I have a pretty good hardware config, and my FS is finely tuned to get the best possible FPS. A few days ago, I noticed some stutters, around once every 3 or 4 seconds.So I wondered "what did I change in my config?" The answer was that I had activated the FS real-world weather (with high rate of change)that generated many clouds. Coming back to a clear weather gave me my good FPS back.Doing some tests, my conclusion was that the stutters were not generated by the numerous clouds, but by the real-world weather itself. Maybe because it has to calculate the weather changes, or because it has to update it too often.Did some of you notice the same impact?If so, it means I'd better fly with a weather theme or user-defined weather...Thanks for any clue !!Eric

I would be willing to bet it is the clouds. It depends on the layers and type of clouds too. The weather themes can never produce what the real world weather can.Try this, set real world weather, let it load. Then go back and set weather as "user defined", touch nothing but the ok button. It will still keep the most current real world weather but won't be connected to the internet to update.See if your frames are any better.XP Home SP2Asus P4P800-SE Intel 3.0GHZDDR 400 D/C 4x512MBLeadtek 6800GT 256MB (77.72)SB AudigyCH Products Yoke/Pedals USBSee you in the fence...CYYZ

Yep. Cloud layers. RWW will often generate 4 or more. Themes don't have more than 3.

I didn't have the time to test it, I will do it soon, but I'm sure you're right.BTW, do you think the replacement of the could textures with lighter ones that can be found an AVSIM would help?Eric

Clouds will always affect your FPS, and even more if you are flying with antialias.Try to lower a little bit your cloud detail on the display settings. Using DXT3 textures helps too.Good luck

Hey Eric, with Activesky V you can set the amount of layers and also use the new cloud textures that come with it, made a ton of difference in my sim. I found (from experience and from posts here) that Nvidia cards handle antialias and clouds differently than ATI cards and it made a big difference going from my NVidia to an ATI card.

I have an ATI card (Radeon 9800 XT 256 MB) and anti-alias is set to 4X in the ATI settings (not in FS). Do you think it is the best setting? Or do you think the Nvidia cards are faster?Anyway, according to what you say, I will seriously think about purchasing Activesky V. Does it require FSUIPC?Thanks.Eric

EricYou don't need a registered version of FSUIPC to use ASV. It comes with everything you need in the tin.And it is quite simply FANTASTIC. I'm a recent convert and it has absolutely transformed my virtual skies. FPS are OK too, as you've got plenty of scope for tweaking.Ian