TF2 Unplayable.

S

scj6771

Weaksauce
Joined
Jan 18, 2004
Messages
68
Not sure if this is the correct area to post this but anyway:

I played heavily two years ago (over 200 hours) with very modest hardware (GeForce 7600GT, AMD Athlon 64 3200+ Venice single-core and 1GB of memory) and now with a (again modest) upgrade (Windows 7 64-bit pro, AMD Athlon II X2 250 Regor 3.0GHz dual-core, GeForce 7600GT, and 2GB of memory) I can barely get the game to load? My FPS are around 40-50 and even the best servers serve me no justice?

If I move in any direction it takes a second to catch up, it's def not my network connection, I have a pretty fast cable connection. Could it be a 64-bit issue? I choose only the games with the least latency but that still does not matter.
 
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Have you messed around with any scripts or autoexecs files? Could be that one messed with your TF2's network settings and is being stored in cfg files.
 
Have you messed around with any scripts or autoexecs files? Could be that one messed with your TF2's network settings and is being stored in cfg files.
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Nope, this was a fresh install, here is a shot of my video settings:

i-SKhMh3k-M.jpg
 
scj6771 said:
Nope, this was a fresh install, here is a shot of my video settings:

http://scj6771.smugmug.com/photos/i-SKhMh3k/0/M/i-SKhMh3k-M.jpg
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Enabling multicore rendering should get you a boost in overall performance, as you listed a dual core processor. Try that out and possibly lowering your settings to the bare minimal to see if you notice a difference. TF2 has become more demanding over the years, performance got worse and worse for me every update they released. It got to the point where I was running an FPS config and still getting performance issues. I eventually gave up on the game as it didn't seem the main focus was on gameplay anymore with the hat craze.
 
I have put in place the "maxframes config" but what should I put for width and height in this line for the launch options?

-dxlevel 81 -full -w WIDTH -h HEIGHT -console -novid -useforcedmparms -noforcemaccel -noforcemspd
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I have a 23" ASUS that will do 1920 x 1080 if that helps at all?

Also, how can I switch from the "maxframe" config to using the default installed config?
 
tf2 (like all source games) are very cpu limited. is your cpu at stock speed? i would oc your cpu and turn off hdr.
 
scj6771 said:
I have put in place the "maxframes config" but what should I put for width and height in this line for the launch options?



I have a 23" ASUS that will do 1920 x 1080 if that helps at all?

Also, how can I switch from the "maxframe" config to using the default installed config?
Click to expand...

Code: 
-dxlevel 81 -full -w 1920 -h 1080 -console -novid -useforcedmparms -noforcemaccel -noforcemspd

To remove the config:
  • delete autoexec.cfg
  • replace launch option with -autoconfig
  • boot the game then exit the game
  • remove -autoconfig from launch options
 
To remove the config:

delete autoexec.cfg
replace launch option with -autoconfig
boot the game then exit the game
remove -autoconfig from launch options
Click to expand...

Couldn't I just create a TF2 shortcut to use the autoconfig so I could choose between that and the autoexec.cfg?
 
turn antialaising mode to none, turn filtering mode to trilinear, and enable multicore rendering. Im sure that will fix it.
 
Ok, seems to be running MUCH better with the "maxframe" CFG, however, my movements are still very frustrating, it's like my keyboard has a mind of it's own, the mouse seems fine, but the keyboard is unresponsive at times. I feel like a bull in a china shop, where I want to go and where I end up are completely different.

I can't imagine it's the keyboard itself? it's the same one I used to play a couple years back, and it works for every other game.

Anyway, so the remaining issue are as follows:

1. Would like to be able to switch between the maxframe config and the standard default one.

2. Keyboard issue.

3. I also read that a reccomended 2GB of memory setting could be used in the launch options as well (-heapsize 1048576) Anyone tried this?

4. Just noticed my FPS are still only between 30-55, still considered playable?

Still feels a bit clunky, like it's stuttering, I walk, I freeze, I walk I freeze...
 
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I have Win 7 Pro also, IMO your 2GB system memory is capping out on you. (I play TF2 sometimes I think it goes above 2 GB's at times) If I get a chance in a couple days to double check, I will monitor it and report back.

Next Enable Multicore Rendering, turn 2XAA to 0XAA, Anisotropic to 16x, turn OFF HDR and Bloom (it looks like crap in TF2 anyhow), keep motion blur disabled (it doesn't help from my experience, maybe stick to medium on other options, best way to diagnosis how your fps is running is by checking while playing with fraps or an alternative program while you adjust settings.

No offense but I haven't had a 7600GT since 07-08 with AGP (I upgraded to a 260GTX just for TF2 and Oblivion GOTY edition), point is that those cards go up to like 512MB Video Card RAM, and Source has increased demand in their games since 08' like you said from when you played alot also... 1080p is slightly demanding, maybe even more so on the 7600GT. That probably isn't your problem though the 512MB could be plenty...I'll have to look into that one also.

Anyhow you could get a 560 for 199.99 and a 260 for 99.99 on Newegg, yet I'm pretty sure that Win 7 ProNEEDS 4GB Ram minimum for gaming. Your Dual core CPU should get the job done ok for TF2, but a 3 or 4 Core CPU will smooth out the gameplay even more (example when rockets and demo grenades come your way you see more animations before it makes contact with your character), but it is something you don't prob notice unless you just played the game a day before you upgrade to a better system, and then re-experience on a higher end one. I noticed it. That's the biggest thing I personally noticed moving from a E6600 to 455 Rana X3/X4, that and X3/X4 CPU's push your graphics cards harder than 2 CPU's ever will, so it has like a doubling benefit in gaming.

So my upgrade recommendations are like this:

1. Get 4GB system RAM (You have to do this)
2. Acquire a more modern graphics card (DX10 or DX 11) with 1GB VRAM.
3. Think about purchasing an X3/X4/X6/X8 processor if the new graphics card still doesn't feel 100 percent smooth for you.
 
Maybe I'm wrong but what resolution were you playing at 2 years ago? It just seems to me that no matter how low you change the settings, there is no possible way you're going to play at 1920x1080 with a gfx card that only has 256mb of ram.

You can try dropping your resolution way down, playing in a window and see if that addresses the problem, which it should.
 
Maybe I'm wrong but what resolution were you playing at 2 years ago? It just seems to me that no matter how low you change the settings, there is no possible way you're going to play at 1920x1080 with a gfx card that only has 256mb of ram.
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Good point, I was playing on another monitor at 1400x1050, maybe a tad less, at any rate I will drop my recent monitors res to 1768x992 as a test.
 
Well, same issue after setting my res to 1768x992, got better FPS but still clunky.

So I installed HL2 just to see how that runs and it's the same thing, only that game pegs my CPU at 100%? So what's the deal here? Why did my games run much better on my single core Venice CPU?

Running HL2 felt the same as TF2, except I had the graphics set pretty high on HL2 but again my movements were choppy?

How do I know I am getting the most outta both CPU cores?

I have another 2GB of memory on the way, any suggestions on a decent BUDGET video card? Let's say $100.00 or less.

What about this? - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102934&cm_re=HD_6570-_-14-102-934-_-Product
 
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Just wanted to show you how much my System RAM usage is bro. 1.92GB in pic but it's higher (at the blue lines) when actually in game and not exiting out to take a PrtScn on desktop. TF2 is easily 2GB+ system memory usage. 2.5-3.0 GB generally.

