Meatsac's System Performance Guide.

Improve system performance for all applications and games.

Intro

This guide was created to help you optimize your system to maximize software & gaming performance. If you have tips or suggestions for users on this subject, please leave them in the comments.

Step 1: Setting Windows Power Options

(1). Open Windows "Control Panel" (Set View by "Large Icons" - top right pulldown).



(2). Go to "Power Options".



(3). Set the preferred plan to "High Performance".
(4). Click Apply (Bottom right).

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(5). Go to "Change Plan Settings" (just right of high performance setting).

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(6). Set "Turn Off The Display" and "Put The Computer To Sleep" to "NEVER"
(7). Click Save Changes (bottom right).

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(8). Now click on "Change Advance Power Settings"

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(9). Expand the "Hard Disk" and set "Turn Off Hard Disk After" to "NEVER" or "0" for time.


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(10). Scroll down to "Processor Power Management" and expand that. Set both the "Minimum Processor State" and "Maximum Processor State" to "100%".


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(11). Click Apply (Bottom right).

Close the "Power Options" window (we're done here).

Step 2: Setting Advance Options

(1). In Windows "Control Panel", click on "System".


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(2). Click on "Advance System Settings".


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(3). Under the "Advance" Tab, click on "Settings" in the "Performance" box.


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(4). In the "Visual Effects" tab, uncheck everything except "Show Thumbnails Instead Of Icons" and "Smooth Edges Of Screen Fonts".


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(5). Click Apply.
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(6). Click on the "Advance" Tab. In the "Processor Scheduling" box, tick "Programs".


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(7). Click Apply (Bottom right).
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Close the "Performance Options" and "System Properties" windows (we're done here).

Step 3: Windows Virtual Memory Setup

Basic explanation:

Virtual memory is an OS feature which allows Windows to swap data from system ram to hard drive and back again when applications require more memory then installed. In the old days, if you ran out of memory, you were out of luck (program would stop working or crash). Keep in mind, virtual memory which is set to high doesn't make your system faster. In fact, it's the opposite.

Hard drive I/O speed (read/write) is far slower then ram I/O. You might think setting virtual memory to 128gb will offer the performance of 128gb of physical ram installed, but thats simply not true. When Windows is paging out huge swap files parked on the drive, your performance will start to chug.

Calculate how much VM is needed:

The typical formula for calculating the correct pagefile size has been.... Initial size is one and a half (1.5) x the amount of total system memory. Maximum size is three (3-4) x the initial size. If you have 4 GB (1 GB = 1,024 MB x 4 = 4,096 MB) of memory. The initial size would be 1.5 x 4,096 = 6,144 MB and the maximum size would be 3 x 6,144 = 18,432 MB.

However, experience has shown if you have more than 16GB of ram, the amount of virtual memory required goes down (depending on what your system is running). The more system ram you have, the likelihood of Windows needing to swap out is reduced. The goal is to give Windows the minimum amount and reduce performance loss due to hard drive I/O times while not pushing it to far and run out of memory resources.
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Example:

If I'm only gaming, I set virtual memory to this:

System Ram: 32GB

Virtual Memory:
Initial size =4GB (or 4096).
Maximum size = 8GB (or 8192).

If I'm rendering with C4D or editing video, I'll turn up the maximum to accommodate for applications using an enormous amount of ram.

Virtual Memory:
Initial size =4GB (or 4096).
Maximum = 32GB (or 32768).
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I recommended starting with these virtual memory settings for the following system ram size (a good base to start with).

System Ram: 8GB

Virtual Memory:
Initial size = 8192
Maximum size= 12288

System Ram: 16GB

Virtual Memory:
Initial size=5120
Maximum size=12288

System Ram: 32GB

Virtual Memory:
Initial size = 4096
Maximum size = 8192

(1). In Windows "Control Panel", click on "System".



(2). Click on "Advance System Settings".



(3). Under the "Advance" Tab click on "Settings" in the "Performance" box.



(4). Make sure the "Advance" Tab is selected and Click on the "Change" button (inside of the Virtual memory section).



(5). Deselect the "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" check box.
(6). Select "Custom size".
(7). Enter the "Initial size" and "Maximum size" .
(8). Click "OK" when done. NOTE: The system will require a restart for changes to take effect.

Step 4: Disable Game DVR & Game Bar

Turn off the dreaded Windows 10 Game DVR & Gamebar. They cause lag & frame drops on so many games, including Squad. They're many other programs to record or steam games with (IE: OBS, Xsplit, Fraps, etc...).

