STEP:Mod Testing: Difference between revisions
From Step Mods | Change The Game
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'''Device Driver Updates''' | '''Device Driver Updates''' | ||
A driver is a computer program that allows other computer programs to interact with hardware (device). Most drivers are update relatively frequently, especially drivers for graphic devices such as AMD's or | A driver is a computer program that allows other computer programs to interact with hardware (device). Most drivers are update relatively frequently, especially drivers for graphic devices such as AMD's or nVidia's graphic cards. Driver updates fix bugs and offer performance improvements. As such, it is quite important to have an up to date set of drivers for all your computer's hardware devices. | ||
If your computer is pre-built, for example, you bought an off the shelf computer under a brand (vendor) name such as HP or ACER, a program(s) is usually included that assists in vendor specific driver updates. If this is the case it is important to use this program(s), as many brand name off the shelf computers have drivers specifically designed for their hardware devices, rather than generic drivers. Consult the manual or the website for information on how to do this on your computer. | If your computer is pre-built, for example, you bought an off the shelf computer under a brand (vendor) name such as HP or ACER, a program(s) is usually included that assists in vendor specific driver updates. If this is the case it is important to use this program(s), as many brand name off the shelf computers have drivers specifically designed for their hardware devices, rather than generic drivers. Consult the manual or the website for information on how to do this on your computer. | ||
If your computer is custom made, then there are several excellent programs to assist with this. A great tool is [http://www.driver-soft.com/ Driver Genius], which will download up to date list of drivers for almost all hardware devices, scan your computer with that list, and specify which need to be updated. The freeware version will do all of this. If you upgrade to the paid version, then the program will also download and install the drivers for you. | If your computer is custom made, then there are several excellent programs to assist with this. A great tool is [http://www.driver-soft.com/ Driver Genius], which will download up to date list of drivers for almost all hardware devices, scan your computer with that list, and specify which need to be updated. The freeware version will do all of this. If you upgrade to the paid version, then the program will also download and install the drivers for you. However, it is not recommended to allow this program to update your graphics drivers. This is best done manually by downloading them from AMD or nVidia. | ||
'''Overclocking''' | '''Overclocking''' | ||
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'''Disk Fragmentation''' | '''Disk Fragmentation''' | ||
On hard disk | On hard disk drives (HDD), over time files that are regularly used by the computer will fragment, increasing read times and potentially causing stability issues. It is good practice to make sure the computers drives are defragmented before testing a mod. It is a good idea to defrag your computer after installing a new mod, especially with large mods such as texture overhauls. A recommended program is [http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/ Auslogics Disk Defrag], which allows full drive defragmenting as well as specific file and folder defragmenting. | ||
If you use a solid state drive (SSD), please disregard the defragmentation advice detailed above. Defragmenting a SSD offers no benefit and will significantly decrease the life span of the drive. | If you use a solid state drive (SSD), please disregard the defragmentation advice detailed above. Defragmenting a SSD offers no benefit and will significantly decrease the life span of the drive. |
Revision as of 16:55, June 20, 2013
Template:Warning Template:Notice Mod Testing for S.T.E.P. -- by the S.T.E.P. Team and Wiki Editors
- Updated: 16:55:47 20 June 2013 (UTC)