comput running very very slow, but only in games

CaptoftheAxe · 3 Jun 2010 at 00:03

Hi Guys,
Just a odd problem my mates computer which is a fairly new build, has started to run very slow in games, its like slow motion, making them all but Impossibe to watch let alone play... It was doing it it WOW so he decided to buy Alien vrs Predator but its even worste in that...only games he has. But works fine on Desktop and on Internet...
Any help you could give would be great>

Spec.
Windows XP Home
Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 2.93 (Not overclocked)
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3LR Intel P45 (Socket 775)
Nivdia 8500 256mb Graphics Card
2GB 5300 ram
WD 640GB Hard disc
Corsair VX 450W ATX Power Supply
Antec 300 case

OpenToSuggestions · 3 Jun 2010 at 00:04

His graphics card is poo.

I had a similar issue and it was excessive spyware.

However, these days I just re-install windows, as this way I don't spend ages messing about. A full format and fresh install is the best way imo.

Thekwango · 3 Jun 2010 at 00:08

has he any strange, unexpected processes running in the background. or recently installed or downloaded anything that could have brought spyware/virus with it? might be worth a fresh install as mglover suggested

Liampope · 3 Jun 2010 at 00:16

Have a good run of 'spybot search and destroy' and 'malwarebytes anti malware' and see if that helps. It could well just be that the graphics card is too carp and anything modern will run like a slideshow.

CaptoftheAxe · 3 Jun 2010 at 00:17

well hes scaned the pc and nothing shows up... so could it be the gfx card... it would break his heart to have to reinstall everything all over again... but he does have some strange pc tools free firewall I'm sure its crap lol

currantloaf · 3 Jun 2010 at 00:46

He wouldnt have to...just simply replace graphics card and install the drivers!

VonScar · 3 Jun 2010 at 01:03

update the GPU drivers, see if it is a software conflict.

Fallen god · 3 Jun 2010 at 03:23

Well his graphics card does really suck, and if it couldnt handle WOW no way its gonna do better with AVP. Did he try maybe playing no low settings?

Sycho · 3 Jun 2010 at 03:32

That card is really lowend for modern games including WoW he should get a new one like a 4850 or something cheap yet decent.(256MB alone on a gfx card just doesn't cut it now in a lot of games since people play at 1650x1080 or above also the 8500 isn't that good either itself.)