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Halo Configuration Guide
Topic Started: Aug 17 2010, 09:17 PM (5,727 Views)
blade

This is a thread of general tips for improving Halo performance. Its not about improving your skill, its about technical tricks that can help people out. I figured most of this out over the years or got it from other people and articles. This is a compilation. Took me 30 min to write up and copy&paste so dont rage.
 
1. video setup
You may prefer to switch this or that on your video setup, but you should always have your framerate set to "No vsync”. Specular, shadows, and decals can all be turned off, and texture quality set to low. Tuning these four values down will give you a performance boost, and could actually help you concentrate better on your shot, rather than looking at all the pretty graphics. Its often better to disable most of the pretty details, for higher fps and more consistent performance. Increasing the gamma is a must on halo; it allows you to see better by lightening up the environment. Specular with disablealpharenderparticles (explained later) can be helpful, it reflects light and makes it easier to see both in dark areas and in general.

Disabling particles will significantly improve your aim once you get used to it. The bullet sparks and shots are misleading and distracting. If you want to eventually lead smoothly I suggest you turn your particles off. There are however people who find that them useful.
 
Having decent fps trumps just about everything else. Turn off pretty graphics and go with the lowest res possible until you get at least 120 frames per second or use useff or use00 (explained later).
 
I use:
Resolution: 1400x1050
Refresh rate: 120hz
Frame rate: No VSync
Specular: No
Shadows: No
Decals: No
Particles: Off
Texture quality: Low
Gamma: increased by a lot from default

2. Resolution
If you have an LCD always use the resolution that allows the highest refresh rate. If your native resolution (the highest resolution your monitor can do) allows you to have the highest refresh rate as well, use it. This however is only possible on a few monitors. If there are several resolutions that enable your highest refresh rate (usually around 75 on most LCD monitors), pick the one you're most comfortable with. Also I suggest playing in 4:3 dimensions, so if you have a widescreen monitor, play with black bars on the sides (you can force this in the ATI/Nvidia drivers if your monitor doesnt force it on its own).

In more detail...
Spoiler: click to toggle

 
I use:
SyncMaster 2233rz LCD monitor. Fullscreen 1400x1050, 120hz refresh rate. I played 640x480, 120hz for a while before that.
 

3. Command line parameters
Command line parameters can change the way halo acts. To add a command line parameter, right click on your halo shortcut, select properties and add them after the value in the target field.
Example- you have:
"D:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Halo\halo.exe"
in target. With useff it would look like:
"D:\Program Files\Microsoft Games\Halo\halo.exe" -useff
 
Here is a full list of the command line parameters: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/830487/
 
The following command line parameters force halo to use older shaders (lower graphics basically). This may help your FPS, or it may not. On some higher end graphics cards this can hurt your fps. Maybe you prefer playing with useff for some strange reason however. Maybe the lack of pretty graphics helps you concentrate.

Quote:
 
-use00 :: Uses the lowest graphics possible. No grass or sand textures. No armor color.
 
-useff :: Uses Fixed function graphics. Simple textures, and simple armor color. This means that that regardless of your graphics card's capabilities, the game will run with the most basic effects. Along with the PS1.1 effects disabled above, this results in the removal of the following elements:
# No shadows
# Simple active camouflage effect
# No glows or flares
# Very basic fog, water and lighting
 
-use11 :: Uses Shader 1.1 graphics. Limited, and disables the glow for plasma pistol/rifle, which appear black. Forces this lower Pixel Shader mode on cards which support PS1.4 or PS2.0 will improve performance at the cost of the following elements:
# No bumped mirrored surfaces
# Some video effects are two-pass
# No model self-illumination (excluding some specific environmental models)
# No animated lightmaps
# Fog calculations are triangle based, not pixel based
# No specular lights
 
-use14 :: Uses Shader 1.4.  If you have a relatively new graphics card such as those mentioned above, then forcing PS1.4 mode on them will improve performance at the cost of some visual elements, namely:
# No bumped mirrored surfaces
# Some video effects are two-pass
 
-use20 :: Uses Shader 2.0 graphics. Any higher is what Bungie intended the game to look like
 This is also where you enable console (the thing that allows you to use rcon commands), and the mouse accel fix, which we will get to shortly. The list on the Microsoft site explains each of the parameters well, so Im not going to repeat it here.

