User:DoctorMuerte/test1: Difference between revisions
m
Minor fixes. Added italics for options. Added CDVD section. Added Dev9 section.
DoctorMuerte (talk | contribs) mNo edit summary |
DoctorMuerte (talk | contribs) m (Minor fixes. Added italics for options. Added CDVD section. Added Dev9 section.) |
||
| Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
<br />http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Official-English-PCSX2-configuration-guide-v1-2-1 | <br />http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Official-English-PCSX2-configuration-guide-v1-2-1 | ||
<br />http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-PCSX2-Wiki-collaboration-thread?pid=415385 | <br />http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-PCSX2-Wiki-collaboration-thread?pid=415385 | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
<br />'''WORK IN PROGRESS!''' | <br />'''WORK IN PROGRESS!''' | ||
| Line 78: | Line 74: | ||
On the next step, you will be asked to provide the location for PCSX2 to install, the image illustrates the | On the next step, you will be asked to provide the location for PCSX2 to install, the image illustrates the default installation path: | ||
| Line 105: | Line 101: | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
The emulator is going to create the folders mentioned on ''Standalone Installer'' at the first run. | The emulator is going to create the folders mentioned on ''Standalone Installer'' at the first run. | ||
=Running PCSX2 for the first time= | =Running PCSX2 for the first time= | ||
PCSX2 has a first time configuration wizard to help you configure it easier so we'll first go through that. PCSX2 will automatically store all settings, memcards and new files generated in general in your Documents folder if you used the installers, or in the same folder pcsx2 | PCSX2 has a first time configuration wizard to help you configure it easier so we'll first go through that. PCSX2 will automatically store all settings, memcards and new files generated in general in your Documents folder if you used the installers, or in the same folder ''pcsx2.exe'' is located at if you used the binary version. | ||
In the first dropdown, simply select the language you want the program to be in. | In the first dropdown, simply select the language you want the program to be in. | ||
| Line 116: | Line 111: | ||
In the second screen you will be able to choose which plugins you want to use. The default plugins are the ones with the higher compatibility and usually fastest too, so before changing them make sure you know what you're doing. | In the second screen you will be able to choose which plugins you want to use. The default plugins are the ones with the higher compatibility and usually fastest too, so before changing them make sure you know what you're doing. | ||
Here you can also specify a different folder for your plugins if you want, by unchecking the use default setting checkbox and selecting a folder of your choice by clicking Browse. Open In Explorer simply opens a file explorer window in the folder you have specified. | <br />Here you can also specify a different folder for your plugins if you want, by unchecking the use default setting checkbox and selecting a folder of your choice by clicking Browse. Open In Explorer simply opens a file explorer window in the folder you have specified. | ||
| Line 123: | Line 118: | ||
In the third screen, you will be prompted to select your BIOS image from the list. If you can't see anything on this list, you need to either copy your BIOS files in the folder seen below, or change that folder to point to where you have your BIOS image saved. For more information about the BIOS, check the BIOS configuration section of this guide. If you can't make a selection, you will not be able to use PCSX2. Click Finish to end the First Time Configuration Wizard. | In the third screen, you will be prompted to select your BIOS image from the list. If you can't see anything on this list, you need to either copy your BIOS files in the folder seen below, or change that folder to point to where you have your BIOS image saved. For more information about the BIOS, check the BIOS configuration section of this guide. If you can't make a selection, you will not be able to use PCSX2. Click Finish to end the First Time Configuration Wizard. | ||
[[File:PCSX2_Wizard_3.png]] | [[File:PCSX2_Wizard_3.png]] | ||
| Line 136: | Line 132: | ||
=Plugin configuration= | =Plugin configuration= | ||
PCSX2 is a plugin oriented program. Your pcsx2.exe is the main processor that can emulate the real PS2 on the PC but it does not work alone. It needs a graphics plugin to display the game graphics and a sound plugin to play game sounds and music, and it also needs a pad plugin to allow you to play using your keyboard, mouse or gamepad. Moreover there may be more than one plugin of each type so you may choose which is better suited for a particular game. All plugins are stored (by default) in the plugins folder of your main PCSX2 folder. Some plugins like GSDX for example can be updated quite often so you may want to renew only this plugin (out of all plugins). In order to do it you'll need to download the updated version and extract it by using the archiver into your plugins folder. The changing of some settings (choosing your new plugin) may also be required. | PCSX2 is a plugin oriented program. Your ''pcsx2.exe'' is the main processor that can emulate the real PS2 on the PC but it does not work alone. It needs a graphics plugin to display the game graphics and a sound plugin to play game sounds and music, and it also needs a pad plugin to allow you to play using your keyboard, mouse or gamepad. Moreover there may be more than one plugin of each type so you may choose which is better suited for a particular game. All plugins are stored (by default) in the plugins folder of your main PCSX2 folder. Some plugins like ''GSDX'' for example can be updated quite often so you may want to renew only this plugin (out of all plugins). In order to do it you'll need to download the updated version and extract it by using the archiver into your plugins folder. The changing of some settings (choosing your new plugin) may also be required. | ||
We will start with configuring our plugins then we will move onto Core settings configuration. | We will start with configuring our plugins then we will move onto Core settings configuration. | ||
| Line 155: | Line 151: | ||
*ZeroGS v0.97.1 | *ZeroGS v0.97.1 | ||
