Compare MSFS 2020 vs 2024 performance, CPU/GPU limits, stutters, streaming and the settings that deliver the biggest FPS gains.
On the same PC, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can run more efficiently than MSFS 2020 when CPU-limited, but it is not universally faster. Its richer world, higher memory pressure and heavier reliance on streamed data can cause stutters. MSFS 2020 is usually the more predictable, mature performer.
Which simulator is faster on the same hardware?
Neither simulator wins consistently: the result depends on whether the limiting factor is the CPU, GPU, memory or internet connection. MSFS 2024 can use a modern multi-core processor more effectively in some situations, yet its denser scenes and additional world activity can consume that advantage.
| Performance area | MSFS 2020 | MSFS 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Frequently limited by the main simulation thread at detailed airports, especially with high Terrain LOD, traffic and complex avionics. | Distributes some work more effectively across CPU cores, but dense scenery, traffic and airport activity can still produce a MainThread limit. |
| GPU | Its mature rendering paths and known setting costs make results relatively predictable. | The newer renderer can present a more complex scene, so identical-looking presets do not guarantee identical GPU load. |
| RAM and VRAM | Usually more predictable once scenery packages and caches have settled. | More likely to expose memory pressure while loading dense content and streamed assets. |
| Streaming | Stores more packages locally, although photogrammetry and other online scenery still depend on data delivery. | Streams substantially more content on demand, making connection stability, cache behaviour and server delivery more visible. |
| Consistency | A mature platform with well-understood bottlenecks and add-on behaviour. | Can achieve excellent results on balanced hardware, but frametimes may vary more between locations and aircraft. |
Launch-day benchmarks should not be treated as definitive for MSFS 2024 under Sim Update 5, released in April 2026. They also rarely represent a fair comparison if one simulator has different traffic, weather, add-ons or cached scenery.
For a practical starting point rather than simply selecting Ultra, use our side-by-side graphics-setting baseline for both simulators.
Should I use the same settings in MSFS 2020 and 2024?
No, matching preset names do not create an apples-to-apples workload. Terrain LOD, Object LOD, traffic and clouds may carry different costs because the underlying scenery, object density and rendering pipeline have changed.
MSFS 2020 also allows many PC users to compare its DX11 and DX12 rendering paths. Keep the option that produces steadier frametimes on the specific system rather than assuming DX12 must be faster. MSFS 2024 uses a DX12-based renderer, so copying configuration files or blindly transferring a 2020 preset is a common mistake.
How should I optimise MSFS 2020 and 2024?
Optimise from the measured bottleneck, not from a generic list of settings. We recommend this controlled process:
- Remove test variables. Use a stock aircraft, fixed weather and the same airport and camera position. Temporarily empty the Community folder and disable live traffic so an add-on or changing online conditions cannot distort the comparison.
- Wait for the flight to settle. Do not judge performance during the first seconds after loading or immediately after a major update. Let scenery, avionics and streamed content finish loading, then pan the camera once before recording the result.
- Identify the limiting component. The built-in Developer Mode FPS display can show whether the simulator is limited by
MainThreadorGPU. Watch frametime consistency as well as the headline frame rate. - Fix a CPU limit first. Reduce Terrain LOD, Object LOD, AI or live traffic, parked aircraft, road vehicles and airport activity. Lowering texture resolution generally does little for a true
MainThreadbottleneck. - Fix a GPU limit. Reduce render scaling, cloud quality, shadows, reflections and ambient occlusion. An upscaler is useful here, but it cannot remove a CPU limit.
- Check memory pressure. Reduce texture resolution or LOD if VRAM is full, close memory-heavy applications and leave the Windows page file system-managed. Disabling the page file can turn memory pressure into severe pauses or crashes.
- Treat streaming separately. For MSFS 2024, use a stable wired connection where possible, keep the cache on a fast drive with free space and rebuild a damaged cache after major updates. Lowering cloud quality will not fix stalls caused by delayed scenery data.
Our detailed guides cover diagnosing MainThread, GPU and VRAM limits in MSFS 2020 and fixing MSFS 2024 CPU, memory and streaming bottlenecks. Traffic deserves particular attention because busy airports can be CPU-limited before the GPU is fully used; we have broken down the traffic options that cost the most FPS.
Why does MSFS 2024 stutter despite a high average FPS?
High average FPS can hide poor frame pacing, brief memory exhaustion or delayed streamed assets. The timing and location of a stutter usually reveal more than the average frame-rate number:
- Stutters at the same busy airport: check the
MainThreadreading, traffic and LOD. - Stutters while panning into new scenery: suspect asset streaming, cache activity or VRAM pressure.
- Stutters that worsen during a long flight: monitor RAM and VRAM use, then test without third-party aircraft or scenery.
- Pauses accompanied by missing or blurry scenery: check the connection and online data delivery rather than lowering unrelated graphics settings.
- Stutters only with one aircraft: complex avionics, displays or an add-on fault are more likely than the simulator renderer.
A mistake we see repeatedly is comparing a clean MSFS 2024 installation with an MSFS 2020 Community folder accumulated over several years. Benchmark both without third-party packages first, then restore them in small groups.
Do upscaling and frame generation make MSFS 2024 faster?
Upscaling improves performance when the GPU is the bottleneck, while frame generation increases displayed frame rate without speeding up the underlying simulation thread. Neither solves heavy traffic, high LOD or complex avionics when the CPU is already limiting performance.
Use frame generation only after achieving a stable base frame rate. On supported hardware it can make camera movement look smoother, but it may introduce display artefacts and latency, and the generated number can disguise poor native frametimes. Glass-cockpit text may also appear softer with aggressive upscaling.
Does the comparison apply to Xbox?
Only partly, because Xbox exposes far fewer graphics controls and most optimisation is handled by the simulator build. Network quality and traffic still matter, particularly in MSFS 2024, but PC advice about render scaling, driver settings, memory management and rendering APIs does not transfer directly.
Which simulator should you choose for performance?
Choose MSFS 2020 for the most mature and predictable performance; choose MSFS 2024 when modern hardware, sufficient memory and a reliable connection can support its newer architecture and denser world.
- Prefer MSFS 2020 on a memory-constrained PC, with inconsistent broadband, or when dependable add-on compatibility and repeatable frametimes matter most.
- Prefer MSFS 2024 with a strong multi-core CPU, adequate RAM and VRAM, fast storage and reliable broadband, especially if richer world detail is more important than matching 2020's established behaviour.
Do not treat MSFS 2024 as an automatic FPS upgrade. If both simulators are available, test the aircraft and airport that represent the worst part of a normal flight. Stable frametimes at a dense hub are more useful than peak FPS over empty terrain.