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Installation and Basic Trouble Shooting
Masterly Advanced Technical Skyrim Overhaul
Welcome to PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. ENB. I strongly suggest you read all the following advices if you encounter any issue with this ENB, prior to reporting in the general comments section.
Feel free (strongly recommended) to print this section and keep it saved somewhere, since many of these advices may be useful, whatever the ENB you're running.
Thank you.
ENB has to be installed ONLY manually. It's NOT compatible with ANY mod manager !
Prior to Installation
Calibrate your monitor. Please be SURE to do it.
Make sure this line is set as follows in MyDocuments/Mygames/Skyrim/SkyrimPrefs.ini :
In [Display] section :
fGamma=1.0000
Download the ENB 0.119 version HERE
Save the file on your desktop
PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. ENB was designed to work with 0.119 version only
Please, if it's your first try with an ENB, read the TESV documentation HERE
Back up your actual ENB if using one
Back up your actual FXAA post-process injector if using one
Back up your game inis, Skyrim.ini and SkyimPrefs.ini, found in MyDocuments/MyGames/Skyrim
Back up your game saves
Make sure your graphic drivers are up to date
If not, please download and install it via a clean installation
I strongly suggest using Driver Cleaner and/or CabCleaner free programs
Get rid of ANY other ENB files in Skyrim main folder
Get rid of ANY other post-process injector files in your Skyrim main folder
Then, follow this process :
1 Make sure you saved your game inis on your desktop
2 Delete rendererinfo.txt in Mydocuments/Mygames/Skyrim
3 Launch TESV.exe
Skyrim will recognize your renderer. The launcher will then regenerate two default game inis.
4 Don't launch the game, quit.
5 Delete the two default inis
6 Put back your saved ones in Mydocuments/Mygames/Skyrim and keep a copy on your desktop
7 Quit
Installation - Game Inis
ENB is a post-process graphic enhancer. It can not solve bugs of the original game and wrong inis parameters. It can't save the world as well
For ENB to work fine, you'll have to edit some modifications in your game inis.
Please don't try crazy inis values and then make this ENB responsible for game crashes.
Edit the following line in SKyrimPrefs.ini, [Display] section :
bFloatPointRendertarget=1
bTreesReceiveShadows=1
bDrawLandShadows=1
bShadowsOnGrass=1
Installation - Process
1st Copy the files provided in this mod to their right destination folders.
2nd Copy the 0.119 d3d9.dll, and ONLY this one, from the Wrapper Version 0.119 package you just downloaded from enbdev.com, to Skyrim main folder, where the TESV executable is located.
These are the NECESSARY files for this ENB to work :
Put in Skyrim main folder :
d3d9.dll <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< From enbdev.com - 0.119 Wrapper Version
enbbloom.fx >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From PROJECT M.A.T.S.O.
enbeffect.fx >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From PROJECT M.A.T.S.O.
enbeffectprepass.fx >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From PROJECT M.A.T.S.O.
enbpalette.bmp >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From PROJECT M.A.T.S.O.
enbseries.ini >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> From PROJECT M.A.T.S.O.
Installation - SMAA
SMAA is NOT required to run this ENB.
However, it's strongly suggested.
Sub MorphologicalPixel Anti Aliasing is a fantastic post-processing anti-aliasing method.
Unlike MSAA, it kicks in AFTER ENB, sparing a lot of headroom performance wise, and ensuring full compatibility.
If you wish to use SMAA, please edit the following lines in SKyrimPrefs.ini, [Display] section :
iMultiSample=0
bTransparencyMultisampling=0
Then, copy the following files provided with this mod in Skyrim main folder, where TESV.exe and this ENB's files are located :
d3d9_smaa.dll
injector.txt
SMAA.H
SMAA.FX
BEFORE YOU PLAY
After following these steps, run this process once again :
1 Backup your game inis on your desktop, from Mydocuments/Mygames/Skyrim
2 Delete rendererinfo.txt
3 Launch TESV.exe
Skyrim will recognize your renderer. If u wish to use SMAA, set AA to 0 in the launcher. The launcher will then regenerate two default game inis.
