Hello there! If you are new here, you might want to subscribe to the RSS feed for updates on this topic, or subscribe to our Newsletter for exclusive content and competitions.

Service Pack 1

by mark.avey on May 23, 2007

Well, Service Pack 1 for Flight Simulator X has finally been released.

I reckon I’m getting about a 50% performance increase overall. I’m not just talking frame rates. The overall “feel” of it has improved dramatically. Installation went almost without a hitch - I had one error during installation, which I duly ignored. Installation continued and I was ready to fly.

It’s been out for about a week now and I would say it has really transformed the simulator. No, it’s not as fast as FS9/2004 on my system, but then that’s to be expected. It’s doing a hell of a lot more, so it would be pretty unreasonable of me to expect it to run quicker on the same hardware.

So, have I now ditched FS9/2004? No, and I can’t see myself doing so in the near future. Don’t get me wrong. I love FSX. The eye candy is outstanding. But, I’ve invested a lot of time and money in add-ons for FS9/2004 which I don’t want to abandon just yet. I can’t do without FS Navigator, Level-D’s outstanding 757, PMDG’s 747 and countless others for the time being?

For those who’ve applied the patch, or have held off getting FSX until the patch was released, how are you now finding it?

Related posts

{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Ken Campbell 05.24.07 at 12:32 am: I am not quite seeing a 50% increase, but more on the 30-40% range overall. I agree it does have a new ‘feel’ to it and am quite happy with it’s performance. I ditched FS9 when FSX was released bought a new system and have never looked back. With the quality software and hardware available, FSX makes for one awesome experience!
2 mark.avey 05.24.07 at 12:49 am: I can see myself using FSX exclusively in the not-too-distant future, but I need a few more of my favourite add-ons ported over before I take the plunge

Mark
3 Jason 05.24.07 at 1:53 am: I have dabbled with Fs2002 and even some of the earlier versions, but due to may age at the time i lost interest due to the frustration of learning how to fly. FSX gripped me, complete eye candy and a lot easier for a newbie to get into. Unfortunately as you guys probably already know it can grip hold of your credit card too. I bought a new system, setup and a load of add on’s to get my hobby off the ground. I am only getting 20% increase but my setup is the latest and best i could buy at the time. But I am pleased with SP1. I am pleased that Microsoft considered everybodies systems when it fixed FSX.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a good book or multimedia dvd or program that will teach me to fly properly. I want to learn the works, completed FSX beginning training and am now completely stuff on navigation….. HELP

Jason
4 mark.avey 05.24.07 at 2:09 am: Hi Jason - sounds like you’ve got a nice set-up there and glad SP1 is delivering the goods for you.

There are an enormous number of books out there to help you fly a “real” aircraft - take a look at http://www.flightstore.co.uk/category/use.dept.12.dept_l2.33.dept_l3.433/ (I just grabbed this from Google - there are many other sites).

Mark
5 Ian 05.24.07 at 3:35 am: Good day
Any chance someone can advise me as to how I should go about
acquiring SP1? I recently bought a top-end PC and FS-X Deluxe.
Looks awesome and all but I expected slightly higher performance!
I’d like to see what effect installing SP1 would have!

Please advise!
6 Ian 05.24.07 at 3:48 am: No worries - my bad! Found it!
7 Dave J 05.24.07 at 3:56 am: FSX was my intoduction to flight simulation (if you discount a couple of Micropose programs on the Spectrum!). I tried the demo version first to see if my system would run it, and was reasonably impressed. At this stage I should point out that I am running a standard ACER TA80 with an additional half Gig of memory making 1Gig in total. I purchased the Delux version because the price difference was so small it did not seem worth it to buy the standard version. Performance was ok for a system without a dedicated graphics card, I purchased ‘eyes wide open’ and was preared to make do with the hardware limitations on the graphics. I installed the SP1 patch and the result was nothing short of amazing. Now I run at 15 fps with all sliders set to ultra high with the exception of the scenery slider which is set to Medium low. There are situations where the frame rates slip to 10 fps, but this is rare and not such an issue for me, probably because I have not used an earlier product such as A century of flight. At a later date I will probably add a budget graphics card. FSX is very addictive!
8 mark.avey 05.24.07 at 4:19 am: Hi Dave - ah, Microprose and the Spectrum, the memories come flooding back