If you were running a AMD Quad Core @ 4.125 Ghz this is the average CPU usage also. 50-65 percent or so on all cores.
eh0nxk.png
 
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TF2 has been receiving incremental engine updates as well to keep it 'current,' so comparing to two years ago is somewhat irrelevant
 
memory used @ 173 means nothing when speaking of his gfx card, your also comparing your ddr3 ram to his ddr2 (most likely). His problem is his resolution. He said he used to play at 1440 by (some wrong number), i think he meant 1440x900, which actually comes out to be a little easier to run than 1280x1024, its simple math if anyone wants to check. His dual core is fine, and while his ram needs to be upgraded, its not the issue. OP....your trying to push 1080P thru a card with 256mb of ram and an 128bit bus...A 128 BIT BUS!!!. just lower the res or update your card.
 
scj6771 said:
I have another 2GB of memory on the way, any suggestions on a decent BUDGET video card? Let's say $100.00 or less.

What about this? - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102934&cm_re=HD_6570-_-14-102-934-_-Product
Click to expand...

Updating to 4GB of RAM was a good move. Now the video card, I would probably go for that card that you linked if TF2 is all you play. But I would try for $200 video card lets say AMD 6870 or a Nvidia 560. That should be more than enough for the resolution you're playing and some breathing room for further graphical updates to the game.
 
your trying to push 1080P thru a card with 256mb of ram and an 128bit bus...A 128 BIT BUS!!!. just lower the res or update your card.
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I did drop it down, quite a bit actually, but as I stated before, I am still moving and freezing, moving and freezing, I suppose I will wait for the other 2GB of memory and hope for the best.

your also comparing your ddr3 ram to his ddr2 (most likely)
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Nope, it's DDR3.

Look, I know my card is shit, but I can play Black Ops (with minimal settings) and still enjoy the game. As for the "updates", well, they have done nothing for me and my once VERY functional 7600GT. :)
 
2 More pics for ya.

I maxed out the in game settings @ 1080p, most memory I could get it to use...517MB on the map pl_badwater, it's a very old game and really the only "incremental" updates were HDR about 4 years ago and Motion Blur 3? or so years ago...not long after that they added the multicore rendering.

Settings:
do31b6.png


vskupt.png


I did a double check and GPU-Z reported 249MB on pl-upward. But I decided to cross reference with Nvidia Inspector and found it to report GPU Mem Usage of 517MB.

Looks like if you want to max TF2 @ 1080p with a single screen go for 896MB, 1GB ,2Gb or a 3GB card. A 512MB or 256MB card will not cut it in this game with full settings or better. And don't trust GPU-Z for info, go with Nvidia Inspector. I'd believe this number if I were you.
ofwvpi.png
 
 
scj6771 said:
Ok, seems to be running MUCH better with the "maxframe" CFG, however, my movements are still very frustrating, it's like my keyboard has a mind of it's own, the mouse seems fine, but the keyboard is unresponsive at times. I feel like a bull in a china shop, where I want to go and where I end up are completely different.

I can't imagine it's the keyboard itself? it's the same one I used to play a couple years back, and it works for every other game.

Anyway, so the remaining issue are as follows:

1. Would like to be able to switch between the maxframe config and the standard default one.

2. Keyboard issue.

3. I also read that a reccomended 2GB of memory setting could be used in the launch options as well (-heapsize 1048576) Anyone tried this?

4. Just noticed my FPS are still only between 30-55, still considered playable?

Still feels a bit clunky, like it's stuttering, I walk, I freeze, I walk I freeze...
Click to expand...

  • Create shorcuts with the launch options, make sure you clear steam's launch options
  • While you're at it, disable visual themes and desktop composition on the shortcuts
  • Remove the FPS config from autoexec.cfg, make a new fps.cfg file in the same folder and paste the config into it
  • Put a bind into the autoexec.cfg (should be empty at this point), so you can launch the config with a key press, assign a key
    Code: 
    bind "key" "exec fps.cfg"

Wireless keyboard? Try a new keyboard if you have one. Could very well just be from FPS lag giving you that impression.

I never noticed any difference in performance using the heapsize launch option.

Yes, 30-55 is playable, but for a multiplayer FPS it sucks.