4 Don't launch the game, quit.
5 Delete the two default inis
6 Put back your back-uped just modified ones
7 Save, quit
8 Launch the game and enjoy
Suggested adjustments and Crossfire workaround - ATI users
* Please make the following changes accordingly in enbseries.ini :
In [FIX] section :
ForceFakeVideocard=false <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< change it to TRUE
In [SHADOW] section :
UseBilateralShadowFilter=true <<<<<<<<<<< change it to FALSE
Save and Quit.
* Please, apply the following process to ensure Crossfire compatiblity :
Right click on your desktop and open the Catalyst Control Center
Enter 3D applications profiles
Choose in the list at the bottom
Use AMD Pre-defined profile
Select the Assassins Creed Brotherhood profile (acp?b.exe)
Go back to the top, select new application and press the Save button
Choose the TESV.exe application (in the Skyrim folder) when the browse window pops up
Answer "Yes" when CCC asks if you want to override the default TESV profile
Disable ENB ingame - Disable DOF during character creation
While playing, just press Shift+F12. It will disable ENB.
Can be quite usefull when creating your character or modifying later via the "showracemenu" console command.
When finished, just press shift+F12 again to re-enable ENB
Image Space Modifiers Compatibility
Technically, PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. ENB is fully compatible with mods such as :
Realistic Lighting with Customization aka RLWC
Climates of Tamriel aka CoT
The Imaginator
Ultra Realistic World Lighting aka URWL
and others
However, it has not been designed using any of these.
Thus said, I wouldn't be responsible for any unwanted result if doing so.
I strongly recommend, THE FIRST TIME you use PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. ENB, to disable any mod of this sort first, in order to enjoy PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. ENB the way it was meant to.
If you have any of these installed, I would advice to disable them (uncheck their esps) and make a clean save before playing :
1st : Launch the game
2nd : Enter an interior cell, like a house
3rd : Wait 2 to 4 full days
4th : Save on a FRESH slot, do not overwrite any save
5th : Quit
6th : Reload that last save and play
If you wish to run PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. ENB with any of these mods, feel free to, of course.
But please, don't ask ANY advice about how having them running to their best together.
I don't use any personnaly, and designing an ENB who would look fine in all conditions with EACH of them while using full ENB features would simply not be possible.
Performance Tips
How much of a performance cost depends on your system specs, inis, texture mods, and a host of other variables. That is why it is virtually
impossible to estimate how much this or any other ENB will affect you personally.
That being said, there are some things you can do to improve your performance.
First and foremost it is important to keep your pc in top gaming condition. Like anything else, if you take care of it then it will take care of you. Some simple ways to do this:
Make sure that you defragment your hard drive, unless it's an SSD (These should NEVER be defragmented). Not only will this help improve performance with gaming but also with anything else that you do with your pc.
Disable all unnecessary programs running in the background while gaming in order to free up more resources. Anti-virus programs are especially resource intensive and aren't needed while playing.
Keep Steam in offline mode. Just one more thing using your resources that really isn't needed.
There are also some good "booster" programs that help some people. Not going to recommend any in particular. If you choose to use one do some research first. A good policy for anything including mods.
Your gpu settings also play a big role in this.
Be realistic with your ini settings. Overtweaked inis can and will cause problems if your system is not capable of handling the additional strain.
If you are experiencing performance issues you can disable some of the more fps intensive settings in the enbseries ini such as Detailed Shadows, DOF, and SSAO.
They are found here in the enbseries ini. Simply change true to false to disable these for a big fps boost. At the loss of some quality of course.