NOTE: This does not kill the Xbox app, it just disables Windows DVR & Gamebar.

(1). Open Start menu
(2). Click on settings (the small gear icon on lower left).
(3). Select "Gaming".
(4). Select "Gamebar" and disable it.
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(5). Select "Game DVR" and disable "Background Recording" and "Recorded Audio"

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Close the "Settings" window (we're done here).

Step 5: Removing Windows Pre-installed software

Time to remove Windows 10 pre-installed Bloatware (some of it runs in background regardless if you use it or not). NOTE: If you use any of the apps below, just skip uninstalling them (IE: Calculator, Xbox, Photos, etc..).

(1). Open Start menu
(2). Type " Windows PowerShell " (Minus qoutes).
(3). Right Click on "Windows PowerShell" and select "Run As Administrator".
(4). After Windows PowerShell opens, copy & paste the app listed below (one at a time) and hit enter key after each entry.


Example: You copy&paste into Windows PowerShell: Get-AppxPackage *3dbuilder* | Remove-AppxPackage (then hit the enter key).

App List:

3D Builder: Get-AppxPackage *3dbuilder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Alarms and Clock: Get-AppxPackage *windowsalarms* | Remove-AppxPackage

Calculator: Get-AppxPackage *windowscalculator* | Remove-AppxPackage

Calendar and Mail: Get-AppxPackage *windowscommunicationsapps* | Remove-AppxPackage

Camera: Get-AppxPackage *windowscamera* | Remove-AppxPackage

Get Office: Get-AppxPackage *officehub* | Remove-AppxPackage

Get Skype: Get-AppxPackage *skypeapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

Get Started: Get-AppxPackage *getstarted* | Remove-AppxPackage

Groove Music: Get-AppxPackage *zunemusic* | Remove-AppxPackage

Maps: Get-AppxPackage *windowsmaps* | Remove-AppxPackage

Microsoft Solitaire Collection: Get-AppxPackage *solitairecollection* | Remove-AppxPackage

Money: Get-AppxPackage *bingfinance* | Remove-AppxPackage

Movies & TV: Get-AppxPackage *zunevideo* | Remove-AppxPackage

News: Get-AppxPackage *bingnews* | Remove-AppxPackage

OneNote: Get-AppxPackage *onenote* | Remove-AppxPackage

People: Get-AppxPackage *people* | Remove-AppxPackage

Phone Companion: Get-AppxPackage *windowsphone* | Remove-AppxPackage

Photos: Get-AppxPackage *photos* | Remove-AppxPackage

Store: Get-AppxPackage *windowsstore* | Remove-AppxPackage

Sports: Get-AppxPackage *bingsports* | Remove-AppxPackage

Voice Recorder: Get-AppxPackage *soundrecorder* | Remove-AppxPackage

Weather: Get-AppxPackage *bingweather* | Remove-AppxPackage

Xbox: Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

NOTE: If you want to reinstall the apps, go to the site below for instruction (trying to save space). https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-reinstall-default-apps-in-windows-10/

Close "Windows PowerShell" (we're done here).

Step 6: Disable Scheduled HD Defrag

Windows 10 continuously analyzes and defrags your hard drive as needed... However, it'll do while in a game or app. This sucks up an enormous amount of Disk I/O and also uses CPU cycles while running. If your game is trying to load DATA & Textures while defragging, things slow down considerably.

You can disable it, BUT, it means you'll have to manually perform this function every now and then (once a week is good). Just be sure to run it weekly, preferably just before going to bed (it can take a little time, let it bake over night).

(1). Open Windows "Start Menu"
(2). Type in "Defrag"
(3). Click on "Defragment and Optimize Drives"
(4). In "Scheduled Optimization" box, turn this function "off". Check each drive (by clicking on it) and make sure it's off for all of them.



NOTE: To manually run defrag weekly, just open "Defragment and Optimize Drives", select the drive you want, and click "Optimize".

Close "Optimize Drives" (we're done here).

Step 7: Close Unnecessary Programs

Close all unnecessary programs (Chrome, Opera, Firefox, IE, etc...) Just run "Steam", the "Game", and Discord or TS if you use them. Running a ton of stuff in background only slows down the main app or game you're trying to use.

Stop the Bloat...

Step 8: Stop Programs Auto-Loading During Startup.

Many programs auto-load during Windows startup. The only benefit is those programs will load a little quicker when executed. The performance gain of pre-loading an app (such as Chrome, Discord, TS, Etc..) is so marginal given the power of systems today. The downside is those apps are taking up memory and resources waiting to be used.

