Improve FPS on windows 10

[JVC]

Hi.
Well, I have been looking a lot of topics, asking a lot of question and bothering a lot of people to solve my problem but I coulnd't find an answer. I know this is a trouble that affects almost everyone.

The problem: I get to run the game but it runs at an average of 20fps with low config.
My PC: intel i5 11gen, 8gb ram, windows 10, intel iris Xe integrated graphics card. Even though I don't have a gaming pc, only following the game requirements, I think I shouln't have problem running it.

I've tried everything on the internet:
- First, this topic: https://steamcommunity.com/app/12210/discussions/0/2906376154311961032/ . I tried both methods, and even though I have no problem running it, I still have low FPS.
- I also tried this topics, even though one of them is for gaming pc:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2387882370
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=302066421
- DXVK method: I tried multiple times this and everytime I run the game I get a flickering screen: the first messages that appear on the screen flickers a lot, and when I star playing, it turns black, seeing only sometimes the map.
- Finally I tried some mods and they didn't work: the game doesn't even run https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DuXCTQ_D2k&t=161s&ab_channel=Gametrex

So, I would be really gratefull if anyone can help me. The game right know is not totally unplayable, but it is really uncomfortable. I'm kind of desperated because i've tried a lot and I bought this with hopes but I'm getting tired.
(sorry for my english)

[sshortguy1]

you got to admit it's pretty old trying to get games to rum in compatibility you put a 14 yr old game onto a 2 yr old computer.it won't run like it did in 2008, I tried to tell them but won[t listen they 're kids they think they know it all but can't understand logic compatibility

[Maviba]

Originally posted by sshortguy1:

you got to admit it's pretty old trying to get games to rum in compatibility you put a 14 yr old game onto a 2 yr old computer.it won't run like it did in 2008, I tried to tell them but wont listen they 're kids they think they know it all but can't understand logic compatibility

And how exactly is this answer gonna help the OP?
Just telling him how old this game is isn't really helpful.

So if your incapable contributing anything useful, it might me better not contributing anything at all.

[Maviba]

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

The problem: I get to run the game but it runs at an average of 20fps with low config.
My PC: intel i5 11gen, 8gb ram, windows 10, intel iris Xe integrated graphics card. Even though I don't have a gaming pc, only following the game requirements, I think I shouln't have problem running it.
[...]
So, I would be really gratefull if anyone can help me. The game right know is not totally unplayable, but it is really uncomfortable. I'm kind of desperated because i've tried a lot and I bought this with hopes but I'm getting tired.
(sorry for my english)

I assume you're trying to run it on a notebook, right? which one is it and what are your graphic game settings?

[JVC]

Originally posted by Maviba:

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

The problem: I get to run the game but it runs at an average of 20fps with low config.
My PC: intel i5 11gen, 8gb ram, windows 10, intel iris Xe integrated graphics card. Even though I don't have a gaming pc, only following the game requirements, I think I shouln't have problem running it.
[...]
So, I would be really gratefull if anyone can help me. The game right know is not totally unplayable, but it is really uncomfortable. I'm kind of desperated because i've tried a lot and I bought this with hopes but I'm getting tired.
(sorry for my english)

I assume you're trying to run it on a notebook, right? which one is it and what are your graphic game settings?

Thanks for your answer.
Yes, I have a notebook, a dell inspiron 3501.
My in-game settings are everything in low, nigh shadows off, anisotropic x4 (I have no idea what this means haha) and VSync off.
I think turning VSync off is the only thing that improved a little bit my FPS.

What I don't understand is why the DXVK method doesn't work for me.

[Maviba]

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

Originally posted by Maviba:

I assume you're trying to run it on a notebook, right? which one is it and what are your graphic game settings?

Thanks for your answer.
Yes, I have a notebook, a dell inspiron 3501.
My in-game settings are everything in low, nigh shadows off, anisotropic x4 (I have no idea what this means haha) and VSync off.
I think turning VSync off is the only thing that improved a little bit my FPS.

What I don't understand is why the DXVK method doesn't work for me.

I think biggest issue is you're using integrated graphics since it only uses shared memory .
The lack of having dedicated VRAM may significantly drop your fps in some games.

Your internal Vcard is propably the reason why DXVK doesn't work properly.
From what i read so far It often causes flickering when trying to use it on Integrated video cards when in came out. Not sure if it got fixed meanwhile since I don't use it.
So in doubt better stick with the regular DX.

Anisotrophic filtering is is a technic used to avoid textures from getting blury on higher distances.
This might also consume some performance, so maybe turn it off for now.
Lowering the resolution to 1280 x 720 may also gain some additional FPS, but don't expect miracles.

Keep also in mind that on first sight 8 GB RAM seem to be more than enough for GTA IV, but nowadays apps are also very RAM-hungry.
Windows alone needs 1 GB RAM, 2 GB if using a 64 bit version.
Since your internal videocard doesn't have its own memory, it will consume some RAM (up to 4 GB depending on the game) as well.
And maybe have a look in the task manager how much Firefox needs.

So with 8 GB RAM you might reach your limit pretty fast when playing games and you system will have to outsurce some data to your hard drive in order to compensate (virtual memory), which also costs performance
To reduce this make sure to close any unecessary apps, especially you browser when playing games and maybe think about an upgrade to 16 gb at some time.

But still the biggest issue this game has is that's it always used to be a pretty poor console port and has never been optimized for PC .
I remember when it came out back in days, I also used to play it on a notebook having Intel HD graphics and I had pretty much the same issues like you have currently.

Even my following Notebook which actually had a dedicated Videocard offered still a pretty meh game performance.
On my current PC, which is a 1 year old mid-class gaming PC, it's actually the first time I'm able playing the game getting about 50 fps at full details (using vsync).

So this game is pretty ... special.

