Most gamers are aware of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. And they know that these softwares affect the performance of any game. But in what manner is the point of confusion.
So what does MSFS Dx11 vs Dx12 look like?
MSFS is visually very similar in DX11 and DX12, but DX12 has better color saturation. The FPS in game, with and without FSR 2 and DLSS, is slightly different but very similar. But DX12 often offers smoother performance at the cost of more VRAM and RAM, even in VR where it has no micro stutters.
This just touches the matter at hand. There is much more depth going into the comparison of the two APIs and you can find it right in this article.
DX11 vs DX12: Differences at a Glance
DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) developed by Microsoft. It is meant to handle tasks related to multimedia, including graphics rendering, sound processing, and input/output operations.
DirectX 11 was launched in 2009 and many years later, in 2015, DirectX 12 was launched. DirectX 12 is not a replacement for DirectX 11. They have some common differences that show in video games such as MSFS.
Let’s look at some of the differences.
| Aspects | DirectX 11 | DirectX 12 |
| Graphics | Standard | better color saturation |
| FPS (With RTX 3090, Ultra Setting, 4K) | Around 60 | 50-55 but smoother experience |
| Performance | Bound by CPU threads | Bound by VRAM |
| FPS With FSR 2 (6900 XT 16GB) | 48 | 45 but requires more RAM and VRAM |
| FPS With DLSS (With 2080ti) | 60 | 60 but requires more RAM and VRAM. Sometimes offers higher image quality and smoother performance |
| With VR (RTX 3090) | 41 with some micro stutters | 43 with smoother performance, no micro stutters, better rendering, requires more VRAM |
In-Depth Comparison
From the table we got an idea regarding the difference we can see in MSFS. But the details are present in this section of the article.
Visuals:
Now does dx12 look better than dx11?
In terms of visual quality, there isn’t a significant difference between DX11 and DX12. Both APIs offer similar graphics quality, and it’s challenging to distinguish between them in terms of graphics.
When comparing the graphics of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 in Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS), it’s worth noting that both APIs support resolutions of 1080p, 1440p, and 4K. This means that players can enjoy high-quality visuals on different types of displays with both APIs.
One aspect where DX12 appears to have a slight advantage is color saturation. Some users have reported that DX12 provides better color reproduction in MSFS than DX11. This may be due to improved color management and rendering techniques that are specific to DX12.
However, the difference in color saturation between the two APIs is not significant, and it’s unlikely to be noticed by most players.
Note that having a monitor with good contrast and brightness will affect the visuals of the games much more. Because in terms of visuals, the hardware plays a much more significant role than software.
Winner: DirectX 12 wins because it offers images with better saturation.
FPS:
With AMD 6900 XT 16GB, on 1080p, we got an avg of 70 fps with Dx11 and 62 fps with Dx12. but when we changed the resolution to 4K, the difference in fps lessened. On 4K, the Dx11 averaged 50 fps and Dx12 averaged 48 fps.
So, comparing the frame rates (fps) of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 in Microsoft Flight Simulator is kind of tricky. It’s important to note that the actual difference in fps can vary depending on several factors. Even optimization with your specific hardware and software can change the fps.
DirectX 12 is supposed to be more efficient and can utilize hardware resources better than DirectX 11. But the difference in fps between the two is almost negligible in real-life scenarios. Many gamers report higher fps on DirectX 11.
However, DirectX 12 can offer smoother and more stable fps compared to DirectX 11. This is because it can handle complex scenes and large numbers of objects on screen better than DirectX 11. This results in more consistent performance.
The actual fps in MSFS can be affected by various factors. These include the hardware specs of the system, the software running in the background, and the resolution of the game. Conditions inside the game such as the location, and the weather can affect the fps as well.
The FPS of DX11 and DX12 are different based on the different aspects noted as well. In some hardware specifications, the Dx11 might outperform the Dx 12 in wider margins. While in others the Dx 12 might offer higher fps.
Winner: This round is a draw because in most cases both of the APIs offer similar FPS numbers.
Performance:
Dx11 is much less hardware-intensive than Dx12. Dx 12 needs more VRAM to dishout similar performance.
So, when it comes to performance, DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 in Microsoft Flight Simulator have their respective limitations and strengths.
DirectX 12 relies heavily on the available Video RAM (VRAM) and performs better in higher-spec computers. This is because DirectX 12 allows more efficient management of graphics memory, resulting in improved performance in rendering and processing. However, this means that DirectX 12 does not perform as well on lower-spec computers with less VRAM.
Meanwhile, DirectX 11 has limitations in terms of its use of the main thread and lower RAM requirements. This can limit the performance of DirectX 11 in handling complex scenes and large numbers of objects on MSFS. However, DirectX 11 can perform better on lower-spec computers with less VRAM and lower RAM requirements.
