Going to summarize my experience migrating from MSFS 2020 to MSFS 2024 (just started MSFS 2024 in early March). A looong post as I will get granular (settings, equip, hardware, etc.) so it can help folks make an informed decision on whether to make the jump based on their requirements. (And perhaps I’ll get some tips on making my transition easier).
My MSFS 2020 Experience
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Over 1,000 Hours.
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Fly all types of aircraft: bush planes, jets, airliners, and helicopters
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Skilled virtual aviator from cold/dark to landing/parking. Solid skills with most avionic packages (Garmin suite, airliner avionics). I had TDS and PMS avionic add ons. Not an “expert” but pretty confident in IFR.
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2020 Sim Rig: i9-9900k, RTX 2080 ti and 32 GB Ram. RIP!
Settings in MSFS 2020:
Usually have moderate and a few high and low graphic settings. Nothing in “ulra”. The sim ran very smooth, and the graphics were pretty good but a bit dated and even stuttering when flying helos low for example. Unless I had payware or freeware scenery the default scenery was a bit underwhelming, but not distracting in most cases. I just avoided places like SFO, LAX and New York.
Payware:
Probably over $1K invested in payware planes, airports and software licenses in MSFS 2020. Fenix, PMDG, SWS, Heablur, BlackSquare planes for example (at least a dozen), mix of freeware/payware airports, Navigraph, Axis and Ohs, Spad.Next, Volanta
Why I made the move.
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Hoping for better fidelity and performance
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I like new and shiny things lol
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Had planned to upgrade my computer after 5 year stint so obviously wanted to take advantage of more powerful rig.
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Assumed that legacy support for MSFS 2020 and related third party content would wane as the years go by.
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I did wait a few months to get 2024 as I wanted to see some resolution of the many bugs I’ve heard about. Felt like Feb/March was a good time to start.
The New Computer
Went to a MSI RX 5080 Gaming Trio, i9-14900KF and 64 GBs or Ram. Watercooled CPU with soft tube loop that I built. Link to thread which outlines the specific components here: https://forums.flightsimulator.com/t/new-flight-sim-rig-overview-rtx-5080-and-i9-1490kf/710948
My flight sim hardware:
Virtual Fly Ruddo, Yoko Yoke, TQ6+ Throttle, Virpil Panel 2, Virpil KA-50 collective, VKB STECS throttle, VKB Gunfighter stick, Streamdeck XL and Standard, RealSimGear autopilot panel, Thrustmaster Airbus Captains stick and throttle, TrackIR Pro
Moving 2020 and Installing 2024 (few weeks ago)
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I copied all MSFS 2020 files (e.g., community folder) and put on an external hard drive before retiring my old rig (I formatted and reused the M2 drive for my new computer).
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Install of MSFS 2024 on Steam on the new computer. I attempted to put the game on my 4TB M.2 D: drive but it seems like various folders and files on MSFS 2024 reside on both the OS drive (C:) and (D:) drives. I assume this is just how it works but if anyone knows for sure please let me know. (I could be mistaking MSFS 2020 files for 2024 – not sure).
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I also installed MSFS 2020 on new rig. I just used Steam.
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2024 started with no issues
Third Party App Installation:
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Navigraph and Simbrief – No issues
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TDS GTNXi – Used same license key from 2020 with zero issues and works. I did notice that I need to close out of the TDS module when flying the Kodiak 100 as it seems to conflict with the avionics in the Kodiak (causing it not to work). Anyone else get this bug?
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Volanta – no issues, no need for buy a new license.
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Axis and Ohs (for my Streamdeck integration) – no issues, and no need to buy a new license.
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PMS G750 – Haven’t installed yet as confusing on how to transfer my 2020 license key for 2024 PMS module. If anyone has any tips or thoughts let me know. For now just using TDS suite until I figure out the PMS module in 2024 (hoping to avoid paying another license fee).
Payware Planes/Airports Transition:
I’m taking this kinda slow. As an initial matter I’m researching online which planes and airports seem to transfer over easily. Consequently, I’ve only moved over my Kodiak 100 (SWS), DA-42 (Cows) and Wilga (Just Friends) over to 2024. All work great, with just a tiny bit of wonkiness. I basically just transferred over the planes from my 2020 community folder (which I saved on external hard drive) and moved to 2024 community folder. I logged into MSFS 2024, saw them show up in my module listings, and I activated them. For the DA-42 it didn’t work, so I just downloaded the module directly from COWS, used my activation key (to download) and placed in 2024 community folder and it worked.
