Source: www.garenaworld.com/Thread-Dota-2-Ultimate-Performance-Guide-improve-fps-tweak-settings-boost-graphics

Dota 2 Minimum System Requirements:

  * OS: Windows® 7 / Vista / Vista64 / XP * Processor: Pentium 4 3.0GHz * Memory: 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista * Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible video card with 128 MB, Shader model 2.0. ATI X800, NVidia 6600 or better * Hard Drive: At least 2.5 GB of free space * Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Dota 2 Recommended System Requirements:

  * OS: Windows® 7 / Vista / Vista64 / XP * Processor: Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz * Memory: 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista * Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible video card with Shader model 3.0. NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better * Hard Drive: At least 2.5 GB of free space * Sound: DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card

Because of the higher system requirements many dota 2 players have trouble playing the game with high fps or playing the game at all. This guide will teach you how to optimize dota 2 configuration in order to play the game more smoothly. This is done mainly by lowering graphic settings (animation, spell effects, lightning) but other factors are tweaked also. I. Update your graphic card driver to the latest version  To find out your card go to Control Panel -> Device Manager -> Display Adapters. Then make sure you have the latest driver version. The links below will let you download the latest version for amd and nvidia.

 http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx - for NVIDIA video card

http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx - for AMD RADEON video card

II. Tweak Dota 2 Launch Options  The next step is to tweak dota 2 launch options, the options are available in Steam games library. Go to Steam games library, right click Dota 2 and select [Properties], then click on [Set Launch Options]..." like in the image below. There you can set parameters for dota 2 start.

The parameters recommended to set here are:

-console -novid -noaafonts -high -noforcemaccel -noforcemspd -useforcedmparms

[-console] setting will enable the dota 2 console where you can type commands or see the log, [-novid] will disable the intro video, the creepy bald guy, [-noaafonts] will disable antialiasing of the fonts, [-high] will set the process priority of the game to high, [-noforcemaccel -noforcemspd -useforcedmparms] will disable the mouse acceleration in game. We recommend you add all this parameters to launch options like this, then click on [Ok]: [-console -novid -noaafonts -high -noforcemaccel -noforcemspd -useforcedmparms]

III. Tweak Dota 2 in game video settings  Go to Dota 2 configuration by clicking 

. Then go to [Video]->[General]. Here first turn [VSYNC] off and then set a lower [RESOLUTION], depending on the power of your computer. Start low and test the game, then gradually increase until you are satisfied.

Next go to the [Advanced] tab and set everything off and low. You can try leaving [Textures] to medium. 

IV. Configure Dota 2 advanced setting in config files The following Dota 2 config will tweak the advanced dota 2 settings in order to maximize performance. In order to execute these setting each time your Dota 2 game starts you must put these command lines in the autoexec.cfg file. Go to:

X:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\dota 2 beta\dota\cfg\

You can also go there by right click on the dota 2 game in steam games library then select [Properties], go to [LOCAL FILES] tab then click [BROWSE LOCAL FILES...], then go to [dota]->[cfg]. In this folder you should see at least two files, config.cfg and video.txt. Here create a text file then save it as autoexec.cfg, be careful not to save it as autoexec.cfg.txt . After that you can open it with a text editor like notepad and copy the commands listed below. Each line in this file will be a command, anything after a `//' in a particular line is a comment and it's not executed. dota2upc.cfg, copy this text in the autoexec.cfg file:

//dota2upc.cfg v1.0 //net_graph "1"                        // Draw the network usage graph //cl_showfps "1"                       // Show current fps //chat_join "name"                     // Automatically joins a chat channel upon launch // performance tweaks mat_queue_mode "2"                     // If u have processor with multi-core, set to 2, otherwise -1 net_compressvoice "1"                  // Compresses voice chat for better latency cl_forcepreload "1"                    // Whether we should force preloading fps_max "75"                           // Frame rate limiter. Set this to your monitor refresh rate r_renderoverlayfragment "0"               cl_interp_ratio "1"                    // Sets the interpolation amount (final amount is cl_interp_ratio/ cl_updaterate)  cl_interp "0.025"                       mem_level "0"                          // Lowest setting for max fps gpu_level "0"                          // Lowest setting for max fps gpu_mem_level "0"                      // Lowest setting for max fps cpu_level "0"                          // Lowest setting for max fps mat_vsync "0"                          // Stops screen refresh rate exceeding refresh rate of monitor r_fastzreject "-1"                      mat_triplebuffered "0"                  dota_cheap_water "1"                    dota_embers "0"                         r_deferred_height_fog "0"               cl_globallight_shadow_mode "0"          r_screenspace_aa "0"                    r_deferred_simple_light "1"             r_rainparticledensity "0"              // Density of Particle Rain (0 - 1) r_flashlightdepthtexture "0" r_shadowfromworldlights "0"            // Enable shadowing from world lights dota_screen_shake "0"                  // Disable/Enable screen shake cl_detaildist "500"                    // Distance at which detail props are no longer visible cl_detailfade "175"                    // Distance across which detail props fade in r_drawmodeldecals "0"                 r_decalstaticprops "0"                 // Decal static props test.  ragdoll_sleepaftertime "3"             // After this many seconds of being basically stationary, the ragdoll will go to sleep  r_worldlightmin  "0.005"                props_break_max_pieces "2"             // Maximum prop breakable piece count (-1 = model default) r_worldlights "2"                      // Number of world lights to use per vertex r_decals "512"                          r_decal_overlap_count "1"            mat_bumpmap "0" mat_specular "0"                       // Enable/Disable specularity for perf testing mat_phong "0" mp_usehwmvcds "-1"                     // Enable the use of the hw morph vcd(s). (-1 = never, 1 = always, 0 = based upon GPU)  mp_usehwmmodels "-1"                   // Enable the use of the hw morph models. (-1 = never, 1 = always, 0 = based upon GPU)  //internet & newtowrk settings rate "80000 "                          // Total amount of bandwidth Dota 2 may use  cl_cmdrate "20"                        // Max number of command packets sent to server per second. 20-40 cl_updaterate "20"                     // Number of packets per second of updates you are requesting from the server. 20-40 cl_lagcompensation "1"                 // Perform server side lag compensation of weapon firing events cl_pred_optimize "2"                   // Optimize for not copying data if didn't receive a network update (1), and also for not repredicting if there were no errors (2) net_maxcleartime "0"                   // Sends packets without waiting cl_smooth "0"                          // Smooth view/eye origin after prediction errors. cl_smoothtime "0.01"                   // Smooth client's view after prediction error over this many seconds. When errors occur smooth display over X time   echo "---------------------------------------------" echo "     Dota2upc.cfg loaded successfully !!!    " echo "---------------------------------------------"

If all was done right, when dota 2 starts you should see the console window with the text "Dota2upc.cfg loaded successfully" written. Alternatively you can download the file dota2upc.cfg HERE, download it in the folder where autoexec.cfg is and in autoexec.cfg just put this line: 

exec dota2upc.cfg

V. Try advanced Dota 2 launch options  This final step is a little extreme and may cause crashes or visual glitches in the game. That's why it was saved for last. These are options for dota 2 launch, just like in step II.  The following launch option disables directx 9 external rendering, and will increase fps:

-nod3d9ex

The following launch option allows you to set the dx level in which you want dota 2 to work:

// -dxlevel <option> Example: -dxlevel 81

-dxlevel 80 - This DirectX level provides excellent performance, and still retains shadows and specularity (notice the shiny floors in the image). However, water is still strictly opaque. -dxlevel 81 - Exactly like DirectX 8.0, but water now has the option of being translucent. -dxlevel 90 - The most commonly used DirectX level. Performance takes a severe hit for a minimal gain in visual quality. Special effects include enhanced explosions and increased texture depth in smoke grenades. However, several glitches are present. Flash grenades can superimpose your windows desktop icons on the screen, and specularity/bumpmapping errors are common. -dxlevel 95 - The same as DirectX 9.0, with the option of using High Dynamic Range lighting (HDR).