*GSnull driver v0.1.0 | *GSnull driver v0.1.0 | ||
GSdx v0.1.16 is a DirectX 9 and DirectX 10/11 plugin by Gabest which recently got greatly improved in both speed and image quality. It requires pixel shaders 2 and SSE2 to work and Vista/Windows 7/8 with a DirectX 10 compliant graphics card for the DirectX10/11 mode. ZeroGS is a very old plugin which has not been developed in years. A very small number of games works better with this plugin than with GSdx, you can try it as a '''last resort'''. GSnull is, as the name suggests, a null graphics plugin which will not output any kind of video. It is used for debugging purposes. | GSdx v0.1.16 is a DirectX 9 and DirectX 10/11 plugin by '''Gabest'' which recently got greatly improved in both speed and image quality. It requires pixel shaders 2 and SSE2 to work and Vista/Windows 7/8 with a DirectX 10 compliant graphics card for the DirectX10/11 mode. ZeroGS is a very old plugin which has not been developed in years. A very small number of games works better with this plugin than with GSdx, you can try it as a '''last resort'''. GSnull is, as the name suggests, a null graphics plugin which will not output any kind of video. It is used for debugging purposes. | ||
===GSdx=== | ===GSdx=== | ||
Select GSdx v0.1.16 and press the Configure button. | Select ''GSdx v0.1.16'' and press the Configure button. | ||
| Line 185: | Line 181: | ||
You can also use [http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html CPU-Z] to find out your processor's supported | You can also use [http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.html CPU-Z] to find out your processor's supported | ||
instruction | instruction set. | ||
|} | |} | ||
To use the DirectX10/11 mode, you will have to be running '''Windows Vista''' or '''Windows 7/8 with a DirectX10/11''' compliant graphics card (check previous link). DirectX10 and DirectX11 modes of GSdx for the time being are '''exactly the same''' in both terms of speed and compatibility. The only difference is that you will only see the first if your graphics card supports up to DirectX10 and only the second if your graphics card supports up to DirectX11. | To use the DirectX10/11 mode, you will have to be running '''Windows Vista''' or '''Windows 7/8 with a DirectX10/11''' compliant graphics card [http://www.gpureview.com/videocards.php (check previous link)]. DirectX10 and DirectX11 modes of GSdx for the time being are '''exactly the same''' in both terms of speed and compatibility. The only difference is that you will only see the first if your graphics card supports up to DirectX10 and only the second if your graphics card supports up to DirectX11. | ||
'''Adapter''' | '''Adapter''' | ||
| Line 197: | Line 193: | ||
<br />Here you can choose how the graphics will be rendered. | <br />Here you can choose how the graphics will be rendered. | ||
*By selecting "Direct3D9 (Hardware)", GSdx will use the Direct3D capabilities of your graphics card, boosting the emulation speed significantly. | *By selecting ''"Direct3D9 (Hardware)"'', GSdx will use the Direct3D capabilities of your graphics card, boosting the emulation speed significantly. | ||
*By selecting "Direct3D10/11 (Hardware)" '''(only selectable in Vista/Windows 7 with DX10/11 graphics card)''', GSdx will use its Direct3D10/11 mode which is usually the fastest mode and sometimes even more compatible as well. '''Highly recommended''' if your system supports it. | *By selecting ''"Direct3D10/11 (Hardware)"'' '''(only selectable in Vista/Windows 7 with DX10/11 graphics card)''', GSdx will use its Direct3D10/11 mode which is usually the fastest mode and sometimes even more compatible as well. '''Highly recommended''' if your system supports it. | ||
*By selecting "Direct3D9/10/11 (Software)", GSdx will use its built-in software renderer, which will not use your graphics card at all, but your processor instead. This way the emulation speed is greatly reduced but you get maximum compatibility. Recommended if you encounter graphics bugs with the Direct3D (Hardware) renderer. | *By selecting ''"Direct3D9/10/11 (Software)"'', GSdx will use its built-in software renderer, which will not use your graphics card at all, but your processor instead. This way the emulation speed is greatly reduced but you get maximum compatibility. Recommended if you encounter graphics bugs with the Direct3D (Hardware) renderer. | ||
*By selecting "OpenGL (hardware)", GSdx will use the OpenGL backend, which at this time is a slower equivalent of the DirectX renderers, with the same or worse compatibility. It's the best option for Linux users. | *By selecting ''"OpenGL (hardware)"'', GSdx will use the OpenGL backend, which at this time is a slower equivalent of the DirectX renderers, with the same or worse compatibility. It's the best option for Linux users. | ||
* By selecting "OpenGL (software)", GSdx will use the OpenGL backend in software mode, with the same characteristics as described above. | * By selecting ''"OpenGL (software)"'', GSdx will use the OpenGL backend in software mode, with the same characteristics as described above. | ||
*By selecting "Direct3D9 (null)", Direct3D10/11 (null)", "Null (software)" or "Null (null)" the plugin will simply not render anything, thus not giving any output on screen. Use it only if you want to e.g. Hear some music since with this mode you get a dramatic speed increase. | *By selecting ''"Direct3D9 (null)"'', Direct3D10/11 (null)", "Null (software)" or "Null (null)" the plugin will simply not render anything, thus not giving any output on screen. Use it only if you want to e.g. Hear some music since with this mode you get a dramatic speed increase. | ||
'''Interlacing''' | '''Interlacing''' | ||
| Line 221: | Line 217: | ||
Only available if a Hardware Renderer has been selected above. Here you can tweak various settings to improve the visual quality of your games by increasing the resolution the textures are rendered at or applying filtering. Do keep in mind that changing the native resolution of games can cause various glitches (from the usual very minor glitches to more serious ones in rare cases). | Only available if a Hardware Renderer has been selected above. Here you can tweak various settings to improve the visual quality of your games by increasing the resolution the textures are rendered at or applying filtering. Do keep in mind that changing the native resolution of games can cause various glitches (from the usual very minor glitches to more serious ones in rare cases). | ||