 
I use:
-exec mouse.cfg -console -novideo
 
4. Config.txt values.
If you go to your halo directory, you will find a file called config.txt. At the top of it you will have a set of available commands that look like this:
 
Quote:
 
/ LinearTextureAddressing     - Rendering to non-square textures require w,h not 0-1 coordinates.
// LinearTextureAddressingSun  - Rendering the sun requires w,h not 0-1 coordinates
// LinearTextureAddressingZoom - Rendering the zoom effect requires w,h not 0-1 coordinates
// MinMaxBlendOpIsBroken       - Indicates that the Min/Max blend modes are broken.
// UseAlternateConvolveMask    - Use three stage convolution mask.
// MaximumResolution           - Limits maximum resolution of card to width specified ie: MaximumResolution = 800.
// UseFixedFunction            - Forces card to use fixed function path
// UnsupportedCard             - Unsupported video card (below GF2)
// OldDriver                   - A driver we do not recommend because it's older than ones we have tested
// InvalidDriver               - A driver which we know has serious issues
// OldSoundDriver              - A sound driver we do not recommend because it's older than ones we have tested
// EnableStopStart                     - Sound card supports fast calls to stop and start buffer functions
// HeadRelativeSpeech                     - Sound card prefers head relative instead of disabled 3D calls
// InvalidSoundDriver          - A sound driver which we know has serious issues
// SafeMode                    - All rendering options set to their lowest (most safe) setting
/     - Specifies that Direct3D should manage resources instead of the driver.
// ForceShader                 - Forces the search for valid shaders to start at a value other than the max the card supports ie: ForceShader=14
// UseAnisotropicFilter        - For high end cards will use Anisotropic filtering instead of trilinear on environments
// UMA                         - UMA card, base video memory on system memory size (0-64 = 8Meg, 6-128 = 16Meg, 128-256 = 32Meg, 256+ = 64Meg)
// DisableBuffering            - Forces a video card to render each scene - used to prevent mouse lag
// DisableAlphaRenderTargets   - Do not allow render targets that require an alpha format
// DisableRenderTargets        - Disable all render targets
// PrototypeCard               - Warning for known prototype video cards (For example prototype XBOX GF3 test cards)
// DisableSpecular             - Disable specular in menu and game

 
Some of these are useful. "UseAnisotropicFilter” tells your graphics card to use the Anisotropic Filter when rendering the video of the game. This basically makes the images clearer and smoother. "DisableAlphaRenderTargets" removes the blur when zoomed in with weapons and changes makes specular reflect light more. DisableBuffering reduces mouselag.
 
For those with dedicated sound cards, enabling HeadRelativeSpeech and EnableStopStart is a must. These makes better use of EAX.
 
Note that to add config.txt commands you will have to add them below your graphics card in the tables. In other words for me it looks like this:
Quote:
 
0x0308 = "GeForceFX 2000"
0x0309 = "GeForceFX 1000"
0x0311 = "GeForceFX 5600 Ultra"
0x0312 = "GeForceFX 5600"
0x0318 = "GeForceFX"
0x0319 = "GeForceFX"
0x0321 = "GeForceFX 5200 Ultra"
0x032a = "GeForceFX 500"
0x032b = "GeForceFX 500"
0x032f = "GeForceFX 500"
0x0338 = "GeForceFX 3000"
0x0611 = "GeForce 8800GT"
DisableAlphaRenderTargets

 
Note that there is no GeForce 8800GT in the table by default. The list of graphics cards in that list is only of the old ones. The device ID of your card may not be in there. To find it google your graphics card and device ID. Example "8800GT device id". Or even better than that add the commands where it says Unknown for your graphics card manufacturer.

I use:
DisableAlphaRenderTargets
DisableBuffering
HeadRelativeSpeech
EnableStopStart
break
 
5. Mouse
a. Your mouse.
Having a good mouse is very helpful. If you have a bad mouse go on newegg and buy a wmo1.1a. Its $10, its what I use, and its a great mouse as agreed by practically all professional gamers. Most expensive $80 10000 dpi “gaming” mice are horrible.

The best mice as agreed by most professional gamers are the razer deathadder, logitech mx518, Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical 1.1a and the Microsoft Intellimouse Explorer 3.0. However the shape, size and weight all boils down to persoanl preference, so stick to what you're comfortable with.

b. mousepad
I would recommend the steelseries qck+ mousepads, you can get them for $8 and many professionals use them. They work very well with the three mice listed above.

c. mouse settings
Personal preference. Some people prefer playing with very low sensitivities, while others prefer high sensitivities. Some people also have different values for the x and y axis. Find a sensitivity you like and stick with it. You wont get your shot down properly until you do.
 
