Latest ATI Catalyst release causes SEVERE texture blurring

[Tech Diver]

I have an ATI 4870 with 2MB running under Vista-64. Also, I am running FSX Acceleration with UTX and REX. After upgrading my Catalyst software from version 9-10 to 9-11, my terrain and water textures became EXTREMELY blurry. I also tried a version that was released two days ago (9-12) but it too was just as bad. However, when I reinstalled the old 9-10 version everything was fine again. This is 100% repeatable, as I uninstalled and reinstalled various versions several times with absolute consistent results.

The blurring was so bad that it made FSX unusable because I could not identify any landmarks. Note that the autogen objects were fine. Also, this is not the same as the blurries that you get when you fly quickly over terrain. I can hover in a helicopter and the same thing happens. Also, when I pause FSX there is no change. If I were flying too fast, pausing would allow the texture loading to catch up and become sharp, but this is not the case. This is far more blurred than even the farthest objects.

I tried various settings of MIP maps and AA, nothing helped. I even deleted my FSX.CFG file and let it be rebuilt, but that too failed. Note that I DO NOT overclock anything in my system.

Has anyone experienced this same problem?

Peter

[nowmormat]

Well, I deleted the FSX.CFG file before installing Cat. 9.12 for my hd5850 running win7 X64. No bluries...
maybe it has to do with the way the sliders are set in the CCC.
Happy Flying!

[jlab58]

upgrading do that sometimes. i'm no expert, so i use the service of a pro to choose my hardware accordingly to my use. from what i understand, you install a video card with the software that is going to give you the best service and then you should leave it that way.if your image is fine, animation fluid, there's in fact no need to upgrade.i know it's not an explanation, but experience tell that it's generally right.

[Tech Diver]

Below is the blurry image. Take a look at the island in the lagoon and the coral reef water, and compare it to the second image that follows.


Below is the "good" image with the old driver. Note the details in the coral reef.

[jlab58]

stick to the old version. i think the new version is an attempt to give a smooter image, but in your case it clearly didn't work.