Links to benchmark results and screenshots at the end...Here's the details:I have my main FSX install with addons on Vista 32.It has UT, GEX, and the water config add on, extra planes, etc.Same machine dual boots XP from a separate OS disc, with just a minimal install, but NO GEX or no UT.Both are using the Acceleration pack.Same PC, same hardware, but the Vista FSX directory is on separate dedicated vRaptor 150. The XP install is with the OS, on a fully name defragged HD, per Nicks great XP install/defrag tips.Both run nice and smooth.Biggest difference I noticed is with the XP install the ground textures just look more blurry in the distance. Could that be due to my XP FSX not having GEX alone?Benchmarked both. Here's the results of my direct compares.Used the FSXMark 07 flight, but left my current preferred settings.Vista Loaded UT, GEX, etc 28fpsXP minimal install No GEX 25fpsYou can see the results below, and 2 images, cropped from full screen to directly compare the ground textures. To my eyes the Vista install looks much better, XP just has a blurred look to the distance textures. Open both screenshots in separate tabs and switch back to see the diffs.Is it just GEX accounting for the better framerate and sharper more defined textures?Framerate Graph (both had a target of 30 in FSX)http://www.pbase.com/image/106154806/originalVista 800x600 crop from 1920x1080 screenhttp://www.pbase.com/image/106154808/originalXP 800x600 crop from 1920x1080 screenhttp://www.pbase.com/image/106154807/original

Here's the full 1920x1080 tail view from eachVistahttp://www.pbase.com/image/106157651/originalXPhttp://www.pbase.com/image/106157652/originalThe darker water and textures in my GEX Vista install are seen,XP without GEX has more autogen.

Just a follow up, it was GEX making the difference!Had FSX XP use the GEX textures and the blurred ground textures were gone.GEX makes ground textures in the distance have more contrast and look sharper.Add to that NickN's excellent XP FSX optimize / defrag / install suggestions and my FSX XP install looks and runs like never before. It does take a number of hours to work the steps, add more time for bigger HD defrags, just when you think you have defragged for the last time Nick will ask you to do it again, but it's worth it.

Hi JackGEX removes a some of the autogen load becasue it reorganizes it to reflect less cpu cycles per sq mile. It was designed that way to assist users with perf and because Aces over-shot the estimate (by a few years) for what typical systems could do in renderingWith EU we are not being as conservative with design. Since systems have come a long way in the last year we are designing differently with autogen. The ground textures will also allow a visual clarity in detail at a 500ft flight level instead of 2500-3000ft so a lower autogen slider will still reflect a good amount of scenery with much clearer ground detail and those who are on faster systems and run 100% AG will get the 'full monty' right down to the gas stations and shopping centersIf you wish to see the difference I suggest you vist the GEX forums. Look for a thread named: A Europe Sneak Peek... and check out the last 2 pages of that thread

>>If you wish to see the difference I suggest you vist the GEX>forums. Look for a thread named: A Europe Sneak Peek... and>check out the last 2 pages of that thread>Thanks, looks like another winner!MS needs you leading their team for FS11.

>>>>>If you wish to see the difference I suggest you vist the GEX>>forums. Look for a thread named: A Europe Sneak Peek... and>>check out the last 2 pages of that thread>>>>Thanks, looks like another winner!>>MS needs you leading their team for FS11. well, thats one voteI will tell them you said that :-hah

Yeah... maybe you can take Phil's place?

>Yeah... maybe you can take Phil's place?what?2 votes?...actually that would be 5 votes... maybe I'm on to something. LOLI