Hello all,As some of you may have seen my frustration in other posts with getting FSX to a "flyable" (and maybe even nice-looking) state on my <1 year old system. See my specs below; this computer is one I've specifically assembled with FSX in mind. After 3 unsuccessful attempts to transition to FSX so far, and some elusive stutters in FS9 that just came up this weekend, I've decided to start from scratch one last time. Hopefully, this is once and for all.While I'm not in the mindset that one of these sims is better than the other, I would simply like to be happy running both on my computer. I understand FSX is the future (hence why I'm more than happy to use it...if I can get it to perform) but I do have many addons for FS9 that are still very enjoyable for me. Currently I'm about a 95% FS9 user. I've spent literally 10x more time tweaking FSX than flying. However, on a PMDG MD-11 FS9 flight from KMSP to KMKE this morning, seeing about a 4 second stutter every 2 minutes or so put me over the edge. One thing I'm particularly keen on trying to eliminate is the 60+ FPS drop with FS9 detailed clouds, and the 30+ FPS drop with FSX detailed clouds.I wanted to use this post as a journal of the steps I take to uninstall and reinstall both FS9 and FSX to get them running optimally on my computer, maybe soliciting advice and input from other in the community. I hope to update this thread as I go, being methodical and as patient as I can through the process.With that said, I'll go ahead and start this off:27 June 10:-Uninstalled FSX, FSDT KJFK, PMDG JS4100, and PMDG MD-11 (the only addons I have currently installed for FSX)-Moved FS9 to a back up drive (so I can later reinstall some addons easier down the road).-Rebooted and defragged hard drive.-Ran CleanMyPC Registry Cleaner.-Ran Norton 360 anti-virus quick scan.-Ran Ad-Aware Smart Scan-Rebooted

-Ran Norton 360 anti-virus quick scan.

There's half your problem right there lol!I recommend ESET NOD32 or even the default Microsoft Security Essentials, they use little resources.When I ran freeware AVG on my FSX rig I was getting stutters all the time. And my system is old look at my specsAlso, I'm sure you've already checked out the FSX tweak guide?http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041One more thing - not to sound like a complete debbie downer, but how the heck did you manage to spend 4200 on that rig???? An i7 930 overclocked to 4.0Ghz will give you better performance and the cost of the cpu is only around 300, 200 if you buy one at microcenter...

There's half your problem right there lol!I recommend ESET NOD32 or even the default Microsoft Security Essentials, they use little resources.When I ran freeware AVG on my FSX rig I was getting stutters all the time. And my system is old look at my specsAlso, I'm sure you've already checked out the FSX tweak guide?http://www.simforums.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=29041One more thing - not to sound like a complete debbie downer, but how the heck did you manage to spend 4200 on that rig???? An i7 930 overclocked to 4.0Ghz will give you better performance and the cost of the cpu is only around 300, 200 if you buy one at microcenter...

-I usually disable Norton/close it for flight.-The FSX tweak is about #5 on my bookmarks list-I don't like overclocking (lack of knowledge and don't want to risk damaging my system) so I paid the extra money for the 975 and don't overclock. I also had it assembled through a 3rd party, so I would get a warranty/maintenance if I needed it. Also throw in a 25" monitor and some other accessories.Thanks for the post.

Well while OCing isn't 100% required for good performance, it pretty much is required for great performance in FSX. And with your 975 OCing is much easier with the unlocked multiplier (even on stock cooling but I recommend a good aftermarket cooler). I know there's a few guys on this forum with that cpu, perhaps they can guide to an overclocker's site.... I run a measly AMD6000 so I don't know a lot regarding bios settings...

Well I have 7 fans in my computer, but don't want to buy any additional aftermarket cooling (only adds to my $4200). I don't feel comfortable overclocking, so I'm hoping to use what I have.

