SP2 is killing my sim

[drewsaw2 3]

I've been having a lot of trouble trying to run FSX on my new rig. After weeks of trial and error I've come to the conclusion that my issues are a result of SP2. After I install it I get major stutters and what I can only describe as tracking lines you see on a VCR, only less pronounced. Even though the fps are not recording a drop - still locked at 60 in the default flight - the stutters make it seem like its running at 5fps. It IS unplayable. After I uninstall SP2 the sim becomes smooth again. I have just rebuilt my computer completely with a new CB 750GB HDD, which was a step up from my green drive, hoping it would solve the issues. With sp2 however the performance is the same - bad. I have also followed Nicks guide to set up W7 and FSX including a defrag, so no need to recommend. I haven't come across any similar issues when searching the forums. Seems very strange. Any ideas? Cheers

[VirginAus737 0]

What about the bojote tweaker. Do you have multiple entries under [bufferpools]?

[mgh 89]

If SP2 really were the culprit these forums would have been flooded with complaints. I suggest the problem lies elsewhere.

[drewsaw2 3]

It is the same before applying tweaks. I've tried w/ BP and without, high value and low value poolsize. I don't think it's related Side note: Bojote's tweaks gave me blacked out textures, so I reverted back.

If SP2 really were the culprit these forums would have been flooded with complaints. I suggest the problem lies elsewhere.

You're rightBut it only occurs with the sp2.

[JimmiG 244]

If SP2 really were the culprit these forums would have been flooded with complaints. I suggest the problem lies elsewhere.

The OP does not suggest that SP2 is broken, just that on his system, it's causing a lot of problems. The problem obviously lies elsewhere, but installing SP2 is what triggered it. The "lines" could be a result of VSync being off. I prefer to play with it off, so I haven't looked into it, but I seem to remember reading that getting Vsync to work with FSX SP2 is a bit tricky. The stutters are harder to explain, especially if FSX RTM and SP1 run smoothly. I would stay away from "tweaks" until the sim is working as it should. Tweaks can help you get that last bit of performance and image quality out of an already functional and trouble-free FS setup, but it's *not* the way to fix a broken setup. I would start with the obvious like drivers and updates for everything. Then uninstall FSX completely and remove any files leftover. Then install FSX RTM and start it once. Once it's activated and initialized, exit and install SP2, then try again.

[drewsaw2 3]

Thanks JimmiG I haven't messed with the VSync yet this time around, but one of the last installs I did I played around with it through the Inspector and I don't recall seeing an improvment with it on. "I would stay away from "tweaks" until the sim is working as it should" - thats the plan now. No tweaks untill sp2 is as smooth as sp1. I have tried the last 4 drivers without a change in performance. I have also reinstalled FSX a handfull of times now aswell outside of the program files. I'm wondering if Acceleration would give me a different result? I know it includes the same service pack, but maybe it will work on my system better than sp2. I'm just trying to think of everything

[PIC007 82]

Ahhh, did you install SP 1 first? If you didnt, you need to.

[drewsaw2 3]

Ahhh, did you install SP 1 first? If you didnt, you need to.

Yeah, I tried the first time without but it wouldn't let me until I installed sp1

[dmaher 0]

I would stay away from "tweaks" until the sim is working as it should. Tweaks can help you get that last bit of performance and image quality out of an already functional and trouble-free FS setup, but it's *not* the way to fix a broken setup.

That really is great advice!

[Guest bstolle]

+1

[PIC007 82]

+2 What operating system are you using? If it's Win7 be sure you installed FSX with all antivirus off (including downloading the SP's) and UAC disabled, also set it to 'run as admin'. Also, have you tried FSX in different 'modes'..... windows vs full screen.... FPS locked vs unlimited etc?

[drewsaw2 3]

+2 What operating system are you using? If it's Win7 be sure you installed FSX with all antivirus off (including downloading the SP's) and UAC disabled, also set it to 'run as admin'. Also, have you tried FSX in different 'modes'..... windows vs full screen.... FPS locked vs unlimited etc?

I have tried different frame settings. I have not tried everything else. I could do it all again. It would be nice to know exactly what changes are made with sp2 because there in lies the answer. It does something that my system isn't responding well to. The stutters are a result of what can best be described as ripples - the graphics move like ripples or waves. Again, the frame rates seem solid. Myabe its just my video card and something in sp2.

[PIC007 82]

From the MS website.... Flight Simulator X Service Pack 2 addresses these post-release customer concerns:Multiplayer compatibilityDirectX® 10 preview You dont have DX10 preview enabled in FSX do you? If so, disable it.

[drewsaw2 3]

No I don't. If thats all sp2 does then I'm really lost. Been at this for 3 weeks now

[ryanbatc 12,820]

Ripples to me sounds like vsync. Is it disabled or enabled?