*Version 3.0 - March 2022 Update
ENB with SweetFX
Rebuilt & Tested with an RTX 3060

I have improved the file structure & created new settings files, with tweaked effects for both ENB and Sweetfx.
Changes have been made for additional memory tweaks, image enhancement, lighting/shading,  SSAO Occlusion and SMAA support.
ENB now provides additional  effects through its 2 ini files, proxied through separate d3d9.dll (sweetfx&smaa).
Sweetfx also contains a DXGI file that is a dx10 file and has been renamed to d3d10.dll.
This allows for dx10 effects to be implemented in games supporting dx10 options in addition to dx9 options.

SMAA will help reduce and improve edges.
While SSAO Occlusion helps improve the rest of the game.
Slightly reduced glare while maintaining light levels.
Shadow improvement, appearing in a more natural gradient.
Improved picture clarity, color and character appearance.

Should not impact performance in any negative way.
**Please Disable in-game AntiAliasing Mode, under options, video, advanced or the sweetfx will not work.

To Install:

ENB with SweetFX
Download and extract to the following location :
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life 2,
move the D3D9.dll to the \Half-Life 2\bin.

For Half Life 2 Update (Free on Steam, requires HL2)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life 2 Update
move the D3D9.dll to the \Half-Life 2 Update\bin.

Start and play. (Adjust ingame settings)
** Scroll Lock to toggle effects On/Off
**Ingame: Disable Antialiasing Mode or SweetFX won't work.

**Comes with original preset. If you prefer the original preset, goto the sweetfx/preset folder.
There you will find the original named Half Life 2.txt_original.  Delete or rename the present preset, then rename it to Half Life 2.txt.

Reshade with SweetFX
Download and extract to the following location :
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life 2\bin.

To Uninstall: Simply goto the game folder and remove the placed files.

Adding 4GB and Tweak

Download the 4gb patch

Apply to the hl2.exe in the game folder.

Once these files are placed and working in HL2, the effects will carry over to HL2 Chapters 1 & 2 as well as HL2 Lost Coast.
They all run from the same folder.

Looking for more presets find them here at the SweetFX Settings Database.
SweetFX presets 1.51 and lower will work.
Download the preset you wish to use and rename to Half Life 2.txt.
Then place it in the sweetfx/preset folder, rename or backup your original.
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Other HL2 Based Valve titles.

ENB with SweetFX

Half Life 2 update: Place files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life 2 Update move the D3D9.dll to the
Half-Life 2 Update\bin.

HL2 Black Mesa: Place files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Black Mesa move the D3D9.dll to the
\Black Mesa\bin.

HL2 Downfall: Place files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life 2 DownFall move the D3D9.dll to the
\Half-Life 2 DownFall\bin.

For Portal: Place files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Portal move the D3D9.dll to the Portal\bin.

For Deathmatch: Place files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Half-Life 2 Deathmatch move the D3D9.dll to
the Half-Life 2 Deathmatch\bin.

For Team Fortress 2: Place files in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Team Fortress 2 move the D3D9.dll to the
Team Fortress 2\bin.

Reshade with SweetFX Version

Place in the above games \bin Folder

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Trouble Shooting: Mod

ENB version *Ingame: Disable Antialiasing Mode or SweetFX won't work.

ENB Version - If the game fails to start or the graphics are incorrect ingame, try switching the D3D9.dll with one from the altd3d9 folder.
Copy one of the four and paste it over the existing one in the game folder.
Try each one, until you locate the one appropriate for your video card.

ENB Version - If the game has performance issues or microstutters.
Open the enbseries.ini and change the [Global] AllowAntialias=1 to 0.

ENB Version - If the game appears dark.
Goto the preset file Half Life 2.txt, found in the SweetFX\Presets folder and set SMAA to 0.

Install the DX9 final release if you haven't done so previously. DX9 Final Release June2010
DX install: Download and run the file, tell it to extract to c:\dx, then after goto c:\dx and run the dxsetup file.
This will not downgrade your DirectX but rather add support files required by ENB, Reshade and SweetFX.

Check to make sure you are using the newest graphics drivers.
Try disabling any turbo or overclocking software.

Nvidia users can also use this mod (Thanks to khalilsm) to allow the game to run if you have any issues.
Rename the d3d9.dll that came with this mod to d3d9orig.dll and place the d3d9.dll from that mod with it in the game folder.







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Mod Information.

This is meant to enhance the overall games appearance.
It adds SMAA, FXAA, HDR, LUMASHARPEN, LIFTGAMMAGAIN, VIBRANCE and CURVES to help sharpen and bring out detail and natural colors in the game.
Will work with any mod or add-on.

ENB and SweetFX Version:

To make adjustments to ENB alter the enbseries.ini.
To make adjustments to the sweetfx settings goto the preset file Half Life 2.txt file, found in the SweetFX\Presets folder.
Using "Pause Break" will enable and disable the effects
Using the Printscreen, will generate ingame screenshots. They can be found placed in the game folder, where the files were placed.

Reshade and SweetFX Version:

This version also enables SMAA.
To make adjustments to the sweetfx settings goto the SweetFX_settings.txt, found in the SweetFX folder.
Using "Scroll Lock" will enable and disable the effects
Using the Printscreen, will generate ingame screenshots. They can be found placed in the game folder, where the files were placed.

Use FastStone Image Viewer, to convert your screenshots to jpg or other formats.

Alternate presets found here



Download Cleanmem here to help improve your games and gameplay.



Nvidia Users.
Enable DSR here

ATI Users:
Enable VSR here.

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Thanks to Christian Jensen (CeeJay.dk) and Crosire for reshade and sweetfx.
Thanks for enb by Boris Vorontsov.
Thanks also to Nexus and the Nexus Community.

I hope you find these programs and adjustments helpful at making your game more enjoyable.