Try overclocking your CPU as suggested by another member. I got a pretty good jump in performance overclocking when I was playing, it was the best solution that gained me the most FPS, as my CPU was holding my system back. But then again, I was going from x2 @ 1.8 to 2.5
 
From the cards you posted, the 1gb ddr5 5670 is by far the best and supports dx11. If memory serves me correct its also the fastest card that doesn't require an external power connector. In a home office pc i have around the house i use the 240gt, but the 1gb ddr5 version and that little card packs a punch, but the 5670 bests it overall. Go for the 5670 and u wont regret it, that plus 2gb more ram and youll be in a good place :)
 
scj6771 said:
Thanks for the good info teletran8, as I stated, I will hope for the best when I add the other 2GB of memory, I have also starting leaning towards these cards:

1. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814129153&cm_re=HD5670-_-14-129-153-_-Product

2. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102934&cm_re=HD_6570-_-14-102-934-_-Product

3. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150475&cm_re=240gt-_-14-150-475-_-Product&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-RSSDailyDeals-_-na-_-na&AID=10521304&PID=5328933&SID=skim17075X740592
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You might not want to hear it, but I personally think your better off not replacing your 7600GT graphics card until you have 150-200 dollars saved up to spend on either a 6850 1GB from AMD or a 560 1GB from Nvidia.

BTW What is your Power Supply rated output currently in your system? Is it a newer 80 or + certified efficient? Or a standard oldschool not rated power supply? If you do have an older 350-425 or so watt power supply... maybe the less expensive cards are a safer way to go. Only if that's the case, and you really think 50-100 more than budget is ridiculous overspending on the graphics card, and I can see maybe not wanting to go that high on a graphics card if you need to spend at least another 50-60 on a decent 80+ bronze 500 or so watt power supply imo. Regardless the system memory upgrade to 4GB will get you back to what you were used to and then sum I think.
 
Are you sure its not some sort of latency stuttering?.... That's what it sounds like to me more than a problem with the system.
 
Are you sure its not some sort of latency stuttering?.... That's what it sounds like to me more than a problem with the system.
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It's possible, how can I tell?
 
Ok, ran "net_graph1" during a favorite server of mine and my FPS are around 60-85and my ping is 45-90.

I would say my ping is fine? but still having major movement issues, if I decide to move in any direction, I will continue to move that way for a second even after releasing the keyboard?
 
it isnt a "very old game" it is been updated a ton of times, i lean towards vid card personally.

is it always at 60-85?

when does it seems sluggish? always or only at busy times

personally i would say that 7600 isnt upto the job.....especially at 1080.
 
in the nvidia control panel, make sure you set gpu to single display performace or it will lag more.
 
Well, turns out the problem was with my old wireless Logitech LX 700/MX 3000 keyboard! I hooked in an OLD wired keyboard and the game runs as smooth as a baby's ass! Kinda strange, the same wireless keyboard logged me over 200 hours a few years back playing TF2.

I can't really tell you how swapping the keyboard worked (input lag?)

I wanna thank you all for your input and expert advice regarding this issue.

So, how do I remove that "maxframes" config and start over with settings I can actually change? Any suggestions on a budget WIRED keyboard and mouse I could upgrade to?

I had a feeling it wasn't the fault of my tried and true 7600GT :) Oh.. And I'm playing at 1920 x 1080!!

I am now playing at 1920 x 1080 on a 7600GT with no issues!! What more is to be said? A Lot of people (including myself) suspected I needed a video card upgrade, but turns out it was quite the opposite.

I am now pulling 70-110 FPS!! (and 95-140 in some instances) How is that possible from just a keyboard swap? I have no clue, but again, I don't really care at this point, I'm just glad to be at that place I was several years ago!!
 
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i wish i could play this game. the stupid items they sell for real cash and stuff left me with a sour taste in my mouth... valve didn't pull out.
 
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