DCS VR Performance Optimization

[YoYo]

12 hours ago, Baldrick33 said:

Unless you have the power to run at 90fps it will always stutter at anything below in my experience. Some seem able to deal with it better than me but I have to resort to reprojection. So it very much depends on the mission. With a 4080 and a simple free flight on the Caucuses map I can get 90 but add any complexity or even go down low and it drops, even a few frames and it stutters too much for me. Unfortunately I don’t think the hardware exists to run 90fps consistently. 

Not with 4090. Maybe 5090 ;). In the cities areas is impossible to have stable 90. Over London, low flying I have 45-70, something like this. However outside I have stable 90 in MT version.

[Ready]

Varjo Aero

I upgraded my G2 headset to Varjo Aero. I kept having issues with the G2 and after talking and talking to some well respected Aero users I decided to make the jump. The difference between G2 and Aero is unbelievable, visual quality and performance-wise. Worth every penny imho.

Am tinkering with a bunch of settings. Thanks @mbucchia for the new QVFR, which is amazing.

https://github.com/mbucchia/Quad-Views-Foveated/wiki

Currently hoping to get OBS-Mirror back online. 

Edited July 20, 2023 by Ready

[Ready]

OBS

Changed my OBS encoder from AV1 to NVENC HEVC, which looks more stable.

 

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by Ready

[TAIPAN_]

On 7/23/2023 at 5:41 PM, Ready said:

OBS

Changed my OBS encoder from AV1 to NVENC HEVC, which looks more stable.

 

 

 

I came here from the search after trying to get OBS setup to work with my VR system & DFR/QuadViews using OBS-Mirror, I was finding a lot of performance issues compared to not using OBS. This test is very useful thanks!

Without OBS I get 90fps nearly always, but OBS gives me alot of dips. I've been on x264, so I'll try switching to HEVC.

Would you mind sharing your other settings for OBS-mirror and OBS?

Mine are below, curious if there's anything I can change to reduce the impact on performance:

 

Video output:

Recording Encoder:

OBS Mirror is set to right-eye only, and I've dragged it so that it cuts a bit off the top and bottom to fit in the 4:3 aspect.

[Ready]

On 10/10/2023 at 2:04 PM, TAIPAN_ said:

I came here from the search after trying to get OBS setup to work with my VR system & DFR/QuadViews using OBS-Mirror, I was finding a lot of performance issues compared to not using OBS. This test is very useful thanks!

Without OBS I get 90fps nearly always, but OBS gives me alot of dips. I've been on x264, so I'll try switching to HEVC.

Would you mind sharing your other settings for OBS-mirror and OBS?

Mine are below, curious if there's anything I can change to reduce the impact on performance:

 

Video output:

Recording Encoder:

OBS Mirror is set to right-eye only, and I've dragged it so that it cuts a bit off the top and bottom to fit in the 4:3 aspect.

Hi sure! OBS is having quite an impact on the system. It depends a bit on your own hardware setup. In my case the hardware encoder gives me best performance. First try setting the OBS settings to simple and see what it does to your performance.

[Ready]

Further improved on my PC's performance by tweaking some things;

1. Switching on DLSS with 2.9 (quality setting). Still tweaking some other DCS settings)
2.  Adjusted QVFR resolution using multipliers to almost match my Varjo Foveated Rendering resolution (pixel count). 
3. Turned back on Hyperthreading (called SMT inside my Bios)
4. Disabled HPET (was already disabled inside Windows, but not inside my bios)
5. Updated my Chipset drivers
6. Disabled Psycho Visual Tuning inside OBS encoder settings
7. Disabled a bunch of bloat. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbsLnp3iIA&t=10s&pp=ygUcMjAyMyB3aW5kb3dzIDEwIG9wdGltaXphdGlvbg%3D%3D
1. NVCP enabled thread optimalization (was auto) and set MAX FRAME to 1.000 (was off)
2. NVCP disables MFAA
3. NVCP disabled FXAA - was off already
4. NVCP disabled AA transparency = was off already
5. NVCP disabled Gamma Correction
6. Undervolted my 5800X3D with -30% on each core with BO2 Tuner https://github.com/PrimeO7/How-to-undervolt-AMD-RYZEN-5800X3D-Guide-with-PBO2-Tuner/blob/main/README.md The service does not work. I created a shortcut and added the settings in the shortcut. 
7. Cleaned my 'saved games' folder. 
8. Slow repair, checking files.
9.  

On 10/10/2023 at 2:04 PM, TAIPAN_ said:

I came here from the search after trying to get OBS setup to work with my VR system & DFR/QuadViews using OBS-Mirror, I was finding a lot of performance issues compared to not using OBS. This test is very useful thanks!

Without OBS I get 90fps nearly always, but OBS gives me alot of dips. I've been on x264, so I'll try switching to HEVC.

Would you mind sharing your other settings for OBS-mirror and OBS?

Mine are below, curious if there's anything I can change to reduce the impact on performance:

 

Video output:

Recording Encoder:

OBS Mirror is set to right-eye only, and I've dragged it so that it cuts a bit off the top and bottom to fit in the 4:3 aspect.

 

Here are my settings. Hope they are of any help.

nullnull

[Ready]

Still not upgrading to Windows 11

I heard many fellow DCS pilots upgraded to Windows 11 without any performance loss, so I was about to follow. But after seeing this video I decided to stay on W10 a while longer. Once there are clear advantages to upgrade, I will follow. 

 

[Ready]

Updated DCS to 2.9.6.57650 and experienced this strange eye tracking effect. Uninstalling QVFR solves it, but I need it in order to record my videos to the fullest capacity. 

More info plus a workaround in this thread: 

 

[Phantom711]

I haven‘t personally tried this, but there is this OpenXR API Layer management tool, so you don‘t have to uninstall/install quad views every time you want to enable/disable it.

One can also enable/disable it in the SteamVR options REGARDLESS of if one uses SteamVR or not.

[Ready]

6 hours ago, Phantom711 said:

I haven‘t personally tried this, but there is this OpenXR API Layer management tool, so you don‘t have to uninstall/install quad views every time you want to enable/disable it.

One can also enable/disable it in the SteamVR options REGARDLESS of if one uses SteamVR or not.

Thanks much appreciated

[Ready]

I updated my hardware with amazing results.

Hardware installation
I kept my PSU, PC Case (Thermaltake Core P3 Open Case without any Fans), SSD's with W10 and DCS and just put them back in. I did not want to reinstall Windows and redo all my applications and settings, which would cost me a couple of weeks. First I made backups of my data and made some screenshot of settings and looked into activating W10, in case this was needed.

• CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• CPU cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420 
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI 
• Memory: G.Skill 64GB DDR5-6000

New results

A-10 Quick Mission Normandy 'Weapons Practice':

• 90FPS flat. I just see 3 flat lines in the DCS performance overlay. 
• app CPU 1.7 ms
• rdr CPU 5 ms
• app GPU 10.5ms

Steps taken

1. Updated BIOS, cleared the CMOS
2. Updated Chipset drivers
3. Updated GPU drivers
4. Ran Driver Booster to replace some of the drivers. 
5. Cleaned up some of the software, removed stuff I did not need anymore.
6. BIOS
   1. Enabled X3D Turbo Mode (disabled SMT)
   2. Enabled ReSize BAR
   3. Overclocking: Enabled PBO
      1. Positive +200
      2. Curve optimizer -20

Still to do

1. Enable EXPO (my RAM is EXPO compatible, but PC won't start when it is enabled).
2. Increase DCS Visual settings, soo much headroom now.
3. Increase Quad View Foveated Rendering settings to get closer to the native resolution of the Varjo Aero, which is on 39 PPD.
   1. Current parameters
      1. turbo_mode=0
      2. peripheral_multiplier=0.45
      3. focus_multiplier=1.2
      4. horizontal_focus_section=0.29
      5. vertical_focus_section=0.33
      6. smoothen_focus_view_edges=0.2
      7. sharpen_focus_view=0.6 
4. Play with increasing RAM speed, it is back on automatic. (4800Mhz now, want to go to 6000Mhz). Tried some settings, but Windows became unstable and I had to reboot the nasty way. I lost my VoiceAttack user file in the process. So I have to reinstall some shortcuts for my radio controls, scratchpad, video shortcuts, Openkneeboard etc. No biggie, it will cost me a couple of hours to figure it out again. Will add my \AppData\Local folder to my backup regime.
5. Run benchmarking

Edited November 23, 2024 by Ready

[zildac]

13 hours ago, Ready said:

I updated my hardware with amazing results.

Hardware installation
I kept my PSU, PC Case (Thermaltake Core P3 Open Case without any Fans), SSD's with W10 and DCS and just put them back in. I did not want to reinstall Windows and redo all my applications and settings, which would cost me a couple of weeks. First I made backups of my data and made some screenshot of settings and looked into activating W10, in case this was needed.

• CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• CPU cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420 
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI 
• Memory: G.Skill 64GB DDR5-6000

New results

A-10 Quick Mission Normandy 'Weapons Practice':

• 90FPS flat. I just see 3 flat lines in the DCS performance overlay. 
• app CPU 1.7 ms
• rdr CPU 5 ms
• app GPU 10.5ms

Steps taken

1. Updated BIOS, cleared the CMOS
2. Updated Chipset drivers
3. Updated GPU drivers
4. Ran Driver Booster to replace some of the drivers. 
5. Cleaned up some of the software, removed stuff I did not need anymore.
6. BIOS
   1. Enabled Turbo Mode (disabled SMT)
   2. Enabled ReSize BAR
   3. Overclocking: Enabled PBO
      1. Positive +200
      2. Curve optimizer -20

Still to do

1. Increase DCS Visual settings, soo much headroom now.
2. Increase Quad View Foveated Rendering settings to get closer to the native resolution of the Varjo Aero, which is on 39 PPD.
   1. Current parameters
      1. turbo_mode=0
      2. peripheral_multiplier=0.45
      3. focus_multiplier=1.2
      4. horizontal_focus_section=0.29
      5. vertical_focus_section=0.33
      6. smoothen_focus_view_edges=0.2
      7. sharpen_focus_view=0.6 
3. Play with increasing RAM speed, it is back on automatic. Tried some settings, but Windows became unstable and I had to reboot the nasty way. I lost my VoiceAttack user file in the process. So I have to reinstall some shortcuts for my radio controls, scratchpad, video shortcuts, Openkneeboard etc. No biggie, it will cost me a couple of hours to figure it out again. Will add my \AppData\Local folder to my backup regime.
4. Run benchmarking

Thanks for posting, interesting results. One thing though, you mention you are using an Aero and QVFR (not VFR) there's been an ongoing issue with the Aero and QVFR where eye tracking gets disabled, and the log contains entries to that effect. Are you not seeing this issue, what version of Varjo Base are you running with the Aero 3.x or 4.x?

[Ready]

4 hours ago, zildac said:

Thanks for posting, interesting results. One thing though, you mention you are using an Aero and QVFR (not VFR) there's been an ongoing issue with the Aero and QVFR where eye tracking gets disabled, and the log contains entries to that effect. Are you not seeing this issue, what version of Varjo Base are you running with the Aero 3.x or 4.x?

Yes I have that bug too. It means that about half of the times when I start up DCS the resolution inside DCS is very bad. It is very noticeable inside the pit, but inside the hangar it is not easily noticeable. I just restart DCS again and again until it works. Will check the numbers when I am behind my pc.

[zildac]

2 minutes ago, Ready said:

Yes I have that bug too. It means that about half of the times when I start up DCS the resolution inside DCS is very bad. It is very noticeable inside the pit, but inside the hangar it is not easily noticeable. I just restart DCS again and again until it works. Will check the numbers when I am behind my pc.

Ah OK. So why don't you just use Varjo Foveated from Matt instead? You have an Aero.

[Ready]

1 minute ago, zildac said:

Ah OK. So why don't you just use Varjo Foveated from Matt instead? You have an Aero.

With QVFR I can get OBSmirror recordings and see OpenKneeboard inside my recordings. The other way around this does not work. Or at least it did not work when I configured it about a year ago

[zildac]

3 minutes ago, Ready said:

With QVFR I can get OBSmirror recordings and see OpenKneeboard inside my recordings. The other way around this does not work. Or at least it did not work when I configured it about a year ago

Gotcha, OK yeah I do recall that was a limitation. Never tried it, so don't know if it is now possible. The only reason I like QVFR was I could still run OXRTK and have a clock, But the eye tracking issues meant I just went back to VFR and live without a clock.

Edited November 21, 2024 by zildac

[Ready]

17 hours ago, Ready said:

I updated my hardware with amazing results.

Hardware installation
I kept my PSU, PC Case (Thermaltake Core P3 Open Case without any Fans), SSD's with W10 and DCS and just put them back in. I did not want to reinstall Windows and redo all my applications and settings, which would cost me a couple of weeks. First I made backups of my data and made some screenshot of settings and looked into activating W10, in case this was needed.

• CPU: Ryzen 7 9800X3D
• CPU cooler: Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420 
• Motherboard: ASUS ROG STRIX X870E-E GAMING WIFI 
• Memory: G.Skill 64GB DDR5-6000

New results

A-10 Quick Mission Normandy 'Weapons Practice':

• 90FPS flat. I just see 3 flat lines in the DCS performance overlay. 
• app CPU 1.7 ms
• rdr CPU 5 ms
• app GPU 10.5ms

Steps taken

1. Updated BIOS, cleared the CMOS
2. Updated Chipset drivers
3. Updated GPU drivers
4. Ran Driver Booster to replace some of the drivers. 
5. Cleaned up some of the software, removed stuff I did not need anymore.
6. BIOS
   1. Enabled Turbo Mode (disabled SMT)
   2. Enabled ReSize BAR
   3. Overclocking: Enabled PBO
      1. Positive +200
      2. Curve optimizer -20

Still to do

1. Increase DCS Visual settings, soo much headroom now.
2. Increase Quad View Foveated Rendering settings to get closer to the native resolution of the Varjo Aero, which is on 39 PPD.
   1. Current parameters
      1. turbo_mode=0
      2. peripheral_multiplier=0.45
      3. focus_multiplier=1.2
      4. horizontal_focus_section=0.29
      5. vertical_focus_section=0.33
      6. smoothen_focus_view_edges=0.2
      7. sharpen_focus_view=0.6 
3. Play with increasing RAM speed, it is back on automatic. Tried some settings, but Windows became unstable and I had to reboot the nasty way. I lost my VoiceAttack user file in the process. So I have to reinstall some shortcuts for my radio controls, scratchpad, video shortcuts, Openkneeboard etc. No biggie, it will cost me a couple of hours to figure it out again. Will add my \AppData\Local folder to my backup regime.
4. Run benchmarking

Other QVFR things to try:

1.  Smoothen_focus_view_edges =0, should give a nicer transition.
2. Turbo_mode=1. See if this gives a better performance. but there are some drawbacks. https://mbucchia.github.io/OpenXR-Toolkit/other-features.html#turbo-mode

[zildac]

3 minutes ago, Ready said:

Other QVFR things to try:

1.  Smoothen_focus_view_edges =0, should give a nicer transition.
2. Turbo_mode=1. See if this gives a better performance. but there are some drawbacks. https://mbucchia.github.io/OpenXR-Toolkit/other-features.html#turbo-mode

Turbo mode works fine in VFR too (obviously OXRTK needs to be disabled)

[Ready]

1 minute ago, zildac said:

Gotcha, OK yeah I do recall that was a limitation. Never tried it, so don't know if it is now possible. The only reason I like QVFR was I could still run OXRTK and have a clock, But the eye tracking issues meant I just went back to VFR and live without a clock.

Ah yeah I also use the OXRTK, still do, especially when I am tinkering with things. I currently have full overlay with FPS and frametimes turned on to see all the numbers. So that was the second big reason. I also like the sunglasses adjustment in there and some color/saturation things that I adjust to make things look a litle less DCSish. I used to use 3Dmigoto but that mod really ate a lot of fps. 

[Ready]

A couple of videos that were helpful understanding things to focus on while improving. 

 

 

[Ready]

15 hours ago, zildac said:

Turbo mode works fine in VFR too (obviously OXRTK needs to be disabled)

Are you doing any overclocking on your memory? I also have DDR5 6000 and it is on default currently, guessing there is some performance to be gained.

[zildac]

23 minutes ago, Ready said:

Are you doing any overclocking on your memory? I also have DDR5 6000 and it is on default currently, guessing there is some performance to be gained.

Other than the standard rated OC @6600, no. And on Intel 14th Gen and Z690 it is only 99% stable. DCS runs fine, but some other apps which are more parallelised cause hangs occasionally, so I may actually drop it down to 6000.

[Ready]

2 hours ago, zildac said:

Other than the standard rated OC @6600, no. And on Intel 14th Gen and Z690 it is only 99% stable. DCS runs fine, but some other apps which are more parallelised cause hangs occasionally, so I may actually drop it down to 6000.

Where can I find more/easy info on how to do that standard rated OC @6600? Will be my first time doing so, new to the topic. Much appreciated. 

[zildac]

36 minutes ago, Ready said:

Where can I find more/easy info on how to do that standard rated OC @6600? Will be my first time doing so, new to the topic. Much appreciated. 

Well, TBH my RAM is rated at 6600, but it is still an overclock. Re my Mobo (ASUS Z690 Hero) it was just a case of using the “XMP Tweaked” profiled and selecting 6600.

[Ready]

50 minutes ago, zildac said:

Well, TBH my RAM is rated at 6600, but it is still an overclock. Re my Mobo (ASUS Z690 Hero) it was just a case of using the “XMP Tweaked” profiled and selecting 6600.

Okay thanks!