Performance Tweaks & Bug Fixes

[Hubuchu]

Hello, I haven't searched the board through and through but I think this should be the thread to post in;

 

I have a few "bugs" or of sorts, first off the SFX;

I don't know if it's mission-related(I'm stuck on the same mission ) or whatever seems to be the problem.

Suddenly the SFX goes silent, Radio still going and all.

Checked the menu and options but there's no "sound" from moving around in the menues either,

Anyone had a similar problem?

 

I'm using an onboard soundcard but haven't had any problem with Any other games so I somewhat doubt that's the problem.

 

Otherwise I'm running with severe crappy graphics and seemingly choppy graphics physics, perhaps that's the way it's supposed to be or is there some kind of way to tweak this game into "smoother" but at the same time keep the performance high?

 

Anycase, the sound is what's bugging me, seems to occur when I click past dialogue, or that's my theory atleast.

 

Thanks for any answers, I've checked all drivers possible and DirectX and so on and so forth.

[Majuub]

I had this problem too, it seems my modem also doubles as a soundcard and was conflicting with my Audigy LS. I had to simply turn off the hardware acceleration for the modem in dxdiag.

I dont know if your problem is the same but you can try

[JungleBoy]

Hey i got san adreas for the Pc yesterday and I use the key pad to play games ( i find is easyer) well anyway the number 5 on the key pad will not work so can any of you help me?

[XtR]

I have the same problem guys...

Music is ok but i cant hear any sound effects.

Plz fix this soon i cant wait to play this game!

[GBrushTWood]

I'm having serious frame rate issues with this game.

 

ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 128 MB

768 MB RAM

Athlon XP 1600+ (old card, I know)

ASUS A7V8X-X

Display resolution while playing of 1280x1024 32 bit color

 

I turned on OSD in ATI Tray Tools, turned off framerate lock, and noticed that I was regularly getting lower than 25 FPS both with every single adjustable setting cranked down or up (Anti-aliasing turned off or on 3, graphic detail at low or very high, 1280x1024 or 800x600, etc).

 

 

Regardless of what in-game settings I toyed with, my frame rate remained at a putrid 25 or less. Simply unacceptable coming from a higher end graphics card such as the one I have.

I have other games on my computer that run as smooth as silk (namely MVP Baseball 2005, which runs at a minimum of 45 FPS, but usually around 60).

 

Does anybody have ideas on how I can increase the frame rate here? Simply turning down the quality of the graphics isn't doing it for me.

 

Here are my ATI Direct3D settings:

Anti Aliasing: Application Preference

Maximum Resolution: Application Preference

Ansiotropic Filtering: 16X

Ansiotropic Filtering Method: Quality

Texture Preference: High Quality

Mipmap Detail Level: High Quality

Wait for Vertical Sync: Application Preference

TRUFORM: Always off

[Majuub]

AF is a resource hog, try turning it down to 8, itll look only slightly worse but perform much better.

[Cran.]

Hmmm this is f*cked. San an runs like crap for me, and it gets only around 40fps outdoors, but might higher indoors. Now when I turn to res down, it still wont go above 40fps.

 

Intel P4 3.4GHz

Nvidia GeForce 6800 Go

1024mb DDR2 ram.

 

I had it at 3/4 draw distance, 1680x1050x32, High and mip maps on.

[JKidd]

40 fps is good man what are you complaining about.The max i thought was 30 for San Andreas?

[Oktabiusz]

I have big problem, when I plaz the game after 10 or 20 minutes game stand over, and I must reset mz computer... I don·t know what i going on? Could you help me?

 

My specs:

OS: Win XP Pro SP2

CPU: AMD Athlon XP+ 2.0 GHz

GFX: GeForce FX 5600 256MB (71.89 drivers)

RAM: 512 DDR

DirectX: 9.0c

 

I'm sorry for my English

Edited June 10, 2005 by Oktabiusz

[Colt.1911]

I can't even install the nvidia drivers you posted up there. Running the 71.89 update gives me the following error during installation:

 

"The NVIDIA Setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with your current hardware. Setup will now exit."

 

My machine looks like this:

 

Windows XP Media Center Edition

P4, 3.2 GHZ with H/T

1024 MB DDR SDRAM

nvidia GeForce FX Go5700, 128 MB

Possible Causes:

 

1. Hardware isnt detected, that problem most often is an improperly seated card. Make sure you cards are seated firmly

However, if a different driver version installs ok, it would seem an unlikely cause. I have seen cards inserted at angles that would half work, example NIC that would send, but not recieve.

 

2. Hardware resource conflict (IRQ, I/O address). Update/Install latest mainboard drivers. Make sure ACPI compliant system is turned on and functioning in BIOS, and windows. Pay special attention to any legacy devices. They are often a problem. Let mainboard auto allocate resources if possible.

 

3. Maybe a driver bug, for that model card, check with Nvidia.

 

Good luck

[DownldThs]

 

THIS WORKED fixing the invisible/partial pedestrian glitch that was plauging the owners of older video cards. Just tried it out for myself.

[Cran.]

The amazing Alt+Tab bug reappears.

I'm hoping Rockstar is working on a patch which will make the game work faster, and fix some of these glitches.

[JeZzAh_GoD]

Sound problems here.

 

In the beginning everything is fine. But when I've played for a couple of minutes, all sound goes away, except for the radio stations...

 

Anyoune got a clue how to fix this???

[zbuffer]

 

how do u make left arrow or right arrow side step left or right

 

 

U know in VC How u can like use the left arrow to side step left

 

In SA i can't SET a Key That makes hime side step or walk backwards

 

like u can in VC

[loseruser]

I just found something out.

 

If you're trying to run audio off the disc and the game is crashing, try reinstalling but this time tell it to do a complete install with all the radio stations. I tried this and after that the game worked great.

[Ekamentus]

People with Reboot problems, go here.

[Ekamentus]

W00ps dubble post, sorry bout that.

[Idono]

Hehe this takes the prize.

 

Updated every driver allso tried older version.

 

Have a Asus Radion 9800 XT

 

 

 

 

[Fido_SanAndreas]

I have a Nvidia Geforce 5200 and 512 RAM and Pentium 4, when I run the game in 1200x1000x16 (not sure on exact stats I think) It will run ok but with 16 bit colors (game is vvery smooth) but sometimes the textures will have this black kind of backdrop to it? and it gets weirder and weirder from the distance but if you keep going closer it gets better.

 

 

I can play on the same res but 32 bit but here is my problem. I updated all drivers but when I play it on high or very high visual FX the game lags like a MMORPG. I turn settings to low, but the grass is gone and the streets take awhile to load. Can anyone help me with this problem please?

[loseruser]

I have a Nvidia Geforce 5200 and 512 RAM and Pentium 4, when I run the game in 1200x1000x16 (not sure on exact stats I think) It will run ok but with 16 bit colors (game is vvery smooth) but sometimes the textures will have this black kind of backdrop to it? and it gets weirder and weirder from the distance but if you keep going closer it gets better.

 

 

I can play on the same res but 32 bit but here is my problem. I updated all drivers but when I play it on high or very high visual FX the game lags like a MMORPG. I turn settings to low, but the grass is gone and the streets take awhile to load. Can anyone help me with this problem please?

I read in the readme FAQ that the streets not appearing had something to do with the frame limiter option.

[loaded_dick]

Hey all,

 

I think i have found a way to stop the game (at least on my machine) from crashing every 10mins!!!

Try this:

1) Make sure Graphics and Sound Drivers are upto date

2) Do a uninstall of the game

3) Reinstall the game, but do a custom install and choose NOT to install GTA:SA music stations and sound to hard drive.

4) Yor original save games and settings shud be sweet!! GAME ON

 

I think this will only work for people with systems' similar to mine.

P4 3.0 Ghz HT

2x512 MB Duel Channel DDR SDRAM

Gigabyte GeForce 6600GT 128MB (Driver: NVIDIA 71.89)

ASUS P5GD1-PRO M-Board

SoundBlaster Live 24-bit (Creative Device Control version: 1.02.06) - I think thats the latest

DirectX: 9.0c

 

NOTE: My Samsung DVD-RW and HDD are on the same IDE channel, i think this may have something to do with the spontaneous crashing.

