0. FROM SCRATCH
1. REQUIREMENTS
3. MODS
7. THANK YOU
Welcome to this GTA San Andreas Optimizing guide!
But why? There are already thousands of videos talking about the same thing."
Let's see... As I said in the community posts, I downloaded one of those supposed "Packs to optimize GTA SA"... And... My brother in Christ... I almost had a heart attack...
That pack was full of CLEO mods that LITERALLY DO THE SAME THING (Mem256, Mem512, Mem1024), unnecessary mods, an outdated CLEO 4, a Silent Patch from 2018...
http://youtube.com/post/Ugkx0UQJA_MHsfYbH2dk8Sa6Hqoeqk1BgP-A
That's why in this guide I'll tell you THE REAL MODS to Optimize GTA San Andreas (NO Stream Memory Fix).
This works for any range of devices. PC, whether you have a cardboard PC or a nuclear reactor.
This guide works for SINGLE PLAYER and SAN ANDREAS MULTIPLAYER (SA-MP)!
Ready to go, Count Zero! That's right, we'll do EVERYTHING from scratch.
The first PC is the Programma 101, produced by the Italian company Olivetti between 1962 and 1964... Wait no.
If you just bought/formatted a PC, it's more than obvious that it's not ready to play yet. Well, we have a lot of things to do.
If you just bought your PC, you'll need to configure it for maximum performance, i.e., activate the XMP Profile. RAM, Drivers, Re-Size BAR (Nvidia), S.A.M (AMD), Etc.
Although it may sound obvious, we must install the most up-to-date drivers for our GPU to achieve maximum performance. You will download the drivers from the official website of your GPU, whether it's NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. DO NOT use miracle programs like Driver Booster, download EVERYTHING from the manufacturer's official website.
NVIDIA:
https://www.nvidia.com/es-la/drivers/
AMD:
https://www.amd.com/es/support/download/drivers.html
Intel:
https://www.intel.la/content/www/xl/es/download-center/home.html
"But I'm completely unaware of my PC's specifications"
Don't worry, you can use the "Dxdiag" command for this.
https://youtu.be/57NqNMlS2GE
GTA San Andreas, like many games, requires DLL files to run, such as VCredist, DirectX, and Redistributables. This also includes mods, as most require code that includes those DLLs.
But how do I get those DLLs?
Don't worry, fortunately Mixmods includes an article where we can find the most important DLLs and their installers, for both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x64).
Don't worry, they are all official Microsoft installers, so there are no risks.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2015/08/download-de-todas-as-dll-que-voce-precisa/
DirectX (In case the link on Mixmods doesn't work) works):
https://www.microsoft.com/es-mx/download/details.aspx?id=35
If you're here, I assume you've already seen the complete guide to installing mods for GTA San Andreas in 2024, you've downgraded your GTA SA from Steam/Rockstar Launcher, that you have the game on Version 1.0, and the Essentials Pack installed.
In that Guide, I show you how to get the game (either through Steam Families, Rockstar Launcher, etc.).
DON'T KNOW HOW? Below you'll find everything you need:
Obviously, we need GTA San Andreas on Version 1.0 FULL for all the mods to work properly. NOT the Steam (3.0) or Rockstar Launcher (3.0) versions, these versions ARE NOT MOD COMPATIBLE.
Remember, I have a complete guide to get GTA San Andreas Classic on PC in different ways (either through Steam Families, Rockstar Launcher, and the Gokaiger favorite).
https://youtu.be/ECbrRWBUJuU
But if for some reason you have the Steam / RGL versions, you're in luck! Just downgrade the game!
Downgrader
http://downgraders.rockstarvision.com/
Downgrade
https://youtu.be/ECbrRWBUJuU&t=119s
Downgrader didn't work for you? Don't worry, TJGM has an easier method:
https://youtu.be/83z83I153oc
...Really?
Yes, we should know the requirements for this 2005 game.
Simple, GTA San Andreas was created in Renderware and DirectX 9.0.
Renderware: Graphics engine designed for the limited platforms of the time (Playstation 2, Xbox, Gamecube).
DirectX 9.0: Graphics API designed for limited hardware. It's designed to be Single-Core (One CPU core) and Single-Threaded (One CPU thread).
"What a huge change GTA San Andreas has with an RTX 3060!":
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16RnpiyayB/
CONCLUSION: It doesn't matter if you have 64GB of DDR5 RAM, it doesn't matter if you have an RTX 3000/4000/5000, it doesn't matter if you have a CPU with 16 cores and 32 threads. THE GAME IS NOT GOING TO USE YOUR ENTIRE PC.
As you may know, installing GTA San Andreas from its original installer will install it in
"Program Files (x86) / Rockstar Games / GTA San Andreas"
SERIOUS ERROR!
As I mentioned in my guide to optimizing GTA San Andreas, Windows is quite restrictive when it comes to changing the x86 Program Files folders, and GTA San Andreas IS NO EXCEPTION.
https://youtu.be/m5UMvc8L1po?si=aomO_XNHP87cSM8x&t=181
I recommend changing the game path, such as "Documents" or "Games". And of course, update the Desktop shortcut with the new path.
NOTE: If you have the game in the normal Steam path ("steamapps / Common / GTA San Andreas"), don't worry. Fortunately, Steam allows us to install mods in its default path (or not, Rockstar Games Launcher?)
This is one everyone knows. In case an installation goes wrong, always have a clean copy of GTA San Andreas 1.0 on hand. Always have a Backup.
This helps a lot when installing mods, as it fixes many Modloader errors and mods installed within it.
"GTA San Andreas" folder > Right-click > Properties > Security > Select user > "Edit" > "Full Control"
https://gtaforums.com/topic/922253-failed-to-open-the-log-file-modloader-issue/
Many of the compressed files are in .7z format. They are clearly files compressed in 7-Zip. That's why I recommend you have 7-Zip installed, which is 1000 times better than WinRAR and WinZip, due to all its advantages (Open Source, better compression, more compatibility with different compressed file formats, etc.). DON'T use WinRAR to unzip ".7z" files, as errors will occur 99% of the time.
Okay, you already have your GPU drivers updated, you already have the essential DLLs installed, you already have GTA San Andreas at version 1.0... Now what?
We need to optimize our PC!
When installing your graphics card drivers, the most logical thing is to install its Control Panel (either GeForce Experience, AMD Radeon, or Intel Arc). Don't stick with the default settings. YOU configure the Control Panel for maximum performance. Performance.
NVIDIA:
https://youtu.be/9eFnUQFFcXo
AMD:
https://youtu.be/pM9Q_M6hQTE
https://youtu.be/poI3Bg8qMhw
Intel:
https://youtu.be/k_Kj_uL-YsA
As you may know, Windows 10/11 has a ton of unnecessary services enabled (Telemetry, Telephony, Fax, etc.). And 99% of you are probably too lazy to disable them one by one. Don't worry, you can disable ALL in seconds with "WinUtil"!
Plus, you can also unlock the Maximum Performance plan from WinUtil!
https://youtu.be/IuaNw8Tpn7Q
Command:
https://github.com/ChrisTitusTech/winutil
Although these options are detailed, we have nothing to lose by doing them. Let's configure our "gta_sa.exe" for better performance. By this I mean the famous "Disable Fullscreen Optimizations" and "Graphics Settings".
https://youtu.be/AKUQbL4i24g
https://youtube.com/shorts/UtPm4se6yqU
ESSENTIALS PACK
This pack contains everything Required to install GTA San Andreas mods and optimize the game!
