Running PCSX2 Guide for Noobs
by cottonvibes
------------------------------------------
This guide has been translated into Spanish by legatosama.
Guia para novatos, como correr el emulador de PS2 perfectamente! - VelocidadMaxima.com
------------------------------------------
About:
This guide will show you how to run the emulator and get the best results.
The guide explains everything you have to do! If you follow all the directions, the game should work. The speed depends on your PC.
Note: Before asking questions, check the compatibility list to see if the game you want to run is supported!
PCSX2.net - Compatibility
Also, please note that some games have recently become playable but have not yet been added to the compatibility list; and in some rare cases, games that were once playable, have been broken. This is the case with every new release. If a game dosn't work that was once playable, you can always revert back to an older version of PCSX2.
Note 2: To get a general idea of how the game would run on your PC, look in the screenshots thread for the game you want to play, and then look at the PC specs and FPS the user got with the game and compare it to your system.
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/95668-post-your-pcsx2-0-9-4-screenshots-here.html
------------------------------------------
Recommended System: (Will run optimized games at full speed or close to full speed; ie. games like FFX, FFXII, Disgaea 2)
3.0 Ghz or higher Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad-Core
8600 GT or higher
1GB Ram (2GB if using Vista)
Optimum System:
4.0 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad-Core
8800 GT or higher
2GB Ram
NOTE 1: PCSX2 needs a very powerful computer to run games at full speed. If you have a single core processor, you will not get full speed. If you have an old graphics card, you will not get full speed.
NOTE 2: PCSX2 is more CPU dependant than GPU dependant. Most of the time, it will be that your CPU is too weak to run games at full speed.
NOTE 3: Don't use a Laptop!!! only the most expensive laptops can run pcsx2 at normal speeds. They also will get really HOT!!!
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
THE GUIDE:
------------------------------------------
* Step 1: Get PCSX2
------------------------------------------
1) Download PCSX2 9.4 Binary
PCSX2.net - Downloads
2) Download PCSX2 BETA (optional, and not supported in forums)
PCSX2.net - Downloads
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 2: Download latest Plugins
------------------------------------------
Graphics Plugins: (Be sure to update these plugins)
GSdx
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/97657-gsdx.html
ZeroGs (latest version included with pcsx2 download)
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/70588-zerogs-new-gs-plugin.html
------------------------------------------
Sound Plugins:
Peops SPU2 (Most compatible)
Included with pcsx2 download
ZeroSPU2 (If problems with peops, try this)
Included with pcsx2 download
SPU2ghz (Beta, not stable)
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/97704-spu2ghz-releases.html
------------------------------------------
Pad Plugins:
LilyPad (my favorite, very compatible; lots of options)
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-...s2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/87274-lilypad-new-pad-plugin-lame-name.html
MegaPad
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/94273-megapad-plugin.html
TwinPad
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/80835-twinpad-keyboard-plugin.html
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 3: Get the Bios
------------------------------------------
NOTE: Get your OWN bios from YOUR ps2!!! (We don't support pirating here on the forums, if you download a PS2 bios it is ILLEGAL; even if you own a ps2, you must dump your OWN bios)
Heres how to dump the bios from you ps2:
Via LAN
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/83608-rfs-guide-dumping-your-ps2-bios-over-lan.html
Via USB
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/84994-guide-dump-bios-through-usb.html
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 4: (optional) Create an ISO image of your game.
------------------------------------------
*Here are some programs that let you make ISOs*
DVD Decryptor (Recommended because its Free)
DVD Decrypter
Alcohol 120% (Trial Version)
CD and DVD Burning Software - Alcohol 120% - Alcohol 52% and Alcohol 52% Free
Magic ISO (Trial Version)
Using MagicISO to create ISO image files
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 5: Running PCSX2 For the first time
------------------------------------------
(NOTE: you must have administrative privileges. if using vista, right click pcsx2.exe and select "Run as Administrator")
1) when you run PCSX2.exe for the first time it will ask you to log on and off to get access to memory.
