Intel HD Graphics V-sync disable for Freelancer.exe

[Sanctions]

Spoiler

Replicating my own post from Reddit to keep it here as well.

If you're an avid Freelancer combatant then you might know how important FPS is. And when it comes to this game, if you also happen to play on a weak outdated laptop with integrated graphics like Intel HD (which is exactly my case), chances are high that you can't disable V-sync as it is forced by default and limits your FPS to your refresh-rate (which is 60 in most cases), while Intel HD control panel lacks the ability to force V-sync off overall or for certain executables.

You may be wondering why anyone would want that done, the answer is that disabling V-sync might be crucial as it causes input lag to the game. This especially affects 60Hz monitors in a bad way.

There are 3 solutions to this problem that I'm currently aware of:

• Primitive method - force your game to run in bordered window mode, that way V-sync won't be forced.

This is done by editing your Freelancer.exe's launch command line via icon right-click - Properties.

Path will vary depending on your installation location.

You may encounter some cursor issues while hovering it over window borders if you go this way.

Spoiler

This method doesn't apply for Discovery as it has its own command line parameters.

• RTSS (Rivatuner Statistics Server) method - a simple and effective solution (https://www.guru3d.com/files-get/rtss-ri...ad,17.html) without any complications which is easy to use.

After installing the utility, click Add and show it where your Freelancer.exe is, then tune it's Profile. Personally for me it works perfectly with the following settings, make sure to tweak those if needed:

Make sure RTSS is active in your tray!

• DXWnd method - this method implies that you are familiar with how GPU's and renderers work, therefore, I wouldn't recommend it for those seeking user-friendly problem solution.

Method involves using DXWnd utility (https://sourceforge.net/projects/dxwnd/) to intercept your Freelancer.exe process while forcing the needed settings on it. Launch the utility, right-click the empty interface and choose Add and then provide Freelancer.exe's location.

• NOTE: following steps might influence your game's performance, proceed with care. Use ALT+F4 for incorrect game behavior.
  

Link to the original image

Settings template for DXWnd and FL.exe, the last frame is the most important.

• Extra hint to make Alt-TABbing possible:
  From the starting window choose Options -> Expert mode.
  Right-click in your FL.EXE -> Modify.
  On Main tab make sure to check Lower background priority setting.
  On Input tab (Control keys) set Alt-tab to ON, check Hook dinput, Hook dinput8, Unacquire input devices on focus lost.
  Then on DirectX tab (DirectX Version Hook) choose DirectX8, then click OK and try launching your Freelancer shortcut from
  DXWnd main window and test how Alt-TAB or Windows Key work out.
  

Happy pewin' and many victories to a fellow pilot!

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[tCS]