GTX460 graphics

I don't think I ever updated on this thread.

The BSOD was caused by a bad Intel proset NIC driver. I had trouble finding/uninstalling the driver since it was part of an Intel software package. Once the Intel software package was uninstalled, I updated the driver and had no further blue screen crashes or memory dumps.

The issue with trying to patch Starcraft 2 was caused by one of my memory slots on the mobo shorting. After extensive testing and moving DIMMs into other slots, it was definitely the motherboard connection that was failing. With that slot empty I am running 3 GB of flexed RAM (Dual Channel 2 GB, single channel if the third GB is accessed). Since I am running XP and was only posting 3.25 GB though 4 GB were installed, I have not really noticed a performance hit.

After months of running stable with the Core 2 Duo, 3 GB of RAM (since a motherboard slot was going bad), the 8800GT, and the Soundblaster X-fi, my computer was acting funny on startup for a day, then went all funky-screened.

My 8800GT finally up and died. I think stressing it with Starcraft II and boosting the fan speed to keep it cool still ended in 128 of the 512 VRAM becoming permanently fried.

The good thing is that I did still have the GTX460. I am now using that, and getting better framerates in games with lower noise and lower temperatures!

The only real downside is that I had to spend about a day fixing audio drivers for the Realtek onboard audio. The onboard audio is SEVERELY lacking in quality compared to the Soundblaster X-fi Titanium.

The GTX460 is handling games very well. I definitely get smoother framerates in Left 4 Dead 2.

Running Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty, I still occasionally get the notification that framerates would be better with lower graphics settings, but only when someone has massed carriers. Massed carriers seem to take a lot of GPU processing power.

Now the stats:

Using MSI Afterburner, I have peaked the GTX 460 at 99% of the processing, but have only used about 400 of the 768 available mb of vRAM. Is this because DDR5 vRAM moves the information by faster than the DDR3 in the older card?

My temperatures have only peaked at 63* C, which is where the 8800GT would idle. The 460 idles closer to 30* C. The fan is much, much quieter too!

My sound is still compromised going to Realtek from Soundblaster X-fi Titanium, but I have to live with it 'til I start a new build.