2) select "yes" to message
3) system logs off
4) log back in windows as the same User
5) Run PCSX2.exe again, and it should start up; this time it won't have any messages.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 6: Configure PCSX2 (CPU config)
------------------------------------------
1) Start up pcsx2.exe
2) goto Config/ CPU
3) select "Multi Threaded GS Mode" and "Dual Core Mode" CheckBoxes (Must be using a multi-cored processor; ie. AMD X2, AMD Phenom, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Quad-Core)
4) under framelimiting, select Limit and type "75" (this limits emulation speed to 75fps which is nice for RPGs, you can also select 60fps if you want it running at
normal speed)
5) select ok
6) you will now have to restart pcsx2.exe, so exit and start it again
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 7: Configure PCSX2 (Plugins)
------------------------------------------
1) If you havn't already, you must put all the plugins you downloaded in PCSX2's plugins folder
NOTE 1: the latest GSdx requires you to update to the latest DirectX found here (if you don't download this, it will crash!!!!!)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...loads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2DA43D38-DB71-4C1B-BC6A-9B6652CD92A3&displaylang=en
(older GSdx versions require you to put the d3d9_36.dll and d3d10_36.dll in the main pcsx2 directory, but this isn't needed with the latest GSdx.)
NOTE 2: If you get an error using PEOPS plugin, download the Required MS VC DLL's from the link below
PCSX2.net - Downloads
2) Run PCSX2.exe and goto Config/ Configure
3) you will now be able to select all your plugins
Configuring Graphics Plugin: (See Step 2 for download links)
1) If using an Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad-Core select "GSdx (MSVC 15.00, SSSE3)0.1.8"
or
If using an AMD X2, or any other processor select "GSdx (MSVC 15.00, SSE2)0.1.8"
NOTE: If using the latest Intel CPUs (45nm Yorkfield and newer), then you have the option of running the SSE4 build of GSdx. If you don't know if your CPU supports SSE4, then most-likely you don't have the latest CPU, and should not use SSE4.
2) Select "Configure"
3) Select your Monitor's Resolution (ie. 1024x768)
4) If Using Vista and have a DX10 Graphics Card select "Direct3D10 (HardWare)"
or
If Using XP select "Direct3D9 (HardWare)"
5) Select Pixel Shader 3.0 (if available)
or
Select Pixel Shader 2.0
NOTE 1: skip this step is using DirectX10; it automatically uses the latest pixel shaders and makes the selection box empty.
NOTE 2: if you get a blank list and can't select anything in DirectX9 mode, then you have too old of a graphics card and need to upgrade.
6) Under Interlacing, select None (depends on game, more on this later)
7) Select the Aspect Ratio, If using a normal computer monitor select 4:3, if using an HDTV select 16:9, if using a widescreen PC Monitor you can select Stretched or 16:9
8) Under D3d Internal, If using a weak graphics card Click the "Native" checkbox
or
if using a powerful graphics card, set the internal resolution to the same as your monitor's resolution (ie. 1024x768)
9) Click the "NLOOP Hack" checkbox until it turns grey (not black)
10) Click "Texture Filtering" checkbox and make it black, (NOTE: only if you have a good graphics card, if not then leave this unchecked)
11) Click "Logarithmic Z" checkbox, make it black
12) Click "Alpha Correction" checkbox, make it black
13) Click "OK"
------------------------------------------
Configuring Sound Plugin:
1) Select either Peops SPU2 or ZeroSPU2 (i recommend peops)
2) Select configure
* if using Peops SPU2 *
3) select volume (i put it on loud)
4) select "No Reverb"
5) select either "Gaussian interpolation" or "Cubic Interpolation" (i put it on Cubic Interpolation cuz it sounds better)
6) leave all other checkboxes unchecked
7) select "OK"
* if using ZeroSPU2 *
3) select "Time Scaling" checkbox
4) leave other checkboxes unchecked
5) select "OK"
------------------------------------------
Configuring PADS:
1) select lilypad plugin (For both First Controller and Second Controller, even if you only have one controller) and click configure
2) Under Pad Options/Pad 1, select "Start in analog mode"
3) click the "Pad 1" tab on top
4) configure your gamepad by pressing the appropiate buttons for "Square, Triangle, etc.."
5) if when you press "UP/LEFT/DOWN/RIGHT" nothing happens, Use "Vert Axis" and "Horiz Axis" instead.