 

Now that the sounds are running from the DVD, the game dosnt crash at all. If you havnt tried this already i recommend it, but i reckon itll only work for those with hardware similar to mine.

 

Cheers all

 

 

[Aincham]

P4 2.4 Ghz (533fsb), 1024RAM ddr333, 7200rpm HD, BFG 6600 GT OC @agp4x, ASUS P4PE and an Audigy LS. Just installed Det 77.13, which made no diff to performance over the Omega66.93's.

 

Vert Sync in driver control panel forced to ON = 20 - 22 fps with anything above low effects settings, 1024*768 32bit, AA*2, 4 bars draw distance. (low effects settings gives me 30 - 32 fps)

 

I change vert sync to application controlled = 26 - 30 fps with same ingame settings, except now I can turn effects up to very high and still get that same fps... good but, weird eh.

 

Maybe back in the geforce 2 gts days, vert sync couldve made all the diff, but these days with a 6600 GT? Makes no sense to me at all. My guess is the shadow effects, somehow "don't like" vert sync.

 

Anyone else find this kind of performance increase, when setting vert sync to application contolled in driver cp?

 

Also, so you get an idea that im not full of it (I still kinda dont believe it myself), this is what I do to test fps:

1. Load up save game, which starts from whats his names mama's house.

2. Run out and hop on roadbike in garage.

3. Blast down the only road that connects from that area.

4. Once I get to crossing over the tracks, several cars ALWAYS spawn, and as I fly between them which is usually under the bridge, I notice the fps.

5. Stop the bike, where the road runs out and turns left, right on the middle of road line, so that cars can get past me.

6. Once cars build up a bit after about 10-15 seconds, look down both roads, checking fps.

 

I'm glad to get this performance increase which JUST tips the scales in favour of playable, but I still find the performance of this game dissapointing, because Vice City runs about 3 times faster, ie 60-90fps, on this same system. I really, really hope Rockstar come out with a 'miracle like' performance fix, even just 20% extra, but I wont be holding my breath.

Edited June 11, 2005 by Aincham

[Augh]

Randomly occurs at things which involve leaving the start menu and returning to game that a groovy, endless sound like Bill Hick's impression of Satan, or a strimmer immediately behind your head begins playing. Ideas anyone?

 

Creative Audigy 2 with no environment stuff or shiz running. Time to update everything under the sun.

 

Thanks for any ideas or "posted here noob" relinks to buried topics.

 

Avast

 

Edit: 4.x Creative EAX drivers, new Nvidia drivers and HD drivers update, turned off mipmapping = GIGANTIC framerate improvement/total fix.

 

Didn't find if the problem for sounds is nailed yet, but EAX 4.x version and sound problems have been mentioned in threads and people wrote "the new EAX isn't out yet". Maybe they meant 4.y but maybe not.

 

Ciaoz

Edited June 11, 2005 by Augh

[arvias]

I am having the same crashing problems, like whenever i enter a van.

It's incredibly annoying

 

I think this is probably related to me having a SB Live!.

 

I tried with the default Windows XP drivers and with the latest from creative.com and it still didn't do the trick.

 

Also tried agp fast write stuff, sound acceleration, none of these worked.

 

Reinstalling the game is not an option for me unfortunately

 

[jools1980]

[snip] I'm glad to get this performance increase which JUST tips the scales in favour of playable, but I still find the performance of this game dissapointing, because Vice City runs about 3 times faster, ie 60-90fps, on this same system. I really, really hope Rockstar come out with a 'miracle like' performance fix, even just 20% extra, but I wont be holding my breath.

I totally agree. But I gess it's due to the map's size, improved everything, increased general poly count, moe detailed textures, greatly improved lighting, reflections and whatnot.

[Fido_SanAndreas]

I have a Nvidia Geforce 5200 and 512 RAM and Pentium 4, when I run the game in 1200x1000x16 (not sure on exact stats I think) It will run ok but with 16 bit colors (game is vvery smooth) but sometimes the textures will have this black kind of backdrop to it? and it gets weirder and weirder from the distance but if you keep going closer it gets better.

