Hi All,Hope that the title is a good start for this problem!I have had a Fujitsu Scaleo P4 for approx 3 years with an issue that started around a year ago.The issue is more noticeable in FS (I guess more intensive on the CPU) but also in VMWare (test machine).What happens, is that the frames drop to around 3-5 from the norm of 15 (locked at)for around 5-10 seconds. I am almost certain that the issue is related to hardware and not software from my findings but also I reinstalled everything 6 months ago and the symptoms have been the same.At the time of reinstalling 6 months ago I removed the processor heat fan, heat sink and processor as I noticed a small buildup of dust and refitted after cleaning using correct procedure (proper cleaner for processor, small amount of h/s compound etc.). The issue, albeit still present was alot less frequent but recently has become more frequent; every 1 to 2 mins on the ground or in flight. By removing the cover I have observed that when the frames drop there is a noticeable sound from the processor fan area (almost like some moving part is catching on something). The area is clear of any obstruction thought. Small amount of dust build up around the fan area again.Would anyone like to comment - Is there more that I could check? I think my next thing to attempt would be a replacement of the processor fan?Thanks!CarlIntel P4 3.4Ghz (2Cpu's)1GB RAMATI Radeon 9600/X1050 256MB (driver 14/03/07 8.360)XP service pack 2FS2004LevelD 767 (happens with others)Active Sky (happens when not running)FS Global 2008DirectX 9.0c (all tests pass)

Have you checked the windows performance monitor to see if windows is unloading a bunch of memory to the page file when this happens? That would be my guess.

Hi Thanks for the reply - I have had a look at task manager and perfmon, but I do not see any activity on pages/sec or any disk activity when this happens.I will take a look at some temp utilities out of interest and see what they report.ThanksCarl

Use your PC Utilities software to check temperature: See if the FS stutters *coincide* with CPU temperature spikes. Remember that the CPU will throttle-down the clock if chip temerature rises above a certain limit.If the temperature spikes don

Hi,What I've found then - the temp is around 45-50 when the pc is idle.When loading FS this goes up to 70 (during loading)Parked on ground at EHAM with 50% traffic (using mytraffic) it's around 68-72. I observed some stuttering. On one occassion the the temp dropped from 72 to 68 during the stuttering.Now, I have heard that P4's can run at a high temp, but still, 70 is maybe too high?ThanksCarl

Well, 72

HiI thought I should post an update. I have found out alot over the last week-This is a Prescott processor - and they run hotter than normal,According to some forums the dust build up is common with the manufacturer supplied solution - I have since removed my heat sink and fan and there was alot of dust.I have now replaced those with an Arctic 4 h/s and fan.But, still runs hot!! I made a test flight the other day around EHAM and no stuttering, but its early days yet.Running with cover off does not make a noticeable difference.RegardsCarl