27 June 10 continued:Mostly an FS9 day...-Reinstalled FS9, deleted old fs9.cfg, opened default flight, rebooted.-Reinstalled FS9.1 update, rebooted, opened default flight.-Checked for any additional Windows updates.-Reinstalled FSUIPC.-Started FS9 default flight, configured realism settings to my liking.-Configured general settings as followsScenery:Terrain mesh complexity 100Terrain texture size HighTerrain detail Land onlyWater effects HighDwan/dusk texture blending OnExtended terrain textures OnSpecial effects detail HighScenery complexity Extremely denseAutogen density Extremely denseAddon dynamic scenery On, Extremely denseGround scenery casts shadows OffSun glare OnLens flare OffAircraft:Virtual cockpit gauge quality HighReflections OnAircraft cast shadows OnLanding lights OnWeather:Sight distance 70 miCloud draw distance 50 mi3d cloud percentage 50 miDetailed cloudsCloud coverage density HighHardware:ATI Radeon HD 4870 X2.0Target frame rate 62 (monitor is 60 Hz)Resolution 1920x1080x32Render to texture OnTransform and lighting OnAnti aliasing OffMIP mapping quality 8Hardware-rendered lights 8Global max texture size Massive-Closed FS9, defragged install drive.-Ran Disk Cleanup on all drives.-Reinstalled AS6.5, opened/closed, rebooted.-Reinstalled FSDT PHNL/KORD/KLAS/KJFK/KFLL, rebooted and started FS9 between each.-Reinstalled FlyTampa VHHX, rebooted.-Reinstalled Cloud9 KDCA, rebooted.-Reinstalled BluePrint KMSP/TJSJ, rebooted and started FS9 between each.-Reinstalled PMDG MD-11, rebooted then started FS9.-Began running Memtest86+ v1.65 overnight.That's all for now!

28 June 2010:-Memtest scan finished-Reinstalled Matthew Perry's KORF scenery, launched FS9.-Reinstalled FlyTampa KBOS v2.1, launched FS9, rebooted.-Reinstalled FSDeveloper CYYZ2007-Reinstalled M1DG KIAH2008, launched FS9.-Reinstalled Foxtrot Sierra KBWI, launched FS9, rebooted.-Reinstalled FRF PANCv4, launched FS9.-Reinstalled KEGE (uncertain developer), launched FS9.-Reinstalled FlyTampa KSEA v1.1 with 16C taxiway sign update, rebooted, launched FS9.-Reinstalled Shez Ansari's KPSP 2004 (one of my favorite regional airports and sceneries), launched FS9.-Reinstalled M1DG KRSW, launched FS9.-Reinstalled KCVG 4th runway AFCAD, launched FS9.-Installed M1DG KMHT, launched FS9.-Installed FS9 TACANS addon, launched FS9.-Installed V1Sim KSMF, launched FS9, rebooted.-Installed M1DG KRNO, launched FS9.-Shutdown PC for the evening

Well while OCing isn't 100% required for good performance, it pretty much is required for great performance in FSX. And with your 975 OCing is much easier with the unlocked multiplier (even on stock cooling but I recommend a good aftermarket cooler). I know there's a few guys on this forum with that cpu, perhaps they can guide to an overclocker's site.... I run a measly AMD6000 so I don't know a lot regarding bios settings...

I have an I975 running at 4.16GHZ with stock cooler and I am no overclocking expert so how did I do it? I bought a Gigabyte motherboard which comes with a Tuning application (ET6) so I fired this application up, selected the "Extreme" option and away I went at 4.16GHZ (stock cooler). The motherboard also comes with the ability to save up to four BIOS settings so I have three stored that I named: "Stock" (3.33GHZ), "Medium" (3.75GHZ) and "Turbo" (4.16GHZ). I can swap speeds anytime I boot or restart by going into the BIOS and selecting the saved settings I want to use. My CPU current runing temp is 31

