Optimizing Nvidia Control Panel

[BlackBadger]

Hi All

 

Can anybody recommend good settings for the nvidia control panel? I've got an i5 2500 with GTX 970 so should be getting decent frames but the game suffers from stuttering every now and then even though I run things with desktop composition disabled, balanced setting and no AA (except sweetfx).

 

I get 100+fps on Cliffs of Dover in MP so my system is fairly optimized otherwise....

 

Any advice appreciated.

 

Badger 

[Ala13_Kike]

No AA in Nvidia CP, and to use DSR with ULTRA+AA4x preset in game. For me a excellent configuration without alliasing a very good min/max fps.

Not difference if use one AA filter higher in Nvidia CP, the same aspect with lower fps

[Leaf]

I don't run DSR (my monitor won't allow it), but I've found the in-game AA to be somewhat inferior to the Nvidia AA. So as a good fps compromise I've set the in-game AA to 2x and set the Nvidia settings to 4x "Enhanced"; great performance with minimal fps loss. 

[MarcAnton]

I don't run DSR (my monitor won't allow it), but I've found the in-game AA to be somewhat inferior to the Nvidia AA. So as a good fps compromise I've set the in-game AA to 2x and set the Nvidia settings to 4x "Enhanced"; great performance with minimal fps loss. 

 

Nuts !   Sorry.  It is not possible to force AA through the Nvidia driver ! No enhancing nothing, nada, niente !

[SharpeXB]

I don't think NCP settings affect BoS at all.

Do a test and try to run Vsync through Nvidia instead of in-game. It's easy to tell if it's working or not by checking your frame rate to see if it's synched. Mine has no effect on RoF or BoS. In other games like DCS it works.

So if Vsync doesn't work, is anything else?

[SharpeXB]

As for DSR my own conclusion is that it's not quite worth the performance hit. Run a test with it set at 4.0 and your AA off. You can see exactly how much improvement you're getting. I think AA looks better. Running both AA and DSR is very expensive. The DSR resolution multiplier is roughly benefit equal to AA ie it's effectively the number of samples per pixel. 4x AA is much cheaper and better looking than running the game at 4x the number of pixels. DSR does make the planes look better in front of the clouds.

[BlackBadger]

I'm actually very happy to run the game with no AA in both NCP and in-game with just the Sweetfx antialiasing. The problem is it's not as smooth as I'd expect it to be. DSR is a no go for me, too taxing on the system. 

 

Regarding NCP AA  - Actually you could force antialiasing if the game had the right compatibility bits. Sometimes this is implemented through NVIDIA and sometimes you have to "stumble" on the right one:

 

http://forums.guru3d.com/showthread.php?t=392715

 

But i think this point is moot as AA is good in game.

 

So what other tricks/tips are there to optimize this game?

[[DBS]El_Marta]

It is possible to force AA through NVIDIA inspector with Rise of Flight("override any application settings" Compatibility bits 0x00000240 (Assassin's Creed(DX9), Assassin's Creed, Prince of Persia 4)). So why should it not be possible to force it through control panel.

I run 4 x Multisampling with 2 x Sparse Grid Supersampling together with Sweet FX with ingame AA disabled.

Edited January 12, 2015 by [DBS]El_Marta

[SCG_Tzigy]

My NCP settings definitely work/have effects; fly at 2560x1600, both quality and FPS change with different levels of AA. Don't use Sweetfx. Do not like FXAA (little fuzzy/blurry), also no supersample/multisample (not high enough image benefit/FPS loss ratio, IMHO..) VSYNC works also through NCP, no problem.

[Leaf]

I don't think NCP settings affect BoS at all.

Do a test and try to run Vsync through Nvidia instead of in-game. It's easy to tell if it's working or not by checking your frame rate to see if it's synched. Mine has no effect on RoF or BoS. In other games like DCS it works.

So if Vsync doesn't work, is anything else?

 

In my case it definitely does! Set the AA to "Enhanced 32x". You'll see the difference :D

Edited January 12, 2015 by 19te.Leaf

[DD_Arthur]

Hello Badger.  I've got a 660ti so a ways below what you're running but I get good results by making sure my pc is running max. performance on the Windows power plan settings, running on ultra preset with SweetFX, no AA, v-sync disabled and running the game in windowed mode.

[SharpeXB]

My NCP settings definitely work/have effects; fly at 2560x1600, both quality and FPS change with different levels of AA. Don't use Sweetfx. Do not like FXAA (little fuzzy/blurry), also no supersample/multisample (not high enough image benefit/FPS loss ratio, IMHO..) VSYNC works also through NCP, no problem.