[EFFECT]
UseOriginalPostProcessing=false <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< lEAVE IT TO FALSE
EnableBloom=true <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Leave it to true
EnableAdaptation=true <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Leave it to true
EnableDetailedShadow=true DETAILED SHADOWS<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Set it to false if needed
UseOriginalObjectsProcessing=false <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Leave it to false
EnableDepthOfField=true DOF <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Set it to false if needed
EnableAmbientOcclusion=false SSAO_SSIL <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Set it to true if needed - READ ADDITIONAL SECTION BELOW ABOUT IT
EnableSunRays=true <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Leave it to true
EnableSkyLighting=false <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Leave it to false
If AFTER trying these you still can't achieve playable fps rates then your system may not be capable of using ENB. Might be time to look into upgrading at that point.
Tweaking SSAO_SSIL parameters if enabling SSAO
First thing, we would advice everyone to carefully read the documentation provided on enbdev.com about [EFFECT] section and especially SSAO_SSIL section.
Second thing, SSAO_SSIL is disabled by default in PROJECT M.A.T.S.O. , because it's not THAT necessary and because it still has some bugs wih water and weapons in 1stperson view.
Ambient occlusion and Indirect lighting may be, if not are, the potentially more taxing effects performance wise.
But they're also some of the greatest eye-candy providers.
THE main thing to understand is that SSAO (Screen Space Ambient Occlusion) is DIRECTLY related and DEPENDANT to/on display resolution and GPU (Graphic processor unit) vRAM amount.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Here's a typical SSAO_SSIL section, since last 0.109 to 0.119 runtime versions : (forget the values, used only as examples)
[SSAO_SSIL]
UseIndirectLighting=true
UseComplexIndirectLighting=true
SamplingQuality=0
SamplingRange=0.25
FadeFogRangeDay=7.0
FadeFogRangeNight=7.0
SizeScale=0.5
SourceTexturesScale=0.5
FilterQuality=1
AOAmount=0.8
ILAmount=2.0
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Let's take it one by one :
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
UseIndirectLighting=true or UseIndirectLighting=false
--------------------------------------------------------
Toggles indirect lighting on or off.
When modifying this, you'll need to quit and restart Skyrim for the modifications to apply.
Indirect Lighting computes additional lighting to be reflected / cast on / by objects and entire environment.
UseComplexIndirectLighting=true or UseComplexIndirectLighting=false
--------------------------------------------------------
In order to work, this one needs UseIndirectLighting to be set to =true.
Performance wise, it's a killer.
Beauty wise, it's a killer.
Simple.
Its computation is more precise and highly respectfull of color range.
Compare it with simple IndirectLighting near a light source, you'll immediatly know what we mean.
But the more u'll have enlighted objects on the screen, the more it'll eat your framerate, especially in exteriors.
Wooded areas, as the Rift, may drop heavily, FPS wise, even with a killer rig. Be warned.
SamplingQuality
-------------------------------------------------------
Simple. Quality of the effect to be applied.
0 is high quality, 1 is medium, 2 is low.
I suggest setting it to 1 and sticking with it while tweaking your ENB.
Once done, you may want to increase its quality by setting it to 0, or its performance by setting it to 2.
Low quality means more noise generated by SSAO, high quality results by a top-notch noise-free image.
SamplingRange
-------------------------------------------------------
Range at wich the effect computes.
Low numbers means that SSAO_SSIL will be applied to foreground, high numbers and it will be applied much wider and to far distances.
Low numbers will result in very precise SSAO spotted on details in foreground, and will be less taxing on your system.
High numbers will darken image space a little more and diffuse effect.
I suggest you set this value @ 0.5 to begin. this may be called "medium range".
Then, try to increase / decrease it to clearly understand its effect.
This parameter doesn't need, in any case, to be set above 1.0
FadeFog range values, according to enbdev.com :
-------------------------------------------------------
FadeFogRangeDay=7.0
Amount of ssao as distance factor relative to fog. If the scene is foggy, SSAO will also fade faster with distance.
