Fix Lag & Stuttering in FiveM: Complete Optimization Guide
U1D Team
April 29, 2026 · 5 min read
Why You Might Be Experiencing Lag
Before fixing performance, it is important to understand the common causes.
Common Issues
- Running full addons on low-end hardware
- Overloaded GPU from high in-game settings
- CPU bottlenecks in busy servers
- Poor FiveM cache or outdated files
- Overuse of ReShade or heavy shaders
U1D GFX is modular, which means performance problems are usually tied to configuration choices.
Step 1: Start With the Right Version
Choosing the correct version of U1D GFX is critical.
Base Remastered ($10)
- Best for low to mid-range systems
- No addons
- Most stable performance
Remastered Full ($16)
- Includes all addons
- Higher visual quality
- Requires stronger hardware
Early Access ($20)
- Same performance as Full
- Includes early updates
Recommendation
If you are experiencing lag, start with Base Remastered and scale up gradually.
Step 2: Optimize In-Game Graphics Settings
Your GTA V / FiveM settings play a huge role in performance.
Recommended Settings for Stability
- Texture Quality: High
- Shader Quality: High
- Shadow Quality: Medium or High
- Reflection Quality: Medium
- Reflection MSAA: Off
- Water Quality: Medium
- Grass Quality: Medium
- Post FX: High
- Motion Blur: Off
Avoid maxing out every setting, especially reflections and grass, as they are performance-heavy.
Step 3: Disable Unnecessary Addons
If you are using Remastered Full, not all addons need to be enabled.
High Impact Addons
- Road overhaul
- Advanced lighting tweaks
- Heavy particle effects
What to Do
- Disable one addon at a time
- Test FPS after each change
- Keep only what you actually notice
This alone can significantly improve performance.
Step 4: Fix Stuttering (Not Just Low FPS)
Stuttering is often different from low FPS and usually comes from instability.
Common Causes of Stutter
- CPU spikes in crowded servers
- Streaming issues (textures loading late)
- Background applications
- Outdated drivers
Fixes
- Close unnecessary background programs
- Update GPU drivers
- Lower population-heavy server settings if possible
- Reduce texture and reflection settings slightly
Step 5: Clear FiveM Cache
Corrupted or overloaded cache can cause major performance issues.
How to Clear Cache
- Navigate to your FiveM application data folder
- Locate the “cache” folder
- Delete its contents (do not delete the folder itself)
This can fix stuttering, texture issues, and random FPS drops.
Step 6: Optimize ReShade (If You Use It)
ReShade can heavily impact performance if not configured properly.
What to Avoid
- RTGI (ray tracing) on low/mid systems
- Multiple heavy shaders stacked together
- Excessive bloom or depth of field
Recommended Lightweight Shaders
- LumaSharpen
- Vibrance
- Tonemap
- Clarity
Keep your preset minimal to avoid unnecessary GPU load.
Step 7: Monitor Your Hardware
Understanding your system bottleneck is key.
GPU Bottleneck
- High GPU usage (90–100%)
- Lower FPS when increasing graphics settings
CPU Bottleneck
- Stuttering in crowded areas
- FPS drops in populated servers
Fix Strategy
- GPU bottleneck: Lower graphics settings
- CPU bottleneck: Reduce population-heavy scenarios and background tasks
Step 8: Use a Gradual Optimization Approach
Instead of changing everything at once:
- Start with Base Remastered
- Apply optimized in-game settings
- Test performance
- Add one addon at a time
- Adjust ReShade if needed
This method helps identify exactly what is causing lag.
Step 9: Resolution and Display Tweaks
Lower Resolution (If Needed)
- Reducing resolution can significantly improve FPS
Use Fullscreen Mode
- Improves performance compared to windowed mode
Disable V-Sync (Optional)
- Reduces input lag
- May increase FPS but can cause screen tearing
Step 10: Keep U1D GFX Updated
Since U1D GFX is updated monthly:
- Performance improvements are regularly added
- Bugs are fixed over time
- Visual optimizations improve efficiency
Staying updated ensures you are not running outdated configurations.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Installing every addon without testing
- Using heavy ReShade presets on top of U1D GFX
- Maxing out all graphics settings
- Ignoring CPU limitations
- Not clearing cache regularly
Avoiding these mistakes can prevent most performance issues.
Best Performance Setup Summary
For most users, the ideal setup is:
- U1D GFX Remastered Full (with selective addons)
- Medium to High in-game settings
- Minimal ReShade preset
- Regular cache clearing
This provides a strong balance between visuals and performance.
Lag and stuttering in U1D GFX are almost always fixable. The mod itself is designed to be flexible and scalable, which means performance depends on how it is configured.
By adjusting settings, managing addons, and optimizing your system, you can enjoy a smooth FiveM experience without sacrificing the visual improvements that U1D GFX provides.