6) if your gamepad has Forced Feedback select Gamepad Motor 1 (1) -> "Constant", then select "Big Motor"
next select Gamepad Motor 1 (2) -> "Sine", then select small motor
7) Click "OK"
------------------------------------------
Configuring CDROM:
* If running an ISO: *
1) select linuzapps iso
2) thats it, you don't need to configure it
* If running from a cd/dvd drive *
1) select peops CDVD Driver
2) if using XP select W2K/XP commands
3) select the drive letter that you have your PS2 disc in
4) select Thread read
5) click "Use additional 4 Mbyte data cache"
6) leave everything else at their default states
7) Click "ok"
------------------------------------------
Configuring Other Plugins:
1) leave all other plugins at the default null drivers
------------------------------------------
Selecting the Bios:
1) you should have dumped your bios (see step 3) and put it in the pcsx2 bios folder
2) select the bios you dumped from the drop down menu
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 8: Setting Up Memory Cards
------------------------------------------
1) Run PCSX2.exe and goto Config/Memcards
2) Make sure that Memory Card 1 is set to the file Mcd001.ps2 and Memory Card 2 is set to file Mcd002.ps2 are set (this is done by default, so you don't have to do anything)
*We now need to format the Memory Cards, just like with the real PS2!*
3) Go back to the plugins config menu and set your CD Plugin to "CDVDnull Driver 0.6.0" (you don't need to configure anything)
4) Now goto File/ Run CD/DVD
5) Now PCSX2 will run the Playstation 2 bios
6) While in the PS2 Bios, goto Browser
7) Select memory card 1 and it will ask to format it, select "yes"
8) Select memory card 2 and it will ask to format it, select "yes"
9) Now exit PCSX2, (if running in fullscreen, press ESC then alt-F4 to exit)
10) Restart PCSX2.exe and set you CD plugin back to what it was before.
11) You will now be able to use your memory cards in games.
NOTE 1: Some games have problems detecting/saving to the memory cards. If you followed the directions in this guide, and the memory cards don't work in the game, then the only way you can save is by using the "Quick Save" function (F1 = Quick Save to Current Slot, F3 = Quick Load to Current Slot, F2 = Switch Current Slot)
NOTE 2: When available, its always better to save to the memory card instead of using the quick save function. Sometimes PCSX2 will have problems loading quick saves. So if you can, save your game regularly using the save function provided in the game to avoid problems.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 9: Running the game
------------------------------------------
1) select File/ Run CD/DVD
* if using Linuzapps *
2) locate your iso
3) click "OPEN"
4) the game should play
* if using peops CDVD plugin *
2) the game just runs by itself from the drive you selected
------------------------------------------
AND THATS IT!!!!!!!!
if you followed all the directions, everything should work!!!
Have fun!
------------------------------------------
* Troubleshooting: If you have problems, try these things.
------------------------------------------
Common Errors:
- If using an AMD X2 processor, make sure you have the Dual-Core hotfix
AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Utilities and Updates
- If using the latest PCSX2 betas, turn off speed hacks and see if the problem goes away.
- Make sure your processor supports SSE2.
- Make sure your graphics card supports Pixel Shaders 2.0 or higher.
- If you're not using an Intel Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad, then don't use SSSE3 GSdx.
- Check if the game is "playable" in compatability list; also make sure the correct version is playable (PAL/NTSC)
- If PCSX2 hangs when you try to exit, press ESC then alt-F4 to exit.
------------------------------------------
Graphic Errors:
- If the screen is shaking in GSdx, press "F5" key to switch to a different interlace mode.
- Try toggleing "Logarithmic Z" on/off in GSdx's config menu.
- Try turning off "Texture Filtering"
- Try running the game with the "native" checkbox checked.
- Try using ZeroGS; if both GSdx and ZeroGS have the same problem, then most likely its a PCSX2 problem.
------------------------------------------
Sound Errors:
- Try using ZeroSPU2
- If both Peops and ZeroSPU2 have "popping" or bad sound, its probably because the game is running too slow and the sound plugin can't get enough packets to output the sound correctly.
- Don't use "Tighter SPU2 Sync" hack when using PeopsSPU2, only use it with ZeroSPU2.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Special Game Fixes: These are special tricks to get specific games to work better.
------------------------------------------
NOTE: GeominorAI has started an interesting community-involvement project where people can post there own special tricks/game fixes.
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/102445-pcsx2-game-troubleshooting-guide.html
I recommend visiting the thread for more game specific fixes.
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex:
- Use GSdx9 11.x, the current GSdx has some texture errors in the first level.
- Use an Interlace mode in GSdx9 (F5 Key) to stop the screen from shaking.
- If using the PCSX2 beta, disable speed hacks; if left on, the characters flicker/blink.
------------------------------------------
Final Fantasy X:
- Run GSdx in DirectX9 mode if you get problems with a line in the middle of character's faces.
------------------------------------------
Final Fantasy XII:
- Enable "Logarithmic Z" in GSdx to fix some glitches in Eastersand
- If using PEOPS SPU2 and the latest PCSX2 beta, disable the "Tighter SPU2 sync hack." It makes the game run really slow unless you're using ZeroSPU2.
------------------------------------------
Guitar Hero II:
- Check out the thread below for Chickenlivers' lilypad mod. It enables the xBox360 guitar to work better with Guitar Hero.
