This is a very generalized question, I know. Every PC game I've installed on my computer contained a readme file strongly suggesting the user upgrade their device drivers to the lastest version. Particularly the video adapter or graphics card. I own a ATI Radeon 9550, it comes bundled with driver 6.14.10.6458 or Catalyst 4.7. I tried newer versions of the driver only to experience all manners of problems from slow fps and choppy gameplay, to crashes and missing textures. I experienced the same phenomenon on my old Radeon 8500. Are newer drivers designed to improve stability and performance for all the cards listed as applicable or just the very lastest cards? In other words should I be using the newer drivers or just stick with the driver that came with the card? Any opinions or information toward a better understanding of the pros and cons (if any) of driver upgrades would be appreciated.

First off, check with your motherboard manufacturer or SiS for updated chipset drivers and install those first. Next, make sure you uninstall your old drivers through add/remove programs, reboot, THEN install the new ones. Newer drivers are SUPPOSED to increase performance and stability, but sometimes it reduces either or both. That's why I keep drivers archived for several versions in case I need to go back a version or two. When all the land is in ruin, and burnination has forsaken the countryside, only one guy will remain. My money is on.... TROOOOOOGDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!

Thanks for the reply. Updating my chipset drivers is a good idea. With regard to properly uninstalling the old drivers before installing the new ones, I've gone as far as reinstalling the operating system and removing and adding in Safe-mode. The kind of information I'm after is how a newer driver is able to "drive" (software that translates between the operating system and graphic card itself) all those cards, unless all those cards share the same chipsets, or the Catalyst download includes multiple drivers, and installa the ones appropriate for your card. I don't know?

Yes, they are called "unified drivers" meaning the catalyst package supports all Radeon chipsets. It's for simplicity's sake instead of hunting down a driver out of a list of so many. Nvidia and VIA do it, too. When all the land is in ruin, and burnination has forsaken the countryside, only one guy will remain. My money is on.... TROOOOOOGDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!

You are so very right psycho, but what I would do is format the hard drive, then install a fresh new GeForce FX. Hah, just kidding. But it still is a fairly good idea, if all the Radeons you've tried have been problematic. psycho, I'm not saying ALL atis are bad. Gonna stop accusing me now?

"psycho, I'm not saying ALL atis are bad." You said it repeatedly. I'm not accusing you of anything; I'm just pointing you said it. When all the land is in ruin, and burnination has forsaken the countryside, only one guy will remain. My money is on.... TROOOOOOGDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!