Running the X-Plane 12 FPS Test

An FPS test is a useful tool to get performance data about how well (or not) a computer runs X-Plane. You can run FPS tests manually via the command line, but for ease and to ensure controlled, consistent data, we have created a script to run 6 versions of the FPS test in sequence. Which script you should use varies by operating system–Mac &  Linux can use the same script, but Windows has its own.

On Windows

1. Download the script here and unzip the file.
2. Copy the fps_test.bat file into the directory where you have X-Plane 12.
3. Quit any other open programs, especially internet browsers.
4. Double click the file to run the tests.
5. You’ll be asked to enter your screen resolution in the form of widthxheight.
   1. Example: if your monitor has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 you’d enter 1920×1080 without spaces.
6. Sit back & relax while X-Plane runs 6 tests at various settings.
7. Once they complete, zip & send the folder fps_output from the main X-Plane folder to Laminar Research.

On Mac & Linux

1. Download the script here and unzip the file.
2. Copy the fps_test.sh file into the directory where you have X-Plane 12.
3. Quit any other open programs, especially internet browsers.
4. Launch Terminal.
5. In the window type cd then a space.
6. Drag the main X-Plane 12 folder to the Terminal window then press return.
7. In the Terminal window type: ./fps_test.sh
8. Press return again.
   1. If you encounter “permission denied,” type in the terminal:
      chmod 777 fps_test.sh
   2. Try step 6 again.
9. You’ll be asked to enter your screen resolution in the form of widthxheight.
   1. Example: if your monitor has a resolution of 1920 by 1080 you’d enter 1920×1080 without spaces.
10. Sit back & relax while X-Plane runs 6 tests at various settings.
11. Once they complete, zip & send the folder fps_output from the main X-Plane folder to Laminar Research.

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