So your Vsync does work through Nvidia? Maybe I need to reinstall my drivers or something.

In my case it definitely does! Set the AA to "Enhanced 32x". You'll see the difference :D

I have difficulty telling the difference between 4x and enhanced 8x through NCP. Assuming it's working. It may be my imagination. The difference would be very subtle unless you have a very large monitor perhaps.

[SCG_Tzigy]

So your Vsync does work through Nvidia? Maybe I need to reinstall my drivers or something.

I have difficulty telling the difference between 4x and enhanced 8x through NCP. Assuming it's working. It may be my imagination. The difference would be very subtle unless you have a very large monitor perhaps.

make sure your NCP program shortcut points to right BOS .exe.........Had mine messed up few time in the past. And yes, with 30 inch Samsung 305T in the past, or now 30 inch Dell (3011), i can tell medium increment AA settings change/difference pretty well

[SharpeXB]

make sure your NCP program shortcut points to right BOS .exe.........Had mine messed up few time in the past. And yes, with 30 inch Samsung 305T in the past, or now 30 inch Dell (3011), i can tell medium increment AA settings change/difference pretty well

How can you edit the .exe path? I haven't disciverd a way to do it?

[von_Greiff]

@Sharp: I think it's more meant that u piont to your game path in the extended 3d controlsettings in your NCP which is possible....

 

yours

v.Greiff

[SCG_Tzigy]

just when u open the NCP under program specific tab, u can delete the BOS profile and then add it again (i had to do it to make SLI work after one larger updates..)

 

srry not home, o/w could post some screenies

[von_Greiff]

@tzigy: btw, howzit wtih the buttkicker?? (sorry maybe wrong topic to discuss it) ...

[SCG_Tzigy]

@tzigy: btw, howzit wtih the buttkicker?? (sorry maybe wrong topic to discuss it) ...

totally love it!!! wish the hit sounds, though were better implemented (definitively wrong topic, now

[SharpeXB]

just when u open the NCP under program specific tab, u can delete the BOS profile and then add it again (i had to do it to make SLI work after one larger updates..)

 

srry not home, o/w could post some screenies

My "remove" button is greyed out and even after uninstalling BoS the program selection still appears in NCP

I still see Microsoft FSX in the list but I uninstalled that long ago. Can't delete it either.

Edited January 12, 2015 by SharpeXB

[SCG_Tzigy]

My "remove" button is greyed out and even after uninstalling BoS the program selection still appears in NCP

I still see Microsoft FSX in the list but I uninstalled that long ago. Can't delete it either.

 

aha!

 

 nvidia driver re-install /cleanup might be in order...

[deleted@31403]

My "remove" button is greyed out and even after uninstalling BoS the program selection still appears in NCP

I still see Microsoft FSX in the list but I uninstalled that long ago. Can't delete it either.

SharpeXB,

Look at my specs. You have a bigger cpu and sli. I have single 980 GTX. I max out default in CP and get only 10% drop. I believe that your two 4 gig ram video can handle the up in AA and AF. My 4 gigs can eat up most of it.

[SharpeXB]

I reinstalled the video driver and then added IL-2.exe back to the list of programs in NCP

still Nvidia will not control the Vsync, I can't tell if any of the other modifications there have any effect

the option to remove il2.exe is still greyed out

[Dakpilot]

I believe the remove button is greyed out is because BoS is now an included default Nvidia profile not a user made one 

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[SCG_Tzigy]

I believe the remove button is greyed out is because BoS is now an included default Nvidia profile not a user made one 

 

Cheers Dakpilot

yap, u r  right

 

as far as vsync goes, not sure what else could be the problem..

 

I know this is silly and I don't wanna sound like a smartbutt  but ur not using JUST/ONLY your FPS to determine whether it is working right? I mean u can actually see the tearing right?

[BlackBadger]

I reinstalled the video driver and then added IL-2.exe back to the list of programs in NCP

still Nvidia will not control the Vsync, I can't tell if any of the other modifications there have any effect

the option to remove il2.exe is still greyed out

 

You need to uninstall with a dedicated tool such as this one: http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html

 

Rather then just ticking "clean install" after you start the setup.  Also you can delete your profile using NVIDIA driver inspector or simply reattach a different game to it and then add it again. 

[SharpeXB]

yap, u r  right

 

as far as vsync goes, not sure what else could be the problem..

 

I know this is silly and I don't wanna sound like a smartbutt  but ur not using JUST/ONLY your FPS to determine whether it is working right? I mean u can actually see the tearing right?

