* FrameBuffer Access/Textures: The PSX constantly sends images to the screen and reads image data from the screen just by accessing a specific area of the Video RAM (VRAM). This is called FrameBuffer access. it can be used for recursive texturing, or for capturing a copy of the screen for effects processing. Disabled: Doesn't use any Framebuffer access, speeding up emulation, but missing some of the special effects. Writes: Only writes to the framebuffer. Used in static splashscreens, etc. Read: Reads from the framebuffer. This is SLOW, but offers almost total emulation of the different PSX effects. Read/Write: Self-explanatory, don't you think * Framebuffer Textures: See below * Off-Screen Drawing: The PSX can draw primitives (rendered images) to the Video RAM that are actually not being displayed. (The VRAM is usually called to refresh the display) These rendered images can then be used as textures on the screen. Software routines are use to draw the primitives. Disabled does not use software routines. Basic: Renders primitives that are not in the visible area of the VRAM (since VRAM has two parts, visible and hidden) Extra: If the PSX attempts to use a primitive as a texture, then Full off-screen drawing will be enabled. When the recursive texturing stops, off-screen drawing goes back to Basic mode Extra + FBR: Same as above + has an extra frame buffer read at the start of VRAM rendering. Frame buffer access is used when rendering complicated screen effects, etc. such as the swirling in FFVII. Full: Draws all primitives to the PSX VRAM using software routines at all times. (slows down emulation.) * Syncronous/Asyncronous (Audio/CD): I think that this has got to do with how PSX reads audio and normal data... Synchronous reads and outsputs the data in sync. Asyncronous reads the data that is sent, but also reads a bit ahead, so that the sound and display (FMVs most notably) stay smooth even with small reading errors. I stronly suggest that you use asynchronous. As far as different plugins go, you just need to find ones that work best for you. Generally, different plugin for 2D and 3D games. I'd suggest Jabo's and Rice's plugins. As for sound, use Azimer's Audio. What are your specs anyway? Go to http://www.emulation64.com for good plugin lists.