Garry’s Mod: Best autoexec.cfg for High-Entity Servers

The primary challenge in Garry’s Mod is the sheer volume of networked entities. Every prop, NPC, and contraption sends data to your client, which the Source Engine must process on a single main thread. By modifying the autoexec.cfg, we can enable “Multicore Rendering” at the engine level (which is often disabled by default) and adjust the “Interp” settings to smooth out movement in laggy environments. This guide provides a “Master Config” designed to maximize FPS and reduce input lag in the most demanding GMod scenarios.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

  • Modern Multi-core CPUs: These tweaks unlock the hidden performance of Ryzen and Intel Core i5/i7/i9 processors.
  • Low-End Systems: Significantly reduces “Prop-Lag” (the FPS drop when looking at many objects).
  • High-Latency Connections: Essential for players joining servers hosted in different regions to prevent “rubber-banding.”

Backup and Preparation

Garry’s Mod executes the autoexec.cfg every time it starts, overriding settings stored in your config.cfg.

  1. Close Garry’s Mod.
  2. Navigate to the installation directory.
  3. Go to the cfg folder.
  4. If autoexec.cfg does not exist, right-click, select New > Text Document, and rename it to autoexec.cfg (ensure the extension is .cfg and not .txt).

File Location

The configuration file is located within the game’s local files: ...\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\GarrysMod\garrysmod\cfg\autoexec.cfg

Best Config Settings

Paste the following optimization blocks into your autoexec.cfg. These are tuned for high-entity stability:

// Multi-Core Rendering (The FPS Booster)
gmod_mcore_test 1
mat_queue_mode 2
cl_threaded_bone_setup 1
cl_threaded_client_leaf_system 1
r_threaded_client_shadow_manager 1
r_threaded_particles 1
r_threaded_renderables 1
r_queued_ropes 1

// Networking & Interp (Reduce Lag)
cl_cmdrate 66
cl_updaterate 66
cl_interp 0.015
cl_interp_ratio 1
rate 1048576

// Entity & Physics Optimization
r_shadows 0
r_dynamic 0
cl_phys_props_max 50
cl_detaildist 1000
cl_detailfade 400
M9KGasEffect 0 // Disables heavy M9K particle effects

Key Parameters Explained

ParameterRecommended ValueImpact
gmod_mcore_test1Enables the experimental multi-core rendering mode for GMod.
mat_queue_mode2Forces the material system to use a separate thread for rendering.
cl_interp0.015Reduces the delay between server updates, making movement feel snappier.
rate1048576Increases the maximum bandwidth allowed for the server to send you entity data.
r_shadows0Disables dynamic shadows, which is the #1 performance killer in high-prop areas.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

To ensure the autoexec.cfg works in harmony with your game, check these settings:

  • Betas: Right-click Garry’s Mod in Steam > Properties > Betas, and select x86-64 – Chromium + 64-bit binaries. This is mandatory for modern performance.
  • Shadow Quality: Set to “Low” or “Disabled” in the menu.
  • Add-on Cleanup: Regularly uninstall unused add-ons. Even if you aren’t on a server using them, they can increase startup time and background memory usage.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

  • Crashes After Update: If your game crashes, it’s likely due to gmod_mcore_test 1. Change it to 0 to see if stability returns.
  • Settings Not Applying: Type exec autoexec in the in-game console (~) to force the settings to load.
  • Invisible Props: This can happen if r_threaded_renderables conflicts with a specific server mod. Set it to 0 if you experience visual glitches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is “Multicore” still experimental?

Yes, but in the 64-bit version of GMod, it is highly stable and provides a 30-50% FPS increase in most scenarios.

Why set cmdrate/updaterate to 66?

Most GMod servers run at a “Tickrate” of 66. Matching your client rates to the server tickrate ensures the smoothest possible data synchronization.

Does this help with “Lua Panic” errors?

“Lua Panic: Out of Memory” is usually caused by the 32-bit RAM limit. Switching to the x86-64 beta is the only way to truly fix this, though these config tweaks help by reducing VRAM pressure.

Conclusion and Expected Results

By implementing this autoexec.cfg, you are modernizing the way the Source Engine handles complex Garry’s Mod environments. You can expect significantly higher FPS in spawn areas, smoother player movement, and a faster response time when interacting with physics-heavy contraptions. You are now ready to build and survive on the most crowded servers.

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