 

 

I can play on the same res but 32 bit but here is my problem. I updated all drivers but when I play it on high or very high visual FX the game lags like a MMORPG. I turn settings to low, but the grass is gone and the streets take awhile to load. Can anyone help me with this problem please?

I read in the readme FAQ that the streets not appearing had something to do with the frame limiter option.

They appear, but in like the very slight distance they are blurry and when I am moving towards it, it becomes clear when my car is over it. It's weird, most likely because I have it on Low setting on 32 bit. Kind of tired of 16

[TAcTcOM]

After a perfect installation, the game won't start. Black screen and then desktop.

 

I've tryed to reboot, to update drivers with the very last and to use a different drive to read the DVD, but nothing changed. DirectX are OK, and the system is affordable (played HL2 and Doom 3 without problems).

 

I've a GeForce 6800 128Mb (ASUS V9999LE) and the lastest drivers from Nvidia. There's a knows incompatibiity with this video board?

[reldavidson]

Found two bugs in my game. Specs:

 

XP SP2 with latest "windows update fixes etc."

1.4ghz pentium m

512mb ram

32mb mobile radeon 9200 directx 9c Omega 2.6.25a drivers

60gb "clean hard drive" - I formatted my entire hard drive before i installed gta!

15.4" 1280 x 800 and gta runs at the native res (1280 x 800 x 16, med fx, aa off, draw medium)

ac '97 audio ess soundmax with latest drivers

 

Anyway the first is when you are able to get to San Fierro, the southern-most bridge connecting it to Los Santos can be driven over by myself but none of the other cars drive over it, e.g. when you are being chased by the police and go over the bridge they turn around as when they get close.

 

The second bug is to do with the mission Jizzy on san fierro; it always crashes and i dont have a clue whats wrong.

 

Also, sometimes the audio cuts out for me at some points, but i think that is fixed now. Cheers, guys.

Edited June 13, 2005 by reldavidson

[apu95]

Another user with problems now

 

Everything works fine for me, with this setup

 

WinXP Pro, P4 2.4 533 FSB, POS Dell Mobo, 512 1066 RDRAM, Radeon 9600XT 128, SB Audigy 2, WD 120gb 7200rpm, 16x DVD, DVD±RW

 

The problem I have is with the damn DDR style minigames...the framerate goes to hell with them. I've tried running with the lowest res possible, lowest settings and no mipmapping, with and without frame limiter and lowest draw distance too. Nothing has worked so far. I'm using the latest drivers for everything in my system, and of course, R* only says "update your drivers" even though I specifically said that they were the most recent ones (crappy ass support if you ask me...I hate automated responses).

I also lowered the sound accel to the lowest setting and it still didn't do anything (I've tried all settings).

 

Right now I don't know what to do...I can't get passed the OG Loc - Lifes a Beach mission. I barely made it through the Cesar Vialpando thing, by hitting the arrows in an "every other arrow" fashion...

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks

Apu

[Wolf68k]

I can't even install the nvidia drivers you posted up there. Running the 71.89 update gives me the following error during installation:

 

"The NVIDIA Setup program could not locate any drivers that are compatible with your current hardware. Setup will now exit."

 

My machine looks like this:

 

Windows XP Media Center Edition

P4, 3.2 GHZ with H/T

1024 MB DDR SDRAM

nvidia GeForce FX Go5700, 128 MB

Your OS is Windows MediaCenter Edition, right?

The drivers linked above are for WinXP & 2k

 

WindowsMCE drivers version are 71.84

http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_71.84.html

Atleast this is what it says when you go http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp and select WinMCE as the OS.

 

 

 

For those with audio problems:

 

Sound Issues - Click on the Windows start button, click "Run" and then type dxdiag and click OK. Click the sound tab and drag the "Hardware Sound Acceleration Level" slider to "No Acceleration."

Source: PlanetGTA Forums

 

 

@Idono

At the same link above they mention "Polygons Stretching" which is what I'm guessing what your problem is. However as of yet there is no solution. My starting suggestion after maing sure all of your drivers uptodate is to lower the graphic settings and see how it goes, then slowly increase them. If there is no difference after lowering them, then you'll just have to wait for a fix.