-Silent's ASI Loader
-CLEO 4.4.4
-CLEO+
-Modloader
-Silent Patch
-Widescreen Fix
-CrashInfo
-Etc.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2019/06/sa-essentials-pack/
Author: Junior_Djjr
REQUIRED: Open Limit Adjuster
REQUIRED: High Priority to Open Limit Adjuster and Project 2DFX in Modloader
This mod pre-loads GTA SA files to avoid the so-called "Blue Holes" on the map. This helps optimize the CPU, RAM, and HDD/SSD.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/04/improved-streaming/
Author: LINK/2012 , ThirteenAG, Blackbird88
Required by: Improved Streaming, Proper Fixes.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/10/open-limit-adjuster/
Author: Junior_Djjr, Jessica Natalia, Hysen, Aal, StreetFonso, MJkun17, Tripaseca, KaiQ, and Mixmods Community
REQUIRED: Open Limit Adjuster
REQUIRED: SkyGFX Extended
RECOMMENDED: If you're installing RoSA Project, download the "Proper Fixes for RoSA Project" version.
RECOMMENDED: INCREASE the priority of "Proper Fixes" above "RoSA Project" in the Modloader menu.
This mod fixes numerous bugs, including incorrect textures, lighting issues, beta leftovers, and model issues. etc
https://gist.github.com/AlexRed29/78c47c80975aeecaade1584e099178de
Author: Jessica Natalia & Junior_Djjr
RECOMMENDED: Install this mod instead of Proper Fixes for SAMP.
RECOMMENDED: Remember that Proper Fixes ALREADY INCLUDES this mod.
This mod optimizes the textures of the San Andreas map, helping it load faster and improve performance.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/09/sa-optimized-map/
https://youtu.be/m5UMvc8L1po?t=486
https://youtu.be/mjWJk5Hj530
Author: Junior_Djjr & GTA Modding Community
Password: mixmods.com.br
This is an "All-in-One" add-on, which includes over 285 settings! You can configure things like: Pedestrian and vehicle density, disable visual effects for more FPS, enable hidden features like more hostile gangs, etc.
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2022/03/sa-mixsets/
In this section, I'll show you ALL the important Mixsets settings to improve performance in GTA San Andreas. Remember to press the command CTRL + B to find the settings.
As the name suggests, this setting modifies the priority of the game process. It will be very important for the PC, and this means that all resources should prioritize the game. This setting is a "Game Booster" and saves us the process of Task Manager > Details > Set Priority > High. Leave it as default (5).
- ProcessPriority = 5
As the name suggests, this option disables the Replay option (F1), as it affects performance for some reason. This is optional; you can enable (1) / disable (0) this option.
-
NoReplay = 0 (Disabled)
-
NoReplay = 1 (Enabled)
This setting enables Anisotropic Filtering, which slightly improves the quality of distant textures. This setting is useful with textures with MipMaps. Leave it enabled (1)
- ForceAnisotropic = 1
Following the previous option, this is the Anisotropic level (the game uses x16 by default). I recommend using a low level, like "2" or "4". Using high values **may affect performance.
- Anisotropic = 4
Esta opción desactiva el pasto que aparece desde en gráficos medios. Si tu PC presenta problemas de rendimiento, activen esta opción.
- NoGrass = 1
As the name suggests, this setting disables shadows for vehicles, poles, and trees. This game's shadow system is horrible, and it's the main reason for lag in GTA San Andreas. If your PC is experiencing issues with this, disable it.
- NoStencilShadows = 1
NOTE: If you are installing SkyGFX, you must enable this option in your SkyGFX .ini files.
Following the previous option, this option disables pedestrian and CJ shadows. It does not affect performance as much as "StencilShadows." It's your choice.
-
UseHighPedShadows = -1 (Disabled)
-
UseHighPedShadows = 1 (Enabled)
NOTE: If you are installing SkyGFX, you must enable this option in your SkyGFX .ini files.
This setting is a multiplier for the game's particle effects (smoke, fire, earth, etc.). Obviously, high values mean a loss of FPS. For my personal taste, I leave it at 0.3.
- FxEmissionRateMult = 0.3
As the name suggests, this setting disables the heat effect on the screen. Although it doesn't affect performance, I personally find it very annoying (mainly when recording). Again, this is optional; it's up to you whether to disable it or not.