*D3D internal resolution: Here you can specify the exact resolution you want resources to be rendered at!This way, if your PC is powerful enough (mainly your graphics card), you can play your favorite ps2 games in much higher resolutions making the graphics crisp and more detailed.Note that the higher the resolution, the more resources the plugin will have to use, thus making emulation much slower. | *''D3D internal resolution'': Here you can specify the exact resolution you want resources to be rendered at!This way, if your PC is powerful enough (mainly your graphics card), you can play your favorite ps2 games in much higher resolutions making the graphics crisp and more detailed.Note that the higher the resolution, the more resources the plugin will have to use, thus making emulation much slower. | ||
*Original PS2 Resolution - Native: If you check this box, the plugin will render in the native resolution of the ps2 (that is why Custom Resolution and Scaling get grayed out) | *''Original PS2 Resolution - Native'': If you check this box, the plugin will render in the native resolution of the ps2 (that is why Custom Resolution and Scaling get grayed out) | ||
*Scaling: Set it to Custom to use whatever you set in the setting below (Custom Resolution). Setting it to 2x-6x will multiply the game's internal resolution by that value and render it. So if a game's native resolution is 640x320, setting this to 3x will render it at 1920x960 (triple of the native resolution). This way some upscaling bugs are prevented which would be present if you set a Custom Resolution in the boxes below.At this time most games and graphic cards can do x2 or x3 scaling fine but get a sharp speed drop at higher settings. | *''Scaling'': Set it to Custom to use whatever you set in the setting below (Custom Resolution). Setting it to 2x-6x will multiply the game's internal resolution by that value and render it. So if a game's native resolution is 640x320, setting this to 3x will render it at 1920x960 (triple of the native resolution). This way some upscaling bugs are prevented which would be present if you set a Custom Resolution in the boxes below.At this time most games and graphic cards can do x2 or x3 scaling fine but get a sharp speed drop at higher settings. | ||
*Custom Resolution: When Scaling is set to custom, you can input here whatever resolution you want the game to be rendered at. | *''Custom Resolution'': When Scaling is set to custom, you can input here whatever resolution you want the game to be rendered at. | ||
'''Shaders subsection''' | '''Shaders subsection''' | ||
*Enable Shade Boost: By checking this a new set of options will become available to you via the settings button at the right. Click settings to adjust saturation, brightness and contrast to your liking for the video output of GSdx. You can click the reset button on the lower left to set the sliders to their initial positions. | *''Enable Shade Boost'': By checking this a new set of options will become available to you via the settings button at the right. Click settings to adjust saturation, brightness and contrast to your liking for the video output of GSdx. You can click the reset button on the lower left to set the sliders to their initial positions. | ||
*Enable FXAA: By enabling this GSdx will apply the FXAA anti-aliasing algorithm to improve the visual quality of your games with a usually minor speed hit. You can toggle FXAA on and off by pressing the PageUp key. | *''Enable FXAA'': By enabling this GSdx will apply the FXAA anti-aliasing algorithm to improve the visual quality of your games with a usually minor speed hit. You can toggle FXAA on and off by pressing the PageUp key. | ||
*Enable FX Shader: Since version 1.2.0, PCSX2 is able to use external shader programs to add various effects and visual improvements. By default, PCSX2 comes with 4 simple scanline shaders (which you can cycle through while running a game by pressing F7). For a huge set of shader effects which include UHQ FXAA, Bilinear FS Filtering, Bicubic FS Filtering, Gaussian FS Filtering, High Quality Blended Bloom, Per-Channel Gamma Correction, Scene Tone Mapping, RGB Colour Correction, S-Curve Contrast Enhancement, Texture, Sharpening, Pixel Vibrance, Post-Complement Colour Grading, Cel Shading, Scanline Emulation, Vignette and Subpixel Dithering you can download Asmodean's shader file from our forum [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx?pid=334766#pid334766 HERE]. Open the zip file and extract the PCSX2Fx_Settings.txt and shader.fx files in the same directory with ''pcsx2.exe''. You can change the settings of the shader by opening the PCSX2Fx_Settings.txt and following the included instructions and finally saving the file with your changes. Use with caution as setting huge values here can have an enormous impact on speed. Note that '''you can use external shaders even with a GSdx (software) renderer,''' which is the best way to get higher visual quality with this rendering mode. | *''Enable FX Shader'': Since version 1.2.0, PCSX2 is able to use external shader programs to add various effects and visual improvements. By default, PCSX2 comes with 4 simple scanline shaders (which you can cycle through while running a game by pressing F7). For a huge set of shader effects which include UHQ FXAA, Bilinear FS Filtering, Bicubic FS Filtering, Gaussian FS Filtering, High Quality Blended Bloom, Per-Channel Gamma Correction, Scene Tone Mapping, RGB Colour Correction, S-Curve Contrast Enhancement, Texture, Sharpening, Pixel Vibrance, Post-Complement Colour Grading, Cel Shading, Scanline Emulation, Vignette and Subpixel Dithering you can download Asmodean's shader file from our forum [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Custom-Shaders-for-GSdx?pid=334766#pid334766 HERE]. Open the zip file and extract the PCSX2Fx_Settings.txt and shader.fx files in the same directory with ''pcsx2.exe''. You can change the settings of the shader by opening the PCSX2Fx_Settings.txt and following the included instructions and finally saving the file with your changes. Use with caution as setting huge values here can have an enormous impact on speed. Note that '''you can use external shaders even with a GSdx (software) renderer,''' which is the best way to get higher visual quality with this rendering mode. | ||
{| | {| | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 245: | Line 241: | ||
