Tuning
Graphics & Performance
There is no single “best” profile: pick a baseline that boots, then tune for fill-rate, CPU limits, or quirks. Change one setting at a time and note FPS and frametime.
Renderer
Try Vulkan, D3D12, and OpenGL per game and GPU generation. If you see flicker or missing effects, compare software vs hardware modes for that title before chasing resolution.
Resolution
Start with 2x or 3x internal resolution and edge up until frametime spikes. Native resolution with MSAA can look cleaner than extreme upscaling on weak GPUs.
OSD
On-screen display counters help separate EE-limited scenes from GS-limited ones. If EE pegs, more GPU will not help until CPU or cycle hacks are addressed.
Per-game fixes
Compatibility lists and community write-ups often specify half-pixel offsets, mipmapping, or FMV workarounds. Apply those before global hacks that affect every title.
Sync and pacing
Match vsync and frame limiter to your panel’s refresh; mixed refresh + heavy shaders can feel worse than slightly lower internal resolution with stable pacing.