By default windows has mouse acceleration on. This accelerates your mouse as you drag across. For gaming its much better if you disable acceleration. Its impossible to fully disable acceleration in halo, there will still be some, but you can disable most of it.

Disabling acceleration is different depending on your operating system. There are different accelfixes for Windows XP and Vista for example, and Windows XP 32 bit and 64 bit. For 32 bit Windows, get Anir’s accelfix. For other OSs just search around and you will find one.
 
Be sure to also disable windows's pointer precision, which is basically prediction. Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options > uncheck "enhance pointer precision". Also ALWAYS be sure that your pointer speed is at six (default). This is because the inputs from the mouse are untouched and relate directly 1:1 with cursor movement. Every "tick" of the mouse the cursor moves 1 pixel your cursor on setting 6. On setting 8 for example, one mouse "tick", moves your cursor two pixels. Setting 4 on the other hand, ignores every other input from your mouse, so the mouse moves two pixels before your cursor moves
one.
 
Theres a great guide on mouse settings here: http://www.overclock.net/computer-peripherals/173255-cs-s-mouse-optimization-guide.html
 
What I have:
I play with the $10 wmo1.1a. Its 400 dpi and 1-1 in halo. I've been using a deathadder for a long time before that, but prefer the shape and simplicity of the WMO1.1a. Qck+ mousepad.
 
6. About FPS.
FPS is defined as frames-per-second. In relation to games or video, frames per second (fps) refers to how often a graphics card updates the still images displayed on the monitor to give the impression of a moving image. The higher the fps (or 'frame rate', as it's often called), the smoother on-screen motion will look. What constitutes an acceptable fps figure is highly subjective. However it is generally said that the human eye cannot see the difference between fps above ~120. In other words, though there is a difference between 150 fps and 600, it will barely be noticeable to us, and your gaming performance will not be affected by it. Anything above 120 fps should be fine for Halo.
 
When recording be sure that your fps is not limited too much, the newest fraps by the way does not lock your fps at whatever it is you record at. Wegame is good too.
 
7. Audio
If you turn your volume up, you may be able to hear footsteps and spawns better, but shots will be loud, annoying and distracting. This is where the equalizer comes in handy. You can use your equalizer to tune certain frequencies down.
 
For quieter shot sounds, use this:
http://i33.tinypic.com/65d47r.jpg
 
If you want louder footsteps, you can configure your equalizer for that as well:
http://i43.tinypic.com/w8l2k0.jpg

For better sound it is better to have your headphones act as 2.1 speakers. This can be done with most audio cards, unbind the system's configuration from the audio card's and set audio to 2.1 speakers. Each of your headphones will act as a 2.1 speaker afterwards. Though this will remove differences in vertical sound, the horizontal sound will be much clearer. There is no differentiation for vertical sounds on 2.1 speakers, in other words you wont hear the difference if somebody is on top of you or below you.



Hope you learned something.
Edited by blade, Aug 18 2010, 01:57 AM.
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Nice Life story.
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M³TrO

DOES THIS HAVE A KEYLOGGER AS WELL
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[15:46] stimulants: do you have the SW pcr by any chance
[15:46] therapest90: h/o
[15:47] <This user is now playing World of Warcraft>
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th!wy
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BAMBOO DIDNT USE ALL THAT CRAP
Preserving halo pc montages history @
http://www.youtube.com/thiw123


^My newest montage featuring old clips :O
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Deleted User
Deleted User

very detailed, however your first image in your sound modding section is broken

stickied
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yayrape
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lmfao
fuck you theory
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vo0
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very nice and detailed thread dawg
Edited by vo0, Aug 17 2010, 09:29 PM.
twitch.tv/malvoe_
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blade

HPT-4
Aug 17 2010, 09:23 PM
very detailed, however your first image in your sound modding section is broken

stickied
Meh I probably dont have it anymore
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ocse
FREE VOODOO
I'd like quieter shots tbh. Mine are fucking deafening.
[19:48] bigbadE: i love shovin dix into nigas buts
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i thought everyone knew most of this by now, but nicely done placing it in one thread.
google is your friend, people had this information out ages ago.
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Osama Bin Laggin

pretty old, useful for new players, i kno more shit about reg and fps for this game, if anyone wants to kno more
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blade