[Marshal]

Forcing GTA IV to use 4 GB always caused stutter for me. So, if you experience this revert it back to 2 GB.

[JVC]

Originally posted by Maviba:

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

Thanks for your answer.
Yes, I have a notebook, a dell inspiron 3501.
My in-game settings are everything in low, nigh shadows off, anisotropic x4 (I have no idea what this means haha) and VSync off.
I think turning VSync off is the only thing that improved a little bit my FPS.

What I don't understand is why the DXVK method doesn't work for me.

I think biggest issue is you're using integrated graphics since it only uses shared memory .
The lack of having dedicated VRAM may significantly drop your fps in some games.

Your internal Vcard is propably the reason why DXVK doesn't work properly.
From what i read so far It often causes flickering when trying to use it on Integrated video cards when in came out. Not sure if it got fixed meanwhile since I don't use it.
So in doubt better stick with the regular DX.

Anisotrophic filtering is is a technic used to avoid textures from getting blury on higher distances.
This might also consume some performance, so maybe turn it off for now.
Lowering the resolution to 1280 x 720 may also gain some additional FPS, but don't expect miracles.

Keep also in mind that on first sight 8 GB RAM seem to be more than enough for GTA IV, but nowadays apps are also very RAM-hungry.
Windows alone needs 1 GB RAM, 2 GB if using a 64 bit version.
Since your internal videocard doesn't have its own memory, it will consume some RAM (up to 4 GB depending on the game) as well.
And maybe have a look in the task manager how much Firefox needs.

So with 8 GB RAM you might reach your limit pretty fast when playing games and you system will have to outsurce some data to your hard drive in order to compensate (virtual memory), which also costs performance
To reduce this make sure to close any unecessary apps, especially you browser when playing games and maybe think about an upgrade to 16 gb at some time.

But still the biggest issue this game has is that's it always used to be a pretty poor console port and has never been optimized for PC .
I remember when it came out back in days, I also used to play it on a notebook having Intel HD graphics and I had pretty much the same issues like you have currently.

Even my following Notebook which actually had a dedicated Videocard offered still a pretty meh game performance.
On my current PC, which is a 1 year old mid-class gaming PC, it's actually the first time I'm able playing the game getting about 50 fps at full details (using vsync).

So this game is pretty ... special.

Thanks a lot for your answer. I really appreciate it.
Well, I always followed the recommended requirments so I thought it will be enough with the specs I have. Guess the integrated graphic cards that I have is worse than I thought haha.
And probably you are right, that's the reason why the DXVK method didn't work for me.

And yes, now I've seen that this game has a lot problems by its own. Do you think I would have more issues running GTA V? I don't want to sound naive, but I've watched videos on youtuve running the game in PC with the sames specs that mine and runs kind of smoothly.

[JVC]

Originally posted by Marshal:

Forcing GTA IV to use 4 GB always caused stutter for me. So, if you experience this revert it back to 2 GB.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean

[Maviba]

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

Thanks a lot for your answer. I really appreciate it.
Well, I always followed the recommended requirments so I thought it will be enough with the specs I have. Guess the integrated graphic cards that I have is worse than I thought haha.
And probably you are right, that's the reason why the DXVK method didn't work for me.

And yes, now I've seen that this game has a lot problems by its own. Do you think I would have more issues running GTA V? I don't want to sound naive, but I've watched videos on youtuve running the game in PC with the sames specs that mine and runs kind of smoothly.

Funny thing is GTA 5 ran better on my notebook than GTA 4 did.
So maybe, but I don't know for sure.
But issue might still be the lack of RAM then since GTA 5 needs 8GB RAM and additional 2 GB VRAM at a minimum.

Story mode might work, but you'll definetely get some issues when trying to play online.

Give it a try, but wait for steam sale or till it's free on EPic store again.
Better invest the money in some additional RAM till then, if you're planning playing more games on your PC

Have you ever played GTA San Andreas? Game is really old and graphocs are clunkky, but great story and great actors.
This game definetely won't have any issues running fast on you system.

Could be a good substitude till then

[JVC]

Originally posted by Maviba:

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

Thanks a lot for your answer. I really appreciate it.
Well, I always followed the recommended requirments so I thought it will be enough with the specs I have. Guess the integrated graphic cards that I have is worse than I thought haha.
And probably you are right, that's the reason why the DXVK method didn't work for me.

And yes, now I've seen that this game has a lot problems by its own. Do you think I would have more issues running GTA V? I don't want to sound naive, but I've watched videos on youtuve running the game in PC with the sames specs that mine and runs kind of smoothly.

Funny thing is GTA 5 ran better on my notebook than GTA 4 did.
So maybe, but I don't know for sure.
But issue might still be the lack of RAM then since GTA 5 needs 8GB RAM and additional 2 GB VRAM at a minimum.

Story mode might work, but you'll definetely get some issues when trying to play online.

Give it a try, but wait for steam sale or till it's free on EPic store again.
Better invest the money in some additional RAM till then, if you're planning playing more games on your PC

Have you ever played GTA San Andreas? Game is really old and graphocs are clunkky, but great story and great actors.
This game definetely won't have any issues running fast on you system.

Could be a good substitude till then

Yes, it could be a good substitude
I got GTA 5 for free on Epic but is the premium version and it uses half of my SSD haha, that's another problem

I really apreciate your answers Maviba

[Marshal]

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

Originally posted by Marshal:

Forcing GTA IV to use 4 GB always caused stutter for me. So, if you experience this revert it back to 2 GB.

Sorry, I don't know what you mean

I'm talking about RAM.

[JVC]

Originally posted by Marshal:

Originally posted by AnotherIdiot25:

Sorry, I don't know what you mean

I'm talking about RAM.

Yes, but I don't know what "revert it back" means haha