ET displayrefresh, maxfps, v-sync

[Lorenzo Battistutta]

With my laptop at 1920 x 1080, I have a maximum display refresh rate of 60Hz.

If I increase the fps, I get over 250, but if I increase them too much, I get some connection interruptions.

I decided to try this configuration.

\seta r_swapinterval 1

\seta r_displayrefresh 60

\seta com_maxfps 60

I also added these to save power.

\seta com_maxfpsminimized 15

\seta com_maxfpsunfocused 15

It defines the maximum frame rate (FPS) the game can reach when minimized or not in the foreground (for example, when on the desktop or in another application). There are no universal, rigid maximum or minimum values for this variable; the limits are dictated by the logic and specifications of the game engine.

 

com_maxfpsminimized Values The com_maxfpsminimized value is an integer representing the FPS limit. Common Default Value: This is often set to a low value such as 15, 30, or 60. The goal is to minimize the game's resource consumption (CPU and GPU) when idle, but without causing it to completely crash. Logical Minimum Value: The effective minimum value is typically 1 FPS. Setting a value less than or equal to 0 may cause the game to freeze or stop rendering when minimized, depending on the engine implementation. Logical Maximum Value: The maximum value is theoretically limited by the game's maximum FPS (set by com_maxfps or similar) or the engine limit, but in practice, it tends not to exceed 60 FPS, as there is no visible benefit in a minimized game. Setting it to a very high value is equivalent to disabling the limit.

Setting Effect Typical Common Use 1 - 30 Maximum reduction in CPU/GPU usage. Saves power, prevents PC overheating. 60 Maintains smooth but limited refresh rates. If you want the game to respond quickly even when not active. -1 / High (e.g., 1000) Effectively disables throttling. Not recommended, wastes resources.

[HarryAimpotter]

2 hours ago, Lorenzo Battistutta said:

\seta r_swapinterval 1

\seta r_displayrefresh 60

\seta com_maxfps 60

I don't recommend using r_swapinterval 1 at all. It increases input lag and makes the game less responsive overall. If you are worried about screen tearing or you just want to sync your frames, just use fps limiter in your GPU driver. Don't limit your game fps to 60. Even if you only see 60 fps on your screen, its better to run your game at highest fps possibile. With maximum display refresh at 60 Hz, just set fps limit to 120 or 180 or 240 fps in your driver setting and in ET use com_maxfps 250.

Edited September 26, 2025 by HarryAimpotter

[Armagedonyx]

29 minutes ago, HarryAimpotter said:

I don't recommend using r_swapinterval 1 at all. It increases input lag and makes the game less responsive overall. If you are worried about screen tearing or you just want to sync your frames, just use fps limiter in your GPU driver. Don't limit your game fps to 60. Even if you only see 60 fps on your screen, its better to run your game at highest fps possibile. With maximum display refresh at 60 Hz, just set fps limit to 120 or 180 or 240 fps in your driver setting and in ET use com_maxfps 250.

I don't know if it's related but my max fps on ET is 250, however, it fluctuates a lot, it's never still. Do I need to do the same thing as you said to that guy ? 

[HarryAimpotter]

24 minutes ago, Armagedonyx said:

it fluctuates a lot

Nobody has 100% stable fps, it fluctuates for everyone. Usually it's not a problem, if you don't notice it, and the game still feels smooth. If it fluctuates so much that you can actually feel it and game doesn't feel smooth anymore, then I would recommend you lower your com_maxfps or put on some limit in your GPU driver.

[Armagedonyx]

3 hours ago, HarryAimpotter said:

Nobody has 100% stable fps, it fluctuates for everyone. Usually it's not a problem, if you don't notice it, and the game still feels smooth. If it fluctuates so much that you can actually feel it and game doesn't feel smooth anymore, then I would recommend you lower your com_maxfps or put on some limit in your GPU driver.

When I watch your videos I pay a close attention to your FPS and it's very stable. Is it because you live in a place with great networking (not sure if it it's linked or not).  Or you have great gaming PC material ?

[HarryAimpotter]

9 hours ago, Armagedonyx said:

Is it because you live in a place with great networking (not sure if it it's linked or not).  Or you have great gaming PC material ?

Internet speed has nothing to do with game fps, it's all about what PC you got. ET is 20 year old game, even tho badly optimized, you don't need high-end gaming PC to run it well.

I have i7 10700F up to 4.80 GHz, GeForce RTX 2060 (6GB), 16GB RAM.

