Performance Optimization

Upscaling and Sharpening

DLSS Optimization

• Use DLSS Swapper and NVPI to upgrade to DLSS 3.10.3.0 for best results
• Alternative: Use NVIDIA App to enforce latest DLSS version
• Set Preset K for DLSS and Preset E for Ray Reconstruction in NVPI
• At 4K resolution, DLSS Balanced or even DLSS Performance modes provide excellent results
• Higher resolutions benefit from lower upscaling ratios due to improved DLSS algorithms

DLAA Users

• DLAA will be very expensive performance-wise - we do not recommend using DLAA - if desired override DLSS quality to 75%
• Consider DLSS Quality mode with sharpening mentioned below instead for better performance with minimal visual compromise

FSR Users (AMD)

• FSR 3/4: Latest versions offer improved quality and frame generation
• FSR typically requires higher quality settings than DLSS for comparable visual results
• OptiScaler can be used to replace in-game upscaling with better FSR implementations
• FSR works well with RCAS sharpening mentioned below

General Recommendations

• 1440p: DLSS Quality
• 4K: DLSS Balanced or Performance
• Lower resolutions: DLSS Quality for best visual fidelity

Sharpening

• Install Lilium’s HDR Shaders for Reshade to enable high-quality RCAS sharpening (works for both HDR and SDR)
• RCAS significantly improves image quality and is strongly preferred over in-game sharpening
• Makes the difference between lower upscaling quality settings less noticeable
• Disable in-game sharpening when using RCAS for optimal results
• Strongly recommended to avoid in-game sharpening - poor implementations can cause stuttering or noise

FPS Monitoring, Limiting, and Pacing

Using native game or driver FPS limiters generally leads to more stuttering and less stable frame times. Consider these alternatives:

Display Commander (DC)

• Link: https://github.com/pmnoxx/display-commander/tree/main
• Integrates with ReShade and easy to use
• Supports FG-aware frame pacing (paces base frames for best experience)

RivaTuner Statistics Server (RTSS)

• Link: https://www.guru3d.com/download/rtss-rivatuner-statistics-server-download/
• Least capable but common and mostly easy to use

SpecialK (SK)

• Link: https://www.special-k.info
• Most complex but most capable solution
• May have compatibility issues with ReShade and other tools
• Supports FG-aware frame pacing (paces base frames for best experience)

Note: DC and SK both offer FG-aware frame pacing, which operates on base frames and typically provides the best experience. These tools can also help with Reflex issues that occur in many games.

System Optimization

Hardware Optimizations

• Enable Resizable Bar (ReBar) - Ultra+ mods typically benefit from ReBar even when not officially recommended:
  • NVIDIA users: Use NVPI (NVIDIA Profile Inspector) to enable ReBar per-game (recommended) or globally
  • AMD users: Enable Smart Access Memory in AMD Software > Graphics > Advanced settings
  • Required: Enable in BIOS if supported by motherboard and GPU
• Test Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling (HAGS) - try both enabled and disabled
• NVIDIA users: Set CUDA Sysmem Fallback Policy to “Prefer No Sysmem Fallback” in Control Panel

VRAM Monitoring

• Monitor VRAM usage using MSI Afterburner overlay or Steam overlay
• Symptoms of VRAM shortage: sudden performance loss, stuttering, and high latency
• Recommended usage: Keep VRAM usage below 90% on average for optimal performance
• If exceeding 90%: Lower texture quality, lighting quality, or resolution settings

Antivirus Exclusions

• Exclude game executable (gamename.exe) and entire game folder from real-time scanning
• Exclude shader cache folders:
  • %LocalAppData%\NVIDIA\DXCache
  • %LocalAppData%\[GameName]\Saved
  • %LocalAppData%\AMD\DXCache
• Antivirus hooks can interfere with game streaming and cause performance issues