Optimize QBCore Server (Higher FPS)

Running a smooth and high-performing QBCore server is crucial for providing an immersive and enjoyable gaming experience. High frames per second (FPS) enhance gameplay fluidity, reduce lag, and improve overall responsiveness for players. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into various strategies and third-party tools to optimize your QBCore server for better FPS.

Content

1. Understanding FPS and Server Performance

Before diving into optimization techniques, it’s essential to understand how FPS and server performance are interconnected.

Server-Side FPS: Refers to the server’s ability to process game logic and communicate with clients efficiently.
Client-Side FPS: Relates to the player’s hardware and how well their system can render the game.

Key Factors Affecting FPS:

Script Efficiency: Poorly optimized scripts can cause server lag.
Hardware Limitations: Inadequate CPU, RAM, or storage can bottleneck performance.
Network Bandwidth: Insufficient bandwidth can lead to high latency and packet loss.
Client Hardware: Players with low-end systems may experience low FPS regardless of server optimizations.

2. Server Resource Optimization

Optimizing server resources is one of the most effective ways to improve FPS.

Audit and Remove Unnecessary Scripts

Inventory Assessment: List all running scripts and resources.
Identify Redundancies: Remove duplicate or overlapping scripts.
Disable Unused Features: Turn off features not essential to your server’s core gameplay.

Optimize Existing Scripts

Code Efficiency

Optimize Loops: Reduce the frequency of while and for loops where possible.
Event Handling: Ensure events are not being triggered unnecessarily.
Variable Usage: Use local variables to reduce memory usage.

Best Practices

Modular Coding: Break down scripts into modules for easier management.
Avoid Nested Functions: Deep nesting can slow down script execution.
Limit Server Calls: Reduce the number of server-client communications.

Streamline Resource Loading

Compress Assets: Use tools like OpenIV to compress textures and models.
Optimize Models: Use Blender or 3ds Max to reduce polygon counts.
Use LODs (Level of Detail): Implement LOD models to reduce rendering requirements at distance.

3. Hardware Upgrades

Upgrading your server’s hardware can provide significant performance boosts.

CPU Enhancements

High Clock Speeds: Opt for CPUs with higher single-core performance.
Modern Architectures: Use processors with improved instruction sets (e.g., Intel i9, AMD Ryzen 9).
Overclocking: If possible, safely overclock your CPU for extra performance.

Increase RAM

Sufficient Memory: Ensure at least 16GB of RAM is available for the server.
High-Speed RAM: Use RAM with higher frequencies and lower latency.

Switch to SSDs

NVMe SSDs: Provide faster read/write speeds compared to SATA SSDs.
RAID Configurations: Use RAID 0 for performance (note: this sacrifices redundancy).

4. Server Configuration Tweaks

Fine-tuning your server configuration can lead to noticeable performance improvements.

Adjust `server.cfg` Settings

Resource Prioritization: Use the ensure command to prioritize essential resources.
Thread Priority: Adjust server process priorities in your operating system.
Disable Unused Features: Comment out or remove unnecessary configurations.

Enable OneSync Infinity

Increased Player Capacity: Supports up to 1024 players with better synchronization.
Optimized Networking: Improved data streaming between server and clients.

Limit Player Slots

Manage Server Load: Reducing the maximum player count can alleviate server strain.
Quality Over Quantity: Focus on providing a better experience for fewer players.

5. Network Optimization

A stable and fast network connection is vital for server performance.

Increase Bandwidth

Upgrade Internet Plan: Ensure you have at least 100 Mbps upload speed.
Dedicated Connection: Use a dedicated line to prevent bandwidth sharing.

Optimize Network Settings

Quality of Service (QoS): Configure routers to prioritize game traffic.
Use Wired Connections: Avoid wireless connections for servers.
Network Hardware: Invest in high-quality routers and switches.

6. Client-Side Recommendations

Optimizations aren’t limited to the server; client-side adjustments can significantly improve FPS.

Adjust Graphics Settings

Lower Graphics Quality: Encourage players to reduce texture quality, shadows, and reflections.
Resolution Scaling: Advise players to lower their game resolution or use scaling options.

Provide Optimized Client Files

Custom Configurations: Supply config.cfg files optimized for performance.
Optimized Textures: Offer lower-resolution texture packs.

Use Lightweight HUDs and Menus

Simplify Interfaces: Replace complex HUDs with minimalistic designs.
Efficient Coding: Ensure client-side scripts are optimized and do not consume excessive resources.

7. Utilizing Third-Party Tools

Leverage third-party tools to analyze and optimize server performance.

Code Profiling Tools

resmon (Resource Monitor): Built-in FiveM tool to monitor resource usage.
Lua Profiler: Profile Lua scripts to identify slow functions.
Visual Studio Code Debugger: Use for advanced script debugging.

Performance Monitoring Tools

Prometheus and Grafana: Collect and visualize server metrics.
htop and atop: Monitor system performance on Linux servers.
Windows Performance Monitor: For servers running on Windows.

Optimization Scripts and Plugins

FPS Boosting Scripts: Use scripts designed to enhance performance (ensure they are reputable).
Anti-Lag Plugins: Implement plugins that reduce lag by optimizing resource usage.
Stream Management Tools: Control and optimize how assets are streamed to clients.

8. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

Ongoing maintenance is essential for sustained performance.

Scheduled Restarts

Memory Management: Restarts can clear memory leaks and free up resources.
Downtime Scheduling: Choose low-traffic periods to minimize player disruption.

Update Server Software

Latest Artifacts: Regularly update FiveM server artifacts for performance improvements.
OS Updates: Keep the operating system and drivers up to date.

Monitor Logs and Metrics

Error Logs: Regularly check for errors or warnings.
Performance Metrics: Track CPU, RAM, and network usage over time.

9. Community Engagement

Engaging with your player base can provide valuable insights.

Collect Player Feedback

Surveys and Polls: Gather data on player experiences.
Feedback Channels: Use Discord or forums for players to report issues.

Beta Testing

Test Servers: Set up a separate server for testing new scripts and updates.
Selective Rollouts: Gradually introduce changes to monitor their impact.

10. Advanced Optimization Techniques

For those looking to further enhance performance, consider advanced methods.

Multithreading and Parallelism

Async Operations: Use asynchronous programming to prevent blocking operations.
Thread Management: Offload heavy computations to separate threads (if supported).

Server-Side Caching

Data Caching: Cache frequently accessed data to reduce database queries.
Use Redis or Memcached: Implement in-memory caching systems.

Adjust Streaming Distances and Densities

Streaming Configurations: Modify streaming settings to control how much data is sent to clients.
Population Density: Adjust NPC and vehicle spawn rates.

11. Conclusion

Optimizing your QBCore server for higher FPS is a multifaceted endeavor that involves careful management of server resources, hardware upgrades, configuration tweaks, and community involvement. By implementing the strategies and utilizing the third-party tools outlined in this guide, you can significantly enhance your server’s performance, providing a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience for your players.

Remember: Optimization is an ongoing process. Regularly review and adjust your strategies to adapt to new updates, scripts, and player feedback.