Problems with my Dell Inspiron 1520

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 12:26 AM

I will begin to say I have tried many variables to approach finding a solution.
Dell Inspiron 1520
2g Ram DDR
Nvidia Geforce 8600M GT
2.0 Processor Intel Centrino
Vista x32 bit

Day 1, I get my new laptop and install my games. I get any updates I need through windows. I get any game updates etc etc. I also go to get any new patch from the Dell website for the new vid card drivers if needed. As I started to test my World of Warcraft I find to see horrible frame rates(10+ fps). I lower all my settings and still nothing good. I later log on to be flying around at about 50 fps. I then logon later to be having horrible FPS, as previously having. I continued tests with Call of Duty 4(which performed exceedingly well), Counterstrike:Source(performed very poorly), TeamFortress 2(horrible fps). I find it so weird for this to be happening. As I find CoD4 one of the more demanding games given even minimum settings.

So I assume perhaps Vista is using too much of my computer during these games. I go and install XP(previously on my other computer, and very familiar with it). I have gone to play all the games in the same manner, only to have the same results. I did a proper install of XP and all of the known drivers.

I have tried Omega Drivers, laptopvideo2go drivers, and the Dell drivers, on both aspects of Vista and XP. I am now wondering what the hell may be going on. Any information would be greatly apprecated. Perhaps a Processor update I am missing or anything. And one final note, I have updated my Bios also to the A07 Update.

Thanks

Maveej

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 03:35 PM

Bumping

swimtech · Mar 15, 2008, 03:55 PM

Welcome to DH Maveej,

Since this problem appears to come and go in both OS's - and from the first day you used it, I would guess that some software is running in the backround. This could be Windows indexing (the hard drive), an antivirus application, or networking software hunting for a connection, among just a few things... My first advice would be to use the machine as is for a couple days - let the software and Windows settle in. Also, update your antivirus and antispyware software. BTW, good thinking to update your BIOS to A07.

Know that each time you install an OS fresh, you'll also need to install the chipset drivers for your mainboard - easy to forget those... I would also go back to using the Dell A04 (vista) or A06 (XP) Nvidia drivers for your 8600M video chip - just to be sure you're working with a known good driver for a bit.

You could also exit any applications represented by icons residing on the right side of the taskbar before starting a game in order to give your game all the resources of your machine.

Let us know, ok?

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 04:30 PM

Well I really can't find the A06's. Not sure if they are available to download from any where. Many google searches etc. This is so frustrating to determine what could be the problem.

swimtech · Mar 15, 2008, 04:55 PM

Here is your very own support page for a Dell Inspiron 1520. Use the dropdown box at the top of the page to change the Operating System from XP to Vista.

Drivers for everything in your machine are available there.

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 05:01 PM

You cannot chose to download A06 from the Dell website. As their newest is A07...

swimtech · Mar 15, 2008, 05:37 PM

This is the driver A06 I am seeing for XP, but if they have an A07 out for it that should be an update from that.

If you want, you can post or PM me your Service Tag number so I can double check...

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 07:08 PM

Heh, I checked... I can't find a A06 to save my life. But the idea of it I thought was to downgrade from A07 to A06. None the less it seems dis existent from anywhere.

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 07:24 PM

Anyways, if we could drop the whole A06 issue. It is not even for sure thats the issue. I guess I am just asking for any brainstorming as to what this weird problem could be from.

Maveej · Mar 15, 2008, 08:48 PM

Well I guess for smalltalk, I see you are from NC Swimtech, curious as to what part. I recently moved to Arden, NC. Just south of Asheville. It is quite a nice area. Going to go for my second Hike in the mountains tomorrow. Great scenery.

swimtech · Mar 15, 2008, 09:21 PM

No, if you've got Dell's A07 that's cool - you should be fine. Those colored words in my posts are active links I set up for you though, you can click them...

I'm just outside of Boone. The country down your way is indeed beautiful. I've been through Asheville to Hendersonville and also south through the Nantahalla (sp?) Gorge. If you like hiking there are some outstanding trails and vistas up this way too!

Maveej · Mar 16, 2008, 08:11 PM

Fixed the problem. Beyond belief, it was actually my sound card driver. I was using the Dell driver from the site, then I installed the Realtek sound driver, then BAM! Fixed.