I’m not really sure why Microsoft offer a Standard and Deluxe version. They did something similar a few versions back and I don’t think hardly anyone purchased the Standard. Oh well, I guess they have their reasons.

Glad you’re enjoying the sim.
9 Jason 05.24.07 at 4:57 am: Hi Mark,

Thanks for that, I know of the Flightstore(i bought my x52 pro and pedals from them), I was hoping someone out there like me has tought themselves and could maybe recommend a package or book. I will try Flightstore’s multimedia software(training within flight sim or something like that) Thanks for your help anyway. Also Dave mentioned buying a new system and performance etc, I am a system builder and built my machine which set me back over £3k, I need the system as my hobbies are Gaming and FSX. I did skimp on the chip i went for a core 2 Duo not a Quad core, but my average FPS is between 10-20 at demanding airports and 20-40 at Cardiff Airport after SP1 and all graphics on Ultra and full anti aliasing etc. BUT
10 Jason 05.24.07 at 5:05 am: Sorry somehow managed to post without finishing:

Be warned, Fsx is designed for systems that dont even exist yet, I bet people that are just retiring FS9 and have probably been expereincing there best FPS/GFX in the last year or so, with component upgrades etc.

FSX is an investment in the next four years, if your new PC isn’t maxed out yet then you have a fun 3/4 years ahead of you. Spend Wisely on Upgrading if you must RAM & Graphics cards are great, but a sound card can take a lot of strain of your pc and really improve your experience.

Lock away the credit card, ENJOY

Jason
11 mark.avey 05.24.07 at 5:12 am: Couldn’t agree more regarding the longevity of the sim. It’s been the same with all previous versions, too, which is why I was a little surprised at some of the negative feedback when it was released.

Having said that, there does seem to be an odd discrepancy between system specifications and performance. I’m getting similar performance to you on a laptop with a 2Ghz single processor, 1Gb RAM and a 256Mb nVidia GTX 7800 graphics card, so not much point in me upgrading my machine just yet.

Mark
12 Jason 05.24.07 at 10:50 am: Hi Mark, Yeah i have spoken to you on Flightsimxworld about laptops last week (hopefully it’s the same Mark), I am running 16Q Anti Aliasing, which is only part of the latest Nvidia 8800, it over rides FSX Anti aliasing settings (FSX has a max AA of level 8, i think) and gives you really flat edges, No Jaggies. I haven’t tried the frames rates without AA on. Every time i turn it off, my eye is drawn to the edges so i prefer to run it. But that aside until they sort out the 8800 drivers and get Vista and DX10 running smoothly I would keep your money in the bank earning interest.
I also have a PC with 7800 with an AMD 64 x2 dual core 4200, with 2gb of ddr ram and all i can say is that you would see the difference if you did upgrade, a smoother more fluid experience, But is it worth breaking the bank???????? HMMMMMMM
13 Jason 05.24.07 at 11:48 am: I need to get myself a pimped out laptop like Marks, could fly all day then

Jason
14 mark.avey 05.24.07 at 12:15 pm: Hi Jason, yes, it’s me from FSXW

It just shows how different hardware works. I’ve been experimenting here, and I get much better performance from FSX if I set my video card to Application Controlled for AA and AF and let FSX do the work. For me, it’s much smoother with a much cleaner display.

LOL - doesn’t quite work like that with the laptops unfortunately! I’m very pleased with my lappy, though. I wouldn’t hesitate to get another Evesham when upgrade time comes along.

