Does anybody know why fs9 would suddenly go from (about) 60% CPU in the task manager to 20% and the system idle process simultaneously go from 40% to 60% for no reason. As a result my frame rates go from between 70 - 150 down to 19 - 25. Nothing else is running. It seems like fs9 in voluntarily giving-up CPU power for no reason. The whole time its only using half my RAM (3 gigs). Then it will reverse again and I'll be back at 70 - 150 FPS. When I quit fs my system idle process of course goes right to 99. Can anybody tell me what is going on and maybe how to stop the madness???Thanks, rich

What Windows version? In Win 7 complex math calls to the CPU are (according to a few articles) handed off to the graphics processor and that could be one reason.I think you need to look at a good table of processes running as well that might provide a clue. I use Win XP and for that I use Process Explorer (free) download version (not off Live) to see what is going on:http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653Just alt tab to it or if a dual monitor drag it to a second monitor. If alt-tab to it be sure FS is set to continue running when not in focus. In Win 7 or VISTA you may need to establish a shortcut to it with properties set to run as admin.Now I use an earlier version and never used that second screen but I find the table view invaluable.

Not what see in XP SP3. The CPM use box to the left of the graph varies. Now, if you are on a multicore system might you be reading a least used core?

System Idle process will always show 99 as long as task manager is running. It doesn't really mean anything.

Not what see in XP SP3. The CPM use box to the left of the graph varies. Now, if you are on a multicore system might you be reading a least used core?

Thanks for your time ronzie, Im reading the correct core but I found a way to spread fs9 over both cores and figured out how to step up its priority over other processes to use more cpu. But the problem turns out to be heat! I guess my system was strategically shutting fs9 down and giving the power to idle process to cool off. I put a frozen ice pack next to the processor and the problem is gone. That and the other tweaks I accidently discovered and it runs smooth as silk. I feel like a redneck with the ice packs but hey, it works, and they stay frozen for hours. Thanks again for your help, rich

Don't know which CPU you but if there is room in the box consider buying one of the third party enhanced cooling devices like from Cooler Master, etc., to replace the heat sink. Also be sure cable placement is not interfering with ventilation and you have an additional exhaust fan behind or over the motherboard proper to keep case hot spots down. Your mobo probably has a case temperature sensor and either your CPU or mobo came with a utility to read case and CPU temp, usually in the Win task bar.Look for the sinks with the copper tubing and radiators. If you are really overclocking then you may need a coolant type.http://www.newegg.com/Store/Category.aspx?Category=11&name=Fans-Heatsinkshttp://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=574&name=CPU-Fans-Heatsinks

Don't know which CPU you but if there is room in the box consider buying one of the third party enhanced cooling devices like from Cooler Master, etc., to replace the heat sink. Also be sure cable placement is not interfering with ventilation and you have an additional exhaust fan behind or over the motherboard proper to keep case hot spots down. Your mobo probably has a case temperature sensor and either your CPU or mobo came with a utility to read case and CPU temp, usually in the Win task bar.Look for the sinks with the copper tubing and radiators. If you are really overclocking then you may need a coolant type.http://www.newegg.co...=Fans-Heatsinkshttp://www.newegg.co...-Fans-Heatsinks

Wow, that is very usefull information, thank you very much. Its amazing that the slightest amount of heat can throw everything out of whack like that. Thanks again!

You might get more relevant results in the hardware forum here.Also, a few issues back in Computer Pilot there was a section in one of the FSX Benchmarking articles on heatsinks, i7 core overclocking, etc. That's where this information stuck in my mind.Here's the issue:Jun/Jul 2010VOLUME 14 - ISSUE 4Benchmarking FSX – Part IVThis article begins with the finding of significant framerate performance improvement in FSX after upgrading two different computer systems from Vista to Windows 7. Thereafter, the main part of this article will provide test results from overclocking an Intel Core i7-975 Extreme processor, with simultaneous trials of sample alternative air and liquid processor cooling products that might aid overclocking.http://computerpilot.com/content.php?pid=4&mid=144You can order a back issue here:http://computerpilot.com/content.php?pid=20or order on CD all of 2010 (6 issues) here for just a few dollars morehttp://computerpilot.com/content.php?pid=47