The Alt-Tab FPS Boost in BS2!

[WindWpn]

Alt-Tab action immediately after entering game, boosts FPS by nearly 50%! Additionally the HDR is correctly rendered following the Alt-Tab.

 

I saw mention in a separate BS2 thread regarding the Alt-Tab action, but I thought I would post as a new thread simply because it has such a dramatic improvement in FPS, as well as correctly enabling HDR.

 

Note, I was going from 10 to 18 FPS before alt-tab to 28 to 30+ following (in pit with shaval and map on), along with correct rendering of HDR. Outside pit, 45 to 50+ FPS.

 

Other settings set based on other thread suggestions, but this Alt-Tab trick gave me the greatest FPS boost. Not sure if this is a bug that can be fixed, but at least for now, every flight will start with Alt-Tab!

 

Nice work ED! Back in the Black Shark saddle again!

Edited November 7, 2011 by WindWeapon

[MTFDarkEagle]

Link?

[Bucic]

Actually this would indicate that there's something wrong with the program but I certainly prefer to have it working properly AFTER Alt-Tab rather than having to avoid Alt-Tab :)

[WindWpn]

here is the link:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=81073

 

Also, I do not think 6DOF is working, unless there is a specific BS2 option required for TrackIR 6DOF?

[molleh]

6DOF Trackir works fine for me in BS2.

[WindWpn]

6DOF Trackir works fine for me in BS2.

 

Yea, actually I think it is working ok for me too. Anyone know has to set in-cockpit zoom to the mouse wheel axis?

[Rusty_M]

Wow! If this allows me to improve FPS by 50%, I'll be able to turn on mirrors!

[RedX]

Is the ALT-TAB trick applicable when using windowed mode or only fullscreen?

[spikenet]

maybe a nvidia driver issue for you?

[Mohamengina]

I've noticed it looks kind of rosey after alt-tabbing out. Didn't know it gave a FPS boost but that sounds awesome.

[Geskes]

I think HDR is also correct before Alt-tab only after you Alt-Tab it will always be on cold colors regardless of what setting you chose in options.

[ECV56_Tordo]

I taked this screenshots. FPS is not incresed, but HDR is on...

[Pit_Toyuwo]

Ok, this is stupid... but it DID fix my problems.

 

I don't get it but I won't complain.

[MadTommy]

In dual monitor windowed mode it does not (for me) increase fps but it does enable HDR... this makes a HUGE difference for me. Game looks a hell of a lot better now :)

 

(Nvidia GTX 480)

[AvaS]

Can only confirm HDR change to cold setting, no FPS gain on ATI. It's kinda strange, but it also seems to solve civ. traffic problem I accidentally get: alt+tabbing turns deserted and completely empty Sukhumi streets into busy interstates.

[Geskes]

If you put hdr colors on cold, it will be equal before and after alt-tab. You can also see a difference between cold/normal/warm colors before alt-tabbing.

 

Therefor, HDR is already enabled before the Alt-Tab, but again, if you Alt-Tab back in, the game will always take the cold colors setup, regardless of what you set in options.

 

So if you do like the colors better after Alt-Tab, just set it to cold and you won't have to Alt-Tab anymore.

 

Personally, I like warm colors best.

[WindWpn]

Where are screenies saved when hitting "Print Screen?" I am attempting to post the FPS boost seen on my rig using Alt Tab. I simply go from about 19 fps to 30+ with the alt tab. However, I cannot find the screen grabs.

 

Note, I am running this test on the Instant Action Insurgents mission. Basically soon after loading ingame, I hit printscreen and record repeated range under 20 fps. After Alt-Tab, wihen returning with HDR now on, I am seeing 30+ fps.

 

Note, though this boost may not be universal. I tried it in the Georgian War campaign, and did not really see a FPS boost. Seems like it is erratic and not a consistent case.

[159th_Viper]

Where are screenies saved when hitting "Print Screen?"

 

User/Saved Games/DCS BlackShark 2/Screenshots folder.

[WindWpn]

Here are screens from my Alt Tab FPS boosts running the instant action insurgents mission.

 

NOTE: for clarification, in the two sets of images, the order is reversed. The first one of the set, is post Alt-Tab, while the second image in the set is what is seen at mission launch (pre Alt-Tab).

Edited November 8, 2011 by WindWeapon

[hassata]

I though it was established that this resulted from AA or Ansio getting disabled with tabbing back in?

[C6_Hellfrog]

I think too... look at ground and trees and sky

[BTTW-DratsaB]

I don't have BS2, but this thread caught my eye. I had a similar anomaly with "Alt tabing" to gain FPS in DCS-A10. Even the kind of FPS loss and gains you are getting seem very similar. I was able to "Fix" it by dual booting with Win7 and running on that. I was on Vista64.

 

I notice that you are on Win Vista too ( and have a 295 which I also do).

 

Here is the thread if you want to have a look:

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=71789 the Alt Tab discovery was at post #5.

 

I was considering trying A10 patch 1.10 on my Vista install again when it is released to see if the issue has gone. After seeing this I have my doubts though.

 

I doubt it has anything to do with AA or AF being disabled either. AF literally costs no FPS even when forced to x16. I have tested AA on and off in DCS A10 and it has little impact on FPS also.

Edited November 9, 2011 by BTTW-DratsaB

[kungfoo]

This ha happened to me in both Sims quite frequently. This is on win 7, 64bits and a nvidia card. I don't know how it really should look...

[Smokin Hole]

I get this too but not consistantly. Sometimes I have to alt-tab out and in several times for the "alt-tab" effect to kick in (indicated by the change in HDR). But when it does kick in the difference is often quite noticeable. Some scenarios, like the GOW Campaign mission 7.4 (Mi8 escort) so strain my old system that I am mostly flying in a slideshow with no observable change either way.