MSFS Main Menu Power Consumption

[Konterhalbe 303]

I noticed that If I start MSFS and the main menu opens, my PC consumes a sh-load of power, temps, clocks, voltages, etc. are going up as much as MSFS inflight but when I click on the world map, everything goes back to normal. Anyone having this aswell?

Main menu, power consumption at 85% TDP, GPU load at 64%, fans at 75%:

 

As soon as I click on the world map, temps get lower and power consumption falls to 35% TDP, GPU load at 26%, fans at 50% (falling):

 

Even inflight the GPU load is lower than in the main menu (around 50% compared to 64% in the menu:

 

So if you've already started MSFS but can't start a flight right away, go to the world map and save some energy 😉

[F737MAX 6,044]

11 minutes ago, Konterhalbe said:

I noticed that If I start MSFS and the main menu opens, my PC consumes a sh-load of power

Go to MSFS General Settings page --> Experimental --> Low Power Mode --> On

 

Turns off the very pretty, high def menu screen.
Your PC and your wallet will thank you.

[St Mawgan 1,573]

Yes, I've had it in low power mode for months and months now. Absurd that I used to hear my fans spin up just from being on the main menu page. 

[Ixoye 1,884]

Yes your PC will run at full power in the menu if you haven't cap your frames, I didn't know of that power mode, great find.

[edpatino 2,034]

4 hours ago, Ixoye said:

I didn't know of that power mode, great find

It has been around for some time now.

[micstatic 4,532]

What exactly does low power mode do?  Pro/Con

[Alvega 2,127]

23 minutes ago, micstatic said:

What exactly does low power mode do?  Pro/Con

From the SU10 release notes: https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/release-release-notes-1-27-21-0-sim-update-10/543606

Quote

Low power mode is now available for PC users via the Experimental option menu in game. While in the menu, this option now displays a blurred image instead of the hangar in the background. Other options and behaviors are available to reduce the sim’s power consumption: you can enable VSync, framerate is limited to 20FPS when you minimize the window, and it’s divided by 2 when you launch a download.

I use it since it was released one year ago and don't see any cons.

 

Edited September 23, 2023 by Alvega

[bobcat999 8,642]

I use low power mode with no issues. I believe it was asked for on the official forums quite strongly, and it was such an obvious one to attend to. 
I used to have to open Riva Tuner SS to lower frames while downloading, as my power consumption and fan noise was ridiculously high in the menus and while downloading updates.

I don't know why this isn't set as standard now, as it only does good. 
I still get a solid 60 FPS and smooth as silk in the new beta, so it doesn't affect the sim once you are flying.
It should have been in from the start really, and maybe for all titles, but I don't suppose games companies in general are too hot on environmental concerns and customers electricity bills.

Edited September 23, 2023 by bobcat999

[micstatic 4,532]

thanks guys.  I also wonder why they didn't make this standard. 

[sidfadc 1,345]

doesn't the experimental options all default to OFF every time you boot the sim?  I know for sure I have to turn the replay tool ON each time which is a pain in the backside.

[bobcat999 8,642]

10 minutes ago, sidfadc said:

doesn't the experimental options all default to OFF every time you boot the sim?  I know for sure I have to turn the replay tool ON each time which is a pain in the backside.

Not for me.  Just checked.  Power saving is on, and NanoVG (which can help speed up xml gauges).  The others, playback tool and reorder software are off, so it is persistent for me.

[Alvega 2,127]

4 minutes ago, bobcat999 said:

Not for me.  Just checked.  Power saving is on, and NanoVG (which can help speed up xml gauges).  The others, playback tool and reorder software are off, so it is persistent for me.

Same here.

[sidfadc 1,345]

5 minutes ago, bobcat999 said:

Not for me.  Just checked.  Power saving is on, and NanoVG (which can help speed up xml gauges).  The others, playback tool and reorder software are off, so it is persistent for me.

Sorry should have been more precise, I have Nano ON but the replay tool settings always resets each time I boot up the sim.  Maybe try it yourself?

[bobcat999 8,642]

27 minutes ago, sidfadc said:

Sorry should have been more precise, I have Nano ON but the replay tool settings always resets each time I boot up the sim.  Maybe try it yourself?

Ah! OK.  So it may be just that one then.  I never use the replay tool, but next time in, I will set it to on, and see if it holds after a reload.

[bobcat999 8,642]

1 hour ago, sidfadc said:

Sorry should have been more precise, I have Nano ON but the replay tool settings always resets each time I boot up the sim.  Maybe try it yourself?

By Jove you are right!    

Second time in, it turned itself off while the others were still on.  Looks like a bug that needs reporting!