Games are lagging after upgrading to windows 7

[urusai11]

Hi, I recently upgraded from XP to Windows 7 Ultimate 32 bit.
And my PC have:
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7500 @2.93Ghz 2.94Ghz
2Gb memory RAM
NVIDIA GEForce GT 240

I was wondering why games like MAFIA 2 are lagging when It runs very smoothly before when I'm still in XP. .... Is my video card damage? Or it's just Windows 7 consumes alot of RAM than XP when/even without running games????

Please help, Thanks.

 

[Gornot]

I have a similar setup, though a much weaker GPU, and I'm not sure why you're experiencing this. I haven't played a game in XP since the day I bought Win7, but I don't think it's because of the OS itself. Win7 can be a bit difficult to work with when you're a new user, because it works on a completely different level than previous operating systems.

A few useful tips would be: never keep generic drivers from Windows Update, always use the ones from the manfacturer's website; the generic Windows drivers are there just to make it work as a basic needed component, the full potential can only be achieved with original drivers. Also, ALWAYS install DirectX from the game installation CD. Though Win7 comes with DX11, it still needs DX9 files that the games were built for; if the DX setup says there are no components to update, you're sure that you won't have a problem with DX. Also, many games released prior to 2009 may (but not necessarily have to) be set to run elevated and/or in certain compatibility modes, so always check the Game Compatibility List here at SF to make sure the game you want to play can run on Win7 (all the info and lists are on the first page).

As for Mafia 2 itself, i think that's just the way this game was "optimized"... Unless it's lagging A LOT (the only actual lag I encountered is right after leaving prison, when I'm supposed to meet with Joe; that small park in front of the building game me an amazing FPS decrease; it happens other times, but seems to go away as soon as I enter a car).

 

[speedgamer01]

IMO, if you have windows 7 and you want to play games you will need at least 3gb of memory, but if you upgrade go for a total of 4gb.
Yes windows 7 needs that more, thats why your suffer with games.

 

[SlasherIT]

You may want to get 4GB of RAM... Also make sure PhysX is disabled in the graphics settings, that will KILL your framerate.