compromise visual quality. There are so many settings to tweak and performance enhancing mods that you can play Oblivion on old machines if you are willing to sacrifice most of the visual effects. If your computer meets the minimum requirements for Oblivion then I would guess that it very likely would be able to run Oblivion effectively if you use TOPP and the Oblivion Tweak Guide. Just don't expect spectacular graphics.
@Skeleton, I added your suggestions. Thanks!
I was wondering, if anyone else uses Priority Master 07?
That site looks awfull, but it´s actually *clean* high quality program - and the limited version is free to use!
You don´t have to do anything, it automatically gives any foreground program very high priority, and LOWERS the background pr
That site looks awfull, but it´s actually *clean* high quality program - and the limited version is free to use!
You don´t have to do anything, it automatically gives any foreground program very high priority, and LOWERS the background pr