- NoHeatEffect = 1 (OPTIONAL)
This option disables foggy weather textures, which affect game performance.
- NoMovingFog = 1
All of these settings relate to the motion blur that occurs at high speeds. They're all optional settings, but for my personal preference, I disable them when recording.
- NoMotionBlur = 1 (OPTIONAL)
- NoVertigoEffect = 1 (OPTIONAL)
- NoNitroBlur = 1 (OPTIONAL)
As the name suggests, this setting disables water particle effects when it's raining. This effect causes significant FPS loss.
- NoRainSteam = 1
This option disables clouds in GTA San Andreas. According to Mixsets, they cause FPS loss, but I personally don't have them. It's up to you whether to disable them or not.
- NoLowClouds = 1
This option disables volumetric clouds (the ones that appear when flying at high altitudes). These clouds cause a significant FPS loss. If your PC slows down when flying through these clouds, disable them.
- NoVolumetricClouds = 1
This setting is a multiplier for vehicle traffic in the game. Heavy traffic in the game can cause performance issues. For my personal taste, I leave it at 0.5.
- VehDensity = 0.5
NOTE: If you are installing Project Urbanize, you must configure this option in the Urbanize.ini file.
This setting is a multiplier for pedestrian traffic in the game. Heavy pedestrian traffic in the game can cause performance issues. For my personal taste, I leave it at 0.5.
- PedPopulationMult = 0.5
NOTE: If you're going to install Project Urbanize, you must configure this option in the Urbanize.ini file.
To keep the video short, all your questions will be here.
This is completely normal. I recommend clicking the game executable several times until you see a Windows message saying "Compatibility settings have been applied".
SOLUTION:
-
Open the properties of "gta_sa.exe".
-
Check the "Disable fullscreen optimizations" box.
-
Set these DPI values (This also works on Windows 10).
As I mentioned in the guide, playing at +100 FPS can cause instability in the game's physics. To easily fix this, leave the Windowed Mode mod, as it includes Vertical Sync (VSync), meaning the mod limits the game to the Hz of your monitor (Example: My monitor is 75 Hz, so the mod will limit it to 75 FPS).
In the video, I told you that if your PC isn't very powerful, you should uninstall the Windowed Mode mod. This is because the mod enables Vertical Sync (VSync) by default (it has nothing to do with "Limit Frames" in the game settings). (Example: My monitor is 75 Hz, so the mod will limit it to 75 FPS)
Remove the "Windowed Mode" from "Essentials Pack" if your PC is experiencing performance issues. If not, leave the mod, as it's very useful for users with two or more monitors. It also fixes some Windows-related bugs.
This is something some people are saying: the new Widescreen Fix is causing problems in SAMP. I haven't personally submitted it, but the solution is: Download the 2019 version of Widescreen Fix
YOU MUST REMOVE THE WIDESCREEN FIX FROM THE ESSENTIALS PACK AND INSTALL THIS ONE:
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/05/widescreen-fix-para-gta-sa-corrigir-widescreen/
The default Improved Streaming .ini file is not recommended for playing with RoSA Project, as it isn't configured correctly.
To do this, we'll install the settings for RoSA Project:
- Find the "Settings" folder in the Improved Streaming mod.
- As you can see, there are several folders with settings. Look for the settings for playing with RoSA Project.
- As you can see, there's an "ImprovedStreaming.ini" file. That file is already configured to play with RoSA Project.
-
Let's move it to the mod folder in Modloader.
-
Let's replace the default "ImprovedStreaming.ini" file.
-
With that, we have Improved Streaming installed and configured for RoSA Project.
A. THERE IS NO NEED TO BE ALARMED. It is a false positive. For some reason several antiviruses detect Mixsets as viruses, but there is NO danger.
Junior_Djjr uploaded the "mixsets.asi" file to VirusTotal to scan for possible viruses, but most of them do NOT detect any, except for 24 antivirus programs that detect it as "Game Hack" (For game cheating, an insignificant ""virus""").