I can tell Vsync isn't working because I'm using Fraps and can see my frame rate go above 60 when I try it through Nvidia

Vsync in game works fine

Nvidia Vsync also doesn't work with RoF

It does function with DCS though so it's working there. The in game setting in BoS works just fine, I'm just curious of the fact that I can't see Vsync working means the other mods in NCP aren't working either.

[dburne]

I can tell Vsync isn't working because I'm using Fraps and can see my frame rate go above 60 when I try it through Nvidia

Vsync in game works fine

Nvidia Vsync also doesn't work with RoF

 

 

Sounds like something is broken in the links between the game executable and what you have assigned as the executable in NCP.

 

Both of the games you mention ( BOS and ROF)have a launcher, as well as a game executable. How are you starting them? I would recommend directly with the game executable , rather than with the launcher. And make sure that same executable is assigned properly in NCP settings for that game.

 

Maybe  way to test - set the FPS limiter in the global NCP profile , and see if it works in game . If so, something is amiss in your individual game settings in NCP.

[SharpeXB]

Sounds like something is broken in the links between the game executable and what you have assigned as the executable in NCP.

 

Both of the games you mention ( BOS and ROF)have a launcher, as well as a game executable. How are you starting them? I would recommend directly with the game executable , rather than with the launcher. And make sure that same executable is assigned properly in NCP settings for that game.

 

Maybe way to test - set the FPS limiter in the global NCP profile , and see if it works in game . If so, something is amiss in your individual game settings in NCP.

Yes I have linked the exe to NCP and not the launcher. I'll try starting the games with the exe directly and see what happens. Currently I am starting them with the launcher. Edited January 13, 2015 by SharpeXB

[SharpeXB]

Hmmm. I tried starting directly from the exe instead of the launcher. Didn't work.

[BlackBadger]

Hmmm. I tried starting directly from the exe instead of the launcher. Didn't work.

 

I lost track of why is it important to have vsync through NCP? I have my on in-game and run it with AERO disabled and it seems to be working fine. Though I also use D3D overrider from Riva utilities, maybe that's why I don't know.

 

Either way just to get back to original topic. Are there some general tips to set things a certain way in NCP or Nvidia Inspector that will allow me to squeeze more FPS from this game? flying above stalingrad with 16 planes (max in quick mission) I'm getting a few stutters here and there that are much more pronounced. FPS wise I'm getting something like 40 dropping to 20.

 

For comparison, I can run a quick mission with 12 He-111 and 6 spitfires above London just fine in Clod - getting 60+(framelimiting to 60) dropping to 35 only when bullets start hitting the zoomed in Aircraft infront of me. Otherwise steady 45-60.

[SCG_Tzigy]

I can tell Vsync isn't working because I'm using Fraps and can see my frame rate go above 60 when I try it through Nvidia

Vsync in game works fine

Nvidia Vsync also doesn't work with RoF

It does function with DCS though so it's working there. The in game setting in BoS works just fine, I'm just curious of the fact that I can't see Vsync working means the other mods in NCP aren't working either.

sharpe, i use fraps as well. my understanding is that it displays the graphic card's instantaneous fps output (provided u did not set a cap), however what u actually see on your monitor (when vsync is on) is fps synced with the monitor refresh rate....or lower by factor of 2

 

if i dont cap fps in the game, fraps reports 45-75 fps on my system; with vsync on, and monitor's refreh rate at 60, the actual fps is always 60 or 30...soo, if u dont see any tearing of images when u look around the cockpit, the vsync (and other ncp settings) are probably working just fine

[ST_ami7b5]

I have tried it:

 

1. No vsync in game, no vsync in NV CP global, no vsync in NV CP IL*2 profile => tearing  

2. No vsync in game, no vsync in NV CP global, vsync on in NV CP IL*2 profile => no tearing, FPS limited to 60

 

Conclusion: NV CP vsync settings work in BoS.

[SCG_Tzigy]

I lost track of why is it important to have vsync through NCP? I have my on in-game and run it with AERO disabled and it seems to be working fine. Though I also use D3D overrider from Riva utilities, maybe that's why I don't know.

 

Either way just to get back to original topic. Are there some general tips to set things a certain way in NCP or Nvidia Inspector that will allow me to squeeze more FPS from this game? flying above stalingrad with 16 planes (max in quick mission) I'm getting a few stutters here and there that are much more pronounced. FPS wise I'm getting something like 40 dropping to 20.

there is a consensus that unchecking full screen, flying at native res and having vsync through ncp is the best for stutters...

 

other tips turn off or use low AF, don't use ms/ss, and experiment with AA vs. fxaa...

