Hello I'm looking for some expert opinions as to what is happening now that i am using two monitors. Well - a projector and a monitor really. I'm running FSX on XP on a I7 processor running at 3.4. nVidia GTX 285.The main screen is on a XGA projector t 1024 res. I use trackir and use a VC view.I have the DVI outlet connected to my old LCD TV via HDMI cable and have made the res also at 1024.When flying I move the ATC window to the LCD screen, and sometime a New view - ( external ) which is great but the downside seems to be the frequent lock ups i get for some seconds before the flying resumes. The lock ups have a drumming sound whilst the picture is frozen, but then everything returns to fluid FPS around 36 .I think it may be that the system isn't good enough., that i am paying the price for multiple monitors? Is the simple truth that I need a better processor and graphics card?Or is there something i can do to my present set up.?TIA

Hello I'm looking for some expert opinions as to what is happening now that i am using two monitors. Well - a projector and a monitor really. I'm running FSX on XP on a I7 processor running at 3.4. nVidia GTX 285.The main screen is on a XGA projector t 1024 res. I use trackir and use a VC view.I have the DVI outlet connected to my old LCD TV via HDMI cable and have made the res also at 1024.When flying I move the ATC window to the LCD screen, and sometime a New view - ( external ) which is great but the downside seems to be the frequent lock ups i get for some seconds before the flying resumes. The lock ups have a drumming sound whilst the picture is frozen, but then everything returns to fluid FPS around 36 .I think it may be that the system isn't good enough., that i am paying the price for multiple monitors? Is the simple truth that I need a better processor and graphics card?Or is there something i can do to my present set up.?TIA

TIA,The first thing I would do is:Right-click the desktopClick the "Personalize" selectionClick the "Display" selectionClick the "Adjust Resolution" selectionYou should get a graphical version of your monitors. There should be two (in your case) boxes labeled "1" and "2." In turn, select each monitor "box" and ensure the display name, resolution, and orientation selections are correct for your install. Which ever monitor is your main display, click the box next to "Make this my main display." Also ensure that the selection next to "Multiple displays:" reads "Extend desktop to this display."If you're attempting to lock and unlock various display windows within FSX, you probable need to run the application in the "windows" mode.See if this helps.fb

Do you use an aftermarket Soundcard, or are you just using the soundchip on your motherboard?The 'drumming sound' could be that the 2 monitors is using up more CPU resource or RAM now, and causing the sound processor (which is also run from the CPU) to overload and cause the freeze up. If you are using on-bard sound, I'd recommend getting a pluh-in Soundblaster or similar to free up some resource.I appreciate that your main issue appears GPU relates (ie,, the pause), but the 'drumming' (I know the sound you mean) suggests the lock up may be sound related.If you do use a Soundblaster (now or in the future), make sure you select it as the default sound card in the FSX sound settings.Cheers,Stick.