I've posted about this problem before, but never got a definitive answer, so I'm going to try to resolve this once and for all.

I hear everyone and their brother saying "Turn up the AA via your graphics card and it'll not only look better, but get better FPS", but for some reason it doesn't seem to be that simple for me. I do exactly what everyone says, I crank up the AA (to 8xs, which is the highest setting on my card), switch it off in FS, and load up a flight. Problem is, I am then greeted by an image that is not only jaggier than with default AA, but also 5x slower...

At this point, I'm a bit confused (not to mention disappointed). My resolution is at its maximum, and no matter which AA setting I try, I get the same results. After that I usually lose all patience and just set it to "application-controlled" and go on using the default AA.

I thought that it might be due to my slightly underpowered card (a GeForce FX 5200), but being an idiot when it comes to hardware, I can't be sure. So, my question is, am I missing something, or have I just been screwed from the start?

I'm not sure Lazer. But you might want to check with Cameron or Nick in the HW section. Nick has left me some pretty good advice on my Radeon 9800. I have jet to try all the tweaks he suggested, but I believe he knows what he's talking about.

If you like, take a look at that tread here. I thinks it is at least interesting to read it

Good luck!

It sounds to me like your putting it a little to high, try 4x anti alias and 8x antisotrophic.

Lazer, as well make sure you have the latest drivers available from NVidea.