Some optimization tips I've been putting together (might get updated!) :)

[Niels_at_home]

Just in case people find this usefull, these are some things I change with each rfactor install:


Work in progress 'tips' file to get more out of rFactor.
June 23

=====================
Cut The Crap Settings
=====================

These things reduce the bloat if you don't find these things neccesary:
- You can delete all movies from the MovieFiles and UIdata\movies directory
- You can delete all the sounds in the UIdata\UISounds directory
- You can delete all music files in the Music directory

Less input latency:
- Set ''frames rendered ahead'' to 1 for Nvidia 8x00 and 9x00, and to 0 for other nVidia cards (RivaTuner vsync options)
- Set ''flip que size'' to 0 for Ati cards to achieve the same
- don't use vsync
- set a 'max framerate' provided your system never drops below this, see below in the notepad section


===========================
"realism" settings in game:
===========================
- tripple check all the driving aids are off (perhaps not assign steering help to the 'near escape' F1 key..)
- tripple check speed sensitive steering (0%)
- linear (50%) sensitivities
- 0% deadzones
- 0% exaggerate yaw and head movement

Force Feedback:
- If a mod doesn't come with clear RealFeel settings, its not worth playing! (imo..)
- G25 owners can probably lower the realfeel smoothing level to 0 or 1 and use these defaults:
[General]
RealFeelIsOn=True
ConsoleEnabled=False
ConsoleRepeatDelay=0.100000
SpeechEnabled=True
KeyRepeatDelay=0.100000
SteerForceInputMax=11500.000000
MinSpeed=4.000000
DefaultMaxForceAtSteeringRack=2000.000000
DefaultSteeringDamper=11500.000000
DefaultSmoothingLevel=0
LogEnabled=False

- In Game, set effects to -100% for logitech wheels
- set effects to 'low' (no canned effects) and zero damping just in case..
- Set your logitech software to ZERO for damping, spring and center spring.
- Set your logitech software to ~ 102% forces for a slightly more responsive center



===============================
"realism" settings for Notepad:
===============================

Values below are "realistic" and essential! (imo..)

---
PLR
---

Quick Chat #12="The Answer is 42" // ok this is just nonsense :-)

[ DRIVING AIDS ]
Steering Help="0"
Throttle Control="0"
Brake Help="0"
Antilock Brakes="0"
Spin Recovery="0"
Invulnerability="0"
Autopit="0"
Opposite Lock="0"
Stability Control="0"
Auto Clutch="0"
Auto Lift="0"
Auto Blip="0"
Shift Mode="0"
Repeat Shifts="0" // if your shifter 'bounces' (shifts twice very quickly) try 1 or 2


[ Mechanical Failures ]
QUICK Failure Rate="1" // non time scaled
MULTI Failure Rate="1"

[ Sound Options ]
Speed Of Sound="340.00000" // normal is 300 but the real speed of sound is 340! more accurate dopler effect.


[ Graphic Options ]
Rearview="1" // center and side mirrors
Virtual Rearview In Cockpit="1" // if you can't see, "1" gives you 3 virtual mirrors, for safe online driving..

Cockpit Vibration Mult1="0.06" // I dislike vibrations. Each mod / car has its own vibration magnitude
Cockpit Vibration Freq1="15" // which gets multiplied by these numbers on the left. Lower numbers means
Cockpit Vibration Mult2="0.03" // less view vibrations. Zero means no view shake at all. The values on the left
Cockpit Vibration Freq2="10" // are a big reduction of the default values but feel free to zero em all.

Exaggerate Yaw="0" // Very annoying and 'weird' when not zero even though it 'tries' to help. Zero this biatch! :-)

Head Physics="0" // Stops even more annoying head movements
Head Rotation="0" // and some more just in case.

Glance Rate="33" // Quicker glancing time is money at 200mph!
Glance Angle="1.2" // Makes the look left/right buttons look 90 degrees for a better look besides you


Max Framerate="0" // Helps if your system is always 120+fps to set this to 120 for more smoothness less notchyness in fps.

