Hey guys, I was scrolling this Section for a while and I found many people having problems with GTA 4. It was more about getting some FPS and I was shocked that many people got only around 10-20 FPS. So, I am going to share you some tips which helped me in gaining more than 20 FPS. These tweaks may also work with Intel HD. Though, there might be not much improvement.
Game Booster
This is a program which helps us in getting performance w/o disturbing the Graphics. It also helps in closing some unwanted programs when we run the game. You can download this here: Click Here!
Contig
Contig is more like a defragmenter which goes inside the whole file and finds any fragmented files.
Here is how to use it: Place it in your GTA IV directory. Then create a shortcut desktop and have a commandline at the end (-s) and it should look like this: "C:\Program Files\Rockstar Games\Grand Theft Auto IV\Contig.exe" -s
Here is a tutorial how to use Contig and Game Booster:
CCleaner
CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) than Disk Defragmenter.
Advanced SystemCare Free has options to help protect, repair, clean, and optimize your PC. 100% safe with no adware, spyware, or viruses (I tested it); a PC maintenance program that's incredibly easy to use. You can download this here: Click Here!
Here is a tutorial about how to use this:
Commandline
Commandline is just a small file which configures GTA 4. In this, we can fix most of the graphic bugs. You can know the parameters here.
Here is a small data which I use all the time. It is bug free:
Patch 1.0.4.0 (Performance)/ 1.0.7.0 (Big fixes and Graphics)
An Original copy of GTA 4 (Pirates, f*ck off)
Having a 2009 or later PC (Doesn't matters if it's outdated though)
Patience
Common Sense
Let's get started.
Download this mod: VisualIV (Not from GTAGarage but from the Mediafire link as the GTAG files are not the latest) This mod does magic to the game. It improves the Graphics as well as improves the performance.
Next, jpm1 has made this mod which is really good in improving the Frame rates. Well, the mod isn't collaborated well as we have to do most of the work manually. But, anyways, worthy to try: GTA 4 - New Trees and Bushes LODs Also, if you have time, read his post here showing how to improve FPS by modding files.
Now, after installing the patch, using the mod and taking the tips of jpm1, check you game if there is any improvement. If yes then I think you may be having more than 40 FPS.
Don't get so happy, read some of my tips:
Always keep the settings to minimum because your game can crash. It happened with me a lot of time.
Keep you Mouse direction vertical wherever it's possible because seeing from above gives 2 to 5 FPS.
Don't install any ENBs or Ultimate Textures as mixing up the files can cause bugs and as well as crashes.
Defrag your PC weekly, make it as a habit. Do an error check monthly to fix the Bad sectors in your C: Drive.
Set your PC for best performance. It will help you to load the game quickly.
Do a benchmark test every time you install any mods so that you can yourself fix the problems and you don't need to disturb us. But still, we are happy to help.
There are some major bugs like 'Last Mission Helicopter bug' or 'Can’t call Gerry bug' which make it impossible to beat the game. So, read these instructions carefully: 1) If anyone gets more than 30 FPS then download FRAPS and set the avg. FPS as 30 or try my method for the last mission. 2) Don’t hail a taxi in the mission 'Action speaks louder than words' for collecting the bomb or going to Little Italy because this increase the chances of this bug. I have tried it and it works.
Don't overwrite any files which are important! You might be able to crash your computer as GTA 4 takes a lot of CPU. If you ever get this problem, update to latest drivers. I can't help you with that.
Always re-install the game if you have any bugs. That's the first step which you should do before telling your problem.
Credits mkey82 - For all his help and tutorials in the Troubleshooting forums. PrometheusX - He has been a great guy and helped me a lot. I got this idea from his helpful topics. jpm1 - Really good modder and has helpful tips for improving FPS. His Tree LOD mod will come handy to many folks. Respective Mod Authors and Video Designer - Thanks for all the work you all had done.
Hope you all have a good time with your game. If you want any help, don’t hesitate to ask.
This post has been edited by Dr. John13 on Monday, Jul 30 2012, 15:42
Angel of Vengence Group: Members
Joined: Jun 1, 2012
I actually had the game booster and CCcleaner, but I'll check out the other stuff.. Hope I can figure it out and I'll let you know how it goes (If I don't get lost in the directions and have to come back here to ask..)
Correct me if im wrong here, but that "-framelimit" switch doesn't make any sense, if you read the game's readme file, it should be either "-framelimit 1" or nothing, since "-framelimit 0" (which i've seen people use before) would be the same as "novblank" and we don't need it anymore since the vsync feature has been implemented after the 2nd patch.
Correct me if im wrong here, but that "-framelimit" switch doesn't make any sense, if you read the game's readme file, it should be either "-framelimit 1" or nothing, since "-framelimit 0" (which i've seen people use before) would be the same as "novblank" and we don't need it anymore since the vsync feature has been implemented after the 2nd patch.
Forgotten to post the number. Anyways, I have updated with a new Commandline:
I found one more amazing product of IOBit which helps in maintaining CPU's temperature from rising. It's again more like a Defragmenter but it has some similar features of Game Booster and it's easy to use. So I am going to throw this tweak too:
Advanced System Care (Free Edition)
Advanced SystemCare Free has options to help protect, repair, clean, and optimize your PC. 100% safe with no adware, spyware, or viruses (I tested it); a PC maintenance program that's incredibly easy to use. You can download this here: Click Here!
You spin me right round Group: Members
Joined: Dec 10, 2011
I never like this kinds of programs. All they do is change some registry settings (not always for good), and do some commands which you can find easely on the internet. I like tweaking my computer by myself, I no need no stinking programs.
I never like this kinds of programs. All they do is change some registry settings (not always for good), and do some commands which you can find easely on the internet. I like tweaking my computer by myself, I no need no stinking programs.
Hey, hey. No one forced you. You never know when you need them and they don't upgrade the game but the PC itself for keeping the CPU Memory low and to load games faster. If you don't like them then don't try it. If you think they are viruses then you are wrong as I have tested them. Still, sky won't fall if you will try.
Did some editing. Added jpm1's tips regarding FPS as I found it very useful. The same will be for you too. I know this is a tiny update but update is update. I am also bumping this so that more members see this. Thanks.
Grand Theft Auto IV
These tweaks may also work with Intel HD. 
Though, there might be not much improvement.
gotta check this sh*t out 