Only available if a Hardware Renderer has been selected above. Here you can change some settings for extra performance or video quality. | Only available if a Hardware Renderer has been selected above. Here you can change some settings for extra performance or video quality. | ||
*Texture filtering: This tickbox has 3 states. Checked, grayed and unchecked. | *''Texture filtering'': This tickbox has 3 states. Checked, grayed and unchecked. | ||
**When checked, everything on screen both 2D and 3D will be bilinearly filtered. | **When checked, everything on screen both 2D and 3D will be bilinearly filtered. | ||
**When grayed, filtering will be done as on a PS2. This is the preferred setting. | **When grayed, filtering will be done as on a PS2. This is the preferred setting. | ||
**When off, bilinear filtering is disabled completely. Lowers video quality but may help some slower graphic cards. | **When off, bilinear filtering is disabled completely. Lowers video quality but may help some slower graphic cards. | ||
*Logarithmic Z: This setting may help when some of the games graphics are "see through". Can be toggled only with graphics cards that do NOT support a 32bit Z-buffer. | *''Logarithmic Z'': This setting may help when some of the games graphics are "see through". Can be toggled only with graphics cards that do NOT support a 32bit Z-buffer. | ||
*Allow 8-bit textures: Uses more efficient "palletized textures" for all rendering which reduces the graphic card RAM requirements. On the other hand it increases the processing load and can cause visual bugs. Recommended to try both and see which gives you the most performance. | *''Allow 8-bit textures'': Uses more efficient "palletized textures" for all rendering which reduces the graphic card RAM requirements. On the other hand it increases the processing load and can cause visual bugs. Recommended to try both and see which gives you the most performance. | ||
*Alpha Correction (FBA): (DX9 mode only) Keep this enabled as it fixes some blending problems that the DX9 mode has. Can also cause some issues. | *''Alpha Correction (FBA)'': (DX9 mode only) Keep this enabled as it fixes some blending problems that the DX9 mode has. Can also cause some issues. | ||
'''Hacks Subsection''' | '''Hacks Subsection''' | ||
| Line 265: | Line 261: | ||
|} | |} | ||
*MSAA: Adds Anti-Aliasing of the selected level to every surface rendered. This is highly video card memory demanding and might crash PCSX2 if there's not enough RAM. For more information, read the description at the right panel of the box. | *''MSAA'': Adds Anti-Aliasing of the selected level to every surface rendered. This is highly video card memory demanding and might crash PCSX2 if there's not enough RAM. For more information, read the description at the right panel of the box. | ||
*Skipdraw: Skips drawing some surfaces altogether, based on how likely they are to cause issues. Specify how many surfaces should get skipped after the first problematic one is found. Try lower values first like 1-3 then use higher ones (the highest the number the higher the chance of broken/missing graphics and effects). This hack may cause random speedups as well! | *''Skipdraw'': Skips drawing some surfaces altogether, based on how likely they are to cause issues. Specify how many surfaces should get skipped after the first problematic one is found. Try lower values first like 1-3 then use higher ones (the highest the number the higher the chance of broken/missing graphics and effects). This hack may cause random speedups as well! | ||
*Alpha: Try this if your game has issues with fog like effects or shadows. In general, try it if you get graphics glitches in case it fixes them. | *''Alpha'': Try this if your game has issues with fog like effects or shadows. In general, try it if you get graphics glitches in case it fixes them. | ||
*Half-pixel Offset: This hack adds an offset to all surfaces so that some common upscaling issues get reduced. Use this when blur or halo effects seem to appear shifted up-left of where they should be. | *''Half-pixel Offset'': This hack adds an offset to all surfaces so that some common upscaling issues get reduced. Use this when blur or halo effects seem to appear shifted up-left of where they should be. | ||
*Sprite: Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | *''Sprite'': Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | ||
*WildArmsOffset: Known to help with lots of games. Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | *''WildArmsOffset'': Known to help with lots of games. Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | ||
*Aggressive-CRC: Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | *''Aggressive-CRC'': Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | ||
*Alpha Stencil: Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | *''Alpha Stencil'': Read the description at the right panel of the box for more information. | ||
*Nvidia Hack: Try this hack if you own an Nvidia graphics card and experience strange stretching on and off when using scaling. | *''Nvidia Hack'': Try this hack if you own an Nvidia graphics card and experience strange stretching on and off when using scaling. | ||
*Disable CRCs: Will disable all the GSdx hacks for specific games. You will usually get more bugs than without having this on, but for certain games like Shadow of the Colossus, you might prefer the output with this on. | *''Disable CRCs'': Will disable all the GSdx hacks for specific games. You will usually get more bugs than without having this on, but for certain games like Shadow of the Colossus, you might prefer the output with this on. | ||
*TC Offset X/Y: As the description explains, these settings can help fix some misaligment issues when using scaling. You can see some example values which are known to help Persona 3, Haunting Ground and Xenosaga. You can try using the same values for your game in case it fixes it, or try your own. | *''TC Offset X/Y'': As the description explains, these settings can help fix some misaligment issues when using scaling. You can see some example values which are known to help Persona 3, Haunting Ground and Xenosaga. You can try using the same values for your game in case it fixes it, or try your own. | ||
'''Software mode Subsection''' | '''Software mode Subsection''' | ||
Only available if a Software Renderer has been selected above. Here you will find options to tweak how many threads the renderer will use and turn on/off the software AA. | Only available if a Software Renderer has been selected above. Here you will find options to tweak how many threads the renderer will use and turn on/off the software AA. | ||