FadeFogRangeNight=7.0
Same as previous, but for night mode.
These don't impact performance.
SizeScale and SourceTexturesScale
-------------------------------------------------------
THESE are the essential values you'll need to find equilibrium with.
Basically, they are HIGHLY related to screen resolution and Video memory amount.
Don't go to or over 1.0 with these, it's pointless and can kill your performance. If you do so, the effects will be computing "outside" the screen.
If you run @a 1080p resolution, none of these needs to be set higher than 0.5
SizeScale is THE cullprit, performance wise. Basically, make it as low as you can, but don't go below 0.3, unless you're running @2160 p, wich would be a huge resolution (used for downsampling the more often)
The lower your resolution, the more you'll need to increase it. The higher your resolution, the more you can decrease it.
SizeScale is the SSAO_SSIL "out". If set to 0.5, it will compute and 0.5 height X 0.5 width, so 0.25 of pixels on screen.
Set to 0.707, it will compute 0.5 of pixels on screen.
Set to 0.866, 0.75 of pixels on screen.
Set to 1.0, it computes ALL image space : 1 height X 1 width
Some basic values :
Use between 0.5 and 0.4 @1080p.
Use between 0.4 and 0.3 @higher resolutions. (1440p and over)
Use between 0.5 and 0.707 @lower resolutions. (1280x960 for example)
Not adviced to go much higher than 0.5 to 0.707, cause it can really kill your performance.
1.0 is POINTLESS.
Source texture scale is almost not noticable, unless you decrease it too much.
It's the SSAO_SSIL "in", the size of textures it reads before computing.
Values are working the same as for SizeScale.
It affects performance only when higher than some values (0.707 for example)
1.0 is POINTLESS.
Size of Video Card cache and display resolution are what matters here.
The basic recommended values are almost the same than for SizeScale, also based on a minimum 1GB-1.5GB vRAM memory :
Use between 0.5 and 0.4 @1080p.
Use between 0.4 and 0.3 @higher resolutions. (1440p and over)
Use between 0.5 and 0.707 @lower resolutions. (1280x960 for example)
FilterQuality
-----------------------------------------------------
Possible values are 0,1 and 2 for High, medium and low.
This is the SSAO_SSIL texture filtering.
Oviously, you may want to have it at its best, but it's not always the thing to do, even if you set the sampling quality to 0.
Indeed , the best quality here reduces noise generated by ssao.
But it also decreases its details a bit.
Performance wise, this one is a killer also.
We should advice you set it @1 first, then increase / decrease according to your results.
In any case, if you're searching for quality, better set SamplingQuality to 0 while keeping this one to 1.
If you're struggling for performance, this one is THE one to decrease first.
An average value of 1 seems to be the best of both worlds.
Filter set to 1 is enough with SizeScale set to 0.5 and more
The higher you will go on SizeScale, the less Filter will be usefull.
f.e., with full SizeScale (1.0), Filter could be easily set to 2 and would almost be pointless.
AOAmount and ILAmount
-----------------------------------------------------
Amounts of darkening and additional lighting to compute
Simple.
Free of any performance cost, just set to your tastes.
I suggest starting with values around 1.0 each, maybe a little more for ILAmount and a little less for AOAmount.
You can start with these :
AOAmount=0.8
ILAmount=1.6
(ILAmount set to double AOAmount is often a good balance)
Usually, ILAmount needs to be increased a little higher, and much higher if you want to have more casting and cast lights.
ILAmount can be set to 2.0 to 3.0 or 4.0 with no problems.
Find your best balance here.
AOAmount is much more sensitive.
It's the amount of darkening (cast shadows) in image.
Not adviced to go much higher than 1.0 to 1.5 max, unless you want very dark and contrasted shadows.
Usually, this is often set between 0.5 and 1.0, according to the overall image contrast set previously in other ENB files.
Bless You,
MK
Edited by Matso, 13 October 2012 - 02:53 PM.
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