I've noticed lately that 3D games just aren't running like they used to. Even older games that I used to run at full settings perfectly now run slower. My video card is about 2 years old. Is it possible that the VPU could be slowing with age?
Computer Specs:
Pentium 4 3.06GHz
ASUS P5VDC-MX motherboard
1GB RAM
Sapphire ATI Radeon 9550, 256MB
Soundblaster Live! 24-bit 7.1 Surround
Windows XP SP2
I've noticed in newer games that I more than meet the minimum requirements for are running really slow (for example Faces of War, Supreme Commander, Stronghold Legends). Well, I decided to install and try out some older games and they seemed to be having the same trouble. For example, Freelancer. I pulled it out and dusted it off and installed it. Set the video settings to maximum, which is where I had them set before and it ran beautifully. Now, it gets slow and choppy (3D only, not the audio) just like the newer games do. As does Command & Conquer Generals and Battlefield 2, both of which I used to run at full settings with this configuration. Now all of those games will only run smoothly at low-mid settings.
I've downloaded the latest Catalyst driver, sound driver, game patches, everything is up to date.
So, before I go out and spend money on a new card, anyone have any suggestions?