Winner: DirectX 11 wins this round because DirectX 12 requires high-end hardware for equal performance.
With FSR 2:
For comparing the performance of DX11 and DX12 with FSR 2 in MSFS, both DirectX versions perform very similarly. However, DirectX 12 requires more VRAM and RAM to offer the same level of performance as DirectX 11.
FSR 2, or FidelityFX Super Resolution 2, is an upscaling technology developed by AMD. It enhances the performance and visual quality of games. However, there have been complaints about its effectiveness and visual quality compared to native-resolution rendering.
FSR 2 can improve the performance of MSFS in terms of frame rates. This allows the game to run more smoothly on lower-spec computers. However, some users have reported a decrease in visual quality with FSR 2. And the software is not as well optimized as Nvidia’s upscaling technology.
But using FSR 2, Dx12 will keep up with Dx11 only in higher spec computers. Hardware limitations can have the Dx11 outperforming Dx12 with FSR 2.
Winner: DirectX 12 wins this round but with very small margins of better performance.
With DLSS:
The situation is similar to that of FSR 2. With DLSS, Dx11 and Dx12 have similar performance but Dx12 needs more VRAM. and in some cases, Dx12 even has better rendering and smoother performance.
DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) is an advanced upscaling technology developed by NVIDIA. It uses machine learning algorithms to improve the visual quality of games while maintaining high frame rates. Compared to FSR 2, DLSS has been praised for its optimization and visual quality.
DLSS is a more advanced implementation of TAA. This portion will only focus on DLSS. But the performance of DLSS and TAA on MSFS is the same.
When comparing the performance of DirectX 11 and DirectX 12 in MSFS with DLSS, both show similar FPS numbers. However, DX12 may offer a more stable experience but only in high-end computers due to its advanced graphics capabilities.
Similar to FSR 2, Dx12 requires more VRAM and RAM to offer the same fps as Dx11 even with DLSS.
But, in some cases, DX12 with DLSS can offer better upscaling performance, resulting in a smoother and more detailed image. However, as noted, this depends on the user’s hardware specifications and other factors such as the resolution and settings.
Winner: DirectX 12 wins again with small margins of better performance.
For VR:
Let’s talk about MSFS dx11 vs dx12 vr. Dx11 suffers from micro stutters on VR. Dx12 has no such problem and offers a smoother experience with better rendering.
When it comes to VR performance in MSFS, both DX11, and DX12 deliver very similar frame rates. But DX12 generally offers a smoother experience overall. This is because DX12 reduces the overhead on the CPU by distributing the workload across multiple cores.
However, the performance of both DX11 and DX12 in VR can be affected by a number of factors. This includes system specs, the resolution of the VR headset, and background processes running on the computer. For example, if you have the Open XR Toolkit running, this can greatly enhance the performance of DX11.
In terms of micro stutters, DX12 eliminates them altogether, which can make for a much more immersive VR experience. Hence, even when the frame rate drops slightly, you’re less likely to notice any jitters or stutters in the image.
Another factor to consider is DLSS. With DLSS turned on, DirectX 12 offered better rendering in some cases. The clouds and environment looked better and more detailed with Dx 12.
If the live weather in MSFS is working correctly, you should be seeing better clouds with DirectX 12.
Winner: DirectX 12 wins because it performs and renders better in VR.
Final Verdict
The performance of Microsoft Flight Simulator is very similar in both DirectX 11 and DirectX 12. The final decision between the two should come down to your computer’s specifications.
DirectX 12 offers smoother and better performance, but only in higher-end computers. In low-spec computers, the performance of DirectX 12 can be hindered.
And that’s where DirectX 11 shines. Most low and mid-range computers perform better with DirectX 11.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is DX12 good for low end PC?
No, DirectX 12 is better with high-end PCs. DX12 can offer improved performance and efficiency. But it does require more system resources, such as VRAM and RAM, to operate effectively.
What simulator do pilots use?
Full-motion flight simulators (FFS), Flight training devices (FTD), and Aviation training devices (ATD) are the most common simulators used by pilots. Pilots use a variety of simulators for training purposes, depending on the type of aircraft they fly and the level of training they are undergoing.
Can you dogfight in Microsoft Flight Sim?
No, you cannot dogfight in Microsoft Flight Simulator. There are combat planes available, but the combat features of these aircraft, such as weapons systems and dogfighting capabilities, are not included in the game.
Conclusion
And with that, we know much more about msfs dx11 vs dx12.
There are many factors influencing the performance of the APIs in the game. High-end computers will perform better with Dx12. While most other computers fair better with Dx 11.