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/98334-looking-specific-guitar-hero-information.html
Due to lack of testers, Chickenliver hasn't been able to finish the mod. So if you have a xBox360 Guitar, please help by testing and providing feedback.
------------------------------------------
Kingdom Hearts:
- Use the latest PCSX2 beta to prevent a crash
------------------------------------------
Klonoa 2:
- Use ZeroSPU2 for sound, PeopsSPU2 gives robotic sound
- In the beginning you can choose between "50Hz" and "60Hz", select "50Hz" because "60Hz" freezes when starting a new game.
------------------------------------------
Persona 3:
- Use ZeroSPU2 for sound, PeopsSPU2 gives robotic sound
- Memory Cards don't work properly in this game, but there is a trick to get them to work. Repeatively save in a slot and it will keep telling you "Save Failed", but eventually you will see that it did save, but the save says "Player Lvl 0, Time 0 hrs, 0 minutes." Now you must save again on that same slot, and it will ask you if its ok to override and select "Yes." Now the game should have saved correctly; if you need to save again, override the previous save and check if the Play Time is correct to see if it saved correctly.
- I found it better to save using the Quick Save function (F1 key) in this game, to avoid the trouble with improper Memory Card saves.
- If you exit PCSX2 and want to reload a quicksave from Persona 3, make sure you let the game load up to the title screen before you load the quicksave. If you don't, the sound might not work.
- After loading a quicksave the textures might appear corrupt, if you press Triangle to bring up the menu they will be fixed. You can also just move around a bit and they will be fixed automatically.
- In some battles, the game hangs after attacking an enemy. This mostly occurs when there are exactly two enemies. You can usually avoid the game freezing by killing the second enemy, then attacking the enemy that froze the game. But remember to quick-save frequently, because you never know when the game will hang in battle.
- In the 7th full moon, there will be 2 bosses, but you can only attack one of them. And if your party attacks, the game will hang. The way I was able to get past this, is to set all my party members' tatics to "Stand By", so they would not attack. And I had my hero kill the boss, since the game would only hang if my party attacked.
- PCSX2 has problems when playing the FMV sequences. They play correctly, but they cut-off early. So sometimes only half the FMV plays. This can be annoying as you miss out on alot of cool parts of the game. I recommend trying to search for the FMV on youtube if it cuts-off early. That way you know what happened; I had to do this for the ending FMVs because it cut all of them off too early and kindoff ruined the ending.
- This game can slow down alot in big battles. If you play with less people however, it dosn't slow down as much. So what I did was use a cheat to get my hero to lvl 99, and then just played with him in the party. So that way the game dosn't slow down as much... If you want the cheats I used, my pnach file can be found here http://forums.ngemu.com/1301359-post227.html
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
If anyone has any questions or comments regarding the guide, please feel free to reply in this thread.
But, if you guys have game specific problems, please make a new thread about it. I don't know how to fix everygame, so its better to make a new thread and let the other members on the forum help out.
------------------------------------------
Edit #1:
- lowered recommended specs a bit, suggested by a couple members
- added where to put the additional gsdx dlls, thanks PCXL-Fan for reminding me
- added a note about the compatibility list in the "about" section, suggested by PCXL-Fan
Edit #2:
- added where to get peops' required dlls (if you get an error for missing dlls), suggested by ChickenLiver
- fixed spelling mistake, thanks Mkilbride2588
Edit #3:
- Added how to set up and format memory cards! (can't believe I forgot)
- Added a troubleshooting section! (so if you have problems, check that before you ask on the forums)
- Fixed some steps that might be confusing regarding GSdx. Suggested by jusama14
- Added a Free ISO making program to the list, the two that I had before were shareware. Suggested by gamersat678 and skoreanime.
Edit #4:
- Added "Special Game Fixes" Section and some other small stuff
- thanks to skoreanime for Kindom Hearts fix
Edit #5:
- Added a bunch of tips for Persona 3 in the "Special Game Fixes" section.
- Added Guitar Hero II to "Special Game Fixes" section
Edit #6:
- Added Crash Bandicoot to "Special Game Fixes" section
Edit #7:
- Added link to Game Troubleshooting Community Project
Edit #8:
- Added a link to legatosama's Spanish translation of the guide.
- Added a note about using the screenshots thread to compare PC speed. Suggested by PCXL-fan.
- Fixed some minor stuff.
Edit #9:
- Added a link to the AMD dual-core hotfix; thanks PCXL-fan!
Edit #10:
- Updated the graphics section to mention the latest official GSdx.
- Added a note about not needing to select pixel shaders in DirectX10 mode.
