I am receiving my new computer and wondering if I should install FSX with SP2 or Acceleration Pack ? What are the advantages and turn-offs off both. I will be running PMDG products also VRS Superbug when available in FSX with complex sceneries.ThanksLuc Vanasse

I hope you realize you will receive opinions, okay then: SP2 offers the same performance as the add-on acceleration pack without extra eye candy like another default aircraft, and it is free.

...also VRS Superbug when available in FSX with complex sceneries.

I suspect you will want acceleration then. The FSX Acceleration expansion adds a few additional unique functionalities like carrier arresting and catapult equipment and helicopter hoist/sling load operations. While the VRS guys haven't told anyone how they're doing the carrier ops part for the FSX Bug, I suspect it will use the default carrier coding in some way.Beyond those couple things, I do not believe Acceleration offers a lot different (minus the extra planes and scenery) that would limit you in anyway with commerical aviaiton simulation (i.e. 747, MD-11 and JS4100). Hope that helps some.Eric Szczesniak

I suspect you will want acceleration then. The FSX Acceleration expansion adds a few additional unique functionalities like carrier arresting and catapult equipment and helicopter hoist/sling load operations. While the VRS guys haven't told anyone how they're doing the carrier ops part for the FSX Bug, I suspect it will use the default carrier coding in some way.Beyond those couple things, I do not believe Acceleration offers a lot different (minus the extra planes and scenery) that would limit you in anyway with commerical aviaiton simulation (i.e. 747, MD-11 and JS4100). Hope that helps some.Eric Szczesniak

Maybe I am missing something... Why not just load SP2 because its free and required for many add-ons and then if you have a need buy the Acceleration pack when you know it has value for you? :(

Maybe I am missing something... Why not just load SP2 because its free and required for many add-ons and then if you have a need buy the Acceleration pack when you know it has value for you? :(

There's nothing wrong with that...I was just pointing out that the VRS Super Hornet is likely to need acceleration. Whether he buys that now or in 6 months when that aircraft finally becomes available is up to his preference. However, I have usually seen recommendations to make clean installs of FSX+SP2 or Acceleration (i.e. without other addons installed yet). Givent that logic, one might choose to get Acceleration now so that they will not have to back track to a clean install later. Personally, I am not sure how important that clean install is, but have only gone through the install process once and as such may be missing problems you encounter if you do not take this approach.Eric Szczesniak

There's nothing wrong with that...I was just pointing out that the VRS Super Hornet is likely to need acceleration. Whether he buys that now or in 6 months when that aircraft finally becomes available is up to his preference.Eric Szczesniak

Sorry Eric, this wasn't a response directly to your answer, more in general to the entire thread. I shouldn't have included your quote. :(

Acceleration has Sp2 in it with the extra aircraft.Taylor Oldham

As mentioned above, it depends on what you plan on installing. Several FSX add-ons have issues with Acceleration installed- a few that come to mind are the LevelD767 and several of Imaginesim add-on airports. They work fine with just SP2 but not with Acceleration.Craig

As mentioned above, it depends on what you plan on installing. Several FSX add-ons have issues with Acceleration installed- a few that come to mind are the LevelD767 and several of Imaginesim add-on airports. They work fine with just SP2 but not with Acceleration.Craig

...and some work better with Acceleration than with SP2 (e.g. A2A Stratofortress). :(