Problems with a new video card - GeForce 8600GTS?

Question

Here's the deal. I have a homebuilt system that is teaching me as I go along. It's been about 2 years since I overhauled it, and I'm attempting to get a new video card to work in it.

System setup:
P4 2.8ghz processor (non dual or quad core)
2gigs RAM
550wt PowerLabs Power Supply
DVD Drive, 140Gig Texas Instruments HD, ect.

Old graphics card: ATI Raedon X800GT 256mb onboard ram.
New graphics card: nVidia GeForce 8600GTS, 512 mb DDR3 ram (both cards sit in the PCI slot).

Problem:
Ever since installing the new card, I'm having atrocious frame rates. I've installed multiple sets of drivers, I've reinstalled windows, I've called tech supports, ect. I am able to return the GeForce as defective.. but after I boxed it up I plugged inm y Raedon and the framerate problems are still persisting (albeit not as badly) so I'm not sure it's the card.. think ing it may be a power supply issue.

Does anyone have any recommendation on what I could do to turn this mess around? Thanks!

Answer 1

Both graphics cards draw less than 4 amps from the power supply. Your power supply has more than enough juice for those cards.
I suspect driver issues. Check in dxdiag. Click Start, click Run, type dxdiag, ok. Select Display tab. Card and driver details should be there and should be able to test it. If no card and driver details, you need to install the driver.
1. Uninstall old drivers through "Add or remove programs" in Control Panel"
2. Disable all startups in msconfig. (Run msconfig)
3. Install the driver of your 8600GT.
4. Check it out again in dxdiag.
5. Enable your startups in msconfig

Answer 2

The 8600GT is a helpful card on your funds and that i pick to propose it over the 2600 or 3850 you have regarded at from ATI. in case you do ultimately finally end up increasing your funds i could stronlgy propose the 8800GT from nvidia because it is probable going one among the suited enjoying enjoying cards on the marketplace and exceeds some thing the 2600 or 3850 can shield.