The following option allows you to set a heap size for dota 2 process, memory usage.

// -heapsize <value> Example: -heapsize 1572864

Allocates the optimal amount of memory depending on your computer. Take your amount of ram in kB and divide by 2. For example 2048 MB equals 2 GB equals 2147483 kbytes. Some common examples:

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39HzLkvrecg

http://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/29lvsl/post_your_autoexeccfg/

http://www.liquiddota.com/forum/dota-2-general/453984-customising-dota-2

http://aboutdota2.tumblr.com/post/80187809569/guide-activating-the-console-in-dota-2

http://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/27jlv7/wheres_the_folder_for_the_autoexeccfg_on_linux/

Instructions:

Go to "C:\Program Files\Steam\SteamApps\common\dota 2 beta\dota\cfg"

Create "autoexec.cfg" file * Create a NEW TEXT DOCUMENT * Follow this instruction to show file extension types so you can change the TXT into CFG type file. (VIEW TUTORIAL)

Type in your console commands.

Save the file.

My console commands :

dota_disable_range_finder "0" dota_force_right_click_attack "1" dota_minimap_hero_size "700"

SOURCE: http://dota2addicts.com/guides-play-custom-games-dota-2/

First Download Dota 2 Workshop Tools for Steam

a) Go to Steam’s Setting.

b) Click on the Account tab. Now, opt in to the Steam Beta Update Participation.

c) After that your Steam Client will exit. Download the updates & reboot into the Beta Client of Steam. d) Now, go to the Library in the Steam Beta Client. Right click on Dota 2 & click on properties.

e) Click on the last tab DLC and Tick in Dota 2 Workshop Tools DLC.

f) Click Close. Then, Workshop Tool content will start downloading. Its like around 5.5 GB.

g) Now, in your Library menu, go to the Tools tab.

h) Scroll down and find Dota 2 Workshop Tools Alpha & Install it.

Now, wait for both Tools & DLC to finish downloading. With this, setup part has completed.

Now, Subscribe/Download Custom Games

You can find all the uploaded Custom Games like Pudge Wars, Legends of Dota, Invoker Wars, Raze Wars, Mirana Wars & many more at Steam Workshop. Feel free to surf around.

I’ll be downloading/Subscribing Legends of Dota for example out here.  You can subscribe/download any mods you like to play from Steam Workshop.

All Custom Games at the Workshop are in Suscriber System. Once you find the game you like to play, just press that Subscribe button.

Now, you are ready to play the downloaded Custom Game.

Creating or Hosting a Custom Game

a) Launch Dota 2 Client.

b) Go to the Play Tab. You will find a new tab named Custom Games there.

c) To create or host a game, right click and Create Lobby on ‘Subscribed Game Mode‘

d) Press Create.

e) Choose any map as you wish. I’ll choose Pudge Wars for now and then, press Create.

f) A regular screen will appear where all your friends can join. Now, press Start Game. You will load in first since you are the host. Other will connect after that.

Enjoy the game with your friends.

Permanent console command / autoexec.cfg file: http://aboutdota2.tumblr.com/post/100230543278/dota-2-permanent-console-command-autoexec-cfg-file

dota_disable_range_finder 1

] net_graphinsettop 0

] net_graphinsettop -20 ] net_graphheight 64 S:Gamerules: entering state 'DOTA_GAMERULES_STATE_GAME_IN_PROGRESS' C:Gamerules: entering state 'DOTA_GAMERULES_STATE_GAME_IN_PROGRESS' ] net_graphinsetbottom 437 ] net_graphinsetleft 0 ] net_graphinsetright -30 ] net_graphpos 1 ] net_graphproportionalfont 0 ] net_graphtext 1 ] net_graphinsetbottom 300 ] net_graphinsetbottom 200 ] net_graphinsetbottom 300 ] net_graphinsetbottom 350 ] net_graphinsetbottom 400 ] net_graphinsetright -50 ] net_graphinsetright -100 ] net_graphinsetright -120 ] net_graphinsetright -130 ] net_graphinsetbottom 410 ] net_graphinsetbottom 405 ] net_graphinsetbottom 402 ] net_graphinsetbottom 400

