Awful framerate on games :(

[Ghoul44]

Hello, I have been looking for a solution everywhere and can't seem to find it. I have tried almost every tweak and updated all my drivers. I still haven't update my bios because I hear that can hurt your board if you don't watch out. I have been on a quest to help out my frame rate, but my UT2003 bentch mark shows low scores each time and my framerate within games is just awful, like around 20's in UT. If someone out there can help I would greatly appreciate it. Below are my system specs pulled from DXDiag. I'm not sure how much info I should give so please tell me if more is needed. Any help would be great! Also I have a viewsonic 21inch E90 monitor if that has anything to do with it. Thanks in advance!

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System Information
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Time of this report: 6/14/2003, 04:14:37
Machine name: COMPUTER-917W6O
Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 1 (2600.xpsp2.030422-1633)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: INTELR
System Model: AWRDACPI
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.00GHz
Memory: 1024MB RAM
Page File: 121MB used, 1958MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0a (4.09.0000.0901)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.0000.0901 32bit Unicode

Also have a radeon 9800 pro with latest driver, thought a new card would fix the frames but I spent all that money for nothing. Probably gonna take it back in a few days if things dont change /sigh

[Telexen]

When you put a new video card in you're usually going to have to format the system. Video card drivers are quite vital to the system and seem to lodge themselves into Windows' memory.

Your Radeon 9800 Pro probably works great...it's just that Windows is the problem. Re-install Windows and I'm sure you'll see a huge increase

[cMoAyRoItOe]

You know just a idea, how many watts does yer PSU have?

[Dazbo666]

....also if you're running SETI in the background, close it before running any gfx intensive games??

-- I run the SETI command line, but get poor frame rates and terrible lag running a Radeon 9500 with Vietcong and Splinter Cell - but I can run both games on max settings as long as SETI is disabled for my gaming session

[cMoAyRoItOe]

Whats SETI?

Anyway, i have the same problem that i get crappy frames, but my problem is the PSU, the G4 takes a minimum of 350 watt PSU and im running a 300 cause my 450 fried. And the 9800 probly takes even more power. If u dont at least have a 400 watt PSU, then it could b that yer comp is underpowered, adn the GPU dont get enuff power to procces with full power.

[Ghoul44]

Im not sure what how many PSU watts I have. I think that could be the cause of it. I will reformat as well though first. Is getting and installing a new PSU hard? And thanks guys for helping me, this has been stressful

*edit* Just reformated my machine and helped a tiny bit, but fps is still very low. Guess the PSU idea is looking good right now.

[cbuddha42]

you would be amazed the hit low power can have on performance, if you have any questions about getting a new psu just ask

BTW: Welcome to TechIMO

[Ghoul44]

I have been looking around for a new power supply. Must I get a new case in order to get a new power supply? Or can I install a new power supply into the current case I have? And also any recomendations on a PSU would be great.

[rastorize]

There's a good article on power supplies right here in the forums: http://www.techimo.com/articles/i58.html

What kind of case do you have? You don't usually have to get a new case to have a new power supply unless you've got an unusually small case or some odd case from Compaq or Dell or some other company. Open the side of your case, and list the specs of your current power supply if you can. With your system, I'd recommend no less than 300 watts...maybe even higher with the ATI 9800 pro and the Intel proc sucking up lots of power.

Antec makes some good power supplies too: http://www.antec-inc.com/pro_powerSupply.html ...I'd recommend their 'true power' series.

[Ghoul44]

I opened up my cpu and looked at the PS. Turns out to be a Raidmax 400watt. I was sure it would be lower, but turned out better than I thought. Do you think it's just a crappy power supply or maybe something else I have over looked?

My UT2003 Benchmark is:
1600x1200


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