STEP:Mod Testing: Difference between revisions
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== Computer Stability == | == Computer Stability == | ||
====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 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 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==== | |||
If you are currently overclocking your computer it is recommended setting everything to its default stock settings. This goes for the CPU, GPU, and RAM. Although the chances are low, it is possible for a new mod that is resource intensive to instigate stability issues, even if your previous overclock settings were stable. CPU and RAM overclocks can be managed from your motherboard's [http://www.pcstats.com/articleview.cfm?articleid=1804&page=6 BIOS], and GPU overclocks are managed by a variety of programs. A recommended program for GPU overclock management is [http://event.msi.com/vga/afterburner/index.htm MSI Afterburner]. | |||
====Ghosts in the Machine==== | |||
Over time a computer will generate many redundant files that at the minimum will do nothing harmful, and at worst will cause stability issues. These files can include temporary files or redundant registry keys. It is recommended to use a program such as [http://www.piriform.com/CCLEANER CCleaner] to clear these files, as well as to fix registry issues. | |||
To ensure proper registry key cleaning, it is recommended to restart your computer after program installation and uninstallation, and any computer driver related changes. It is important to restart your computer because Windows will do some registry cleaning of its own when the computer restarts. Once you have logged in, you can safely clean the registry as well as remove redundant files. | |||
====Disk Fragmentation==== | |||
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. | |||
====Background Processes==== | |||
Background processes will take up resources, also potentially introducing stability issues when playing or testing Skyrim. A great program for eliminating as many of these background processes as possible is [http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html Game Booster]. This will close redundant programs as well as services, and is optimized towards games. Another program that is useful is [http://bitsum.com/prolasso.php Process Lasso], which acts as a much expanded task manager. This will allow you to set Skyrim's CPU and I/O priority to high. | |||
====TESV.exe Properties==== | |||
These settings will ensure that when Skyrim runs, Windows Aero Theme will be disabled, freeing up VRAM, since Aero may use between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Aero 64 to 128MB] of VRAM. To access these settings navigate to your skyrim folder, right click on TESV.exe, and then click on the Compatibility tab. Tick the Disable Visual Themes and Disable Desktop Composition boxes, as shown in the image below. This only applies to Windows Vista or later. | |||
[[File:Recommended Settings.png|250px|thumb:'''Figure 1.''' TESV.exe Properties Settings]] | |||
== Mod Testing Setup == | == Mod Testing Setup == |
Revision as of 16:51, June 22, 2013
Template:Warning Template:Notice Mod Testing for S.T.E.P. -- by the S.T.E.P. Team
- Updated: 16:51:25 22 June 2013 (UTC)