Do New (graphics) Drivers Really Boost Performance?

[Red Paradox]

you check the power supply to the GPU?

hmmm.that's a good point I honestly didn't think about that. what would I have to look for.
I mean I am using above the recommended requirements. It needs like 600w for optimal performance but I'm using 850
what should I check for dude?

[Berzerk]

did you install any other programs recently? anything running in the background? when was last time u ran a spyware/malaware scan? or an antivirus scan?

your direct x up to date? motherboard drivers? could be a motherload of different things, i doubt its power though, games would've been cutting off. what you could do is reseat the card in the slot and ensure all relevant power cables are attached, also check for dust, in fan of the video card. and on all the relevant connectors, get some canned spray etc.

[Red Paradox]

aye guys I appreciate all the advice 
what I'll try ta do is buy some dual layers and back up all my stuff. then I'll reformat. however I will check the slot  like bezerk just mentioned and ensure the card is in properly, then I guess I'll spray out the PC. I have all drivers installed though but I dunno nah...I guess a fresh start is in order. I'm thinking if it's a heat issue as well...I should make sure that the fans are installed in the correct position
Thanks guys

[Spazosaurus]

All good suggestions. If all else fails, granted you dont have a hardware problem (I dont think that is very likely in this case) a system restore will more than likely bring you back to happier times.

[Red Paradox]

I studying too if it could be a temperature problem
I will admit that my side panel is not in the right direction. I only now realised this
and the top fan should be bringing air in....I can try changing the fan direction and MAYBE things may change...maybe....

but I just wanna know...heat can cause a GPU to perform poorly? ...even if you KNOW it performs well

[Spazosaurus]

Its gonna take 100+ degrees for your gpu to start to perform poorly. They are made to take a beating. Once your fan is spinning properly you can pretty much eliminate that as a problem.

Also, use MSI Afterburner, you can track temperatures and gpu usage while in game.

[Wyspa]

It sounds like you're having an over-heating issue... That's why you getting such crappy performances. Your card (Geforce gts 250) is actually a rebadged 9800gtx, which uses the g92 core. This specific core is what powers Nvidia cards from the 8 and 9 series and have been known to have overheating problems. So check your temps. I have a 9800gt based on the same core and have come across the same issues you had. It was because of over heating. heat causes microscopic fissurs in the soldering of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the card. It will eventually lead to total mechanical failure of the card.. And Windows will display that dreaded yellow exclamation mark along with code 43 in Device Manager next to your card..

Ok history lesson over.. check your temps.

[Red Paradox]

It sounds like you're having an over-heating issue... That's why you getting such crappy performances. Your card (Geforce gts 250) is actually a rebadged 9800gtx, which uses the g92 core. This specific core is what powers Nvidia cards from the 8 and 9 series and have been known to have overheating problems. So check your temps. I have a 9800gt based on the same core and have come across the same issues you had. It was because of over heating. heat causes microscopic fissurs in the soldering of the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the card. It will eventually lead to total mechanical failure of the card.. And Windows will display that dreaded yellow exclamation mark along with code 43 in Device Manager next to your card..

Ok history lesson over.. check your temps.

hmmm
is this long term
because if it's a heat issue...my current solution is to switch the direction of the fans my air flow is screwed up thanks to incompetence...but my PC has been off for a while now....so if I rectify the air flow would it run "nromal" again you think?

[Wyspa]

It sounds like the damage has already been done to the card. I don't wanna worry you unecessarily though. Try some other options before deeming ur card dead. Change PSU, reseat your card, adjust your fans like you stated. if all that doesn't help, try a re-install of Windows. If that still doesn't help then you know its a mechanical failure.

[Wyspa]

you check the power supply to the GPU?

hmmm.that's a good point I honestly didn't think about that. what would I have to look for.
I mean I am using above the recommended requirements. It needs like 600w for optimal performance but I'm using 850
what should I check for dude?

Does your PSU have a dedicated gpu power cable? I know that the gts 250 needs additional power to operate properly. The power on the pcie bus is not sufficient to power the card. Also make sure that your psu supports at least 25amps - 30amps on the +12v rails..

Additonally, try checking Event Viewer to see if the logs contain any information about the issues your having. Post a pic of the results so that we can furhter help you out.

[Red Paradox]

It sounds like the damage has already been done to the card. I don't wanna worry you unecessarily though. Try some other options before deeming ur card dead. Change PSU, reseat your card, adjust your fans like you stated. if all that doesn't help, try a re-install of Windows. If that still doesn't help then you know its a mechanical failure.

when you wrote that first line there I got worried already so too late lolz
but I'll try those options when I get home...sigh and I only had the card for several months
and I changed my psu 7 weeks ago

[Arcmanov]

Hmmm...seems like these guys have got you covered...but how did this thread all of a sudden turn into a tech-support forum? 

Methinks you should actually create one for this...but carry on.

[Red Paradox]

Hmmm...seems like these guys have got you covered...but how did this thread all of a sudden turn into a tech-support forum? 

Methinks you should actually create one for this...but carry on.

lol sorry dude
this actually started because my drivers were giving me issues...or so I thought but I guess my issue is a heat one. I'm hoping that I can save my GPU's life....and not metaphorically end my own in the process

[Red Paradox]

GUYS I would like to express my greatest thanks to all those who advised me accordingly. I cleaned my PC, and switched the directions of some fans and my rig is back to normal and best of all it accepts the new drivers (version 260.99)
To answer the question of this thread, I saw a nice increase with these new drivers it looks much smoother and the distortion effects is much noticeable (explosions, muzzle flashes etc.)
so again thanks guys

[Arcmanov]

Glad to hear it.  You know we always got you.