started over (update: problem solved)

[TacitBlue]

I recently got a new hard drive and installed FS9 on it, unfortunatly, I cant remember the numerouse tweaks that I did to make my sim run smooth on the old install. now I get framet rates that jump from 30 (locked) down to 7 and back to 30! it does this constantly and makes the sim unflyable. Does anyone know how to fix this, or is there a website that lists tips and tricks?

[garymbuska]

It would be hard to make a list since what works for one will not work for the other depending on the system you have and any add ons you might have.
There is no 1 guideline that will work for every one.

[beaky]

Check some earlier "FS2004" and  "Tweaking and Overclocking" threads here; I found some good tips a while back.
Off the top of my head, I recall that reducing the settings in the Weather and Traffic  sections help a bit, still allowing good rendering of aircraft, terrain, scenery, etc. at acceptable framerates. It all depends on your priorities, of course.
 You should also look at your OS if you changed or re-installed it; there are automatic functions that use up RAM and may be unnecessary for your purposes.

[TacitBlue]

Yeah, I reinstalled windows. I completely changed my drive arragement and... its a long story. In short, basically my system is new again. I was able to play with almost all of the sliders maxed before, and I still can. but even with everything at minimum the FRs still jump around wildly. Im thinking its due to some outside process that I had shutdown before. I think what I really need is FS Autostart. Ill try that tonight. And thanks for the tips Rotty.

[beaky]

Good luck. yeah, it's amazing how much resources are used by those silly background functions (especially with XP!!!)
. I should've saved a list (and a link or two), but if this 60s-born caveman can figure it out (with a little help from Google), anybody can.

[Gary R.]

I set my frame rate lock to unlimited.  Guess what???  It works.  Try that for a while.  A lot has been discussed on this subject before but setting the slider to unlimited basically means you are allowing FS to set it's own optimal framerate based on the hardware you have.  I have found that my framerates fluctuate a lot less this way and are overall slightly higher.

[_526th_Fireman]

First, TacitBlue did you have the FR friendly cloud and autogen stuff on your old hard drive? If so, did you reinstall those two things with all your other stuff? Those two downloads help tremendously with any system.

Secondly, the in game options have a lot of flexability.
I found that the slider for the autogen stuff and scenery density really affect frame rates, especially scenery density.

As far as the Frame rate cap. Setting this to "Unlimited" can be nice IF your system can handle it. Most can't, UNLESS you have Scenery density and Autgen turned way down.

With FRs set to "Unlimited" your machine/graphics card is going to TYR AND MAINTAIN those frame rates. It does this by reducing the amount of autogen it processes.

Personally, I like the scenery to look nice so I always set my FR cap around 20 or 22. Those numbers or safely into the range of smooth flying and beyond that, you don't see any benefit. This way, more of my autogen is left in there.

Hope the info helped. I would strongly suggest that if you don't have them already, then you get the frame rate friendly cloud textures and autogen textures. They

[Lethal.Ambition]

Here is a link to another forum where a member compiled a small set of tips and tricks. They involve performance and other things, like programs, websites, etc.

FS2004 Forums

I hope that helps.

[TacitBlue]

Fireman, Ive managed to stabalize it around 20 FPS, but with autogen and some of the other scenery stuff turned down about 1/2 way, and clouds on minimum. Where do you get the framerate freindly clouds and autogen? Ive never heard of it.

Lethal, Thanks for the link! Ill check it out.

[_526th_Fireman]

Darn, you would ask me when I am at work!  

The autogen files can be found here I believe, if not, then at one of the other major FS sites.

Cloud textures: There are many variants running around out there, but some of the best are over at FSSkyWorld. Don't have the link with me but Google it and you will get it.

[TacitBlue]

Cool, thanks! Im at work too, so I may not be able to get to it... its not like I need it here anyway.

[_526th_Fireman]

Good, cause I can't find the file I am talking about. Will look tom. when I get home.

Here is one cloud texture upgrade I found at flightsim:

http://www.flightsim.com/cgi/kds?$=main/top.htm

Cloudfx3.zip: It's #37 in the list. If the link above won't work then just go to flightsim and do a file search for cloudfx3.zip

Here is one autogen package I found but not sure if the one I am using. All they are........are resized textures for the FS9 default autogen stuff. This is at flightsim too:

resautog.zip by Bart Dylkiewicz

Still think FS SkyWorld has some of the best cloud textures though.

Will check my stuff tom. when I get home.

[Lethal.Ambition]

Hey Tacit,

After 10 minutes of searching I finally found the autogen fix!

Resized Autogen Textures It's the top result

FS Sky World! Program's website.

The autogen does help a lot. Oh don't forget FS Patch 9.1 it fixes a lot of autogen problems too.

[TacitBlue]

OH yeah! I forgot all about the patch! It seemed to help a little last time.

[_526th_Fireman]

Thx Lethal. The Autogen you and I mentioned are the same file.

Use Lethal's link TB, better than logging into FlightSim.

Tag Teamed this problem!!!! Wooooottt!!!