Games, Gaming, Articles about Games
Games-Unlimited.info

Home  |  Linknet Pages


powered by FreeFind

Are You A PC Gamer And Want The Best Out Of Your Graphics Card?


Introduction

In this article you will learn how to get the most out of your graphics card by installing new drivers and tweaking Windows. The guide is based around Windows XP Professional Edition but you can use the same guide to tweak other Windows operating systems.

Step 1.

The first thing you need to know what graphics card you are using. The most popular graphics card companies are nVidia and ATi. Both these companies have an excellent range of products and offer excellent service. Once you know what graphics card you are using, then head over to the companies website where you can download the latest drivers.

Drivers are software that runs your graphics card, printer or scanner correctly. Being up to date with drivers will help solve issues that may arise with modern PC games. Just recently I had to update my drivers to fix a problem I had with a game I recently purchased, and this solved my problem.

OK once you have downloaded your drivers for your graphics card make sure you create a restore point using the utility System Restore. This can be done my click Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools and then System Restore. Then follow the on screen instructions to create the restore point. By doing this it makes sure that if a problem occurs after you installed the new drivers, you can return to the restore point to see if the problem is the drivers you installed.

Once you've finished creating your restore point, you need to install your drivers. This can done by double clicking on the file you downloaded and then you follow the on screen instructions. After you've installed your drivers you will have to restart Windows so the changes can take effect.

If everything goes according to plan you should see an increase in performance in your games and you will not need to go back to your restore point. If you do have problems, use your restore point to go back and fix the problems. If the problem persists, then contact the company that made your graphics card.

Step 2.

Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX. This can be done by going onto the Microsoft website http://www.microsoft.com and searching DirectX. Once you've downloaded the latest version, you will need to create another restore point. One person I know installed the latest version of DirectX and then had problems afterwards, and because they didn't create a restore point they couldn't fix the problem and so they needed to reformat their computer to solve the problem. Again to create a restore point, go to Start->Programs->Accessories->System Tools and then System Restore.

Once you've created the restore point install the latest version of DirectX by double clicking on the file you just downloaded. Follow the on screen instructions and once you've finished you will have to restart your Windows.

Step 3.

In this step I will guide you through tweaking Windows XP. The first step will be changing the performance of Windows, to do this right-click on My Computer and then Properties->Advanced->Performance->Settings and select 'Adjust for best Performance'.

The next step is to change your Themes, so right-click on your desktop and select Properties. Under the Themes tab set your theme to Windows Classic.

About The Author

I run a small PC gaming website called Gaming Archive. I'm currently a student in England studying ICT. steve.hames@gaming-archive.com


MORE RESOURCES:

New York Times

Sooners’ Offense Is Like Something Gators’ Meyer Has Seen Before
New York Times, United States - 6 hours ago
The Sooners have scored a modern-record 702 points and eclipsed 60 in five consecutive games. They have done it using a similar no-huddle, spread attack ...
Gators' Harvin not 100% but good to go USA Today
'Big Game Percy' Harvin ready for BCS title game Tampabay.com
BCS Cheap Mind Games GatorCountry.com
Sports-Odds.com - USA Today
all 717 news articles


New York Times

Buckeyes can play 'if' game in late loss
Arizona Republic, AZ - 15 hours ago
But the "backup" quarterback who started the game saw only a little more than a dozen plays under center Monday night at University of Phoenix Stadium. ...
BCS may be flawed, but these 5 games stand out News & Observer
Fiesta Bowl 2009: Texas 24 Ohio State 21 SportingNews.com
Texas Defeats Ohio State 24-21 in Fiesta Bowl to Finish 12-1 Bloomberg
Detroit Free Press - Dallas Morning News
all 2,343 news articles


