Hello, I will list a few helpful tips & how to's, to increase your systems performance. This is not only helpful in-game, but also maintaining a PC is very important especially if you want to have a long lasting computer. Though we will not get into overclocking in this guide, which would be the clear winner.
Note:A system restart is required, though you can do that after completing all steps below;
#1.Graphics
Graphics card and settings alongside your processor play a huge part when it comes to performance and FPS.
- Right click "My Computer" -> "Properties" -> "Advanced System Settings" -> "Performance" -> "Adjust for best performance"
- In-game settings:
- Graphics: 800x600 -> 16-bit -> Low
- Effects: Low
Always keep graphics driver up to date:
- Nvidia: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us
- AMD/ATI: http://support.amd.com/en-us/download
- Intel HD; 64 & 32-bit: https://downloadcenter.intel.com/search?keyword=2nd+Generation+Intel%C2%AE+Core%E2%84%A2+Processors+with+Intel%C2%AE+HD+Graphics+3000%2F2000
#2. Hard Drive & SSD
Hard Drives tend to accumulate a lot of junk overtime which can and will eventually increase load times.
- "Start" -> Type in "Defrag" -> "Analyze" -> "Defrag"
- "Start" -> Type in "msconfig" -> "Autostart" -> Remove everything from this list -> "Ok"
- Don't use defrag, if you're using an SSD, you will damage it!
CCleaner: https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
- "Cleaner" -> "Analyze" -> "Run Cleaner"
- Don't use the "Registry" cleaner
#3. Processor & RAM
Speed & Memory are equally as important, when it comes to everything you do on a daily basis.
- Run CrossFire -> Press CTRL + SHIFT + DEL -> "Processes" -> Right click "crossfire.exe" -> "Priority" -> "High" though "Low" can be helpful as well
- Don't choose real time
#4. Virus & Malware
Viruses & Malware can slow down your PC by using more resources than necessary.
- Run a full Virus & Malware scan using;
- Anti Malware: https://www.malwarebytes.org/
- Anti Virus: https://www.avast.com
However, while viruses & malware can slow down your PC, leaving either of these on while playing can also slow it down. There are 'background' live scans that both of these will run therefore I don't recommend playing CrossFire with either running.
#5.Bloatware
Bloatware are programs that simply slow down your computer, pre-installed or not, should be removed regardless.
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + DEL -> "Program" -> Turn off anything you see on the list that you're not using -> Check your ash tray for programs if necessary
- Bloatware also include:
- Game Boosters
- RAM Boosters
- PC Boosters
While people may think a Game Booster is there to help, it's still a process and what it's doing you can do yourself, excluding the more advanced features I've included in this guide. It cannot increase your FPS, instead it will decrease it.
#6. Things you can't do while using the computer
Some helpful tips you can do to increase your systems performance outside Windows.
- Make sure your PC is not overheating, regularly clean it from dust, even if it means you have to open it up, I strongly recommend buying a can of pressure air, as vacuum cleaners or even your hands can harm or kill the components inside
- If you're using a laptop, remove the battery and always play with the charger connected, this will give you a little performance boost
#7. Make sure CFEU is installed in C:\Program Files, and not C:\Users\Name\Desktop
- You don't want the game installation files, or the game itself, to be installed on your Desktop if you're using a hard drive.
#8. My game crashes when logging in, or shortly after, leaving no error message
Windows 8/8.1/10
- Press and hold CTRL + SHIFT + ESCAPE
- In the window that pops up click on More Details
- Open the Startup tab and remove/disable all startup applications
Windows 7
- Press and hold CTRL + SHIFT + ESCAPE
- In the search field type msconfig open it
- Open the Startup tab and remove/disable all startup applications
Restart your computer regardless which version of Windows you're using, after completing these steps. Run nothing but CF, and see if the problem remains.