Download demo (it.dm_84)

Put it in ETLegacy\jaymod\demos folder

Launch game in jaymod 

In console type \timedemo 1

and then \demo it

After demo is played open console (scroll up a bit) and post average fps. I got 450.

it.dm_84

[Lorenzo Battistutta]

I FOUND AN INTERESTING WEBSITE FOR SENSITIVITY

 

https://www.mouse-sensitivity.com/n/wolfenstein-enemy-territory/

[Lorenzo Battistutta]

[HarryAimpotter]

4 minutes ago, Lorenzo Battistutta said:

Get ETlegacy, I'm sure, you will get much more fps

https://www.etlegacy.com/

 

[Lorenzo Battistutta]

I used it until yesterday; after making changes to the cfg it didn't work, I had to uninstall it, I reinstalled it but it gives me DLL problems, and I couldn't get it to work again, so I gave up.

You brought me luck, I tried reinstalling it and now it works, but only the 32-bit version. I have Windows 11 64-bit, but the 64-bit version of ETLegacy doesn’t work.

 

 

[HarryAimpotter]

10 minutes ago, Lorenzo Battistutta said:

I have Windows 11 64-bit, but the 64-bit version of ETLegacy doesn’t work.

Yes, for 64 bit Windows you have to get 32 bit Legacy. 64 bit Legacy only works with some ET mods. 

[Lorenzo Battistutta]

In the context of ET: Legacy (the client and server for the Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory game), the command /cl_maxpacketscontrols how often your client sends data update packets (your actions, movement, etc.) to the server .

The difference between /cl_maxpackets 125and /cl_maxpackets 100is as follows:

SettingDescriptionImpact on the Game

/cl_maxpackets 125Sends a maximum of 125 data packets per second (PPS) to the server .Smoother/more responsive action. Your actions are recorded by the server 25 times more per second than the 100 setting, providing a more precise and responsive gaming experience. This is the ideal setting for those with a good connection.

/cl_maxpackets 100Sends a maximum of 100 data packets per second (PPS) to the server .Less responsive than 125. This is the all-time high of the original Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory .

Technical Details

Responsiveness: The increase from 100 to 125 packets per second means there's less latency between when you perform an action on your computer and when the server learns about it. This translates into perceived smoother movement and greater precision in actions like shooting or jumping.

Official Limit: The cvar cl_maxpackets typically ranges from 15 to 125 in ET: Legacy. While the limit was 100 in the original game, 125 is the recommended maximum limit for players with broadband connections.

Bandwidth: Increasing the number of packets sent increases your upload bandwidth usage . A value that is too high (beyond your connection's capabilities) or not supported by the server can cause increased ping and, paradoxically, worsen the game. Generally, 125 is a safe value for modern connections.

Basically, if your connection supports it, setting it /cl_maxpackets 125is preferable for greater smoothness and accuracy of gameplay.

 

 

 

 

 

\cl_maxpackets 125

\players

[Lorenzo Battistutta]

Can anyone tell me why on beginner 1 the /cl_maxpackets 125, every map change returns to 100, and I have to reset it via bind or console?

[-=HipKat=-]

20 hours ago, HarryAimpotter said:

I don't recommend using r_swapinterval 1 at all. It increases input lag and makes the game less responsive overall. If you are worried about screen tearing or you just want to sync your frames, just use fps limiter in your GPU driver. Don't limit your game fps to 60. Even if you only see 60 fps on your screen, its better to run your game at highest fps possibile. With maximum display refresh at 60 Hz, just set fps limit to 120 or 180 or 240 fps in your driver setting and in ET use com_maxfps 250.

Not sure I agree with this. I have a 3060TI GPU and a 166Hz Monitor. When I set my maxfps higher than 150, most people I spec show as having Connection Errors. When I drop it to the same refresh rate as my monitor, that gets corrected. Going way back, I've always set maxfps to match the refresh rate of my monitor. As for stability, at 166 it flickers a bit, but I wouldn't say it fluctuates, which would mean higher value drops.

Edited September 27, 2025 by -=HipKat=-

[HarryAimpotter]

58 minutes ago, -=HipKat=- said:

I have a 3060TI GPU and a 166Hz Monitor. When I set my maxfps higher than 150, most people I spec show as having Connection Errors. When I drop it to the same refresh rate as my monitor, that gets corrected

I have the exact same thing. When using 240 fps and specing players with a lot higher ping then mine then, I also get connection interrupted, and with very high ping players even with 200 fps. The reason is that with higher fps you need lower latency/ better connection, because your game produces more frames/packets. In low ping EU Legacy servers for example, I can play with 500 fps without any issues. In jay1, sometimes it gets really crowded and I can't go above 200 fps. So actually it's a network/routing issue and nothing to do with frame syncing and monitor refresh rates.