Specifically, this setting in FSX.cfg

[JOBSCHEDULER]AffinityMask=244

does this if you have hyperthreading enabled:Logical Cores 0, 1 (physical core 0): both of these logical cores run FSX fibersLogical Cores 2, 3 (physical core 1): logical core 2 runs the main FSX thread while logical core 3 appears to be completely idleLogical Cores 4-7 (physical cores 2, 3) these four logical cores each run their own FSX texture thread (4 total texture threads)I been using this for a few weeks and it seems smoother with my computer's OC over the traditional AM=14 (no HT), 84 or no AM specified settings. Something else yet to tweak, enjoy.

What does it do to your processor temps?

What does it do to your processor temps?

Exactly. Hyper threading increases temps substantially on my system. I have to lower the clock speed to keep temps less than 75C thereby giving up any benefit from HT. For me clock speed trumps everything including HT for smooth flight with high settings. Bob.. :)

I agree it is not worth using this tweak due to the excessive temps HT causes when overclocking i7s to their upper limits. But if you normally keep HT enabled (as I do), then it might be worthwhile. My temps on the HT cores, 4-7, average in the mid 60c with occasional blips up to 70c.I can get a stable 4Ghz no HT from my i7 860, but it's pushing it too close to the edge, voltage-wise, for my long-term comfort. LinX runs cooler at 3.8 HT (8 threads) than 4.0 no HT (4 threads) on my system. As for FSX performance, IMO the difference is negligible. Obviously, everyone's mileage varies.

What's the temp limit for an i7?I have passive system with an i7 and this runs FSX at around 85C. But no where is this a temp limit or does it shorten the lifetime of the CPU.IF the temp would get too high (around 90C) it would simply start to throttle down and it doesn't hurt the CPU at all.

What's the temp limit for an i7?I have passive system with an i7 and this runs FSX at around 85C. But no where is this a temp limit or does it shorten the lifetime of the CPU.IF the temp would get too high (around 90C) it would simply start to throttle down and it doesn't hurt the CPU at all.

Running in the mid 80s C is way too hot for comfort. Intel recommends a max of 71C, not that it won't do 99C and still function. In my opinion you should run normally at full load in the 60s and on very hot days in the low 70s at most. Higher heat than that puts too much stress on everything. Perhaps you need a better cooling system.Kind regards,

Running in the mid 80s C is way too hot for comfort. Intel recommends a max of 71CPerhaps you need a better cooling system.

I've read that 71C rumor a lot of times in various threads but so far I've found nothing 'official' from Intel about the 71C.If 71C is the limit, why does the throttle down occur only at a much higher temp?I would be glad if someone could point me to a serious source concering that issue.There's no way to improve the cooling system as it is 100% passive, cooled only by cooling fins. So it's 100% silent.

Wow! 71C is almost 160 degrees. That's hot!

Wow! 71C is almost 160 degrees. That's hot!

Not for a CPU :( A rule of thumb is to have the CPU below 80C when stresstesting an OC and using an air cooling system. In that way you'll have at least 10C margin to 90C and the automatic throttling down of the processor.

What's the temp limit for an i7?I have passive system with an i7 and this runs FSX at around 85C. But no where is this a temp limit or does it shorten the lifetime of the CPU.IF the temp would get too high (around 90C) it would simply start to throttle down and it doesn't hurt the CPU at all.

It varies a bit from model to model, for example, the i7 950 has a max Tcase of 67.9c, while the i7 860 has a max Tcase of 72.7c. Tcase is the temperature of the heatspreader, at a point betweeen the cores. Tcase temperature is typically between 10 and 15c colder than core temperatures you from tools like Real Temp or Core Temp. Modern cpus has features that underclocks the cpu when it becomes too hot and if that doesnt help it will shut down the computer to prevent damage. Its difficult to kill a cpu with heat these days, but running the chip very hot with lots of volt will reduce the expected lifetime.

I've read that 71C rumor a lot of times in various threads but so far I've found nothing 'official' from Intel about the 71C.If 71C is the limit, why does the throttle down occur only at a much higher temp?I would be glad if someone could point me to a serious source concering that issue.There's no way to improve the cooling system as it is 100% passive, cooled only by cooling fins. So it's 100% silent.

Something official (processor specs) directly from Intel:http://download.inte...shts/320834.pdfhttp://download.inte...gnex/322167.pdfRefer to Table 6-2 in either document; this defines i7 Tcase, which defines that "rumored" value. Your argument is sound and I've see it elsewhere, though Intel points out that operation beyond these limits may decease the processors lifetime and/or reliability. You can read about it at the beginning of Chapter 6 in these documents.If you are happy with running your processor at 85c, so be it. Just be warned that using this tweak could get you close to a thermal throttle.Enjoy that silent system while you can, and BTW nice hijack.

Get one of these: http://www.coolitsystems.com/index.php/eco.htmlBest £50 I ever spent. An i7 870 o/c to 4.07Ghz. Totally stable. 25-28c at rest; 45-55 running FSX. Love it.

If you are happy with running your processor at 85c, so be it. Just be warned that using this tweak could get you close to a thermal throttle.Enjoy that silent system while you can.

?Have you read wims post at all?>Tcase is the temperature of the heatspreader, at a point betweeen the cores. Tcase temperature is typically between 10 and 15c colder than core temperatures you from tools like Real Temp or Core TempMy i7 960 has Tcase max of 68C so that would be a temp readout between 78 and 83. I doubt that 2C more will harm the system.I don't know what 'tweak' you mean? It's just a standard (non-overclocked CPU/GPU) PC from the leading german silent PC company (Deltatronic)Here's something interesting (e.g. i7 throttle temp 100C)http://www.pugetsystems.com/blog/2009/02/26/intel-core-i7-temperatures/

Specifically, this setting in FSX.cfgdoes this if you have hyperthreading enabled:Logical Cores 0, 1 (physical core 0): both of these logical cores run FSX fibersLogical Cores 2, 3 (physical core 1): logical core 2 runs the main FSX thread while logical core 3 appears to be completely idleLogical Cores 4-7 (physical cores 2, 3) these four logical cores each run their own FSX texture thread (4 total texture threads)I been using this for a few weeks and it seems smoother with my computer's OC over the traditional AM=14 (no HT), 84 or no AM specified settings. Something else yet to tweak, enjoy.

----------------------------------------------------------------I have always had hyperthread running on my I7-975 CPU. I tried this setting, and got stutters in animation advancement. Removed it, and went back to smooth advance. My hyperthreading has always been good for me. What I did notice though was twice as fast initial texture loading after FSX startup. That was right out there....

Get one of these: http://www.coolitsystems.com/index.php/eco.htmlBest £50 I ever spent. An i7 870 o/c to 4.07Ghz. Totally stable. 25-28c at rest; 45-55 running FSX. Love it.

I use something similar. The H70 watercooling closed circuit. easy to install. BEST thing ever. I have yet to see 60c with my overclocked CPU even in stress testing. my fsx temps same as your 45-55 and the other plus is it is really quiet