P3Dv2.4 to 2.5 - is the move worth the effort ?

[Paul K]

Hello, flightsim chums.

I've got some time off at the end of this month, and one of the things on the to-do list is to install P3Dv2.5. However, from what I've read so far on the various forums, a lot of people are staying put with v2.4 and some even regret going to 2.5. As it's been a few weeks since release and the dust has settled a little, what's the general opinion amongst those who are now using v2.5 ? Does it offer any huge benefits at the moment ? I know that future updates will require 2.5, but unless those bring significant improvements or new features, I don't suppose I'll miss them.

So for now, is going to 2.5 worth the bother ? Any thoughts gratefully received.

[DaveG]

TBH, there's not that much difference, for better or worse. Upgrading to 2.5 will require a re-install, and you'll probably have to go down that route sooner or later. May as well get it over with before you add too many extras!

[Vancouver]

Wish that Belgian chap would update his P3D/FSX set up interface. The P3D straight to a flight sucks and altering it to the flight screen also sucks. Did I mention it sucks. Like a sucky thing. It sucks.

[Paul K]

May as well get it over with before you add too many extras!

Before ? You know what I'm about to say, don't you..

You're right, of course - it's going to have to come someday, although I wonder how far away P3Dv3 in all its 64-bit loveliness is. I have heard that it's due out this year, and if so, it might be worth waiting for that. No guarantee about add-on compatibility, however. I'm going to have to think a bit more, but thanks for your thoughts, Dave.

By the way Dave, have you seen this latest CFG tweak ?

[SIM]
OPTIMIZE_PARTS=1 (by default it should be =0)

The discussion is here:
http://www.orbxsystems.com/forum/topic/ ... -try-this/

I've tried it and as far as I can tell there is no discernible FPS benefit, but mileage may vary as they say.

[DaveG]

Wish that Belgian chap would update his P3D/FSX set up interface. The P3D straight to a flight sucks and altering it to the flight screen also sucks. Did I mention it sucks. Like a sucky thing. It sucks.

If you mean SimLauncherX, it has been updated & supports P3d 2.5.

Paul, yes I did try that tweak. There was a definite improvement, although how much did depend on the aircraft & situation.
I got roughly an extra 5-6fps. Haven't tried any full flights yet though.
I'm expecting to run both 2.x and the 64 bit version side by side for a bit until add-ons catch up.

Oh by the way, there is a bug in 2.5 whereby if you boot to the setup screen you loose reflections. Booting to freeflight if fine, but a pain. I would hope that's going to be fixed in the next hotfix/patch assuming there is one. I know they've fixed it in their internal builds.

[Paul K]

Paul, yes I did try that tweak. There was a definite improvement, although how much did depend on the aircraft & situation.
I got roughly an extra 5-6fps. Haven't tried any full flights yet though.

In that case I shall keep it in. As I say, I can't see any obvious improvement, though I haven't tested very much. However, if you're seeing better FPS, there must be something to it. Thanks for that.

I'm expecting to run both 2.x and the 64 bit version side by side for a bit until add-ons catch up.

Oh by the way, there is a bug in 2.5 whereby if you boot to the setup screen you loose reflections. Booting to freeflight if fine, but a pain. I would hope that's going to be fixed in the next hotfix/patch assuming there is one. I know they've fixed it in their internal builds.

Thanks for the info, Dave. I might wait a little bit till that hotfix is incorporated into the main download, and then still be undecided.

[Paul K]

Oh to heck with it - I'll start the uninstalling now and go ahead with v2.5 this weekend. I'm going to have to do it at some point, and I can't bear not having the latest thing.