4.0.6554 Setup and Optimization Guide

For Download and Netplay Guide:

http://www.smashladder.com/blogs/view/25fr/2015-06-04/new-ladder-dolphin-build

General Settings

Since we have a nice new shiny build, there are a few settings and setup options to cover. (A lot of these should already be done and the purpose of this guide is to clarify and optimize the usage of Dolphin).

1) Once you start dolphin, you will be given several toolbar options in an empty list (if this is your first time): http://prntscr.com/7ekn7e

2) To add to the list, Click on Browse and click on the ISO containing folder you wish to direct Dolphin to point towards (just an example): http://prntscr.com/7eko9k

3) Once done, Your ISOs should appear in the list: http://prntscr.com/7ekow0

Configuration, Basic Settings:

4) Open up Config > General and make sure "Dual Core", "Idle Skipping", and "Enable Cheats" are all checked. Set Frame Limit to "Auto": http://prntscr.com/7egvpp

5) In Config > Audio, make sure you have an Audio Backend selected: http://prntscr.com/7egvpl

6) In Config > Gamecube, make sure both Slots A and B are set to nothing: http://prntscr.com/7egvpk

7) In Config > Wii, make sure Aspect Ratio: 16:9 and Insert SD card remains unchecked: http://prntscr.com/7egvpj

Graphics, Basic Settings

8) Open up Graphics > General: http://prntscr.com/7egvpn

This is where things become a bit more complex. Depending on the Graphics cards you have, settings will vary per user. Before starting, make sure all your graphics drivers are up to date.

9) If you have a dedicated Nvidia Graphics Card made within the past 2-4 years, I recommend using OpenGL for your Graphics Backend. Anything else is dependent on how well your GPU (whether integrated or dedicated) can handle either backend given (Direct 3D or OpenGL). Sadly, if you are using older integrated graphics, the likelihood of framedrops are high and dolphin support low. 

10) In Graphics > Enhancement, for the most basic settings (can change later if you want prettier graphics and can handle it) make sure "Internal Resolution" is set to 1x and "Scale EFB Copy" is checked: http://prntscr.com/7egvpq

11) In Graphics > Hacks, make sure the top three EFB settings are checked/enabled. Everything should match this: http://prntscr.com/7egvpo

12) In Graphics > Advanced, I have nothing checked: http://prntscr.com/7egvpm

These steps are simply a means to make dolphin run as smoothly as possible without desynching at the lowest minimal requirements. You are free to change your Internal Resolution and Graphics settings accordingly to get the look you want if your Computer/Dolphin can handle it. 

Other Guides I HIGHLY recommend checking out: 

https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-laptop-performance-guide