How to get best performance1. Install the Low Quality ModThis mod is used to change a lot of the textures and effects to lower quality ones, which will have a significant effect on the game performance:
Low Quality Mod2. Change Video SettingsDraw Distance:
Minimum
Frame Limiter:
On and use /fpslimit ingame to set a low FPS somewhere from 30 to 40 (30 will give best performance but least smooth and vise versa for 40). The idea is that you set it lower then your normal FPS so it reduces "random slowing down lag", which especially happens when you are moving loading new textures ingame. However, it reduces the smoothness of the game, you need to find a balance. If you don't already have it, install
Fraps so that you can see your FPS ingame.
Visual FX Quality:
Low
Anti Aliasing:
Off
Resolution:
640x480x16, but if this is too low for your liking, just set to another resolution but keep it as low as possible and always ...x...x16 for 16 bit colour, not 32 bit colour.
3. Process priorityWhen running the game, CTRL+ALT+DEL to get to task manager, go to processes tab, find gta_sa.exe, right click and select priority, choose a higher setting. However, not all computers will react the same to the changing of priority. I tried to set it to Realtime on one computer with no problems and reduced lag by about 33% whereas on another computer I had to set it to High as when it was on Realtime, the sound lagged. You can just try out a setting and see how it works for you, but remember, ideally higher is better.