Issue with MS Flight Simulator 2020 experiencing high CPU usage continuously.
Issue with MS Flight Simulator 2020 experiencing high CPU usage continuously.
Hi,
as a dedicated MSFS fan, I recently went through the extensive process of installing the 2020 version. After experimenting with different graphics settings, I noticed my CPU is at full capacity while the frame rates remain extremely low. Here are the details of my setup:
CPU: i5 6600k @ 3.5Ghz
Motherboard: Maximus VIII Hero
RAM: 48GB DDR4
SSD: Samsung NVME 970 PLUS
GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970
When I set the game to the lowest graphics options and 1080p resolution, I consistently get less than 20 FPS. This performance is unacceptable even without additional loads like live traffic or weather updates, let alone the Boeing 747. Whenever I drive the plane, my frame rate drops significantly.
I observe that the GPU is operating around 80%, but the CPU is always at its maximum usage. With this configuration, I would expect around 40-50 FPS with low graphics and about 30 FPS with medium settings, since my hardware is slightly better than MSFS recommends.
I have a few questions:
- Why is the CPU consistently at 100%? Is it a common issue?
- Would upgrading either the CPU or GPU help improve performance?
- Are there any adjustments I can make without spending much money?
Thanks for all the advice you’ve shared.
Orestis
I5 6600k and GTX 970 are considered a low-grade setup in FS 2020, which tends to be a highly demanding program.
To enhance this, Microsoft is launching the game exclusively on DX11, utilizing just 4 CPU threads. Most players currently running the game face CPU constraints. This is yet another poorly planned release. Future optimizations will be implemented later.
It wasn't unexpected to see such high CPU usage. Many recent games can strain older quad-core processors to their maximum, especially those less demanding than MS2020.
MS 2020 was crafted to challenge current technology and prepare for tomorrow's demands. That makes sense.
This is quite complex given all the tasks the simulator must perform. Beyond typical gaming functions, it needs to pull terrain information from online sources and map satellite images, also gather live weather and air traffic data, feed this into the system for real-time updates in each frame, and display other aircraft (shapes, appearance, radio chatter) along with rendered visuals. Skipping real-time ATC data seems unnecessary since an AI engine already generates realistic air traffic and ground movement for authenticity.
It appears more threads could be beneficial if possible, to reduce the strain on the main graphics rendering thread.
I saw it mentioned on Hardware Unboxed.
Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6RIvvMPBTg
Unfortunately, the optimization is still lacking. It's really disappointing given how popular this is.
No reason to doubt.
It's also crashy - with BSOD's, mostly in various DX11 modules. Really, one would think Microsoft to be capable of correctly employing it's own, and quite old in computing age, creations. But even so it's a great game.
Even with these uglies I really like it and hope the transition to DX12, as I've heard rumors that's in the pipes too, to come as soon as possible.