Mark
15 Jason 05.24.07 at 12:32 pm: Hi Mark, Glad it’s you,

Yeah i will take a peek at the Evesham site, I guess if you do upgrade you would get a laptop again? If so hold out until the next lot of Laptops come out with the Nvidia 8800 GPU’s, Then in December when DX10 Patches come out i think every one that has made the leap will be pleased.

Thinking about what you said about performance, The 7800’s are so stable now so your performance should be pretty hot and your laptop is a bit of a beast. Does it ever get a bit hot? my 8800’s are still a bit ropey and every driver update it get’s better and better. Also i wasn’t aware of this at the time but did you know that 32 bit operating systems only support 4gb of ram (combined), my 2 GFX cards have a combined Ram total of 1.5GHZ (hence the 16Q aa and monster resolutions) so that meant that i could only use 2 ghz of Ram. Consider that when upgrading.

Anyway good to catch up you were always helpful on FSXW,

Jason
16 mark.avey 05.24.07 at 12:37 pm: Thanks for the kind comments, Jason, and thanks for contributing here. It’s much more fun for me when people join in rather than just me banging on all the time!

Yes, my laptop does get pretty warm, but they’ve done a very good job with the ventilation. It gets a bit noisy when all the fans kick in, but I can live with it.

I haven’t actually checked for a driver update for a while, so I’ll do that now! Last one I applied I lost the power settings in the video display panel, so I had to roll back. I’ve no complaints about performance, though, so maybe best for me to leave it alone

When I get some more spare cash, I’m going to upgrade the lappy to 2Gb RAM from 1Gb, as that should help. I need to buy 2 1Gb sticks, though, as I currently have 2 512Mb’s. Any ideas on a good place to get it?

Mark
17 Jason 05.26.07 at 3:08 am: Hi again, I did reply about 2 days ago, but my internet must have crashed as it is not here.

Banging on i know what ya mean. Laptops with your kinda performance will produce a lot of heat and a bit of noise, but hey Flash hard drives are coming out for laptops soon and they will be silent, cool and increase your battery time. But the biggest one yet is about 32gb and cost’s a fortune.
Ram, try Ebay i have seen some gig sticks, preferably pay the extra and get performance ram, not sure if they make it for laptops? i noticed a massive improvement when i bought performance ram. I will try and find out a good place for Lappy Ram(any one else reading this can you help with Laptop Ram?). I use Overclockers.co.uk, Scan.co.uk and yoyotech.co.uk for my pc bits. Maybe they will have some.

It is important to update your drivers as you will get improvements, I am not aware of the power setting or what it does, but if you need it then maybe you shouldn’t update. I play a lot of Sim’s/Games so i always need the latest drivers to fix the latest game.

Well you have cost me a few quid lol, Thanks for your info on Voice something 3, i have purchased it via your link and some training books as i really need to improve my navigation and pilot skills.

will get back to you if i get Ram news, have to go as i am about to see if i can fly a DC-10 (just flight) arrived this morning

Jason
18 mark.avey 05.26.07 at 6:05 am: Thanks for the info re the laptop RAM - I’ll take a look.

Sorry I cost you money, but you’ll enjoy Voice Buddy

Yes, I have the DC-10 for review - will post it on the site soon.

Mark
19 Jason 05.26.07 at 6:49 am: lol, DC10 VC is missing, but i found a solution on there forum, under the master caution switch there is a button click on it, then select VC button and all is ok. Found DC10 bit blippy at times, Weird, but i may need to defrag,

Hey got up to 60 fps so i am pretty chuffed now with sp1, did not stay at 60fps but i think thats the highest i have noticed it.

