Icarus Server Performance Optimization 2025

Icarus is a CPU and I/O intensive game that requires careful optimization for smooth session-based gameplay. This guide covers hardware tuning, configuration optimizations, and monitoring strategies for optimal server performance.

CPU Optimization

Single-Thread Performance Tuning

Icarus relies heavily on single-thread performance for physics, AI, and world updates.

# Windows CPU Affinity Settings
# Pin IcarusServer.exe to specific cores for better cache utilization

# Using PowerShell (run as administrator):
$process = Get-Process -Name IcarusServer
$process.ProcessorAffinity = 0x55  # Use cores 0,2,4,6 (example)

# Or use Process Lasso for automatic optimization:
# - Set IcarusServer.exe to "High Performance" power profile
# - Enable "CPU Affinity" with preferred cores
# - Set "I/O Priority" to "High"

CPU Priority and Power Settings

1. Power Plan: Set Windows to "High Performance" or "Ultimate Performance"
2. Process Priority: Set IcarusServer.exe to "High" (not "Realtime")
3. Core Parking: Disable core parking via registry or BIOS
4. Turbo Boost: Ensure CPU turbo boost is enabled in BIOS
5. Thermal Throttling: Monitor CPU temperatures, ensure adequate cooling

BIOS Optimization

• CPU Settings: Enable XMP/DOCP for RAM, disable power saving features (C-states)
• PCIe Settings: Set PCIe to Gen4/Gen5 for NVMe drives
• Virtualization: Disable if not needed (may reduce overhead)
• NUMA: Enable NUMA awareness if using multi-socket systems

Memory Optimization

RAM Configuration

Windows Memory Settings

# Disable page file if sufficient RAM (64GB+)
# Control Panel > System > Advanced > Performance Settings
# Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change > No paging file

# If using page file (recommended for 32GB or less):
# - Set on NVMe SSD, not HDD
# - Initial size: 16384 MB, Maximum size: 32768 MB
# - Location: Different physical drive than game files

# Enable Large Pages (if supported)
# Registry: HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
# Set "LargePageMinimum" to 0xffffffff (4294967295 decimal)

Memory Monitoring and Management

• Tool: Use Windows Performance Monitor or Process Explorer
• Metrics: Watch for memory leaks (gradual increase over time)
• Cleaning: Schedule server restarts every 24-48 hours to clear memory
• Fragmentation: Monitor with RAMMap from SysInternals

Storage Optimization

NVMe SSD Configuration

Icarus benefits tremendously from fast storage for world streaming and save operations.

# Windows SSD Optimization
# 1. Disable defragmentation for SSD
fsutil behavior set disabledeletenotify 0

# 2. Enable write caching
# Device Manager > Disk drives > [NVMe Drive] > Properties
# Policies > Enable write caching

# 3. Disable indexing on game drive
# Properties > General > uncheck "Allow files to have contents indexed"

# 4. Set optimal NTFS allocation unit size
# Format with 64KB clusters for game files
format D: /FS:NTFS /A:64K /Q

Storage Layout Recommendations

Save File Optimization

[SaveSettings]
# Configure in ServerSettings.ini
AutoSaveInterval=300  # Save every 5 minutes (balance safety vs performance)
SaveCompression=true  # Compress save files (recommended)
SaveVerification=true  # Verify saves (prevents corruption)

# Cleanup old saves
MaxSaveBackups=10  # Keep only 10 backups
BackupRotation=daily  # daily/weekly/monthly

Network Optimization

Network Configuration

QoS and Traffic Prioritization

# Windows QoS Policies (Group Policy)
# Create policy for Icarus traffic:
# - Source Port: 17777 UDP
# - DSCP Value: 46 (Expedited Forwarding)
# - Rate Limit: None

# Router QoS Configuration:
# 1. Identify server IP address
# 2. Create rule for UDP 17777
# 3. Set to "Highest" priority
# 4. Reserve bandwidth (minimum 10 Mbps per player)

Latency Optimization

• Server Location: Choose region closest to majority of players
• ISP Selection: Business-grade internet with SLA
• Peering: Ensure good peering with major networks
• Monitoring: Use smokeping or similar to track latency spikes

Configuration Tuning

Performance-Oriented Server Settings

[PerformanceSettings]
# Entity limits (adjust based on player count)
MaxAnimals=100  # Default 150
MaxCreatures=50  # Default 75
MaxStructures=500  # Default 1000
MaxItems=1000  # Default 2000

# Update rates
ActorUpdateRate=30  # Default 60 (reduces CPU usage)
NetUpdateRate=30  # Default 60
PhysicsUpdateRate=30  # Default 60

# Streaming and LOD
WorldStreamingDistance=15000  # Default 20000 (meters)
LODDistanceMultiplier=0.8  # Default 1.0
CullDistanceMultiplier=0.9  # Default 1.0

# Memory management
PoolSize=1024  # Memory pool size in MB
CacheSize=512  # Asset cache size in MB

Prospect-Specific Optimization

[ProspectPerformance]
# Reduce during timed missions
ReducedFoliage=true  # Less detailed vegetation
SimplifiedWater=true  # Simpler water effects
WeatherDetail=medium  # high/medium/low
ShadowQuality=medium  # high/medium/low

# Dynamic adjustment
ScaleWithPlayers=true  # Automatically reduce settings with more players
PerformanceModeThreshold=4  # Enable performance mode at 4+ players

Monitoring and Diagnostics

Performance Monitoring Tools

Performance Baseline Testing

1. Idle Baseline: Measure server performance with 0 players
2. Load Testing: Add players gradually, record metrics at each step
3. Stress Testing: Maximum players with intensive activities
4. Long-term Monitoring: 24-48 hour stability test

Troubleshooting Performance Issues

Hardware Upgrade Recommendations

Priority Order for Upgrades

1. CPU: Highest single-thread performance available (Intel Core i9-14900K or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D)
2. Storage: Fastest NVMe SSD (PCIe 5.0 if supported, otherwise PCIe 4.0)
3. RAM: Sufficient capacity (32GB minimum) with high speed and low latency
4. Network: Business-grade internet with low latency and good peering
5. Motherboard: Quality VRM for stable CPU power, good PCIe lanes
6. Cooling: Adequate cooling to prevent thermal throttling

Cloud Hosting Considerations

• Instance Type: Compute-optimized (c-series) or general purpose with high CPU
• Storage: Premium SSD or NVMe options
• Network: Low-latency optimized regions
• Monitoring: Cloud-specific monitoring tools
• Scaling: Ability to scale vertically during peak times

Next Steps

• Set up your dedicated server
• Check hardware requirements
• Configure server settings
• Optimize persistent outpost servers
• Tune prospect mission performance