Washington Post

SI.com senior writers Don Banks and Peter King debate the issue
CNN International - 5 hours ago
Just to state my reasons: In the 35 years since the NFL has had the current overtime system in place, 141 regular-season games have gone to overtime and ...
MMQB Mail: OT debate and whether Tillman should be in Hall of Fame CNN
NFL Truths: Peyton's a choker, LT is done in SD FOXSports.com
Assaults on overtime unnecessary in NFL Kansas City Star
Bleacher Report - TSN.ca
all 3,241 news articles


New York Times

Giants Fans Worried About the Eagles? Not Really
New York Times, United States - 4 hours ago
They’re better top to bottom than the Eagles and one off game in December at the tail end of an NFL record streak of 10 straight games against teams with ...
Eagles come up big once again in playoff opener Sports Network
All-too-familiar opponent awaiting confident Eagles after ousting ... CNN
Eagles clicking at just the right time The Associated Press
New York Daily News - New York Times
all 586 news articles


TSN.ca

Head games: Big Ben '100% ready to go' vs Bolts
USA Today - 19 hours ago
"The next test I am going to have to face is Sunday against the San Diego Chargers," said Roethlisberger, whose team will be at home for the game. ...
Chargers, Steelers in rematch of bizarre game The Associated Press
If you appreciate irony, lots to like about wild card games Reading Eagle
Time to Applaud Chargers' Turner Sports Network
Silver & Black Illustrated - SteelCityInsider.com
all 335 news articles


CBC.ca

Senators-Sabres Preview
USA Today - 8 hours ago
Buffalo should get a lift Tuesday with the return of captain Craig Rivet, who has missed 11 straight games since injuring his shoulder during a 3-2 loss at ...
Sabres face a real test — Senators Buffalo News
Sabres Snap Bruins’ 10-Game Winning Streak New York Times
Sabres aim to extend win streak in home clash with Sens Sports Network
The Associated Press - Boston Globe
all 428 news articles


Washington Post

Life after LT? Chargers' backfield not empty
Dallas Morning News, TX - 4 hours ago
He collected five 200-yard rushing games and 19 more 100-yard games, averaging 6.1 yards per carry in his career. Sproles was big enough to play in the Big ...
Chargers' LaDainian Tomlinson might not play Los Angeles Times
Chargers Seek to Avenge Prior Loss Silver & Black Illustrated
San Diego Chargers can’t let elusive Darren Sproles get away in ... Fort Worth Star Telegram
FOXSports.com - Press-Enterprise
all 427 news articles


SBR Forum

John Beilein won't stress one game over another
Detroit Free Press, United States - 15 hours ago
BY MARK SNYDER • FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER • January 5, 2009 Michigan coach John Beilein has spent his career living in the moment, focusing on the game at ...
Playoffs the answer to bad bowl games Arkansas Democrat Gazette
Michigan State vs. Ohio State Game Preview WXYZ
After series of setbacks, Buckeyes try to regroup SportingNews.com
Bleacher Report - Columbia Daily Tribune
all 223 news articles


Washington Post

NFL PLAYOFFS: Breaking down the divisional games
KING5.com, WA - 1 hour ago
By Tom Curran / NBCSports.com The key to this game for the Ravens will be offensive coordinator Cam Cameron calling a game that keeps Joe Flacco from having ...
NFL Replay: Staying or going, Dungy's historic place is secure USA Today
Which Ravens defense is better — 2000 version of 2008? Baltimore Sun
Deja Vu All Over Again for Ravens Sports Network
Houston Chronicle - Baltimore Sun
all 767 news articles


Washington Post

GMAC Bowl: Ball State (12-1) vs. Tulsa (10-3)
New York Times, United States - 11 hours ago
By Paul Myerberg This game, despite pitting two teams who lost in their respective conference championship games, will provide a nice aperitif for the BCS ...
Ball State's Parrish debuts against Tulsa The Associated Press
TODAY’S GAME: GMAC BOWL Atlanta Journal Constitution
GMAC: Small consolation for Ball State, Tulsa CardinalSports.com (subscription)
Gambling911.com - Muncie Star Press
all 240 news articles

Games - Google News

home | site map
© 2006