- Added a link to the latest directX runtime installer needed for the latest GSdx.
by cottonvibes
------------------------------------------
This guide has been translated into Spanish by legatosama.
Guia para novatos, como correr el emulador de PS2 perfectamente! - VelocidadMaxima.com
------------------------------------------
About:
This guide will show you how to run the emulator and get the best results.
The guide explains everything you have to do! If you follow all the directions, the game should work. The speed depends on your PC.
Note: Before asking questions, check the compatibility list to see if the game you want to run is supported!
PCSX2.net - Compatibility
Also, please note that some games have recently become playable but have not yet been added to the compatibility list; and in some rare cases, games that were once playable, have been broken. This is the case with every new release. If a game dosn't work that was once playable, you can always revert back to an older version of PCSX2.
Note 2: To get a general idea of how the game would run on your PC, look in the screenshots thread for the game you want to play, and then look at the PC specs and FPS the user got with the game and compare it to your system.
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/95668-post-your-pcsx2-0-9-4-screenshots-here.html
------------------------------------------
Recommended System: (Will run optimized games at full speed or close to full speed; ie. games like FFX, FFXII, Disgaea 2)
3.0 Ghz or higher Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad-Core
8600 GT or higher
1GB Ram (2GB if using Vista)
Optimum System:
4.0 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad-Core
8800 GT or higher
2GB Ram
NOTE 1: PCSX2 needs a very powerful computer to run games at full speed. If you have a single core processor, you will not get full speed. If you have an old graphics card, you will not get full speed.
NOTE 2: PCSX2 is more CPU dependant than GPU dependant. Most of the time, it will be that your CPU is too weak to run games at full speed.
NOTE 3: Don't use a Laptop!!! only the most expensive laptops can run pcsx2 at normal speeds. They also will get really HOT!!!
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
THE GUIDE:
------------------------------------------
* Step 1: Get PCSX2
------------------------------------------
1) Download PCSX2 9.4 Binary
PCSX2.net - Downloads
2) Download PCSX2 BETA (optional, and not supported in forums)
PCSX2.net - Downloads
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 2: Download latest Plugins
------------------------------------------
Graphics Plugins: (Be sure to update these plugins)
GSdx
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/97657-gsdx.html
ZeroGs (latest version included with pcsx2 download)
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/70588-zerogs-new-gs-plugin.html
------------------------------------------
Sound Plugins:
Peops SPU2 (Most compatible)
Included with pcsx2 download
ZeroSPU2 (If problems with peops, try this)
Included with pcsx2 download
SPU2ghz (Beta, not stable)
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/97704-spu2ghz-releases.html
------------------------------------------
Pad Plugins:
LilyPad (my favorite, very compatible; lots of options)
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-...s2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/87274-lilypad-new-pad-plugin-lame-name.html
MegaPad
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/94273-megapad-plugin.html
TwinPad
http://forums.ngemu.com/ps2-plugin-questions-troubleshooting/80835-twinpad-keyboard-plugin.html
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 3: Get the Bios
------------------------------------------
NOTE: Get your OWN bios from YOUR ps2!!! (We don't support pirating here on the forums, if you download a PS2 bios it is ILLEGAL; even if you own a ps2, you must dump your OWN bios)
Heres how to dump the bios from you ps2:
Via LAN
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/83608-rfs-guide-dumping-your-ps2-bios-over-lan.html
Via USB
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/84994-guide-dump-bios-through-usb.html
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 4: (optional) Create an ISO image of your game.
------------------------------------------
*Here are some programs that let you make ISOs*
DVD Decryptor (Recommended because its Free)
DVD Decrypter
Alcohol 120% (Trial Version)
CD and DVD Burning Software - Alcohol 120% - Alcohol 52% and Alcohol 52% Free
Magic ISO (Trial Version)
Using MagicISO to create ISO image files
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 5: Running PCSX2 For the first time
------------------------------------------
(NOTE: you must have administrative privileges. if using vista, right click pcsx2.exe and select "Run as Administrator")
1) when you run PCSX2.exe for the first time it will ask you to log on and off to get access to memory.
2) select "yes" to message
3) system logs off
4) log back in windows as the same User
5) Run PCSX2.exe again, and it should start up; this time it won't have any messages.
