» Fri Dec 31, 2010 7:45 am
Hey this happened to me too! When I updated to the newest version of ATI/AMD catalyst (actually Steam automaticly updated it, which was really convenient) it slowed down all my high end games and I had no idea why, I was starting to think my laptop was overheating or something.
But what it actually was, was, well do you know the ATI catalyst standard settings, they were set back to default from the update, which is 'Balanced'. I had the settings on 'Optimal Performance' previously, so I changed it back to 'Optimal performance', started up Crysis 2, and it run so much smoother!
So it seems when ATI/AMD catalyst updates it puts its settings back to default, which is a pain, because people wouldn't expect it until they actually check their settings. I'm not sure if this is the problem for everyone else here, but it sure was what was slowing my gaming down.
I've got an ATI mobility radeon HD 4500/5100 series with 512mb of video ram, it only gets me by nicely on the lowest settings of Crysis 2, BFBC2, and most other higher end games. I'm thinking about getting a new PC soon, because I don't think you can upgrade a laptop. I'm still on a fairly balanced state of thought between a desktop and a laptop. I know you can constantly upgrade a desktop, but it takes up a bit of room and it's a bit harder to take it to LAN parties. I usually ride to my mates house with my laptop in my bag, I can't imagine riding with a desktop in my bag lol.