Radeon HD5450 graphics performance questions

Hi,

I normally lurk around a forum for awhile before posting, but I can see this is a good community and I'm in need.

My old computer died at about the worst time so I've had to put together a system on a very low budget. Below are rough specs relevant to video performance for both.
Old
WinXP
Sempron overclocked to 2.1GHz, 10.5x200
1GB DDR
ATI Radeon 9600SE, 128MB RAM

New
Win7
P4 E5400, dual core @2.7GHz
2GB DRR2
Radeon HD5450

I know I can't expect a whole lot from this but it barely outperforms the old system and I thought it would be at least a moderate step up. Was I wrong to think this should at least allow me to play games from 2007/08?

In terms of Windows Experience scores,
Processor 6.2
Memory 5.5
Graphics 3.7
Gaming Graphics 5.7
Primary Hard Disk 5.9

I'm open to the idea that I may just have to skip a few meals and get something better, but I'm really hoping you can tell me it's a software issue.

TIA

PS. I haven't begun to look at overclocking yet but I will. I believe I need to optimize at the software level to whatever degree is conceivalby possible first. However, I am glad to see there is a forum for that because I intend to be very careful and I can use all the help I can get.

With 2Gb RAM it might not allow it in high graphics but medium range should work, ATI has new drivers and your PC probably loaded ME drivers version 10.6 is out and works very well, you have the option of driver only or Catalyst Control Center with driver.

Yes, I've already updated the drivers for the video card the the latest version, 10.6. I was not able to make certain that the motherboard chipset drivers I found on the manufacturer's website are newer than what I have so I will try them after I've done a backup.

Do you think the scores fall below expectations given the cheap hardware?

You mean the WEI scores? ATi's 4350 gives a 3.8 on a DELL Studio XPS 435T with i7 920 CPU, 4Gb 1066 RAM. You are probably in that range.

The Howling Wolves said:

rebound said:

Yes, I've already updated the drivers for the video card the the latest version, 10.6. I was not able to make certain that the motherboard chipset drivers I found on the manufacturer's website are newer than what I have so I will try them after I've done a backup.

Do you think the scores fall below expectations given the cheap hardware?

Don't let the scores bother or influence you. The only thing that counts is how it works for you and the games you play on it.
If the board is inexpensive think of upgrading ($$) and if it will be compatible with the rest of your system.

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The Experience scores were for reference only. My point was really that I've tried some games, old ones, and it performs poorly, even with AA, AF disabled and at 1280x720 resolution.

EDIT: I am also having issues with missing mouse pointers in full screen games. Any ideas?