martinistripes

I was tired of fps stutter in 1.2.5 so I decided to use BS2 v1.1.1.1 but I still got the same stutter. This made me realise, it's not the DCS build but something system related. My specs on system with stutter: Intel Core i7-2760QM @ 2.40GHz, 8.0GB RAM, AMD Radeon HD 6990M, Windows 8 x64 Older system not showing stutter: Intel Core2 Duo P9700 @ 2.80GHz, 4.0GB RAM, Nvidia GeForce GTX 280M, Windows 7 x64 Note: I used v1.1.1.1 on the newer system without this stutter when v1.1.1.1 was current. The only major thing that's changed is video driver and OS.

After reverting back to Black Shark 2 v 1.1.1.1 and being surprised to find I still had the same stutter I've been grumbling about recently, I decided to install DCS World on my older previous laptop running Windows 7. Although the frame rate's a little lower the stutter's gone. I would say with certainty that the cause was Windows 8, if it weren't for the fact it was an NVidia system. I'm still confident it is, since the recent stutter I've had (on the newer laptop) was never there until several weeks back (around about the time I moved to Windows 8). Just to clarify, this is a big stutter I'm talking about, ie from between 40 - 50 fps down to about 9 - 15 fps. It occurs for 4 - 5 seconds, before returning to good fps. It's not the stutter/fps loss associated with smoke and objects. Solved: Caused by CPU Thermal Throttling

Windows 8 Some additional information on frequent FPS stutters. I've just installed BS2 v1.1.1.1 hoping to avoid the FPS stutters. It's made no difference whatsoever in my case. I can now only assume it's the use of DCS with Windows 8 that's causing my particular issue. Now I understand why many are still playing and enjoying DCS, whilst I've been scratching my head. They're probably still running Windows 7.

Fixed.

I had the idea of installing BS2 v1.1.1.1 and using that until either A) DCS World becomes better optimised or B) I get a more powerful laptop. I tried to install BS2 v1.1.1.1 upgrade which correctly told me BS wasn't found. So, I re-installed BS and activated it. I then installed BS2 upgrade without issue. The game launched as expected but when I entered instant action the game froze on the loading screen and didn't ask for my serial, as I expected. So, I then ran 'protect' and entered my BS2 serial manually. Tried again but the same thing happened. I thought this must be a conflict with DCS World. So, I then deactivated BS2 (in DCS World) and un-installed DCS World and tried again. Still, it didn't work. My last attempt involved deactivating BS2 v1.1.1.1, un-installing BS2 v1.1.1.1 and then re-installing. Again the same thing happens. I get freeze at loading splash screen. I notice sometimes when I ctrl-alt-del and attempt to force close, as soon as I click in the task manager window the splash screen pops back up. The only way to escape is system restart. Completely puzzled by this. Any suggestions on what might be happening? I also tried Windows 7 compatibility mode and Run as administrator. Did I screw something up by having DCS World and BS2 installed simultaneously? I've run v1.1.1.1 in the past without issue. Original BS is running as normal. On a side note, I noticed the Module Manager wouldn't let me log in today.

The Ka-50, A-10C, P-51D and UH-1H modules deserve some form of distinction from the other modules in the way they're displayed and advertised on the main digitalcombatsimulator page. Perhaps a slight change in the virtual box art/text or even two separate list of products would be helpful to newcomers.

Your comments make a lot of sense. Given that I've only flew online a handful of times and taking into account the current haphazard fps situation, I'm actually contemplating running a 1.1.1.1 install again.

Halp! How many MB will my RAM disk need to be to cover Windows temp files? Default is 64MB but I'm guessing this isn't enough. I just did an instant action test in the Shark and I keeping dropping from 40 down to 8 fps for several seconds before it returning to 40. In my case, I can be flying out towards hills/trees with no DCS aircraft, city or airfield in view. I still get the drop. Really want to get this fixed. I can't play as it is. I also did fresh install and update of Windows 8 recently. It's made no difference so I know it isn't clutter on my system.

Can you clarify what you did here exactly? When you say pointed, do you mean copied? Please explain 'environment vars'. I want to give this RAM disk thing a try.

It's funny people can come in here all disgruntled, spouting the foulest insults against something we all treasure, and in return the majority of us offer nothing but kind assistance. This really is a gentleman's forum. :)

Any Su-25 at DCS level would be great, but I'd be more interested to try it with it's most recent upgrades.

It's not that. It happens regardless of where I'm looking. Anyway, it seems I'm not alone since this thread http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=110442 appears to be about the same thing. I think it's just going to be a case of waiting for the next update...

Thanks for that. So it seems to be something with my setup. Really no idea what's causing this. Now I've tried Repair DCS and also disconnecting from the internet. Still getting 50s fps down to 15 fps instant action dogfight and 30 - 40 fps down to 9 fps in campaign missions. The drops only occur for a few seconds then it jumps back up again. It's almost like something in the background is periodically stealing all resources from DCS. Looking at the Processes list in task manager, I'm pretty sure there's not much else I can close; it all looks like regular system related stuff. :helpsmilie:

Are you getting similar FPS drops though? When you're on next, could you try instant action dogfight and let me know.

I really thought it was Skype. It seemed to help, but the drop to 15 just took longer to occur.

I'm having FPS issues with 1.2.5.15865. I load instant action dogfight for Su-25T. Frame rate begins mid to high 50s, game plays beautiful. Then I start getting drops down to 15 FPS for approximately 4 seconds at a time before it returns to high 50s again (for approx. 5 - 10 seconds). Things I tried: Closing all background programs Disabling FFB in options Closing TrackIR software Playing without a controller Flying straight without turns All made no difference. :( Anyone else got this or is it likely a glitch with my system/install? Can a moderator kindly change my thread title or move my post to a a similar thread. I incorrectly thought a Skype background process was causing the issue.

Yeah, I would upgrade my Su-25T pit without question. I'm also hoping we'll see MiG-29 DCS Flaming Cliffs in the not too distant future.

Big thanks for 1.2.5 :)

Funny... I sold my Fighterstick to buy a FF2. But then, I fly the shark sometimes when FF is really essential.

"Visual detection of a target for AI units will now also be a function of time. The time of detection depends on target distance, aspect angle, and the presence of already detected targets nearby." - from the planned changes for 1.2.5 I'm really hoping this will help.

When I mouse over a forum topic title in Internet Explorer 10, I get a large annoying tooltip that obstructs my view. Can they be disabled?

With a budget of $100 consider the 'Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback 2'. It's a good durable stick with a nice size grip. The force feedback is a nice bonus, but a 'must have' if you later decide to try one of the helicopters. Look on eBay. Sticks with dark red buttons are supposedly the latest variant. My only concern with this stick and the A-10C would be that it might not have enough buttons. EDIT: I forgot to mention it also has rudder-twist and a mini throttle built in. A good place to start if you don't want to buy separates.

The frequent updates are great. :thumbup:

Sniped

I don't have CA so can't comment on actual gameplay. But... if it's something you might like, just buy it. The thing to remember when buying a DCS module is that you're not only getting the module as it is in it's current state. You're actually getting the module and all the continuous development and improvements that will come over several months/years. And with CA, I think you'll see a lot more new stuff being added, than with the more polished single aircraft modules. You'll more than get your moneys worth, I'm certain of that. :)