*Extra Rendering threads: This box is only usable when having selected a software rendering method. Here you can specify how many threads GSdx will use while software rendering, to take advantage of all cores your processor might have, e.g. set it to 3 for quad core processors. Boosts speed significantly in multi-core systems for software rendering with more than 2 cores. | *''Extra Rendering threads'': This box is only usable when having selected a software rendering method. Here you can specify how many threads GSdx will use while software rendering, to take advantage of all cores your processor might have, e.g. set it to 3 for quad core processors. Boosts speed significantly in multi-core systems for software rendering with more than 2 cores. | ||
*Edge anti-aliasing (AA1): This box is only usable when having selected a software rendering method. When checked, the plugin will try to apply a form of anti-aliasing on the game improving the visuals. Use with caution, pretty much experimental at this time. | *''Edge anti-aliasing (AA1)'': This box is only usable when having selected a software rendering method. When checked, the plugin will try to apply a form of anti-aliasing on the game improving the visuals. Use with caution, pretty much experimental at this time. | ||
'''Movie Capture''' | '''Movie Capture''' | ||
This is a hidden feature. By pressing F12 while running PCSX2 with GSdx a message box will appear. In the first field you must show the plugin where the captured video will be stored, and type the file name too. In the second field you can choose a compression codec like [http://sourceforge.net/projects/x264vfw/ x264vfw] or "Uncompressed" which will not compress the video at all. If you choose a compression codec, you will be able to change its settings by pressing the "Config" button. Note that only codecs already installed in your PC will show up. | This is a hidden feature. By pressing F12 while running PCSX2 with GSdx a message box will appear. In the first field you must show the plugin where the captured video will be stored, and type the file name too. In the second field you can choose a compression codec like [http://sourceforge.net/projects/x264vfw/ x264vfw] or "Uncompressed" which will not compress the video at all. If you choose a compression codec, you will be able to change its settings by pressing the "Config" button. Note that only codecs already installed in your PC will show up. | ||
Press F12 twice at any time to stop the capturing. The video produced will be automatically sped up to 100% for your viewing pleasure Smile If using SPU2-X, the audio file will be saved as recording.wav in the same folder pcsx2 | Press F12 twice at any time to stop the capturing. The video produced will be automatically sped up to 100% for your viewing pleasure Smile If using SPU2-X, the audio file will be saved as recording.wav in the same folder pcsx2.exe is in. | ||
Hit Ok to save your changes or cancel to go back to the main Configuration window | |||
===ZeroGS=== | ===ZeroGS=== | ||
ZeroGS is a DirectX 9 plugin developed by ZeroFrog and is aimed for graphics cards which support pixel shaders 2.0 or higher. As noted before if your card does not meet that requirement you will get an "Error opening gs plugin" message and | ZeroGS is a DirectX 9 plugin developed by '''ZeroFrog''' and is aimed for graphics cards which support pixel shaders 2.0 or higher. As noted before if your card does not meet that requirement you will get an "Error opening gs plugin" message and PCSX2 will terminate. | ||
| Line 295: | Line 291: | ||
*Interlace Enable: When this is checked some interlacing issues will be resolved (screen "shaking") although some games look better with this disabled. You can toggle it while running a game by using the "F5" key. | *''Interlace Enable'': When this is checked some interlacing issues will be resolved (screen "shaking") although some games look better with this disabled. You can toggle it while running a game by using the "F5" key. | ||
*Bilinear Filtering: When this is checked the plugin will filter the display, smoothing out edges. This will generally drop your FPS dramatically except if you own a very powerful graphics card. You can toggle it while running a game by pressing and holding "shift" then press "F5". There are 2 types of bilinear filtering modes: '''normal bf''' and '''forced bf'''. Sometimes games will tell the GS to render textures with point sampling, not linear sampling. In normal bf mode, ZeroGS will listen to the games. In forced bf mode, it will render all textures with bilinear filtering. Forced bf can introduce unwanted artifacts at the edges of textures in some games, so be careful. However, it most cases, forced bf produces smoother looking scenes. | *''Bilinear Filtering'': When this is checked the plugin will filter the display, smoothing out edges. This will generally drop your FPS dramatically except if you own a very powerful graphics card. You can toggle it while running a game by pressing and holding "shift" then press "F5". There are 2 types of bilinear filtering modes: '''normal bf''' and '''forced bf'''. Sometimes games will tell the GS to render textures with point sampling, not linear sampling. In normal bf mode, ZeroGS will listen to the games. In forced bf mode, it will render all textures with bilinear filtering. Forced bf can introduce unwanted artifacts at the edges of textures in some games, so be careful. However, it most cases, forced bf produces smoother looking scenes. | ||
*Anti-aliasing: Here you can choose the level of anti-aliasing you want the plugin to use, to make edges smoother. You can toggle this while running a game by using the "F6" key. Note that this might reduce speed. | *''Anti-aliasing'': Here you can choose the level of anti-aliasing you want the plugin to use, to make edges smoother. You can toggle this while running a game by using the "F6" key. Note that this might reduce speed. | ||
**None: Will not use any level of anti-aliasing | **None: Will not use any level of anti-aliasing | ||
**2x: Will use 2X anti-aliasing | **''2x'': Will use 2X anti-aliasing | ||
**8x: Will use 8X anti-aliasing | **''8x'': Will use 8X anti-aliasing | ||
**16x: Will use 16X anti-aliasing | **''16x'': Will use 16X anti-aliasing | ||
*Wireframe rendering: When checked the plugin will only render in wireframe, so you'll just see some polygon lines here and there. | *''Wireframe rendering'': When checked the plugin will only render in wireframe, so you'll just see some polygon lines here and there. | ||