First, ditch the Norton, Adaware and cleanmypc stuff.As mentioned, try NOD32 or the MS Security Essentials. For spyware, use Malwarebytes. For defragging, use O&O. Aside from virus protection, you should have nothing running in the background that isn't essential. I turn off NOD32 as well when I fly.A couple other things: *If I were you, I would reinstall Windows from scratch using Nicks tuning guide. If you want a third party to reinstall, read through Nick's suggestions and tell the 3rd party to take care of some of the stuff. You are probably going to have to reinstall to get rid of Norton completely anyway. UAC should be off. Aero should be off. You want them to only install enough to get the computer running - no other programs, no bloatware. If they can't do it for some reason, they shouldn't be touching your rig in the first place. The warranty is useless if they can't set up your rig properly in the first place.*FSX should be on a dedicated high speed drive. It should not be on the same drive as the OS*I see you are running memtest. If you have the wherewithal to play with memtest, you can do the overclock. I never tried oc'ing before but I was able to manage it quite easily. I do have a aftermarket cooler (<$100) but the system is running oin air. There are a ton of oc'ing guides for I7-975's. With my chip, board and memory, I was able to get a solid oc using information I found here or at other FS sites. It only took a couple tries. *Also, you need to watch your temps. Without the oc you probably are not having any issues. Nonetheless, 7 fans isn't going to help if the airflow isn't proper.*Once your system is stable, start installing the basics for FSX. Stock FSX should be screaming on your system with a decent overclock. Once FSX is good, you can deal with FS9. FS9 should run great is FSX is running well. Again, look at Nick's guide for Windows and FSX tuning and follow it to the T. After that, you can play with Bojote's tweaks if needed. Some of Nick's suggestions and Bojote's suggestions conflict a little. Don't worry about that too much at this time. All systems, even with the same hardware, will be a little different.There is one more option of you want someone to tell you exactly what to do. http://www.fs-gs.com/ will tweak your system for you. I used them for a previous system and I believe they are a valid option. Nonetheless, I think you will get as good, if not better results using the method outlined above. In addition, you will learn a lot more about your system by doing it yourself. FS-GS is really for someone that doesn't want to do it on their own and is willing to have someone else tell them exactly what must be done. You do exactly what they say - all or nothing. You only pay if you are satisfield. (please no debates about FS-GS, I know it is a sensitive topic)Most of the people that have FS rigs that are humming along have gone through what you are going through. I, and I believe many others, have had the most success by starting at the basics with the OS install. That is why Nick's guides are so good. They tell you exactly what to do and what not to do every step along the way. Bojote's tweaks are also awesome but they are best for fine tuning things.Unless you have a major hardware issue, I am sure that you will find success but it will take time and patience. This might sound like a lot of work but it is less work than continually banging your head against the wall and it is certainly better than looking at a $4,200 paperweight. With that being said, would you rather have a solid FSX rig for $4,500 or a $4,200 paperweight?In short:Dedicated high speed FSX driveOS reinstall the right way using Nick's guidesModest solid overclock (at least 3.8Ghz)FSX installed using Nick's guidesNOD32O&O DefragBojote's tweaks to fine tune

*FSX should be on a dedicated high speed drive. It should not be on the same drive as the OS I never tried oc'ing before but I was able to manage it quite easily. I do have a aftermarket cooler (<$100) but the system is running oin air. There are a ton of oc'ing guides for I7-975's. With my chip, board and memory, I was able to get a solid oc using information I found here or at other FS sites. It only took a couple tries. Most of the people that have FS rigs that are humming along have gone through what you are going through.

At least 3.8 gig: 4.2 with air cooling is easily achievable with that proc, and is quite safe. I don't even watch temps any more. You will become "comfortable". http://forums.pureoverclock.com/showthread.php?threadid=5736