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 6: Configure PCSX2 (CPU config)
------------------------------------------
1) Start up pcsx2.exe
2) goto Config/ CPU
3) select "Multi Threaded GS Mode" and "Dual Core Mode" CheckBoxes (Must be using a multi-cored processor; ie. AMD X2, AMD Phenom, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Quad-Core)
4) under framelimiting, select Limit and type "75" (this limits emulation speed to 75fps which is nice for RPGs, you can also select 60fps if you want it running at
normal speed)
5) select ok
6) you will now have to restart pcsx2.exe, so exit and start it again
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
* Step 7: Configure PCSX2 (Plugins)
------------------------------------------
1) If you havn't already, you must put all the plugins you downloaded in PCSX2's plugins folder
NOTE 1: the latest GSdx requires you to update to the latest DirectX found here (if you don't download this, it will crash!!!!!)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/...loads/details.aspx?FamilyId=2DA43D38-DB71-4C1B-BC6A-9B6652CD92A3&displaylang=en
(older GSdx versions require you to put the d3d9_36.dll and d3d10_36.dll in the main pcsx2 directory, but this isn't needed with the latest GSdx.)
NOTE 2: If you get an error using PEOPS plugin, download the Required MS VC DLL's from the link below
PCSX2.net - Downloads
2) Run PCSX2.exe and goto Config/ Configure
3) you will now be able to select all your plugins
Configuring Graphics Plugin: (See Step 2 for download links)
1) If using an Intel Core 2 Duo or Quad-Core select "GSdx (MSVC 15.00, SSSE3)0.1.8"
or
If using an AMD X2, or any other processor select "GSdx (MSVC 15.00, SSE2)0.1.8"
NOTE: If using the latest Intel CPUs (45nm Yorkfield and newer), then you have the option of running the SSE4 build of GSdx. If you don't know if your CPU supports SSE4, then most-likely you don't have the latest CPU, and should not use SSE4.
2) Select "Configure"
3) Select your Monitor's Resolution (ie. 1024x768)
4) If Using Vista and have a DX10 Graphics Card select "Direct3D10 (HardWare)"
or
If Using XP select "Direct3D9 (HardWare)"
5) Select Pixel Shader 3.0 (if available)
or
Select Pixel Shader 2.0
NOTE 1: skip this step is using DirectX10; it automatically uses the latest pixel shaders and makes the selection box empty.
NOTE 2: if you get a blank list and can't select anything in DirectX9 mode, then you have too old of a graphics card and need to upgrade.
6) Under Interlacing, select None (depends on game, more on this later)
7) Select the Aspect Ratio, If using a normal computer monitor select 4:3, if using an HDTV select 16:9, if using a widescreen PC Monitor you can select Stretched or 16:9
8) Under D3d Internal, If using a weak graphics card Click the "Native" checkbox
or
if using a powerful graphics card, set the internal resolution to the same as your monitor's resolution (ie. 1024x768)
9) Click the "NLOOP Hack" checkbox until it turns grey (not black)
10) Click "Texture Filtering" checkbox and make it black, (NOTE: only if you have a good graphics card, if not then leave this unchecked)
11) Click "Logarithmic Z" checkbox, make it black
12) Click "Alpha Correction" checkbox, make it black
13) Click "OK"
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Configuring Sound Plugin:
1) Select either Peops SPU2 or ZeroSPU2 (i recommend peops)
2) Select configure
* if using Peops SPU2 *
3) select volume (i put it on loud)
4) select "No Reverb"
5) select either "Gaussian interpolation" or "Cubic Interpolation" (i put it on Cubic Interpolation cuz it sounds better)
6) leave all other checkboxes unchecked
7) select "OK"
* if using ZeroSPU2 *
3) select "Time Scaling" checkbox
4) leave other checkboxes unchecked
5) select "OK"
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Configuring PADS:
1) select lilypad plugin (For both First Controller and Second Controller, even if you only have one controller) and click configure
2) Under Pad Options/Pad 1, select "Start in analog mode"
3) click the "Pad 1" tab on top
4) configure your gamepad by pressing the appropiate buttons for "Square, Triangle, etc.."
5) if when you press "UP/LEFT/DOWN/RIGHT" nothing happens, Use "Vert Axis" and "Horiz Axis" instead.
