This seems to significantly improve stuttering/poor performance related to the preponderance of trees on certain maps.

Step 1: Delete the cache

Remove all files in the cache folder, typically to be found in C:\Documents and Settings\[user]\Application Data\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4 ([user]=winXP user account name). For those of you new to reconfiguring civ4 in this manner, this should be an essential step before making any similar alterations to the game, as the cache "preserves" settings established in previous games.

Step 2: Install the texture file in the custom assets folder

Download and extract the file below and install to C:\Documents and Settings\[user]\My Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4\CustomAssets\art\shared.

Have fun!


EDIT: changed the file to the one featured in Stone-D's low-res texture mod, which is slightly higher resolution but with no performance difference. The full mod can be found here: http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=144459

Thanks, Monitor173! I installed the BlueMarble mod a while ago. Can I still use your mod and get the benefits, or, does the BlueMarble mod somehow override yours?

-cc

Thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou! Now I can play civ4 much better. Actually it's a miracle it works now, as my PC is lower than the minimum specs :p So it's duel or small maps for me, but it's still civ4!

I may give this a try. Any chance it would help with black terrain problems?

Ahhh Been looking for something like this.
Cheers

Thanks - a big help.

Hey, good idea! I will give this a try after work. Mmm, work...

performance problems around forests
LOL, that is one of the funniest titles I've ever read!

Good job monitor. Performance improved...

Hmm, maybe someone should make low res for all terrain?

But thanks, this does help.