Depends heavily on the system. Will improve consistency in fps and input delays.


[ Game Options ]
Measurement Units="0" // 0 = metric, 1 = english/imperial)
Speed Units="1" // 0 = MPH, 1 = KPH
Damper Units="1" // 1 turns car setup damper values into actual damping rates, not just 'setting 1..10'




--------------
Controller.ini
--------------

Steer Ratio Speed="0" // When zero, there is no extra sharp steering at low speeds.
Speed Sensitive Steering="0" // When 0, steering is just as sensitive at 1km/h as 300km/h as it should be!
Gear Select Button Hold="1" // Set to 1 when you have a H shifter (and the mod supports 'no delay' shifts)
Steering Wheel Range="900" // set to your actual wheel rotation so the graphics match your actual wheel


Axis [00, 00] Dead Zone="0" // make sure all deadzones are zero, perhaps except brake pedal if your pot is bad
Axis [00, 00] Sensitivity="0.5" // make sure all sensitivities are 0.5 (aka 50% aka fully linear)

[Gabkicks]

Good post.
i always wondered how to make the shifting more like lfs.
Gear Select Button Hold="1" // Set to 1 when you have a H shifter (and the mod supports 'no delay' shifts)
the lexus demo had this, but i never bothered to find out until now.

i also copied the cockpit settings.

[Com8no2]

will try your suggestions for shizzle!!!

you da man

[drapin]

Originally Posted by Niels_at_home

Less input latency:

- Set ''flip queue size'' to 0 for Ati cards to achieve the same

For ATI cards, it is not really recommended to set the flip queue size to 0. A 0 setting can't actually create any problems, but there is a frame rate drop, maybe slight for the most powerful cards, but maybe more important for some weaker ones. Also, it may conflict with the +fullproc command...not that rF is really dual core compliant, but some little benefit can be obtained...

From the TweagGuides Catalyst setting guide:

Flip Queue Size: ... The default is 3, or Undefined, however by lowering this setting you may be able to resolve mouse lag problems, and even prevent graphics freezes in certain games. Experiment by setting this value to 2 first, and then if necessary try an extreme value like 0. For most people however I recommend either 3, 2 or 1 at the lowest, as setting a value of 0 can disable the performance benefits of dual core CPUs for example, and in general, lowering this setting will reduce overall FPS the lower the setting. You can try raising it if you want to see if you can gain performance, however again you may experience mouse lag or input lag.

Originally Posted by Niels_at_home

Force Feedback:
- If a mod doesn't come with clear RealFeel settings, its not worth playing! (imo..)

Thank you for putting the "imo", even if in small letters and in bracket. I would like to stress that this is indeed a matter of opinion and/or taste. For example, I have never achieved with RealFeel a satisfactory FFB, one which can compete with the quality I can achieve with a finely tuned default ISI FFB - even with mods that were made with RealFeel use in mind...and that'a also IMHO.



All your other suggestions and recommendations are hard facts !

[Mr. Hitman]

Excellent post! I have copied most of your recommendations.

Here's a list of tips which I found very useful myself:


System:

There are two command line options which are useful if you have a multi-core CPU:
+fullproc
+highprio

+fullproc delivers a tiny improvement by using the 2nd core for certain calculations.
+highprio gives the game a higher priority, reducing the chance of other programs interfering with rFactor.
Add them to the target line in the shortcut properties. See attachment for details.


Bulk:

You can safely delete all standard cars and rfm's from the rFactor directory.
Apart from ditching unwanted bulk, it also allows rfactor to start up much more quickly for some reason.
There is now an rFactor 'Lite' download available: http://www.rfactorcentral.com/get_rfactor.cfm
(The Lite package doesn't seem to be compatible with a backed up license file! No futher comment!)


Graphics:

It’s possible to double or even quadruple the resolution of the mirrors by placing a simple BMP in the rFactor\Gamedata\Vehicles folder. Some mods require a copy of the file in their root folder as well.
Download the files at EMAC’s forum
Remember to check the effect on your framerate!