Jason
20 mark.avey 05.26.07 at 10:15 am: I’m getting between 50 and 90 fps using the DC-10 on its tutorial flight - everything set to Ultra High, but with clear weather. Very happy

I’m using a program called Magical Defrag. I’ve tried virtually all the defraggers and found this to be the best - and the cheapest! It sits there defragging when the computer’s idle, then stops as soon as you start using it. Highly recommended. No problems with the DC-10, except, as you, actually finding the VC!
21 Jason 05.27.07 at 4:07 pm: I have’nt done the tutorial flight, 90 fps that’s unreal an xbox 360 and ps3 rarely get above 60fps, Cool. I am tempted to do a re-boot as i did a quick circuit around KSEA and it dipped down to 4fps for a second and struggled to get past 15fps. Yesterday over bristol channel it was hitting 60fps. Tonight flying above helgoland @ 800ft was hitting 52fps. So even though it is better, I’m not getting anywhere near 90fps and i have basically some of the best equipment that exists for pc gaming. I also have raptor hard drives that run at 10,000 rpm, rather than 7,500. are you using anything like tweakfs or have you tweaked it yourself. Also i just leave everything running in the background, My brother reckons i need to close all the background processes. Where am i going wrong?
Magical defrag i will look that up, voice buddy turns up Tuesday according to parcel tracking
22 mark.avey 05.27.07 at 11:23 pm: Hi Jason. I’ve been using my “default” setup, which is everything at Ultra High, except with Light Bloom switched off and traffic at 50%. The 90 fps I got was over Singapore, so not a lot of detailed scenery to slow things down! This is also optimised for Horizon’s VFR scenery.

I do use TweakFPS X (see review at http://www.flightsimx.co.uk/?p=353) and as you can see from that, in the same flying scenario I had a worst of 19.5 fps and a best of 108.7 fps.

Sorry, I wasn’t trying to brag about frame rates I was really trying to highlight that it’s a black art regarding getting best performance. I’ve read plenty of posts on forums from people with hardware vastly superior to mine that get much worse performance.

Yes, I do close things down before flying. Particularly, I disable my anti-virus and close Firefox. Firefox can eat 250Mb of memory or more during a session and I do a re-boot before a flight, as I’ve noticed that if I’ve been using Windows for a while before starting FSX, it does degrade performance. I wish they had a Linux version

I think I’ve just been really lucky in picking this laptop. It was specifically for flying FS and it just happens to be pretty well perfect for it.

Have fun with Voice Buddy

Mark
23 Ian 05.28.07 at 1:13 am: How do I log my frame rate whilest running FS?
24 mark.avey 05.28.07 at 1:56 am: Press Shift-Z twice to display your frame rate in the top left corner of the screen.

Mark
25 Jason 05.28.07 at 5:32 am: Hi Mark,

Hey i know you weren’t bragging, Anyway you have every right to tell what your getting as i really have learn’t that I am doing a few things wrong with my system. It’s just my frustration at the fact that i only bought this system for FSX and a few other driving sim’s I’m into. So i went and bought the best kit i could (i skimped on the quad core and bought a 2.4 core 2 duo e6600) but everything else is top notch. But it is obviously not the answer, i think if you had my system you could get more out of it than i could as i lack a bit of knowledge on the background stuff.

Do you mind helping me with a bit of knowledge and expertise? Tweak FSx i have a demo but wasn’t sure if I needed it after sp1 as i could get stability (well some) on ultra. Also i will reboot windows and turn off all non necessary stuff, even virus protection?

Also I am fortunate to be able to dedicate this machine to just Gaming and FSX with a minimal install as i have another PC for media/emails/browsing etc, would you advise that? I have also seen the link about tweaks but should i stick to tweak fs or have a go? I am not really used to program manipulation.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

The DC10 tutorial looks a little complicated for me at the moment, hopefully tommoz i will have a book on navigation and that will help me, Hey i did discover how to use AP and to adjust it on the radio stack lol, i used to spend 10 minutes re adjusting every time ATC asked me to adjust my altitude.

Mark thanks for producing a really cool and informative service and it’s free, really appreciate it. I need to find my way around though as i always end up back here.