You can toggle it while running a game by pressing "F7". | You can toggle it while running a game by pressing "F7". | ||
*Capture avi: You can capture a video of your gameplay just like the GSdx plugin. Press "F12" and a window will appear for codec selection. For the time being you will only be able to use XviD encoding since the rest of the codecs will crash the plugin. After you select it, you can configure the codec by pressing the configure button. Press OK and the recording process will start. Press "F12" again to stop it. The video will be saved in the PCSX2 root directory as "zerogs.avi". | *''Capture avi'': You can capture a video of your gameplay just like the GSdx plugin. Press "F12" and a window will appear for codec selection. For the time being you will only be able to use XviD encoding since the rest of the codecs will crash the plugin. After you select it, you can configure the codec by pressing the configure button. Press OK and the recording process will start. Press "F12" again to stop it. The video will be saved in the PCSX2 root directory as "zerogs.avi". | ||
*Save snapshots as BMPs(default is JPG): What it says, with this enabled snapshots you take with "F8" will be saved as BMP files and not as JPGs files which is the default. The snapshots you take with "F8" are located in the /snaps folder of your pcsx2 directory. | *''Save snapshots as BMPs(default is JPG)'': What it says, with this enabled snapshots you take with "F8" will be saved as BMP files and not as JPGs files which is the default. The snapshots you take with "F8" are located in the /snaps folder of your pcsx2 directory. | ||
*Fullscreen: Pretty simple, if you have this checked the plugin will show the output full screen instead of windowed. If you have it disabled and already running a game you can press and hold "alt" then press "enter" to go full screen. | *''Fullscreen'': Pretty simple, if you have this checked the plugin will show the output full screen instead of windowed. If you have it disabled and already running a game you can press and hold "alt" then press "enter" to go full screen. | ||
*Widescreen: Some games support wide screen mode. By checking this, ZeroGS will automatically scale the window to 16:9. | *''Widescreen'': Some games support wide screen mode. By checking this, ZeroGS will automatically scale the window to 16:9. | ||
*Default Window Size: You can check the window size ZeroGS will have when you run it by default. Options are various screen resolutions that your window will be resized to. Choose what you like best and note it will not affect speed. | *''Default Window Size'': You can check the window size ZeroGS will have when you run it by default. Options are various screen resolutions that your window will be resized to. Choose what you like best and note it will not affect speed. | ||
{| | {| | ||
| | | | ||
| Line 331: | Line 327: | ||
==Sound== | ==Sound== | ||
===SPU2-X=== | ===SPU2-X=== | ||
The latest and best sound plugin at the time of writing this. It was first based on Gigaherz's SPU2 and later modified by Jake Stine (Air) of the PCSX2 team. | The latest and best sound plugin at the time of writing this. It was first based on '''Gigaherz's''' SPU2 and later modified by '''Jake Stine (Air)''' of the PCSX2 team. | ||
This is the only SPU2 plugin that supports effects processing (like reverb) and Dolby Pro Logic (II) (if your sound card is able to decode it). | This is the only SPU2 plugin that supports effects processing (like reverb) and Dolby Pro Logic (II) (if your sound card is able to decode it). | ||
It's also the most advanced in emulating the chip correctly. Many games only work with SPU2-X! | It's also the most advanced in emulating the chip correctly. Many games only work with SPU2-X! | ||
| Line 339: | Line 335: | ||
*Interpolation: Here you can select 1 out of 5 options: | *''Interpolation'': Here you can select 1 out of 5 options: | ||
#Nearest: As the description says, no interpolation is done in this mode and is the fastest one. | #''Nearest'': As the description says, no interpolation is done in this mode and is the fastest one. | ||
#Linear: Does linear interpolation on sound, fast. | #''Linear'': Does linear interpolation on sound, fast. | ||
#Cubic: This is another type of interpolation. Slower, with good highs. | #''Cubic'': This is another type of interpolation. Slower, with good highs. | ||
#Hermite: This is the recommended option. Closest to what the PS2 would produce, thus the most accurate, but a bit slower than the above. | #''Hermite'': This is the recommended option. Closest to what the PS2 would produce, thus the most accurate, but a bit slower than the above. | ||
#Catmull-Rom: This is another type of interpolation. Slow, higher quality. | #''Catmull-Rom'': This is another type of interpolation. Slow, higher quality. | ||
*Disable effects processing: Checking this will disable any emulation of effects like reverb, lowering sound quality but increasing speed. | *''Disable effects processing'': Checking this will disable any emulation of effects like reverb, lowering sound quality but increasing speed. | ||
*Use the de-alias filter: As described, gives more emphasis to the highs. | *''Use the de-alias filter'': As described, gives more emphasis to the highs. | ||
*Enable debug options: Checking this will make the Configure Debug Options button available. When clicked it will present you with various logging options which can be enabled for debugging purposes. Should only be used by developers. | *''Enable debug options'': Checking this will make the Configure Debug Options button available. When clicked it will present you with various logging options which can be enabled for debugging purposes. Should only be used by developers. | ||
*Module: Here you can select 1 out of 5 settings, which are different ways of outputting sound in your system: | *''Module'': Here you can select 1 out of 5 settings, which are different ways of outputting sound in your system: | ||
#No sound: Will not produce any sound (mute) resulting in best speed. | #''No sound'': Will not produce any sound (mute) resulting in best speed. | ||
#X Audio 2: Works better under Vista so XP users might want to try the third option. If you have problems with Portaudio, use this method. | #''X Audio 2'': Works better under Vista so XP users might want to try the third option. If you have problems with Portaudio, use this method. | ||
#DirectSound: Should be slightly worse than X Audio 2,use it if it works better for you. | #''DirectSound'': Should be slightly worse than X Audio 2,use it if it works better for you. | ||
#Wave out: Not recommended, option 2 or 3 should always work better. | #''Wave out'': Not recommended, option 2 or 3 should always work better. | ||
#Portaudio: This is the recommended method. Uses a crossplatform library called Portaudio. This is the only option aside from no sound in Linux. | #''Portaudio'': This is the recommended method. Uses a crossplatform library called Portaudio. This is the only option aside from no sound in Linux. | ||
*Host API: This is the API Portaudio will use to produce sound, if Windows WASAPI has issues, try setting this to Windows DirectSound | *''Host API'': This is the API Portaudio will use to produce sound, if Windows WASAPI has issues, try setting this to Windows DirectSound | ||
*Device name: Here you can select the specific audio device you want to output sound on. If you get no sound while this is at ''Default Device'', choose your device from the dropdown menu. | *''Device name'': Here you can select the specific audio device you want to output sound on. If you get no sound while this is at ''Default Device'', choose your device from the dropdown menu. | ||
*WASAPI Exclusive mode: Check this if you want SPU2-X to work in exclusive mode, blocking all other applications from using your output device. | *''WASAPI Exclusive mode'': Check this if you want SPU2-X to work in exclusive mode, blocking all other applications from using your output device. | ||
*Output Latency: The lower the latency value the smaller audio delay you will have. You can leave this to ''Use smallest possible'' to let the plugin decide what's best for you, or set a custom value below. '''Note''' that setting latency too low WILL cause cracks and pops in sound, so change the values until you find the lowest one that works with your game without causing cracks. | *''Output Latency'': The lower the latency value the smaller audio delay you will have. You can leave this to ''Use smallest possible'' to let the plugin decide what's best for you, or set a custom value below. '''Note''' that setting latency too low WILL cause cracks and pops in sound, so change the values until you find the lowest one that works with your game without causing cracks. | ||
'''Synchronizing mode''' | '''Synchronizing mode''' | ||
#TimeStretch: The default and recommended setting. This keeps audio and video in sync, and also helps eliminate cracks and other sound problems. Note that if your speed is low, your sound will also be as slow as your video with this setting. | #''TimeStretch'': The default and recommended setting. This keeps audio and video in sync, and also helps eliminate cracks and other sound problems. Note that if your speed is low, your sound will also be as slow as your video with this setting. | ||
#Async Mix: Makes the audio out of sync with the video, so you will get normal sound speed even if your frame rate is not optimal. '''Can cause games to hang or crash so use with caution!''' | #''Async Mix'': Makes the audio out of sync with the video, so you will get normal sound speed even if your frame rate is not optimal. '''Can cause games to hang or crash so use with caution!''' | ||
#None: Audio will skip if you set this mode and you don't get max speed with the game you're running. Small FPS boost. | #''None'': Audio will skip if you set this mode and you don't get max speed with the game you're running. Small FPS boost. | ||
*Advanced: Here you can fine tune how your selected time stretcher will work. As described in the GUI, larger values are better if you are not getting good speeds while the opposite is true if you're running your game above full speed. Pressing Reset to Defaults will set all values here back in their initial setting. | *Advanced: Here you can fine tune how your selected time stretcher will work. As described in the GUI, larger values are better if you are not getting good speeds while the opposite is true if you're running your game above full speed. Pressing Reset to Defaults will set all values here back in their initial setting. | ||
*Audio Expansion mode: Here you can choose if you want the audio produced from the plugin to be expanded to your whole speaker configuration and not just in 2 channels (stereo). '''Only usable with the XAudio2 module.''' | *''Audio Expansion mode'': Here you can choose if you want the audio produced from the plugin to be expanded to your whole speaker configuration and not just in 2 channels (stereo). '''Only usable with the XAudio2 module.''' | ||
#Stereo: Default setting, no audio expansion when this is selected. | #''Stereo'': Default setting, no audio expansion when this is selected. | ||
#Quadrafonic: Will expand audio to 4 speakers | #''Quadrafonic'': Will expand audio to 4 speakers | ||
#Surround 5.1: Will expand audio to 5.1 surround speakers | #''Surround 5.1'': Will expand audio to 5.1 surround speakers | ||
#Surround 7.1: Will expand audio to 7.1 surround speakers | #''Surround 7.1'': Will expand audio to 7.1 surround speakers | ||
#Use a Winamp DSP plugin: If you don't know what this is, leave it be. (Not available in Linux at the moment.) | #''Use a Winamp DSP plugin'': If you don't know what this is, leave it be. (Not available in Linux at the moment.) | ||
===ZeroSPU2=== | ===ZeroSPU2=== | ||
This is an SPU2 plugin developed by zerofrog. | This is an SPU2 plugin developed by '''zerofrog'''. | ||
| Line 389: | Line 385: | ||
ZeroSPU2 has the following features: | ZeroSPU2 has the following features: | ||
*ZeroSPU2 has a time-scaling feature just like SPU2-X. To enable this option, go into the ZeroSPU2 configuration dialog and check the correct box. The time-scaling feature works best under Windows, but is also implemented in Linux. | *ZeroSPU2 has a ''time-scaling feature'' just like SPU2-X. To enable this option, go into the ZeroSPU2 configuration dialog and check the correct box. The time-scaling feature works best under Windows, but is also implemented in Linux. | ||
*Real time mode | |||
*Audio/video recording: Check the Recording box to record sound during each of your gameplays in a file called zerospu2.wav. | *''Real time mode'': Is a tighter time stretching mode for games that need additional accuracy and lower latency. | ||
*Mute: Will mute sound, giving a bit of extra speed. | |||
*''Audio/video recording'': Check the Recording box to record sound during each of your gameplays in a file called zerospu2.wav. | |||
*''Mute'': Will mute sound, giving a bit of extra speed. | |||
==Pad== | ==Pad== | ||
| Line 400: | Line 399: | ||
#SSSPSX Pad v1.7.1. | #SSSPSX Pad v1.7.1. | ||
===Lilypad=== | |||
<br />Go to Config =>Plugin/BIOS, select Lilypad v0.11.0 and press the Configure button. | <br />Go to Config =>Plugin/BIOS, select Lilypad v0.11.0 and press the Configure button. | ||
<br />You'll see a window like this (click to enlarge): | <br />You'll see a window like this (click to enlarge): | ||
| Line 411: | Line 410: | ||
*For a very detailed description about what each setting does and how to properly configure it, visit the official thread of the plugin [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-LilyPad-0-10-0 here]. | *For a very detailed description about what each setting does and how to properly configure it, visit the official thread of the plugin [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-LilyPad-0-10-0 here]. | ||
===Pokopom=== | |||
<br />Go to Config =>Plugin/BIOS, select Pokopom 2.1.0 and press the Configure button. | <br />Go to Config =>Plugin/BIOS, select Pokopom 2.1.0 and press the Configure button. | ||
<br />You'll see a window like this (click to enlarge): | <br />You'll see a window like this (click to enlarge): | ||
'''''PLACEHOLDER FOR Pokopom SCREENSHOT''''' | '''''PLACEHOLDER FOR Pokopom SCREENSHOT''''' | ||
*Pokopom is a new input plugin developed by KrossX with some unique features like pressure sensitivity support, rumble with a custom curve and more. | *Pokopom is a new input plugin developed by '''KrossX''' with some unique features like pressure sensitivity support, rumble with a custom curve and more. | ||
*For a very detailed description about what each setting does and how to properly configure it, visit the official thread of the plugin | *For a very detailed description about what each setting does and how to properly configure it, visit the official thread of the plugin [http://forums.pcsx2.net/Thread-Pokopom-KrossX-s-Pad-Plugin here] and check the Wiki for it [https://code.google.com/p/magical-tools/wiki/Pokopom here]. | ||
===SSSPSX=== | |||
<br />Go to Config =>Plugin/BIOS, select SSSPSX Pad v1.7.1 and press the Configure button. | <br />Go to Config =>Plugin/BIOS, select SSSPSX Pad v1.7.1 and press the Configure button. | ||
<br />You'll see a window like this (click to enlarge): | <br />You'll see a window like this (click to enlarge): | ||
| Line 436: | Line 436: | ||
==CDVD== | ==CDVD== | ||
== | In most circumstances, you will be able to use the built in ISO loader in PCSX2 by choosing ISO in the CDVD menu, and then, under ISO Selector, either choosing an image from the list or choosing browse to add one. | ||
<br />However, if you want to use a plugin to do things such as playing a game from the actual DVD disc or creating a dump of an ISO file, choose ''Plugin'' in the CDVD menu, and then select a CDVD plugin. | |||
<br />By default, PCSX2 includes: | |||
#Gigaherz's CDVD v0.8.0 | |||
#Linuz Iso CDVD v0.9.0 | |||
#CDVDnull v0.6.0. | |||
===Gigaherz's CDVD=== | |||
Select Gigaherz's CDVD v0.8.0 and press configure. | |||
'''''PLACEHOLDER FOR GIGAHER'Z CDVD''''' | |||
*Pretty simple really, just select the drive letter from which the plugin will read the disc from. It will then directly run your PS2 game from the CD/DVD you have inserted in your drive | |||
{| | |||
| | |||
[[Image:lightbulb.png|18px]] Tip: | |||
This is the only plugin that at least partially supports disc changing. If you have troubles changing a disc that is required by a game try this plugin! | |||
Linuz Iso CDVD | |||
|} | |||
===Linuz Iso CDVD=== | |||
Select Linuz Iso CDVD v0.9.0 and hit configure. | |||
'''''PLACEHOLDER FOR LINUZ ISO DVD''''' | |||
Finally, there is an experimental netplay plugin from gigaherz and drkIIRaziel named DEV9giga-razi. Although most of the Sony game servers are down, you can give it a try. It can be downloaded from [http://pcsx2.net/download/viewcategory/9-plugins.html here] (make sure you first follow the how to play online guide). | *This plugin has the extra ability of compressing your images to save you disk space apart from running your images for the emulator. | ||
*Click ''Select Iso'' to select the game image you want to run/compress. Once you've selected an image you can either close the config window so you can run it or press "Compress Iso" to compress it. If you selected an already compressed image you can also select "Decompress Iso" to decompress it. | |||
*Under ''Compression Method'' you can select either ".Z - compress faster", which will compress your image faster but make it larger or ".BZ - compress better", which will compress your image slowly but make it smaller. | |||
*Under ''Options'' you can check/uncheck ''Enable Block Dump=>ISO name.dump''. When checked, this option will create a "ISO name".dump file in the PCSX2 root folder(where ''pcsx2.exe'' is located) from the game you ran. This file is like a small iso, '''which is mainly used for debugging'''. It will store the sectors read during the execution of the game you ran, so afterwards you will be able to load the file(using "select iso" of Linuz Iso CDVD) and run it without any image/cd/dvd. Note that if the game will try to read any other sectors from the ones not included in the dump file, it will obviously stop responding. | |||
===CDVD Null=== | |||
This is a Null plugin just like GSnull, meaning it simply does nothing. | |||
<br />It doesn't have a configuration screen for obvious reasons. | |||
==Dev9== | |||
Here are the plugins that handle the '''HDD''' (hard disk drive) and '''ethernet''' emulation. | |||
<br />There is only ''Dev9null v0.5.0'' included in the 1.0.0 package, yet another Null plugin which is exactly like all the other ones. | |||
*There is a newer Dev9 plugin in development by '''Luigi__''', the ''MegaDev9'' plugin which is still in early stages but very promising. For the time being, it partially emulates the PS2 HDD. You can get it [http://pcsx2.net/download/viewcategory/9-plugins.html here]. | |||
*Finally, there is an experimental '''netplay''' plugin from '''gigaherz''' and '''drkIIRaziel''' named ''DEV9giga-razi''. Although most of the Sony game servers are down, you can give it a try. It can be downloaded from [http://pcsx2.net/download/viewcategory/9-plugins.html here] '''(make sure you first follow the how to play online guide)'''. | |||
==USB== | ==USB== | ||
==Firewire== | ==Firewire== | ||