SurClaro Flight Simulator Resources

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:00 am Post subject: Is SP2 really worth it?

It's surprising and...ahem...embarrassing...that I admit that I just discovered the existence of SP2, with DX10 features. Currently, I have FSX installed on Windows XP, since the game seems to perform better on this OS. In order to take advantage of DX10, I obviously have to install the 13GB program in Vista.

Is SP2 really worth it? How are the performance and visuals? Generally, would you HIGHLY recommend the switch to DX10 at this point?

Thanks.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:04 am Post subject:

I think RD could be your man on this one Vince.

Mel.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:49 am Post subject:

Hey Viche, do you know how to get SP2?

I've been wanting to get it, but I'm not sure where to get it. Is it available at fsinsider?

Thanks.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 3:15 am Post subject:

Yes Sir Cat Sir! I'll fix it right up.

Oh, and BTW, thanks for the link, I should have searched for it myself. Embarassed

Sorry.

I really don't get how they work though, guess I've got some weekend homework to do! Laughing

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 6:16 am Post subject:

.....CAUTION.....

If you have the acceleration package, DO NOT GET, OR INSTALL SP2. You will end up with problems, and have to do a complete, thorough, and correct uninstall of EVERYTHING FSX related.

If you don't have the Acceleration Package, then yes, do get the SP2. Remember though, this is only for VISTA O/S's. If your using any Windows O/S, then it won't work.

And if you do get the Acceleration Package AFTER you've installed SP2, then a window will come up asking if you want to install DX10. CLICK NO !!!! If you do, you MAY have problems the next time you run FSX.

RD

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:20 am Post subject:

In general, however, I'd highly recommend SP2 based on the things I've heard about it. It offers a ton of essential security fixes for XP and covers a good amount of previous security holes.

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:45 am Post subject:

If you already have the Acceleration Package....

DO NOT INSTALL SP2.....PERIOD. IT IS ALREADY THERE.

RD

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:46 am Post subject:

So the acceleration package contains all of the bells and whistles of SP2. Correct? In other words, by purchasing Acceleration, do I get SP2, DX10, and other features?

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 7:53 am Post subject:

Yes Sir you do.

In fact, if you get SP2, and then get the Acceleration Package, you HAVE to uninstall SP2.

You can have one or the other, but you CANNOT have both.

The security issues was first done with the Acceleration Package. SP2 actually took out a couple codes after the Acceleration Package was released. They deemed they were not needed.

RD

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:07 am Post subject:

Thanks for the helpful info RD.

But now I need an answer to my original question. Does DX10 stunningly improve visuals? Or does this "DX10 preview" barely scratch the surface?

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 8:58 am Post subject:

Sorry boss, got side tracked with the other posts.

If your rig is a 64bit Vista system, with a DX10 compatible card, then yes, you should get it, and install it.

And also yes, you will notice a huge difference with it, as long as the rest of your Vista sytem allows.

On my Super Rig (Vista Ult), I noticed alot of changes with the Acceleration Pack with DX10. The scenery is clearer, and renders alot faster. With 90% max settings on everything, it is an awesome view while flying.

The only bottleneck you would have, would be your complete system setup. And RAM, is huge. If you don't have 4gb (my opinion) then you need that, to see the difference.

RD

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:07 am Post subject:

Really? I didn't know Acceleration needed a 64-bit OS.
Well, I can only dream about a computer like yours, RD. It is only when I graduate from college will I actually pursue this dream. LOL.

My point is that I hope I can push out decent frames with the current setup I have. I heard DX10 improves performance slightly. I hope I can experience such. Note that I will have to migrate from XP to Vista in order to experience this.

Thanks for your help RD et al. I will sure consider my decision(s).

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

OK, I'm confused.

Are you running Windows or Vista 64bit???? It does make a difference. As Vista in 32bit, is equal to Windows.

RD

Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2008 9:56 pm Post subject: