FSX Play v1.14.3.2 (Foresight) PC Perfomance Results

Published on January 19, 2026

Article Overview

Foresight released FSX Play in 2022, and it has received many updates for courses and improved performance since that time. This article dives into the most recent release of FSX Play, how it performs on current PC hardware, and what you should know when deciding what technology you will need for the best experience in FSX Play.

FSX Play Driving Range

Initial Thoughts:

FSX Play uses a lot of RAM and VRAM, shadows look poor even on the highest graphical settings, and we experienced some screen tearing while testing.

Occasionally, the VRAM usage climbs to 100% and tanks the performance to below 10fps, but the cards with enough VRAM (5070ti and 5080) create a software bind. In other words, the GPU could run the program faster, but the software can’t keep up.

To achieve at least 60fps at 4k on the Ultra Preset, at least a 5070ti GPU is required, depending on the course. However, if you’re ok with 1080p resolution, then even a 5060 can usually run this software at 60fps with Ultra settings.

With all that being said, you can have a good experience in this software if you have a powerful enough computer.

Testing Methodology:

We tested this software with DLSS Ultra always enabled. Nvidia DLSS is very good, and in most cases, there is little reason not to use it. We used Ultra since that limits the performance to close to native performance (ie no DLSS at all). Medium and High DLSS settings don’t look nearly as good, but you will get better performance in any case where the VRAM of your GPU is not filled to 100%.

We also tested only the Low and Ultra graphical presets, because where Medium and High land in between those can more or less be extrapolated.

Other notes:

Tested using simulated shots in software, not using a launch monitor
Did a flyover at each hole before playing through
Played on Teton Pines Country Club, Potters Park Golf Course, and Blue Bayou

It is worth noting how inconsistent the performance can be from course to course. We can confirm that every course we loaded up can have varying results of performance. Because of this, our numbers do not perfectly cover the entire experience from course to course, or even hole to hole, but rather, are a general representation of the overall experience with each set of hardware. Over time, the Foresight team has been improving the course performance and is currently working on further improvements.

Results and Conclusion:

FSX Play is a heavy software, and as such, it works best at the 1080p resolution. Even the lowest end graphics card can handle ultra quality settings and still output at least 60fps in most scenarios.

If you’re set on using 4k however, the story is a bit different. The 5060 and 5070 have insufficient VRAM for the high texture quality of the Ultra preset, and they fall below 20fps in some courses, which is a very choppy experience.

The low preset works just fine, but you sacrifice a lot of visual quality, which defeats the purpose of using 4k. Our recommendation if you use this software is to run it at 4k, Ultra quality preset, and DLSS Ultra enabled. This will ensure the best visual experience. With that in mind, you'll want a system with at least a 5070ti, but preferably a 5080.

If you have further questions about software and compatibility with computer hardware, be sure to check out our other blog posts, as well as our free Simulator Tech Guide. Our golf technology sales specialists are also just a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.

SurfThing computers are built and tested with Golf Simulation Software specifically in mind. Our in depth testing has helped home users and business owners decide which computers to run in well over 3000 simulators nationwide. SurfThing performed its testing on all PC models manufactured by SurfThing at the time of the article release, helping customers know exactly the kind of performance they will get on currently available computer hardware.