The mod is OPEN SOURCE, and anyone can see its code freely and check that it has nothing malicious about it, I've been playing with Mixsets for years on 4 different PCs and nothing bad.
When you download the file, add it to your Antivirus whitelist.
VirusTotal page:
https://www.virustotal.com/gui/file/ffee9f32cbd3af9925807b2c0fac0f172d7c73e20610717692f878b16b3cb348
Code of Mixsets on Github. I REPEAT: It's OPEN SOURCE, anyone can check if there is anything malicious.
https://github.com/JuniorDjjr/SA-MixSets
Q. Is the poor performance issue in GTA San Andreas due to the game itself? Or is it also due to my PC?
Yes and no.
CPU: GTA San Andreas is a Single-Core and Single-Threaded game. So it doesn't matter if your CPU has 16 cores and 32 threads, it will NOT use more than 1 core and 1 thread. In terms of speed, to have a stable 60+ FPS, it must be at least 2 GHz.
GPU: On the graphics card, it is primarily used for rendering models and textures. This means that if you are going to install HD mods (like HD Cars, HD Weapons, RoSA Project, Insanity mods) or graphical mods (like SA_DirectX), you will need a decent graphics card.
RAM: GTA San Andreas is a 32-bit game, so it will NOT use more than 4 GB of RAM (with the "gta_sa.exe LargeAddress 4 GB Patch", already included in the Essentials Pack).
Like the GPU, this is primarily used for loading models and textures. Using mods like "Improved Streaming" can improve and optimize its use. 8 GB of RAM is enough to use mods like "RoSA Project Evolved".
The problem with GTA San Andreas is that it's limited to NOT using all of your PC's resources (whether Ultra or Low-End). Fortunately, we have the community to optimize this game, thanks to mods like Silent Patch, Mixsets, Improved Streaming, etc.
A: Of course it does! Both Mixsets and the rest of the mods are compatible with SAMP. Just remember that to install "SA Optimized Map," you must follow the additional step I mentioned in the video.
https://youtu.be/m5UMvc8L1po?t=486
https://youtu.be/mjWJk5Hj530
A: Follow all the steps in OPTIMIZE YOUR PC. And remember that "Windowed Mode" limits the game to the Hz of your monitor (If your monitor is 60 Hz, the game will stay at 60 FPS). However, this isn't good for less powerful PCs, so remember to remove the mod.
A: That's not a question; you're not giving me any more details. Follow the installation instructions for the required mods to the letter.
A: Reinstall it. You created a backup of GTA San Andreas 1.0 for a reason.
A: Go back to FROM SCRATCH. Some mods to optimize GTA San Andreas won't harm your PC and/or monitor. Make sure you have updated graphics drivers. The only mod that can be intrusive to the display is "Windowed Mode", but it helps avoid the 5-second black screen in Windows 10.
A: Use the "Restore Point" that is created when using WinUtil. There shouldn't be any problems, as it's a script verified by community feedback.
A: Format your PC and reinstall everything FROM SCRATCH. Don't blame me for something your PC already had from the start at the hardware/OS level. A few GTA SA script mods CAN'T harm your PC. XDDDDDD
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2017/01/como-tirar-o-lag-do-gta/
https://forum.mixmods.com.br/f54-sobre-os-jogos/t8090-samp-an-introduction-to-modding-in-samp
https://www.mixmods.com.br/2021/07/mipmapping/
https://youtu.be/6LJxAQE6a3c?si=YoyKaocFB_Kpu4o7
This concludes the Gist.
No lie, this is the best way to optimize GTA San Andreas, without the horrible mod packs full of 20 ads that are so poorly done they would make anyone cry.
And to the modders, you've earned all my applause and respect. You've improved this game more than Rockstar Games itself (or not Definitive Edition without updating?). I wanted to make this document and video to showcase your work and contributions to the community.
Keep going!