Recommended N64 plugins

Emulators

Project 64 2.1 - The official download has a shitty installer which asks you to install useless toolbars. This pack has all the necessary files, plus every plugin discussed in this page. Simply download it, unzip it to a folder, and you're ready to go.

Video

• Jabo's Direct3D - Comes with Project 64. Very speedy, can potentially look the prettiest due to built-in AA and AF options, and is the only plugin with a widescreen hack. The most recent version (1.7.0.57-ver5) is somewhat buggy and has regressions, however, so the version included in Jabo's 1.6.1 patch is recommended instead. Sadly, it will likely never see another update again.
• Glide64 - Also comes with Project 64 as of version 2.1. Often much more accurate and compatible than Jabo's plugin, and has a wealth of options, though it can be slower on lower end machines, and may not work on integrated graphics. Still, it is overall the best plugin for general use. The bundled version may have some regressions, however, so Glide64 Final may be worth keeping around just in case. Is likely to see some updates in the future as Project 64 develops.
• z64gl - A low-level plugin developed by ziggy. It has the capability to render at the N64's native resolution in case you don't like super sharp polygons with low-res textures. Requirements may be heavier than Jabo's and Glide64, and configuration requires editing the config file directly. Needs an accompanying RSP plugin. Overall, it tends to be a little glitchy, but it is one of the only plugins capable of properly displaying difficult games such as Rogue Squadron. May see some updates or future plugins based on its code.
• Shunyuan's SoftGraphic - Based on angrylion's RDP code and the MAME/MESS RDP, it is hands down the most accurate video plugin of all. Renders pixel-perfect native resolution N64 graphics. However, as it is a pure software renderer, it requires a very powerful CPU to run at an acceptable speed. Has nothing in the way of options other than turning off the N64's internal filtering and anti-aliasing, which gives a good performance boost. Still under active development, so expect future performance optimizations and options.

Audio

• Jabo's DirectSound - Comes with Project 64. It works fine for the most part, but some games may not play nice with it. It is a low-level plugin, so it needs an accompanying RSP plugin. Will probably never be updated again.
• Shunyuan's HLE Audio - Needs more testing, but so far it appears to be a great sound plugin. Can run in both LLE and HLE modes despite the name. Under constant development, so expect further improvements.

Input

• Jabo's DirectInput - Comes with Project 64. It isn't too bad, but it may have some compatibility problems with some controllers. Should work just fine with the keyboard if you're one of those masochists who emulates without a controller. As usual, do not expect any updates.
• N-Rage Input - Probably the best input plugin. Has a ton of options and great controller compatibility, including XInput support for use with Xbox 360 controllers. It sees occasional updates.

RSP

• Zilmar's RSP - Comes with Project 64. Will work fine for most games, but may need to be set to Interpreter for a difficult few, in which case you may as well use one of the following RSP plugins.
• FatCat's RSP plugin pack - Hoo boy, this one's a doozy. This is a pack of extremely optimized Interpreter RSP plugins with very specific purposes, from attaining the greatest possible accuracy and compatibility to getting as much performance as possible. Here's how they boil down, from most resource intensive to least:
  • RSP - This is a pure LLE plugin. It requires the use of both LLE video and audio plugins.
  • LLE - For use with a combination of an LLE video plugin with an HLE audio plugin.
  • MLE - For use with a combination of an HLE video plugin with an LLE audio plugin.
  • HLE - For use with both HLE video and audio plugins. May trigger error messages in some games.
  • PJ64 - For use with Gauntlet Legends, Stunt Racer 64, and World Driver Championship. Only works on Project 64 2.x.

Recommended General Setups

• General Use
  • Glide64 Final or 2.0.0.1
  • Shunyuan's HLE Audio (set to LLE)
  • FatCat's MLE RSP or Zilmar's RSP
  • Either version of the plugin should be fine for most games. Keep both of them around just in case. FatCat's RSP plugins are more compatible, but Zilmar's tends to be faster.
• Muh Grafics
  • Jabo's Direct3D 1.6.1 (unless there's graphical glitches, in which case switch to Glide64)
  • Shunyuan's HLE Audio (set to LLE)
  • FatCat's MLE RSP or Zilmar's RSP
  • If you computer can handle it, turn up AA and AF as much as possible. You can make use of the plugin's widescreen hack by setting the "Adjust game aspect ratio to match yours" option.
• HALP MY NETBOOK LAGS WAT DO
  • Jabo's Direct3D 1.6.1
  • Shunyuan's HLE Audio (set to HLE)
  • Zilmar's RSP
• I wanna play Rogue Squadron
  • Jabo's Direct3D 1.7.0.57ver5 in LLE mode (displays menus, but glitchy in-game graphics) or z64gl (does not display menus, but in-game graphics are good)
  • Shunyuan's HLE Audio
  • FatCat's RSP (use only with Jabo's) or Zilmar's RSP set to Interpreter (use only with z64gl)
  • To prevent models from warping all over the screen, you will have to set the Recompiler options in the Game Settings to Interpreter. Will likely be quite slow. You can try setting the audio to HLE for a small speed boost.
• ACCURACYYYYYYYYYY
  • Shunyuan's SoftGraphic
  • Shunyuan's HLE Audio
  • FatCat's MLE or HLE RSP
  • Do NOT expect to run this at a good framerate unless you have an extremely powerful PC

And if all else fails, refer to this: http://bmgcl.atspace.cc/n64mgcl/N64ConfigList.htm