Video card slowing with age?

[quaxo]

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?

[Jess607]

It's a software issue most likely. The new drivers could be worse than the old.

But you should really just go ahead and upgrade your PC.
The effort that you put into writing this post is enough to earn you the cash needed to buy a graphics card 4 times better. I reccomend the X1950 Pro or the 7600 GT.

[patio]

He gets paid for posting ? ? ?

[quaxo]

He gets paid for posting ? ? ?

HA! I wish. I type really fast though, and I knew exactly what I wanted to say. Didn't take me long to write that 

I've been prolonging upgrading, but I just might now.

[Calum]

One more thing to try - cleaning out the video card fan, it's possible it's overheating.
But I would also recommend a new card, the 9550 is just not going to cut it with newer games.

[homer]

One more thing to try - cleaning out the video card fan, it's possible it's overheating.

quite possibly true. i have heard that most newer GFX cards underclock themselves if they are overheating.

[quaxo]

One more thing to try - cleaning out the video card fan, it's possible it's overheating.
But I would also recommend a new card, the 9550 is just not going to cut it with newer games.

Think it might have to cut it for a while. I'll be moving back to the US with my girlfriend in about 6 months. $4500+ for everything. That and I just ordered my laptop this week. Other non-essentials are gonna have to wait 

[Jess607]

One more thing to try - cleaning out the video card fan, it's possible it's overheating.
But I would also recommend a new card, the 9550 is just not going to cut it with newer games.

Think it might have to cut it for a while. I'll be moving back to the US with my girlfriend in about 6 months. $4500+ for everything. That and I just ordered my laptop this week. Other non-essentials are gonna have to wait 

Anything is better than that 9550.

[Jess607]

He gets paid for posting ? ? ?

How is that helpful to the person who started the thread and asked the question?

Seriously, patio, my patience with you is wearing thin, and you are becoming quite annoying.

[WillyW]

       
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       Jess

[homer]

He gets paid for posting ? ? ?

How is that helpful to the person who started the thread and asked the question?

Seriously, patio, my patience with you is wearing thin, and you are becoming quite annoying.

how is flaming another fellow forum member helpful to the person who started the thread? please refrain from such behavior as we are all one community. if you wish to flame me for making this post, there is nothing stopping you, just know that i will not be participating.

[Jess607]

       
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       Jess

Well now, what is this? Another random idiot who thinks himself great enough to flame me.

[Jess607]

He gets paid for posting ? ? ?

How is that helpful to the person who started the thread and asked the question?

Seriously, patio, my patience with you is wearing thin, and you are becoming quite annoying.

how is flaming another fellow forum member helpful to the person who started the thread? please refrain from such behavior as we are all one community. if you wish to flame me for making this post, there is nothing stopping you, just know that i will not be participating.

The flaming will make sure that he is too burned up to write another meaningless post.

[Jess607]

       
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       Jess

Well now, what is this? Another random idiot who thinks himself great enough to flame me.

Jess607: You need to behave young man.We enjoy joking but,enticing  a
flame war is not the right way. You appear to know what you are
doing.I would hope you could settle down and become friends with
the members rather than upset everyone.So,what do you think friend?

Robert

I do not wish to make friends with people who are petty enough to ridicule me without even knowing me.

[quaxo]

Respectfully, to all concerned... this topic finished 9 replies ago. If you wish to continue having this discussion, please do so privately. This kind of behavior is not what we're here for and is very inappropriate.

Would a moderator please lock this thread so this posting can't continue here? My issue has been resolved and this continued bickering is ridiculous. Thank you.