6) if your gamepad has Forced Feedback select Gamepad Motor 1 (1) -> "Constant", then select "Big Motor"
next select Gamepad Motor 1 (2) -> "Sine", then select small motor
7) Click "OK"
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Configuring CDROM:
* If running an ISO: *
1) select linuzapps iso
2) thats it, you don't need to configure it
* If running from a cd/dvd drive *
1) select peops CDVD Driver
2) if using XP select W2K/XP commands
3) select the drive letter that you have your PS2 disc in
4) select Thread read
5) click "Use additional 4 Mbyte data cache"
6) leave everything else at their default states
7) Click "ok"
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Configuring Other Plugins:
1) leave all other plugins at the default null drivers
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Selecting the Bios:
1) you should have dumped your bios (see step 3) and put it in the pcsx2 bios folder
2) select the bios you dumped from the drop down menu
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* Step 8: Setting Up Memory Cards
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1) Run PCSX2.exe and goto Config/Memcards
2) Make sure that Memory Card 1 is set to the file Mcd001.ps2 and Memory Card 2 is set to file Mcd002.ps2 are set (this is done by default, so you don't have to do anything)
*We now need to format the Memory Cards, just like with the real PS2!*
3) Go back to the plugins config menu and set your CD Plugin to "CDVDnull Driver 0.6.0" (you don't need to configure anything)
4) Now goto File/ Run CD/DVD
5) Now PCSX2 will run the Playstation 2 bios
6) While in the PS2 Bios, goto Browser
7) Select memory card 1 and it will ask to format it, select "yes"
8) Select memory card 2 and it will ask to format it, select "yes"
9) Now exit PCSX2, (if running in fullscreen, press ESC then alt-F4 to exit)
10) Restart PCSX2.exe and set you CD plugin back to what it was before.
11) You will now be able to use your memory cards in games.
NOTE 1: Some games have problems detecting/saving to the memory cards. If you followed the directions in this guide, and the memory cards don't work in the game, then the only way you can save is by using the "Quick Save" function (F1 = Quick Save to Current Slot, F3 = Quick Load to Current Slot, F2 = Switch Current Slot)
NOTE 2: When available, its always better to save to the memory card instead of using the quick save function. Sometimes PCSX2 will have problems loading quick saves. So if you can, save your game regularly using the save function provided in the game to avoid problems.
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* Step 9: Running the game
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1) select File/ Run CD/DVD
* if using Linuzapps *
2) locate your iso
3) click "OPEN"
4) the game should play
* if using peops CDVD plugin *
2) the game just runs by itself from the drive you selected
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AND THATS IT!!!!!!!!
if you followed all the directions, everything should work!!!
Have fun!
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* Troubleshooting: If you have problems, try these things.
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Common Errors:
- If using an AMD X2 processor, make sure you have the Dual-Core hotfix
AMD Athlonâ„¢ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor Utilities and Updates
- If using the latest PCSX2 betas, turn off speed hacks and see if the problem goes away.
- Make sure your processor supports SSE2.
- Make sure your graphics card supports Pixel Shaders 2.0 or higher.
- If you're not using an Intel Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad, then don't use SSSE3 GSdx.
- Check if the game is "playable" in compatability list; also make sure the correct version is playable (PAL/NTSC)
- If PCSX2 hangs when you try to exit, press ESC then alt-F4 to exit.
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Graphic Errors:
- If the screen is shaking in GSdx, press "F5" key to switch to a different interlace mode.
- Try toggleing "Logarithmic Z" on/off in GSdx's config menu.
- Try turning off "Texture Filtering"
- Try running the game with the "native" checkbox checked.
- Try using ZeroGS; if both GSdx and ZeroGS have the same problem, then most likely its a PCSX2 problem.
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Sound Errors:
- Try using ZeroSPU2
- If both Peops and ZeroSPU2 have "popping" or bad sound, its probably because the game is running too slow and the sound plugin can't get enough packets to output the sound correctly.
- Don't use "Tighter SPU2 Sync" hack when using PeopsSPU2, only use it with ZeroSPU2.
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* Special Game Fixes: These are special tricks to get specific games to work better.
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NOTE: GeominorAI has started an interesting community-involvement project where people can post there own special tricks/game fixes.
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/102445-pcsx2-game-troubleshooting-guide.html
I recommend visiting the thread for more game specific fixes.
Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex:
- Use GSdx9 11.x, the current GSdx has some texture errors in the first level.
- Use an Interlace mode in GSdx9 (F5 Key) to stop the screen from shaking.
- If using the PCSX2 beta, disable speed hacks; if left on, the characters flicker/blink.
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Final Fantasy X:
- Run GSdx in DirectX9 mode if you get problems with a line in the middle of character's faces.
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Final Fantasy XII:
- Enable "Logarithmic Z" in GSdx to fix some glitches in Eastersand
- If using PEOPS SPU2 and the latest PCSX2 beta, disable the "Tighter SPU2 sync hack." It makes the game run really slow unless you're using ZeroSPU2.
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Guitar Hero II:
- Check out the thread below for Chickenlivers' lilypad mod. It enables the xBox360 guitar to work better with Guitar Hero.
http://forums.ngemu.com/pcsx2-official-forum/98334-looking-specific-guitar-hero-information.html
Due to lack of testers, Chickenliver hasn't been able to finish the mod. So if you have a xBox360 Guitar, please help by testing and providing feedback.