29 June 2010:FS9...-Reinstalled ImagineSim KDEN with update, launched FS9, rebooted.-Reinstalled ImagineSim KDTW, launched FS9.-Reinstalled Bill Melichar's PGUM, launched FS9.-Reinstalled KONT, launched FS9.-Reinstalled M1DG KPHX, KOAK, KOKC, KBDL, KOMA, KMCO, KPIT, launched FS9.-Installed M1DG KALB, KAMA, KAUS, KBHM, KBNA, KBUF, KJAX, launched FS9.-Reinstalled M1DG KMLI, launched FS9.-Reinstalled Matthias Rauh's KPLN (great freeware scenery!), launched FS9.-Rebooted, ate dinner :)-Reinstalled FRF KVCV, launched FS9, rebooted.-Reinstalled Gary Widup's KJAC, launched FS9.-Installed auto Windows updates, shut down, restarted.-Reinstalled Gary Widup's KSTL, KBOI, KSLC, launched FS9, shut down.-Reinstalled WTS-KCOS and MMUN, launched FS9.-Reinstalled M1DG KSAT, launched FS9.-Reinstalled Bill Melichar's PHTO, PHLI, PHKO, PHOG, PHNY, launched FS9.-Reinstalled RealCDG v3.1, launched FS9, rebooted.-Reinstalled US Airports 1, launched FS9.-Reinstalled Cloud9 KLAX, launched FS9.-Reinstalled vUSAF KLSV, launched FS9.-Reinstalled MegaScenery Denver, launched FS9, rebooted.-Started defrag overnight.*phew...that's all of my FS9 scenery. May move on to the base FSX install tomorrow before coming back to FS9 aircraft.

First, ditch the Norton, Adaware and cleanmypc stuff.As mentioned, try NOD32 or the MS Security Essentials. For spyware, use Malwarebytes. For defragging, use O&O. Aside from virus protection, you should have nothing running in the background that isn't essential. I turn off NOD32 as well when I fly.A couple other things: *If I were you, I would reinstall Windows from scratch using Nicks tuning guide. If you want a third party to reinstall, read through Nick's suggestions and tell the 3rd party to take care of some of the stuff. You are probably going to have to reinstall to get rid of Norton completely anyway. UAC should be off. Aero should be off. You want them to only install enough to get the computer running - no other programs, no bloatware. If they can't do it for some reason, they shouldn't be touching your rig in the first place. The warranty is useless if they can't set up your rig properly in the first place.*FSX should be on a dedicated high speed drive. It should not be on the same drive as the OS*I see you are running memtest. If you have the wherewithal to play with memtest, you can do the overclock. I never tried oc'ing before but I was able to manage it quite easily. I do have a aftermarket cooler (<$100) but the system is running oin air. There are a ton of oc'ing guides for I7-975's. With my chip, board and memory, I was able to get a solid oc using information I found here or at other FS sites. It only took a couple tries. *Also, you need to watch your temps. Without the oc you probably are not having any issues. Nonetheless, 7 fans isn't going to help if the airflow isn't proper.*Once your system is stable, start installing the basics for FSX. Stock FSX should be screaming on your system with a decent overclock. Once FSX is good, you can deal with FS9. FS9 should run great is FSX is running well. Again, look at Nick's guide for Windows and FSX tuning and follow it to the T. After that, you can play with Bojote's tweaks if needed. Some of Nick's suggestions and Bojote's suggestions conflict a little. Don't worry about that too much at this time. All systems, even with the same hardware, will be a little different.There is one more option of you want someone to tell you exactly what to do. http://www.fs-gs.com/ will tweak your system for you. I used them for a previous system and I believe they are a valid option. Nonetheless, I think you will get as good, if not better results using the method outlined above. In addition, you will learn a lot more about your system by doing it yourself. FS-GS is really for someone that doesn't want to do it on their own and is willing to have someone else tell them exactly what must be done. You do exactly what they say - all or nothing. You only pay if you are satisfield. (please no debates about FS-GS, I know it is a sensitive topic)Most of the people that have FS rigs that are humming along have gone through what you are going through. I, and I believe many others, have had the most success by starting at the basics with the OS install. That is why Nick's guides are so good. They tell you exactly what to do and what not to do every step along the way. Bojote's tweaks are also awesome but they are best for fine tuning things.Unless you have a major hardware issue, I am sure that you will find success but it will take time and patience. This might sound like a lot of work but it is less work than continually banging your head against the wall and it is certainly better than looking at a $4,200 paperweight. With that being said, would you rather have a solid FSX rig for $4,500 or a $4,200 paperweight?In short:Dedicated high speed FSX driveOS reinstall the right way using Nick's guidesModest solid overclock (at least 3.8Ghz)FSX installed using Nick's guidesNOD32O&O DefragBojote's tweaks to fine tune

