Less intense games laggy on a high end pc.

[paudashlake]

So recently I have started some computer gaming.  Completely new to me.  Never been much of a gamer myself.  But the two games I play, Grand Theft Auto Iv and Need For Speed Shift, are laggy, and sometimes crash to the desktop, or give me a bsod.  I have no idea why the heck this is happening to me on my computer, but it is annoying.  I am above recommended requirements, I have a clean system(I think), and everything seems to be in order.   All of my drivers are updated, and all patches installed.  Is there something I am missing?  MY specs are in that little thing on the left under my avatar.......  this is really worrying me because I think something is fried or incompatible.  this is a relatively new computer and nothing should be going wrong.  I also really hope this is posted in the wrong area.  If not, kindly re-direct me and we will be on our way.....I hope!

thx

[EEVIAC]

For GTA 4   , try running it in compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 2..

For: Need For Speed Shift, try compatibility mode for Windows XP Serv. Pack 3 or Vista Service Pack 1..