After all my travails I am very happy to announce that in my final test (default 737-400 at Seattle) default settings except traffic (now 40%), I had the following results: NO stutters or pauses whatsoever on takeoff Frame rate readings {31.9 57.8 71..6} at 2,500 ft {16.1 47.5 66.1} at 3,500 ft Readings in 2D panel view (after looking out the windows a couple of times ;) I will now limit my fps to somewhere between 25-30. Note that I have made no changes to the FS9.cfg file whatsoever.Steve

Hi SteveGlad to see you got your problems sorted out. I have been following your posts and all I can say that you have more patience than I have. It's a great sim if it works on your computer. It works on mine so I feel very lucky. Have fun flying. Did you remove the SB Live card. The reason I ask is because I have one.Richard