Havock
Aug 17 2010, 09:41 PM
pretty old, useful for new players, i kno more shit about reg and fps for this game, if anyone wants to kno more
Explain your limited sound in window trick you showed me a while back.
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Osama Bin Laggin

blade
Aug 17 2010, 09:43 PM
Havock
Aug 17 2010, 09:41 PM
pretty old, useful for new players, i kno more shit about reg and fps for this game, if anyone wants to kno more
Explain your limited sound in window trick you showed me a while back.
if i did, people's reg wud shoot up, its hard to explain to ppl here tho, wud have to show them
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Osama Bin Laggin

not only reg, i kno a shit load of fps tricks that i use to run 30 fps as smooth as possible on the shitties pc with 256 mb of ram lololol
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blade

Do you guys want me to do one for network configuration?
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Osama Bin Laggin

blade
Aug 17 2010, 09:48 PM
Do you guys want me to do one for network configuration?
ye do it, network and optimization helps...
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vo0
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I still to this day for some reason believe that there is no such thing as reg.. it might be halo's retarded magnetism (or whatevers its called). People I've played with have straight 33 ping and talk of reg like its holding them back a lot. unless its a reallyyyyyy terrible server/player/player's internet there is no such thing as it. it's all in ur head ^_- I think I might be the only one who feels like this here and might get jumped over this because a lot of people "bitch" about reg.

Also, thread = stickied / locked pls
twitch.tv/malvoe_
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Osama Bin Laggin

voodoo123
Aug 17 2010, 09:53 PM
I still to this day for some reason believe that there is no such thing as reg.. it might be halo's retarded magnetism (or whatevers its called). People I've played with have straight 33 ping and talk of reg like its holding them back a lot. unless its a reallyyyyyy terrible server/player/player's internet there is no such thing as it. it's all in ur head ^_- I think I might be the only one who feels like this here and might get jumped over this because a lot of people "bitch" about reg.

Also, thread = stickied / locked pls
yea, naota always said, its not the reg, its u, as in ur not leading right...but that shit works only to an extent, especially when lead changes for me every second, so its unpredictable...
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Havock
Aug 17 2010, 09:55 PM
voodoo123
Aug 17 2010, 09:53 PM
I still to this day for some reason believe that there is no such thing as reg.. it might be halo's retarded magnetism (or whatevers its called). People I've played with have straight 33 ping and talk of reg like its holding them back a lot. unless its a reallyyyyyy terrible server/player/player's internet there is no such thing as it. it's all in ur head ^_- I think I might be the only one who feels like this here and might get jumped over this because a lot of people "bitch" about reg.

Also, thread = stickied / locked pls
yea, naota always said, its not the reg, its u, as in ur not leading right...but that shit works only to an extent, especially when lead changes for me every second, so its unpredictable...
naota talked about leading?
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relacee
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what if i get 12 fps with all low max res
relace: whatd u go to juvey for
DarK=: hitting the summer school teacher wit a chair

Pimp: Stfu botty ass nigga

xfire: snipe166

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Osama Bin Laggin

he spilled the beans once i started bribing him with curry, yea...

also around knos alot of shit too, cuz he helped me with cleaning out my pc and boosting it ( which helped the game to run faster and better )
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Osama Bin Laggin

relacee
Aug 17 2010, 10:06 PM
what if i get 12 fps with all low max res
y max res, idk if u guys have the idea of the bigger the res = smaller the lead, nope.

and the refresh rate, if u go low, more fps, if u go high = smooth, but less fps
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Osama Bin Laggin

and if ur one of those people who play halo and nuthing hits, stop wastin ur time, n try to switch from full screen to windows mode.
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blade

Your lead wont change no matter what video settings you use. And lower refresh rate doesnt change your fps. And yea there is no such thing as bad reg in the way most halo players refer to it.

(11:09:37 PM) [ss]co - Mind IC Mine: havock is spreading lies in your thread
(11:09:41 PM) [ss]co - Mind IC Mine: you should ddos him
Edited by blade, Aug 17 2010, 10:12 PM.
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Osama Bin Laggin

blade
Aug 17 2010, 10:09 PM
Your lead wont change no matter what video settings you use. And lower refresh rate doesnt change your fps. And yea there is no such thing as bad reg in the way most halo players refer to it.

(11:09:37 PM) [ss]co - Mind IC Mine: havock is spreading lies in your thread
(11:09:41 PM) [ss]co - Mind IC Mine: you should ddos him
LOL FU ESCO

btw yes it does, unless u got a real good pc, cuz it does for me, big difference actually 60 Hz , i can play 15 fps on dammy, 85 Hz i barely get 5-7~ fps...
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