] dota_disable_range_finder 1 ] dota_disable_range_finder 0

RESET VIA C:\Program Files\Steam\SteamApps\common\dota 2 beta\dota\cfg

http://www.hattongames.com/2012/03/useful-console-commands-for-dota-2/

http://www.liquiddota.com/forum/dota-2-general/453984-customising-dota-2

http://www.reddit.com/r/DotA2/comments/29lvsl/post_your_autoexeccfg/

http://wyksblog.com/guide-activating-the-console-in-dota-2/

http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/dota-2/337793-customising-dota-2

For those who do not know already, here is a quick little picture guide that will help you in activating the console and allow the usage of all the commands that you may need to use to tweak a few settings here and there.

Note: Do not worry if the screenshots look different from your Steam. I just use a custom theme.

Step 1:  Go to Library > Dota 2 > Properties

Dota 2 Properties

Step 2: Then go to Set Launch Options and enable the console here by typing in “-console” in the tab that opens up.

Dota 2 Launch Options

Press OK and exit the tabs. Now start the game.

Step 3: When you start the game, you should now see the console loading up.

Console is now activated

When the console is activated, you won’t be able to use the game. You can press the tilde (`) [the button next to 1] key to toggle between your game and the console.

You can any desired commands in the console following this.

Step 4: (Optional) Dota 2 allows users to re-assign their console hotkey. You can do this inOptions > Controls > Metagame tab.

Re-assign console hotkey in options

Now that you have your console setup, you can find all dota related commands under the dota_ prefix. To go through them, just type dota in the console and scroll down.

WARNING: It is suggested that you do not mess with these settings and configurations if you do not understand what they are. You may affected your game completely and might have to re-install.

Visit the Dota 2 Wiki Console Commands page to learn more about these console commands.

EXTRAS: Activating Net Graph

One of the main reasons why people activate the console is to activate the net graph that gives them access to their ping to the server, frame rate and other useful info. Here are some quick tips from my very old guide to get a unhindered net graph in Dota 2.

Type net_graph 1 in the console to activate the net graph.

Once you have done this, you will find a bunch of numbers pop up on your screen and they maybe too big and covering up a lot of stuff a bit too much for your liking. You can tweak the size of location of the net_graph by using the following commands.

net_graphheight <number> – Adjusts the height of the Net Graph display

net_graphinsetbottom <number> – Defines the position of your Net Graph in relation to the bottom of your screen.

net_graphinsetleft <number> – Defines the position of your Net Graph in relation to the left hand side of your screen.

net_graphinsetright <number> – Defines the position of your Net Graph in relation to the right hand side of your screen.

net_graphinsettop <number> – Defines the position of your Net Graph in relation to the top of your screen.

net_graphpos <number> – Toggles the position of your Net Graph (either 0 or 1)

net_graphproportionalfont <number> – Toggles font size to be proportional to your resolution (either 0 or 1)

net_graphtext <number> – Toggles the text of the Net Graph (either 0 or 1)

On a monitor running with a resolution of 1920x1080px, use the following settings to get a beautifully placed net_graph like you see in the image below. (Remember that these values change for every resolution so you will need to tinker a bit to get the results that you like.)

My Net Graph

net_graphheight 64 net_graphinsetbottom 437 net_graphinsetleft 0 net_graphinsetright -30 net_graphpos 1 net_graphproportionalfont 0 net_graphtext 1

Here are some extra additonal net_graph commands. Do not use them if you do not know how they function.

net_graphshowlatency <number> – Toggles the latency of the Net Graph (either 0 or 1)

net_graphmsecs <number> – The latency graph represents this many milliseconds