Garry's Mod for Potato PCs

Are you tired of lag because of your Potato PC? Well this is the guide for you!

I am going to teach you how to reduce lag by lowering the graphics settings so you can enjoy Garry's Mod

Intro

Are you tired of low FPS because of your Potato PC? Then this is the guide for you!

I am going to teach you how to get better FPS and enjoy Garry's Mod again!

Even if you don't have a Potato PC, this can still help!

Opening the config

Go into the Steam app and go to LIBRARY.

Even though these are screenshots of the old library, the steps are still the same.

Next, right click on Garry's Mod on the left, then click on Properties.


Go in the LOCAL FILES tab and click BROWSE LOCAL FILES.


Now go in the garrysmod folder and then cfg.


Open autoexec.cfg, or create it if it doesn't exist.

Adding the settings

Copy and paste all, or any commands you want into the config file.

Some commands won't work in multiplayer games if the server doesn't have sv_cheats enabled. Some also won't work when put in autoexec.cfg. If you find a command doesn't work even though it's in autoexec.cfg, try putting it in game.cfg instead.

sv_cheats 1 //Required for some commands
ai_expression_frametime 0.01
ai_expression_optimization 1
ai_strong_optimizations 1 //Unsure what this does or if it helps
buildingcubemaps 1 //Hides the sun and does other small rendering changes
cl_detail_allow_vertex_lighting 0
cl_draw_airboat_wake 0
cl_drawspawneffect 0
cl_ejectbrass 0 //Disables shell ejection when shooting
cl_forcepreload 1
cl_phys_props_max 1
cl_show_splashes 0 //Disables water splash effects and sounds
cl_wpn_sway_interp 0 //Disables weapon swaying when looking around
dsp_room 0 //Disables echo and reverb effects
dsp_slow_cpu 1
dsp_spatial 0
dsp_water 0 //No underwater muffling
g_antlion_maxgibs 0
gmod_physiterations 2 //Lower than 2 will cause wheel spaz with simfphys
mat_antialias 0 //Disable MSAA, one of the most performance intensive options
mat_aaquality 0
mat_bumpmap 0 //Makes textures appear flat
mat_colorcorrection 0
mat_disable_bloom 1
mat_disable_fancy_blending 1
mat_disable_lightwarp 1 //Disables custom colored lighting on some models
mat_disablehwmorph 1 //Used by certain models
mat_filterlightmaps 0 //Pixelated lighting
mat_filtertextures 0 //Pixelated textures
mat_forceaniso 1 //Makes textures appear blurry at certain angles
mat_hdr_level 0 //May result in fullbright maps
mat_picmip 20 //Lower if textures look too bad for you
mat_reducefillrate 1 //Disables normal mapping on world textures
mat_reduceparticles 1
mat_specular 0 //No cubemap reflections
mat_supportflashlight 0 //Disables loading flashlight related stuff. Untested.
mat_trilinear 0 //No smooth transitions between mipmaps
mat_viewportscale 0.5 //Reduces GPU load at the cost of a blurrier image. Breaks some post processing effects. Feel free to change to anything from 0 to 1.
physgun_halo 0
physgun_drawbeams 0
r_3dsky 0 //Disables 3D skybox
r_ambientboost 0 //Should in theory disable some lighting logic applied to certain models
r_ambientlightingonly 1
r_avglightmap 1 //Super low quality lightmaps. Alternative to mat_fullbright 1.
r_decals 4 //Increase if you want to see more blood, bullet holes, etc.
r_drawdetailprops 0 //No detailed grass
r_drawflecks 0 //No flecks when things are hit
r_drawmodeldecals 0
r_DrawRain 0
r_eyeglintlodpixels 256
r_flashlightdepthtexture 0 //Greatly improves performance with flashlights and lamps
r_hwmorph 0
r_lightaverage 0
r_lightcache_numambientsamples 6
r_lightinterp 0 //Lighting on models instantly changes
r_lod 10 //Lowest quality models
r_maxdlights 1 //Increase if you need to see more lights at once
r_newflashlight 0 //Flashlight using regular dynamic lights
r_norefresh 1 //Should be used regardless of hardware
r_pixelfog 0 //Used in D3D8 and below. Probably improves performance.
r_radiosity 4 //Eliminates ray traces for lighting by using leaf nodes instead
r_RainParticleDensity 100
r_shadows_gamecontrol 0 //Removes shadows cast from models
r_shadow_lightpos_lerptime 0
r_shadowfromworldlights 0 //Disables shadows adapting to lighting
r_shadowfromanyworldlight 0
r_shadowrendertotexture 0 //Replaces shadows with a simple blob
fog_enable 0
r_snowenable 0
r_staticprop_lod 10 //Lowest quality models for only static props
r_WaterDrawReflection 0 //Water will look dull and possibly broken
r_WaterDrawRefraction 0 //May break
r_waterforceexpensive 0
r_waterforcereflectentities 0
r_worldlightmin 0.1
r_worldlights 1
rope_wind_dist 1
sbox_bonemanip_misc 0
sbox_bonemanip_npc 0
snd_async_fullyasync 1 //May reduce stutters when sounds play
snd_async_minsize 0
snd_cull_duplicates 2 //Should improve performance related to sound playback & mixing
snd_disable_mixer_duck 1 //Disables volume adjustment when louder sounds play
snd_mix_async 1
snd_noextraupdate 1
snd_spatialize_roundrobin 4 //Update 3D sound less often. Can be increased.
sv_forcepreload 1

