Greetings problem forum.
Quick background: I've only had the game for a few weeks now, and aside from the fact that I am running on the very minimal possible system (as of 1.5.2) I have only purchased Flaming Cliffs but I was really enjoying the new type flightsim. With minimum graphics settings I was able to get 40fps in most circumstances.
Problem
With the update to 1.5.3 my computer only now gets 40 fps if I am looking out to sea with nothing visible. Now looking over terrain it struggles to get above 10. This is severely unfortunate to say the least..
I noticed some graphical upgrades with 1.5.3 which I was unable to reduce, namely way more trees, fences, and high-wires were now visible - with the same (low) visibility distance and 1500-tree/0-clutter type settings as before. Also things like tons of pilots now standing on the aircraft carrier flight-deck.
I checked the posted change log but don't seem to notice any reference to added clutter or an increase to the 'distance' of the minimal visibility settings (object loading counts). I would greatly appreciate any suggestions of what to do or where to look to try to figure out any ways I can keep playing the game! It was about to get so exciting. I basically just learned it.
*(Other than to finally get my new computer put together - of course there's that)
One other possible thing would be that I had cranked up my graphics settings to take a screenshot of a plane skin I was working on, but after I had turned them back down the game played smoothly. Until this morning... Could it be possible I damaged the setting files or game some how?
*I did try removing my saved game folder and resetting the settings, to no avail. I am considering a full reinstall. But given the presence of carrier personnel, I'm worried I no longer meet the minimal req. I would be more than happy to post my specs, they're not good.
But I thank you all very much for any help. I just wanna fly :)
I should also take the opportunity to ask (as I've seen references to such things here) - has this been relatively common over the years with updates to DCS (compared to never happening)? It would've been just my luck to start out right on the line.. But if every update brings with it slightly high minimum requirements, I probably need not worry until I have a new computer, but that would be good to know about for sure..
PS. I was having so much fun in the first two weeks I had to try my hand at a plane skin, it isn't quite done, but even if I can't play any more, I may have to finish it anyway...
See how smooth my laptop was even recording - with the mimimal settings b4 (yesterday)?