I'm getting the same problem as well, games that used to run fine are now running around choppy at about 4 fps. I cannot figure out what is causing the problem, I even upgraded my wireless PCI adaptor just in case it was the internet... still, to no prevail. All these games ran fine for years on the same wireless connection till now, so I doubt its the internet. These games ran fine on the computers origional set up which WAS: -Intel Celeron 2.66GHz CPU -Unknown 40gb HD -512mb DDR 333 RAM -ATi Radeon 9250 256 MB PCI -No Sound Card -210W Power Supply Here are my NEW specs: ~Intel Celeron 2.66 GHz CPU ~2 GB DDR 400 (PC 3200) RAM ~ATi Radeon X1550 256mb PCI video card ~Unknown 40gb HD (came with the crappy set up) ~Diamond Xtreame Sound 5.1 Channel w/ EAX 2.0 supported ~Brand New 430W Power supply I just re formatted my HD, and only installed one game that, on those specs should not lag AT ALL : Operation Flashpoint Ive think that upgrading to a Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz would make a difference but I really don't know if that'd solve the problem. If you know what I must do, please let me know. Keep in mind when u post an answer, that I have already tried: -Defraging -Reformatting -Lowering all detail on video and sound in the game -msconfig's removal of unwanted programs -making sure noting is draining my RAM -scanning for trojain, viruses, spy or ad ware -increaseing priority on the game -making sure NOTHING besides the ATi catalyst is running at times other than the game -updating ALL drivers 100% including chipset drivers -removing catalyst control to see if games run faster w/o it.. -upgrading various parts of my PC including my PSU All to no prevail, same problem, same frames, no improvement at all. I need to know what is wrong, PLEASE HELP, I'm so lost!

Neither of the video cards you listed are very good. That's compounded by the fact that they use the PCI bus which is a shared bus with all your other PCI devices. Try removing the sound card & see if that helps. Upgrading the CPU for a mere 133MHz increase in clock speed would be a waste of money...you've already sunk way too much money into an outdated/low end system as it is.

so, get a new mobo? =D

New board, CPU, RAM & video card.