[Dakpilot]

I lost track of why is it important to have vsync through NCP? I have my on in-game and run it with AERO disabled and it seems to be working fine. Though I also use D3D overrider from Riva utilities, maybe that's why I don't know.

 

Either way just to get back to original topic. Are there some general tips to set things a certain way in NCP or Nvidia Inspector that will allow me to squeeze more FPS from this game? flying above stalingrad with 16 planes (max in quick mission) I'm getting a few stutters here and there that are much more pronounced. FPS wise I'm getting something like 40 dropping to 20.

 

For comparison, I can run a quick mission with 12 He-111 and 6 spitfires above London just fine in Clod - getting 60+(framelimiting to 60) dropping to 35 only when bullets start hitting the zoomed in Aircraft infront of me. Otherwise steady 45-60.

 

 

 

Just as a comment,, what works n CloD will not necessarily be reflected in BoS, in BoS AI airraft use the same FM as player aircraft, this is much heavier on CPU usage/compute loads so large amounts of AI do not have the same effect on CloD, whether this is a good or bad thing can be debated, but having AI with complex FM and same limitations as player aircraft is IMHO a positive thing (especially when the AI eventually learn to fly them properly  however that is another subject)

As computer performance improves this will become less of an issue and to remain with old IL-2 tech of semi scripted AI and simplified FM is a backwards step not looking to the future. (opinion  ) this can be countered by the argument of lack of huge formations which is also valid, but in BoS scenario it is not so relevant, and you are usually only fighting against a few A/C at one time in a dogfight so the closer the AI FM is to the player the more accurate the sim is in that pure aspect. 

There is also the differing method of trees and collision which will have an effect on CPU load and to a lesser extent GPU, so to round it out it is not really helpful to compare the performance of one to the other as they are such different animals, other than to say one has better fps than the other, they are built with different ideologies in design and its great to have that choice.

 

I don't remember what your specs are but if you are able try these settings

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/13916-best-graphicsperformance-nvidia/

 

To use DSR you must run in Full screen and use Vsync however those CP settings will also work with windowed and native res with Vsync off in game if it is not possible to use the higher Res available with DSR.

The biggest influence on min FPS results is CPU but Changes of graphics settings can get rid of micro stutters and increase playability with smooth FPS, and as an aside to test if CP settings are working set AA transparency to 8 X supersample and you should get a big performance dip, especially at low level

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[BlackBadger]

 

 

Just as a comment,, what works n CloD will not necessarily be reflected in BoS, in BoS AI airraft use the same FM as player aircraft, this is much heavier on CPU usage/compute loads so large amounts of AI do not have the same effect on CloD, whether this is a good or bad thing can be debated, but having AI with complex FM and same limitations as player aircraft is IMHO a positive thing (especially when the AI eventually learn to fly them properly  however that is another subject)

As computer performance improves this will become less of an issue and to remain with old IL-2 tech of semi scripted AI and simplified FM is a backwards step not looking to the future. (opinion  ) this can be countered by the argument of lack of huge formations which is also valid, but in BoS scenario it is not so relevant, and you are usually only fighting against a few A/C at one time in a dogfight so the closer the AI FM is to the player the more accurate the sim is in that pure aspect. 

There is also the differing method of trees and collision which will have an effect on CPU load and to a lesser extent GPU, so to round it out it is not really helpful to compare the performance of one to the other as they are such different animals, other than to say one has better fps than the other, they are built with different ideologies in design and its great to have that choice.

 

I don't remember what your specs are but if you are able try these settings

 

http://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/13916-best-graphicsperformance-nvidia/

 

To use DSR you must run in Full screen and use Vsync however those CP settings will also work with windowed and native res with Vsync off in game if it is not possible to use the higher Res available with DSR.

The biggest influence on min FPS results is CPU but Changes of graphics settings can get rid of micro stutters and increase playability with smooth FPS, and as an aside to test if CP settings are working set AA transparency to 8 X supersample and you should get a big performance dip, especially at low level

 

Cheers Dakpilot

 

 

Thank you I'll try these out!

 

Yes that's true about AI FM's - I don't play CloD SP much for that reason. Only quick missions to practice aim and plane handling.  On the other hand it sure made for impressive sights and gameplay when you had large AI bomber formations online (before they were removed). I sort of miss that in BoS, if they could increase it to 4 flights each side that would be nice.

 

Also thanks tzigy - I'll try that setting.

[Dakpilot]

In RoF QMB it is possible to have 30 AI aircraft, I am able to run this with no problems, although possibly they have less complicated FM/systems. Hopefully after a little more optimisation and maturing BoS will be 'stepped up' a bit I am certain they are taking the 'slow but sure approach' to avoid the usual "game is crap my computer wont run it" type of rants

 

Cheers Dakpilot

[SharpeXB]

I lost track of why is it important to have vsync through NCP?