Thanks for the post. I, too, have followed Nick's guides at the OS level. At this point I'm really avoiding a complete OS reinstall since I'm "settled" in since I use my computer for more than just FSX (though most of the specs were selected with FSX in mind). I currently have a single FSX drive, and a single FS9 drive, separate from the OS or anything else on my computer. I'll still hold off on overclocking. Definitely also have the defrag and Bojote's tweaks bases covered too. Wish I have seen more success with this base combination of steps in the past...we'll see what happens this time around. I've taken a look at FS-GS, and tried to setup an initial consultation but my work schedule doesn't seem to coincide well with the staff over there. (I would gladly pay a small, nominal fee for someone to tweak specifically to my computer setup).

There is really no danger in OCing an i7 as long as you aren't disabling the thermal protection or jacking the voltage up way past what's safe. You are not going to see the performance in FSX you're looking for without doing it, you'll be waiting for stock CPUs a year+ from now to hit these speeds. Even then, those CPUs are likely just going to be a certain selection of the current chips that Intel has verified will run at those speeds.Speaking of that, it's important to realize how CPUs are made and labeled as one chip or the other - this should set your mind at easy regarding OCing:All of the i7 chips within a series are exactly the same silicon wafer - they bin them out as a "920" "975" etc based on their tested speed after manufacturing them. Little variations and defects in the etching process are what account for this. The thing now though is that their factories have gotten so good that virtually every chip that's coming out of them could be rated as one of the faster ones. This is why you can buy a 920 or an i5 750 that easily overclocks to 4+GHz - they have to sell both lower and higher end chips and in many cases they're taking something that could easily be a high end chip and just slapping the lower end label on it. Even the ones that are getting binned as the highest end chips are still actually capable of much more. Intel needs to bring new products out that are faster, so obviously they're not going to tell everyone that the current chips are actually much more capable than what's on their labels.Seriously, you have nothing to worry about. I got a nearly 20 FPS gain in FSX when I overclocked my 860 to 3.8GHz vs. the stock 2.8GHz speed. Just do your homework on what settings to use (any of us who OC here can help you) and it'll be fine. You don't just turn on some crazy high OC by the way and pray that it works - you inch your way up with the bus speed, always monitoring the temperatures and stability each time you do. That way you're never making any drastic changes and you know that what you're doing is safe for the chip. You will know if you're having issues long before it does any kind of damage to the CPU physically, there's a lot of signs that you're pushing too far - BSOD/STOP errors, graphics corruption, CTDs etc, not to mention the temp readings off the CPU cores and other hard measurements like that.Look at John Venema from Orbx's latest video on his 4.2GHz OCed machine - it's insanely smooth with everything maxed:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvTvnjvperQ

I've taken a look at FS-GS, and tried to setup an initial consultation but my work schedule doesn't seem to coincide well with the staff over there. (I would gladly pay a small, nominal fee for someone to tweak specifically to my computer setup).

I worked twice with Michael. Very very happy.The third time I needed to reinstall FSX on a new computer/Motherboard I decided to follow NickN procedures. Of course I already had the experience with Michael.Again I am really happy. My FPS is blocked at 30 and it stays there except in very busy airports where it goes down to 20-24 fps. And you can see in my signature my PC is less powerfull than yoursI must mention that I fly only stock A/C. Later I will buy the PMDG MD11. I will probably see a fall in the fps.

I worked twice with Michael. Very very happy.The third time I needed to reinstall FSX on a new computer/Motherboard I decided to follow NickN procedures. Of course I already had the experience with Michael.Again I am really happy. My FPS is blocked at 30 and it stays there except in very busy airports where it goes down to 20-24 fps. And you can see in my signature my PC is less powerfull than yoursI must mention that I fly only stock A/C. Later I will buy the PMDG MD11. I will probably see a fall in the fps.

I used their service once as well when I did my FSX setup. I am really happy with their service and will use it again when ever I finally switch over to Win 7 and have to reload. Wish I had know about them years ago when I was spending more time tweaking FS9 than flying it.