From the PLR:
Rearview_Back_Clip="750" // Further drawdistance in your mirrors by increasing this entry.
Rearview_Cull="0" // Forces rFactor to draw all objects and special effects in the mirrors.
A draw distance of 750 means the entire length of Kemmel straight is visible in the mirror.
Again, check the effect on your framerate.

From the PLR:
Engine Emitter Flow="1" // Whether engine smoke/flames flow over emitting vehicle
Tire Emitter Flow="1" // Whether tire smoke/dust flow over emitting vehicle
Smoke Flow="1" // Whether all smoke/flames/dust flow over non-emitting vehicles
Switching on these entries does away with smoke and dust coming through the windscreen.
This is ideal for tintops.

From the PLR:
Max Headlights="8" // Max headlights visible relative to your car.
Headlights On Cars="0" // Headlights illuminate other cars.
For slower systems. You can improve night time framerate by adjusting these settings regarding headlights.
Disabling headlights on cars prevents your headlights from illuminating other cars and also movable track objects.
Be sure not to miss your brake markers!


Controls:

Problems with your controls preset? You can safely delete all controller presets except your own from the rFactor\Userdata\controller folder. This prevents the AZ-preset from being loaded as a default.


Interface:

From the PLR:
Replay Wraparound="1" // whether replays wraparound in the fridge
Auto Monitor Replay="0" // whether to automatically start a replay when returning to monitor
Super Player Replay="1" // record player at higher frequency
Number Track Replays="2" // how many replays to store for each track (using default naming convention only!)


Control which options are shown in your HUD:

In your PLR under [ Graphics Options ] :
LCD Display Modes="31"
Replace 31 with any of these:

1 splits, pits, fuel
2 splits, pits, aids
3 splits, pits, fuel, aids
4 splits, pits, temp
5 splits, pits, fuel, temp
6 splits, pits, aids, temp
7 splits, pits, fuel, aids, temp
8 splits, pits, clock
9 splits, pits, fuel, clock
10 splits, pits, aids, clock
11 splits, pits, fuel, aids, clock
12 splits, pits, temp, clock
13 splits, pits, fuel, temp, clock
14 splits, pits, aids, temp, clock
15 splits, pits, fuel, aids, temp, clock
16 splits, standings, pits, fuel
18 splits, standings, pits, aids
19 splits, standings, pits, fuel, aids
20 splits, standings, pits, temp
21 splits, standings, pits, fuel, temp
22 splits, standings, pits, aids, temp
23 splits, standings, pits, fuel, aids, temp
24 splits, standings, pits, clock
25 splits, standings, pits, fuel, clock
26 splits, standings, pits, aids, clock
27 splits, standings, pits, fuel, aids, clock
28 splits, standings, pits, temp, clock
29 splits, standings, pits, fuel, temp, clock
30 splits, standings, pits, aids, temp, clock
31 splits, standings, pits, fuel, aids, temp, clock

i.e. if you use 29 all pages except aids will be displayed.


Updated 29/06/08
(Rearview_Cull is now zero)

[RickH]

Drapin to Niels:
Thank you for putting the "imo", even if in small letters and in bracket. I would like to stress that this is indeed a matter of opinion and/or taste. For example, I have never achieved with RealFeel a satisfactory FFB, one which can compete with the quality I can achieve with a finely tuned default ISI FFB - even with mods that were made with RealFeel use in mind...and that'a also IMHO.

I'd have to concur with Niels regarding RealFeel.
Disabling ISI canned effects and go full out with RealFeel on the Corvette mod is the best there is (imho..)
It takes a finely tuned controller-ini and RealFeel.ini to really appreciate it though.
Only other MOD that springs to mind giving the same Feedback is the Caterham MOD.. for other MOD's is usually use LEO's plugin.
True, a matter of personal taste.

[myg20]

I would like to know the "realistic" value of "damage multiplier" of rFactor. Is it 100%? Thanks in advance!