Haven’t seen any decent Laptop Ram around, only cheap sticks on Ebay, so keep your eye out for a bargain

Jason
26 mark.avey 05.28.07 at 7:19 am: Hi Jason,

My laptop is a dual-boot - I boot into Windows for Flight Simming and into Linux for almost everything else, so my Windows install is pretty much dedicated to FS. Yes, I would recommend disabling what you can, even your antivirus, so long as you’re not receiving emails, downloading files etc from the net on the same machine at the same time.

I’ve made a number of tweaks to both my machine and the sim itself. I’m in the process of preparing a post that will details those tweaks, so keep an eye on the site

Thanks for the comments about the site. You can always get back to the “Home” page by clicking on the large main image at the top of every page. You can also search the site using the text box in the “FlightSimX Swicki” at the top of the sidebar on each page.

Mark
27 Jason 05.29.07 at 2:55 am: Hi Mark,

I have had some sucess, I rebooted my machine and dedicated it to FSX, It improved immediately also i think this had a lot to do with a fresh Vista install, been running that OS since release day so it was due for a revamp. Also before i rebooted i turned off all the background Programs after realising which ones i couldn’t turn off, i think i gained 5/10 fps. Will try the Anti virus tonight and your tweaking guide so thanks for that.

Linux i have a friend that use’s Linux and wants to stick it on my PS3 as it is meant to work as an alternative operating system to the basic sony one.

I am also using Horizon Scenery, I think it’s brilliant, as i was new to it all i wasn’t sure which was better Just Flight VFR or Horizon but i found that i favoured Horizon’s Colour pallete(I also got an opinion from bob @ RCsims). They Just need to get on with the night lighting and 3d stuff. Have you tried the 3d demo and also the scenery patches on there website?

Cant wait to finish work to try my fresh instalation of fsx out and voice 3 should have arrived. Oh yeah must mention SP1 install so fast on a fresh install i thought something was wrong.

Do you use Microsoft standard traffic or Just Flight Traffic/Aerosoft Traffic x ? I use the Just flight version with the add on plus paks, but was wondering if you have used either and had an opinion on which one gives better performance over Graphics. I love busy skie’s i can turn the settings up to Ultra and then tweak about 30% or a mix of GA @ 20% and Airline to 50%, but would love to be able to whack them all the way up, I think you mentioned you were running traffic at 50%, is that every slider.

Happy days

Thanks again for all the help and useful info.

Jason

P.s Do you recommend using Tweaks FS if i am already using the Ultra settings? Or is it designed to help a system that getting between med/high settings?
28 Dan 10.09.08 at 5:28 pm: Dear Flight Simmers:

I’ve had FSX running about 3 years now, and I have plenty of add-ob aircraft and scenery installed already but havent had the service packs yet.

I just recently downloaded it and wanted to know before I install, would it have any negative effects on my previously installed add-ons.

Any info. on this is highly appreciated. Thanks to all.

Dan

Leave a Comment

Lijit Search
Subscribe to our RSS feed for the latest news as it happens. You can now also subscribe to our brand new newsletter, where you'll have access to exclusive content and competitions. Sign-up now for a chance to win a copy of Just Flight's 757 Captain. To subscribe, simply enter your details below:
Translator

By N2H
Categories
Recent Posts
Latest forum posts
Recent Comments
Best Sellers
The Crew
This is the FlightSimX Crew that keeps the site ticking over nicely:
- Paul Webster (reviewer)
- Mark Avey (web master)
- Jessica Bannister-Pearce (reviewer)
- Sean Forehand
Flight Sim Links
Would you like your link here? Simply put a link to us on your flight sim related site, let me know via the Contact Form and we'll link back to you.
- FlightSim Pilot Shop
- X-Plane Airport & Navigation Data
Network
Vote for us!

Copyright © 2006 - 2009 FlightSimX