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Kingdom Hearts:
- Use the latest PCSX2 beta to prevent a crash
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Klonoa 2:
- Use ZeroSPU2 for sound, PeopsSPU2 gives robotic sound
- In the beginning you can choose between "50Hz" and "60Hz", select "50Hz" because "60Hz" freezes when starting a new game.
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Persona 3:
- Use ZeroSPU2 for sound, PeopsSPU2 gives robotic sound
- Memory Cards don't work properly in this game, but there is a trick to get them to work. Repeatively save in a slot and it will keep telling you "Save Failed", but eventually you will see that it did save, but the save says "Player Lvl 0, Time 0 hrs, 0 minutes." Now you must save again on that same slot, and it will ask you if its ok to override and select "Yes." Now the game should have saved correctly; if you need to save again, override the previous save and check if the Play Time is correct to see if it saved correctly.
- I found it better to save using the Quick Save function (F1 key) in this game, to avoid the trouble with improper Memory Card saves.
- If you exit PCSX2 and want to reload a quicksave from Persona 3, make sure you let the game load up to the title screen before you load the quicksave. If you don't, the sound might not work.
- After loading a quicksave the textures might appear corrupt, if you press Triangle to bring up the menu they will be fixed. You can also just move around a bit and they will be fixed automatically.
- In some battles, the game hangs after attacking an enemy. This mostly occurs when there are exactly two enemies. You can usually avoid the game freezing by killing the second enemy, then attacking the enemy that froze the game. But remember to quick-save frequently, because you never know when the game will hang in battle.
- In the 7th full moon, there will be 2 bosses, but you can only attack one of them. And if your party attacks, the game will hang. The way I was able to get past this, is to set all my party members' tatics to "Stand By", so they would not attack. And I had my hero kill the boss, since the game would only hang if my party attacked.
- PCSX2 has problems when playing the FMV sequences. They play correctly, but they cut-off early. So sometimes only half the FMV plays. This can be annoying as you miss out on alot of cool parts of the game. I recommend trying to search for the FMV on youtube if it cuts-off early. That way you know what happened; I had to do this for the ending FMVs because it cut all of them off too early and kindoff ruined the ending.
- This game can slow down alot in big battles. If you play with less people however, it dosn't slow down as much. So what I did was use a cheat to get my hero to lvl 99, and then just played with him in the party. So that way the game dosn't slow down as much... If you want the cheats I used, my pnach file can be found here http://forums.ngemu.com/1301359-post227.html
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If anyone has any questions or comments regarding the guide, please feel free to reply in this thread.
But, if you guys have game specific problems, please make a new thread about it. I don't know how to fix everygame, so its better to make a new thread and let the other members on the forum help out.
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Edit #1:
- lowered recommended specs a bit, suggested by a couple members
- added where to put the additional gsdx dlls, thanks PCXL-Fan for reminding me
- added a note about the compatibility list in the "about" section, suggested by PCXL-Fan
Edit #2:
- added where to get peops' required dlls (if you get an error for missing dlls), suggested by ChickenLiver
- fixed spelling mistake, thanks Mkilbride2588
Edit #3:
- Added how to set up and format memory cards! (can't believe I forgot)
- Added a troubleshooting section! (so if you have problems, check that before you ask on the forums)
- Fixed some steps that might be confusing regarding GSdx. Suggested by jusama14
- Added a Free ISO making program to the list, the two that I had before were shareware. Suggested by gamersat678 and skoreanime.
Edit #4:
- Added "Special Game Fixes" Section and some other small stuff
- thanks to skoreanime for Kindom Hearts fix
Edit #5:
- Added a bunch of tips for Persona 3 in the "Special Game Fixes" section.
- Added Guitar Hero II to "Special Game Fixes" section
Edit #6:
- Added Crash Bandicoot to "Special Game Fixes" section
Edit #7:
- Added link to Game Troubleshooting Community Project
Edit #8:
- Added a link to legatosama's Spanish translation of the guide.
- Added a note about using the screenshots thread to compare PC speed. Suggested by PCXL-fan.
- Fixed some minor stuff.
Edit #9:
- Added a link to the AMD dual-core hotfix; thanks PCXL-fan!
Edit #10:
- Updated the graphics section to mention the latest official GSdx.
- Added a note about not needing to select pixel shaders in DirectX10 mode.
- Added a link to the latest directX runtime installer needed for the latest GSdx.