[Niels_at_home]

100% is normal yes.


Regarding realfeel; though CarFactory isn't perfect, you can get a working suspension with it. Setting up realfeel for a properly designed mod takes 2 minutes. Excessively poor suspensions are no longer 'an excuse' as we have some tools to make the job easier. I play rFactor in search of realism, and when the car isn't made in such a way that RealFeel simply works (using settings ideally supplied with the mod which really is only 2 minutes of work) then I don't really see a reason to try the mod! .. Again thats IMO, at least now explained

[Uff]

Thank you for this topic, will become useful when I'll have again some more time to play with rF!

[TechAde]

Originally Posted by Niels_at_home

Less input latency:
- Set ''frames rendered ahead'' to 1 for Nvidia 8x00 and 9x00, and to 0 for other nVidia cards (RivaTuner vsync options)

Just a little note to say that this option is now available in the nVidia drivers themselves, no need for 3rd party software. It was introduced a few versions ago and is called Maximum pre-rendered frames.

[The Lonely]

Setting it to 0 with nvidia caused serious problems in rfactor for me, so do not do that under any circumstances

[Grote Kale Leider]

Cheers Niels_At_Home and all other contributors, this very useful information deserves to be a sticky!

[TechAde]

Originally Posted by The Lonely

Setting it to 0 with nvidia caused serious problems in rfactor for me, so do not do that under any circumstances

I believe it's only a problem for 8 series card and above, I used to have no issues setting it to 0 on my 6600GT. I skipped the 7 series so don't know about them.

[F1Alive]

I've got a 7900GT and got it at 0 and all is fine. And lol this thread helped me to add a high res mirror for f1c lol, already got one for rf of course.

[mjmueller69]

I have a 7900gt also, and 0 is best value for me also.

mj

[Fernando Deutsch]

On my experience with the frames ahead:

0 work for 7 series (7900GS)
0 will crash on 8 series, set it to 1 and you will be ok (8800GT)

[Juise]

Great post Niels

I have to say i cannot undeline enough the stupidity of ISI with the line STEER RATIO SPEED! that should be the next thing to get rid of after putting the speed sensitive steering to 0. (both of these are unbelievably weird things to put in a simulation)

But again i'd hope you would bold that part or highlight it somehow. As all those little and slower cars become undrivable in slower corners...

[MeloRFR]

Thanks for these tips Niels, I will have a look at this

[drunkendori]

Hi there, I'm very very new to the game and could not understand some of the tips stated here.

1. Set ''frames rendered ahead'' to 1 for Nvidia 8x00 and 9x00, and to 0 for other nVidia cards (RivaTuner vsync options)
I'm running a 6600GT, how to I pop this setting in? I went to Nvidia settings and couldn't find "frames rendered ahead"

2. Under your "Force Feedback" General section, how do I gain access to edit the infomation there? I'm using a Logitech Formula Force wheel

3. Under "realism" settings for Notepad. How do I gain access to this file?

Sorry for my noobishness.

[KarelVee]

Originally Posted by drunkendori

Hi there, I'm very very new to the game and could not understand some of the tips stated here.

1. As stated above, this function is available only in the new drivers.
It's here in NVIDIA Control Panel: 3D Settings - Manage 3D Settings - Global Settings - Maximum pre-rendered frames (Or Program Settings if you wanna use it only for rFactor).
In case you'd like to keep older drivers you have to download e.g. RivaTuner to unlock this setting.

2. These settings are related to RealFeel Plugin if you want to use it (Check addon section at rFactor Central).
Install it and launch the game once. Exit and then in the root folder of rFactor appears new file called realfeelplugin.ini --> open in Notepad and edit the General section.

3. There are 2 files you need to edit in Notepad:
- yourusername.plr (e.g. drunkendori.plr) located in rFactor/UserData/Yourusername/
- controller.ini located in the same folder.
Just open them in Notepad and you will see all the lines as described by Niels.

I hope it was understandable...