I am only using it as a test to see if NCP is functioning since it's the easiest thing to check. Normally I use the in-game Vsync which works fine.

Edited January 14, 2015 by SharpeXB

[MarcAnton]

Nuts !   Sorry.  It is not possible to force AA through the Nvidia driver ! No enhancing nothing, nada, niente !

 

I have to revise my posting here 

After testing some of the AA compatibility-bits offered by the NVI i got it working (with the 0x044 bit). I dont know why but everything else did not work or keeps BoS crashing.

I dont post pictures as they cant show the differences very good. BoS is not a shooter with lots of objects.

First of all the ingame 4xAA is a good AA mode which provides a good balance between image quality and performance. It cleans all the edges. I dont know what kind of AA it is - 4x what ? - but it seems to be MSAA - if so it cant filter any textures and cant kill the flimmering / flickering escpecialy the wooded areas. 

Interesting is that forcing Nvidias own 4xMSAA through the driver gives us a worse image quality. It ads an overall blurriness, the image is darker and of course it cant kill the shimmering. So ingame 4xMSAA is better here !

The best result of course gives us every kind of SSAA - 2x,4x whatever your pc can handle.

SSAA especially 4xSSAA gives the best result as it kills 80-90 % of the flimmering and makes a very calm image.

All CSAA modes lead to crashes (at least on my pc) i dont know why.

The SSAA + MSAA combined modes are working - some, not all.

 

Edit: iam using the 12xS mode  (2x2 SSAA + 4 x OGMS)  for me the best balance between quality and performance. It kills the flimmering / flickering very good like maybe 60-70%

Edited January 16, 2015 by MarcAnton

[=LD=Penshoon]

I have to revise my posting here 

After testing some of the AA compatibility-bits offered by the NVI i got it working (with the 0x044 bit). I dont know why but everything else did not work or keeps BoS crashing.

I dont post pictures as they cant show the differences very good. BoS is not a shooter with lots of objects.

First of all the ingame 4xAA is a good AA mode which provides a good balance between image quality and performance. It cleans all the edges. I dont know what kind of AA it is - 4x what ? - but it seems to be MSAA - if so it cant filter any textures and cant kill the flimmering / flickering escpecialy the wooded areas. 

Interesting is that forcing Nvidias own 4xMSAA through the driver gives us a worse image quality. It ads an overall blurriness, the image is darker and of course it cant kill the shimmering. So ingame 4xMSAA is better here !

The best result of course gives us every kind of SSAA - 2x,4x whatever your pc can handle.

SSAA especially 4xSSAA gives the best result as it kills 80-90 % of the flimmering and makes a very calm image.

All CSAA modes lead to crashes (at least on my pc) i dont know why.

The SSAA + MSAA combined modes are working - some, not all.

 

Edit: iam using the 12xS mode  (2x2 SSAA + 4 x OGMS)  for me the best balance between quality and performance. It kills the flimmering / flickering very good like maybe 60-70%

Nice will try that compatibility bit and see if it works for me. Would love to get SGSSAA working in BOS. 

Edited January 16, 2015 by =LD=Penshoon

[BlackBadger]

I have to revise my posting here 

After testing some of the AA compatibility-bits offered by the NVI i got it working (with the 0x044 bit). I dont know why but everything else did not work or keeps BoS crashing.

I dont post pictures as they cant show the differences very good. BoS is not a shooter with lots of objects.

First of all the ingame 4xAA is a good AA mode which provides a good balance between image quality and performance. It cleans all the edges. I dont know what kind of AA it is - 4x what ? - but it seems to be MSAA - if so it cant filter any textures and cant kill the flimmering / flickering escpecialy the wooded areas. 

Interesting is that forcing Nvidias own 4xMSAA through the driver gives us a worse image quality. It ads an overall blurriness, the image is darker and of course it cant kill the shimmering. So ingame 4xMSAA is better here !

The best result of course gives us every kind of SSAA - 2x,4x whatever your pc can handle.

SSAA especially 4xSSAA gives the best result as it kills 80-90 % of the flimmering and makes a very calm image.

All CSAA modes lead to crashes (at least on my pc) i dont know why.

The SSAA + MSAA combined modes are working - some, not all.

 

Edit: iam using the 12xS mode  (2x2 SSAA + 4 x OGMS)  for me the best balance between quality and performance. It kills the flimmering / flickering very good like maybe 60-70%

Hmm I tried this but to no avail. I'm not getting any sort of AA at all..... what could i be doing wrong?