Prepar3D®
WebBlog continued...
12. September 2012
Today I set the
graphics settings of the FSX according to some best practice examples I found in the Internet and optimized the grafics processing by using the nvidea inspector. Using Kosta's guide was again a good start. However, to get most out of the system some individual adaptation was required.
Download link nvideaInspector: Computerbild.de
Finally I increased to GPU and memory clock of the GTX570 video card. I increased both value very conservatively and with caution. However, at the end I could achive an increase of about 4 - 5 fps at my reference airport Nice, LFMN. Depending on the aircraft position on that airport, clouds, and ground movement the framerate varies in a range from 22fps - 30 fps. That is not a bad result for a 135 degree FOV with 3 undocked windows. Of course, their is still room for some more tweaking and overclocking, but with the risks of demaging computer hardware. The msiAfterburn GPU performance graph indicates a GPU utilization close to 100% and sometimes even hits the upper limit, which certainly causes one or the other image artifact. This demonstrates that the FS PC is limited by the GPU. No need of more power on the PC side as long as the GPU is the limiting the process.
Donload link: MSI Afterburner
On the whole I am very pleased with the outcome of the applied tweaking measures. Experience will show whether or not the result is sufficient for other complex sceneries and situations.
13. September 2012
Earlier than expected I did the first flight with the new setup within the IVAO network. For me as FS9 user it was absolutely impressive to see the detailed scenery and the significant improved depth of sharpness during take-off in LGAV (Athens) and landing in LIRN (Naples). Thus, the hard work was worthwhile and
opens up opportunities for the future in flight simulation.
At the end of that first test flight I had a good overview regarding things which did not work or need some optimization.
In summary, the following was observerd:
- Engine sound of the used B737 aircraft model needs improvement
- Autobrake does not work
- Motorized movement of the TQ thrust levers does not work well
- TOGA does not work with take-off
- Image artifacts in complex scenery environments
- A couple of minor problems, e.g.
some missing event triggered sounds
The engine sound issue was
easily solved by buying
TURBINE SOUND STUDIOS - BOEING 737NG CFM56-7B SOUNDPACK FOR FSX. Great sound library
which significantly enhances the sound experience.
Autobrake seems not to work with the PM B737 flight model, at least not with the standard offset. I will contact the support and
clarify the issue.
The issue with the motorized thrust leveres and TOGA could become one of the major topics, because I do not have any access to the compiled SIOC script from Revolution Simproducts.
The image artifacts can properly solved by an optimized balancing of the CPU and GPU.
The minor issues will presumably not cause any headaches.
06.November 2012
Meanwhile P3D become my favorite flight simulation program. FS9 is still installed, but rarely used. However, there are still some areas which need improvement. The PM B737 flight model needs some tweaking and the RSP throttle unit needs an adapted SIOC script.
Next working package will be the update of some of my web sites, because FS9 is now history.
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