Multicore Settings

This is for CPUs with more than one core only! If you don't have multiple cores and use these commands, they probably won't work! I would recommend putting these specifically in autoexec.cfg.

cl_threaded_bone_setup 1
gmod_mcore_test 1 //Biggest FPS boost out of all these commands
mat_queue_mode 2
r_queued_decals 1
r_queued_post_processing 1
r_queued_ropes 1
r_threaded_client_shadow_manager 1
r_threaded_particles 1
r_threaded_renderables 1

Extra Commands To Try

These commands aren't part of the main configuration part, since they may impact gameplay too much or not work effectively. Feel free to use any of these if you want. Each command will have a note as to why it isn't included. Commands are expected to still improve performance unless otherwise stated.

cl_interp 0 //Will make animations stuttery
cl_phys_props_enable 0 //Untested
hud_deathnotice_time 0 //May be important for gameplay
mat_fullbright 1 //Gets rid of lighting completely. r_avglightmap greatly simplifies lightmaps without ruining lighting completely.
mat_mipmaptextures 0 //Only use if you have a very low amount of video memory and easily run out
mat_motion_blur_forward_enabled 0 //Not known if it actually improves performance when motion blur is used
mp_show_voice_icons 0 //May be important for gameplay
net_compresspackets 0 //Can increase framerate, but also network usage
r_DrawBeams 0 //May ruin the appearance of some maps
r_drawdecals 0 //Same as above
r_drawparticles 0 //May be important for gameplay
r_drawropes 0 //Makes ropes invisible
r_drawskybox 0 //Makes the sky completely black
r_drawsprites 0 //May ruin the appearance of some maps
r_drawtranslucentworld 0 //Makes things such as fences and glass invisible
r_dynamic 0 //Lights placed with the light tool will no longer work
r_eyemove 0 //Untested
r_fastzreject 1 //Might worsen performance, especially on modern hardware
r_flashlightdepthres 16 //Only necessary if you left out r_flashlightdepthtexture 0. Increase if you want to see shadows better.
r_flex 0 //Untested
r_projectedtexturefilter 0 //Unnecessary unless using the above
r_rootlod 8 //Causes messed up vertices on some models. Recommended to use this at a value lower than 8 if not using r_lod 10.
r_ropetranslucent 0 //Only hides translucent ropes, but still may not be desirable
r_shadows 0 //Also hides flashlight, but works without cheats
r_updaterefracttexture 0 //Untested

Launch Parameters

Some launch options you can try for some extra tweaking. Don't copy all of these into your launch options. Please try each one. To add these, go to the GENERAL tab in the game's properties and look for the text box on the bottom.

-d3d9ex
-disallowhwmorph
-full
-high
-monitorTextureSize 1
-nosound
-particles 512
-reflectionTextureSize 1
-r_emulate_gl
-soft
-softparticlesdefaultoff

Details

-d3d9ex: Enables Windows Aero Extensions using a launch option instead of a command. Performance improvement may vary depending on hardware.

-full: Launches the game in fullscreen, which usually runs a little better than both windowed modes.

-high: Sets the game's priority to high, which may improve performance when you have other applications running in the background.

-nosound: Disables audio and its processing completely, which may improve performance.

-r_emulate_gl: I think this translates the rendering to OpenGL, which may improve or worsen performance. Doesn't seem to work on the x86-64 branch.

-soft: Uses Source's software rendering. Untested, and probably doesn't work in Garry's Mod.

Tips

Below are some extra things that you can do that may further improve your game's performance.

• Remove laggy addons (listed below).
  
• Uninstall useless programs that run in the background, or configure them to not run in the background.
  
• Don't download viruses or malware. Be careful about what you download!
  
• Use a cleanup tool or manually delete useless files if you're low on storage.
  
• Use the optimize and defragment tool. This may reduce stutters when loading things.
  
• Further reduce graphical fidelity in your GPU control panel settings. Make sure you have its drivers installed first.
  
• Disabling the Steam overlay may improve performance.
  
• Switch to the 64 bit build. It works pretty great! 64 bit systems only!
  
• Probably the most effective if your GPU is the bottleneck: lower your resolution.

Useful Addons

Garry's Mod itself doesn't have the best optimization in both its rendering and Lua code. Luckily, we have a few addons on the workshop that can help with both! Just beware that some may break things, including other addons.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1907060869 I highly recommend this one unless you're using Lambda Players, as it causes massive framerate drops when used along with it.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2804718813 Broke things from my personal experience of using it with Lambda Players (specifically the kill feed and Lambda Player sprays).

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2806290767

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3163862099

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=793317003 Download a bone manipulation tool if you use this.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3105962404 Didn't really improve performance from my experience. Maybe if you have a ton of props around it will.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2022421940 Uses distance based culling, which can give better results compared to Performant Render, but hides everything past a certain distance.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=654334461 Allows commands to be executed when lag is detected. Seems to require a bit of configuration.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2717005362 Doesn't improve framerate. Just suppresses game rendering entirely when tabbed out.

Utility Addons

These addons are more to assist in improving performance, rather than directly helping.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3367512048 Finds which Lua scripts are running and ruining your performance. Use the whereis console command to identify the addon it's from. Doesn't improve performance by itself.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3290578416 Similar to the above and by the same creator.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=682765484 Alternate to the above that doesn't work nearly as well and is specifically for hooks. Make sure to install the required addon!

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2964141658 Useful for easily testing commands.

Problematic Addons

A list of addons that can reduce your game's performance, even when not used.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1525218777 This one's pretty obvious.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=771487490 Vehicles are more complex than the default ones.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1132466603

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1847505933 Runs things in the background.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2910505837 Drops FPS a ton when using any weapon from this base.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2157935882 Runs things in the background.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2803542572 Makes spawnmenu folders load much slower.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1738302640 Slows down the game a ton. Many addons from this creator are poorly optimized.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1693027072 Runs things in the background. I would recommend disabling this one when you don't need to use it.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2403043112 Description states that it can lower performance.

Problematic Addons (Part 2)

Part 2 of the Problematic Addons section. It had to be split into more than one part since there's a limit to how many URLs can preview in a single section.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2773737445 Requires rendering parts of the map twice. See the description for commands.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3139230038 Runs things in the background.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3027255911 Runs things in the background.

You're all set!

Now you're all set! Enjoy playing Garry's Mod on your Potato PC!

If you're experiencing any issues after following this guide, don't be afraid to leave a comment. I will try to help you with your issue.

[sir.ghostington]

and how do I reset the commands?

[somefoolouthere]

Did you install any of the addons from this guide? If you have, I would try disabling gLua Patches, RE:Base, and Srlion's Hook Library first, as those three are the most likely to break things.

[rotten mango]

ive cleared it out and the problem still persists

[somefoolouthere]

They would look like how you added them? I'm not sure what you mean by that.

[rotten mango]

what would the commands look like in the config file?

[somefoolouthere]

Try removing them from the config file and restarting your game if you haven't done so. It's possible that some commands may still persist, though.

[rotten mango]

uh how do I undo these commands?, one of these broke the ragdoll posing addon for me as the axis thing is WAY off center

[chiroanims]

i was testing some commands, i was at 30 fps btw
then i used the command to disable the skybox
now my game is at 60 fps lol

[tuga0611]

should i install all of this ?

[policeman65610]

Thank you!!! My PC is ass so this helped a lot. Also I'd recommend the classic performance option addon and the FPS Tweaker.