(1). Press Ctl+Alt-Del to open Task Manager.
(2). Select the "Startup" Tab.
(3). Under the Status column, you can enable or disable items by right clicking mouse on selected program.


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NOTE: Be careful not to disable necessary programs like Anti-Virus, driver related, etc...

Step 9: Create Exclusion Rule In Anti-Virus Program.

Most Anti-virus software offers the option to exclude software or games from real-time scanning. Creating an exclusion rule saves resources because your app or game is not being scanned in real-time. Your basically telling the Anti-virus " I trust this software", don't scan it while in use.

NOTE: Do not exclude certain programs... Example: You may trust Chrome or Firefox, but they need to be real-time scanned in order to protect you from malicious web sites. Just be smart about it when creating exclusion rules.

The example below is how to create an exclusion rule for Squad in Bitdefender (the AV software I use). Other AV software may require a different approach, but the end result is the same. Note: You can create exclusion rules for other games or software using the same steps.









Go to where Squad is installed and select Squad.exe, the click ok.



Click the "Add" button

Step 11: Last Checks

(1). If you run any system utilities, make sure they're not running in the background. You can usually disable real-time optimization from within the settings options of those apps. It's better to manually run these operations so they don't interfere with gaming and other tasks you're doing. Just remember to run them, because good system maintenance is key to a healthy machine.

(2). Go through all of the software you use and disable the following.

Automatic scheduled updates (you'll just have to manually check): Some software starts updating in the background regardless if you're in game or not. This sucks up bandwidth which can raise ping times and cause lag. Exceptions: Do not disable automatic updates for Anti-virus and other related programs, it's best to leave them alone.

(3). A quick word on Drivers.... If your driver is performing well and does not cause issues with the software & games you use, DON'T UPDATE THEM.... Theres a saying in my profession (IF IT'S NOT BROKE, DON'T FIX IT). Just because it's new doesn't always mean it's better. All of us have dealt with bugged drivers and the $hit it can cause.... So, unless you have to update because of issues, a software developer specifically requires it, or it offers new features you reeeeeally need ... Leave it alone.

Restart System To Enable Changes.

The header says it all... Save any work and restart computer for all of the changes to take effect.
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Meatsac's Nvidia Performance Guide for Squad v10

This guide shows you how optimize Nvidia GPU performance for Squad v10.

http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1293338687

Disclaimer

The steps below have been long tested and work. However, you are responsible for performing the steps on you're system, and by doing so, you release all liability claims against the author of this guide. Removing required software, drivers, services, or other functions of Windows operating system without research or knowledge can have undesired effects and/or create issues. Always backup your system and data before making changes. This guide and it's contents do not represent the expressed views or opinions of Steam or Valve Corporation. All Trademarks, logos, and Copyrights are the property of their respective owners, all rights reserved..

[NIXON]

you are a god, thanks

[Twizted]

Miscommunication i think - IOBit has nothing to do with Macbook. https://www.iobit.com/en/advancedsystemcarefree.php - It's an all-in-one utility rather than having separate software to maintain the PC - Does the same things as CCleaner and Wise

[Meatsac]

Sorry, this guide is for PC, not Macbook

[Twizted]

i use the IObit ASC package instead of wise, same reasons as yourself just been using them for years does the same thing more or less.. good guide though, didn't know about the pagefile needing less with more ram.. learn something new everyday huh :)

[File]

thanks man this made my game playabe :) much apriciated

[Meatsac]

Mike, I just use CCleaner and Wise registy cleaner once a week... Other than that, Windows 10 HD Defrag will do just fine (It works automaticallly unless you've disable it). Note, you don't need to Defrag an SSD, just trim it every now and then....

[Meatsac]

Glad to hear it helps... I know how frustrating it is when playing only to be hampered by performance issues..

-Happy hunting

[foreskin connoisseur]

I didn't necessarily need to do this, but some of the steps really helped me with Squad. Thanks a lot!

[Wahlberg]

Hey, in step 11, you say something about system utilities? And say its good for the pc. Is it software that keeps the system opimized? If so, will you recommend me one?

[Meatsac]

Yes, you can modify the Page file size and location... However, using your SSD for the page file will offer greater performance at the cost of quicker wear on the SSD... (they have a certain life span or MTBF).... Paging to the SSD is not really suggested unless you don't care about SSD life reduction... If thats an issue, then use the HD for paging.... Now, if you only have an SSD and Windows is already paging out to it, you can certainly just change the size of it.