I just received my new ABS Mayhem.. It have 2.2Ghz duo AMd processor, 2GB Ram, Ati Mobility Radeon 2600HD - 512 dedicated memory - a gaming laptop (by description). I just installed Heroes of Might and MAgic 5 just to enjoy a high quality graphics...however, the graphics was horrible..it runs smoothly only at low quality 1024X768. My other laptop that has a inferior card Go7600 has much better graphics. I just can't figure out what the problem is? Is it the Vista? Is it the fact that I had to install DirectX 9.3c to run the game? Is it something else? Suggestions?

I think you may need new drivers for your graphics card. Vista and xp requires different drivers. Or maybe you have the wrong graphics card setting or something? Vista uses directx 9Lh, which is vista version of directx 9.0c

Defragment the system P.S. no laptop is really for gaming

I fixed it ...it was quite newb from me. I just adjusted it from the ATI menu to high quality and not battery preservation. Sorry for the newb question. Cheers !!!

"Is it the Vista?" That's at least part of the problem. "Is it the fact that I had to install DirectX 9.3c to run the game?" 9.3c? Do you mean 9.0c? I don't run Vista, but from what I recall, it's doesn't really support DX9...it has it's own form of DX9 "emulation" or "compatibility mode". DX9 should not have been installed...actually, I'm surprised Vista let you do it?

Vista comes with DX10 but sometimes games need you to install DX9, it doesnt overwirte DX10 just adds more stuff

it could be an OpenGL game, and initial driver support for that was really crappy. luckily looks like he got it taken care of. but btw, as long as your moving to a new OS, try installing Linux. I like it a lot more than vista (and XP). It has less compatibility issues than Vista does too, its also more secure, more powerful, cooler looking (youtube search for compiz fusion) I at least find its design and layout to be superior to windows. I might just be a fanboy though... lol