12-08-2007, 06:41 AM
I have an Hp Media Center a1630n. I will list my system specs first:AMD Athlon 64 X2 @ 2.41ghz4gb 533mhz ramnVidia 8800 GT 512mbAntec EA500 500W psuWestern Digital 250gb hd @ 7200rpmMotherboard (stock): Hp Asus A8M2N-LA (the one associated with Hp if there is another version) socket AM2I have noticed since i upgraded from an ATi x1600 pro 512mb (400mhz core, 450mhz memory) to an 8800 that performance has slowed down maybe 10-20%, and the 8800 isnt performing to its potential, or atleast to the performance ive seen in its benchmarks. I get an average of around 100fps (changes between 60-120 avg, maxing out at 200 sometimes) in CSS with 1280x1024 resolution, x8 aniostropic (sorry if i spelled that wrong, but i think you will know what i mean) filtering and x8 anti aliasing. I tried turning the effects to default settings but i didnt see much of a change in the fps, maybe +-10 fps. my friend has an 8600 gt (exact manufacturer unknown) and he gets consistent 160fps with ..cont >>(dont know the resolution, but higher than my standard 19') with default aniostropic filtering and aliasing. I am thinking that my motherboard is what is keeping my 8800 from reaching its full potential. I have looked up my motherboard and it sells for around $90 usd (i was suprised, thought it would be a really cheap one). I was wondering if getting a different, newer one would enchance performance, and if possible, would there be any that are less than $75 usd?PS> needs PCI-e x16 slot and 4 ram slots! If it is not a mini atx motherboard like mine, i am planning on getting a new case anyways... and i was wondering...will changing the mobo get rid of the hp brand name at start up or will I be able to install a different o/s? (cant change os with current set up)and i do have the most recent drivers installed (sorry for not posting that earlier)