In P3D v4.1, configuration, there is a setting: Graphics Options -  Display - Texture Resolution. I can set this from 'Very Low - 256X256' to 'Ultra - 4096X4096'.

However I can not see any visual difference between these settings (4K screen, 1080ti GPU), nor do i see any performance difference - FPS, VRAM usage, GPU utilization. What is this setting for and what should I see as i vary it? Inquiring mind(s) want to know!

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure that it is the max texture size that can be loaded. Like if a scenery has 4k textures you'll only be able to see them at their 4k resolution if you have it set to 4096. If higher resolution textures just don't exist for some things, then you won't see any difference. At least that's my understanding of it.

That's what I thought as well. However, when I lowered the setting to Very Low 256X256, I really expected to see a difference figuring that would be very obvious even if my textures were not HD, but I didn't see any degradation.

Anyone? (One bump then I let this die)

from the Learning Centre..

Texture Resolution

The maximum allowed texture resolution. Higher resolution textures can improve graphics quality, but require more memory.

 

not very clear but think , you probably don't see any change because your textures are not 256x256 , and it will load as what it is , maybe 1024 , but if you look carefully , get an old airfield done at a low res and see the difference.

Jorge

 

That still doesn't make sense because if the setting indeed determines the maximum texture resolution, any textures higher than the value set should be downsized.

So, if you have it set to 256 all your textures regardless of original size should be displayed as 256 resolution textures and that would be noticeable.

If not, I guess we all can start having it set to 256 and save some memory and maybe some performance as well.

5 minutes ago, WebMaximus said:

That still doesn't make sense because if the setting indeed determines the maximum texture resolution, any textures higher than the value set should be downsized.

So, if you have it set to 256 all your textures regardless of original size should be displayed as 256 resolution textures and that would be noticeable.

If not, I guess we all can start having it set to 256 and save some memory and maybe some performance as well.

Correct.

The textures will be shown as 256x256 max resolution.

regards, Gerard

This will have effect only if the textures contain mip maps. Some parts of some AI addons and aircrafts have unmipped textures which will continue to be shown at their higher resolution. Most default and older addons textures have 1024 resolution which will make difference lesser noticeable compared to new v4 addons using many 2k and 4k textures.

Ok, so looking at what the OP say where he can't spot any visual difference regardless of max texture resolution setting in P3D that would indicate:

- you can't spot the difference which again would mean we can all go with 256

- the OP doesn't have any textures bigger than 256 installed

2 minutes ago, him225 said:

This will have effect only if the textures contain mip maps. Some parts of some AI addons and aircrafts have unmipped textures which will continue to be shown at their higher resolution. Most default and older addons textures have 1024 resolution which will make difference lesser noticeable compared to new v4 addons using many 2k and 4k textures.

Ok, that explains a few things.

I guess as long as your hardware can take it just keep it at 4096 to avoid missing out on some high resolution textures you might get with some add-on. 

Well, there is a bug with A2A planes (don't know if they fixed it) used as default startup flight: if you use an A2A plane in your default scenario, this option will go one step down each time you access the menue. Like this, I had it once on 256x256 and I can really say that this was instantly visible. Simply check your default autogen buildings and you will see it... Of course, as mentioned by others, if your addon scenery uses HD or even 4K textures without mipmap, you will not notice any difference (but of course also no benefit regarding performance...).

I have a 4096 grass texture that makes all my grass landing strips more lifelike. It can impact your frames a bit, but I'll always leave the P3D setting at max resolution. 

Mine tough is setting resolution to 4096x4096 do that all texture are loaded with their original resolution without computing in any way, cpu and processors must not calculate new resolutions so.

If you have memory enough in v4 that is no more a problem.

But in fsx and p3dv3... Resolution to high can cause OM.

5 hours ago, him225 said:

This will have effect only if the textures contain mip maps. Some parts of some AI addons and aircrafts have unmipped textures which will continue to be shown at their higher resolution. Most default and older addons textures have 1024 resolution which will make difference lesser noticeable compared to new v4 addons using many 2k and 4k textures.

This would explain it. I was using photo scenery which is not mipmaped. Further, there's another config setting to use mipmaps which I have unchecked that may be further exacerbating the situation. Thanks!