Hardware Support:
All my hardware is working, though my Virtual Fly components are a little off. Getting some throttle stuttering and movement on the TQ6+, and the brakes on my Ruddo aren’t great. Still trouble shooting so let me know if you have any tips!
Performance in 2024:
I now have about 50 hours, flying mostly the Wilga, DA-42 and Kodiak 100. I’ve also flown the stock Cessna 172 for career mode and putting around. Random observations (almost all high and ultra settings, DLSS enabled, 240Z refresh rate OLED monitor (and two additional screens for multi-tasking, system monitoring, etc.)). General observations:
THE GOOD
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Very fast load time from Steam to main menu. Much better than 2020.
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Graphics are breathtaking during 40+ FPS.
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I’m seeing anywhere from 20 FPS when the sim is bugging out a little bit, to the 130s or so. I haven’t overclocked the 5080 yet, but plan to do so eventually.
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My rig is running about 10C to 15C cooler when compared to old rig. With my old rig (2080 ti and i9-9900k) I was usually 70C to 80C consistently, with occasional spikes that would exceed. In MSFS 2024 I’m typically between 55C to 70C on both the GPU and CPU side. Could be better water-cooling components and loops. Also, it is pretty cool atm so ambient temp is likely lower. Will be interesting to see the numbers during the summer months, but so far happy with impact on my system. 2024 seems more “efficient” than 2020 w/r/t impact on CPU and GPU (and utilization). However, I am drawing 300W-400W on the CPU and GPU together at times.
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I’m loving career mode! Considering cancelling my OnAir subscription (haven’t checked to see if it works in 2024).
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Water, sunset and certain terrain much much better with my new equipment and this sim. -
Certain software seems to perform better, e.g., streamdeck integration with Axis and Ohs, Track IR. -
Love the record flight functionality in the game! Awesome! -
Though a little buggy, love the enhanced simbrief integration.
THE BAD
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Performance is hit and miss. Granted I have not optimized or tested my graphic settings, but sometimes I feel like I have a super computer, and other times I feel like I’m on a old school Pentium processor. Just very inconsistent.
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Loading times into high live traffic is bad. Seems like a bandwidth issue on the MS side. Loading into free flight in obscure or travelled airports seems fine. But don’t think I’ve yet to load into LAX, KSEA, etc. Just hangs with the circle of death in the right hand corner.
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Seems like PMDG, Fenix and Black Square airplanes (collectively, I have about 8 of them) from 2020 aren’t in a good spot for 2024. Worried about that as a lot of $$ spent and hope eventually I can fly those high fidelity planes in 2024.
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I'd say 10%-15% of the time I'm dealing with break the game type bugs. Only have one complete "it broke and turned off moment" but a lot of waiting on load screens because it is stuck or just lag so bad can't even do anything. Hasn't caused me to feel though - it will get better.
RANDOM
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New keyboard bindings from 2020 to 2024 has gotten me in trouble. Definitely need to relearn new keyboard bindings.
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Volanta seems to slow the sim down. Need to test this more but I feel like it does.
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Marketplace is kinda empty and not inspiring. Assuming it will change as sim ages.
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Clouds seem worse to me in 2024 when compared to 2020. Must be my settings as I found that odd.
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The new settings and bindings pages are a wash. I wish they went with a DCS type system but oh well.
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Does it show estimated time of flight when you manually put in a departure and arrival in free flight mode? I don’t see and seems kinda clunky unless I use simbrief.
Conclusion
I’m happy I made the switch and probably won’t play 2020 unless the Fenix and PMDG airliners are taking a bit to long and I need an airliner fix. I’ll take things a little slow on 2024 with the hope they fix the bugs (Civ Vii, Monster Hunters wilds and POE2 will keep me busy). I did the same time with 2020 and people kinda forget that 2020 was a mess when it launched (I didn’t jump back into it for like 2 years).
I think 2024 has a TON of potential and I do have faith that MS will iron out the bugs. Eventually there will be a thriving payware and freeware scene for 2024 and very much looking forward to that! I envision 1000+ hours into the sim and looking forward to learning, flying new planes and enjoying the sim!
The 2024 Adventure in full swing:
