Unsolveable graphics problem.

I have an alienware m15x with an nvidia GeForce 8700M GT graphics card with a dual intel T9500 processor. I have noticed a sharp incline in the performance of my machine since purchase particularly in regards to graphical performance. Games I was originally able to play ,like Fallout 3, are now unplayable. I've tried everything I can think of to solve the problem from updating drivers to anti-virus and spyware programs. Yesterday I gave up completely and re-installed windows hoping to return the performance. No such luck, immediately after refresh I installed fallout and encountered the same problems. My windows rates my processor 3.8 and my graphics a 4.0. These numbers are much lower than when I first purchased the system. I can only suspect there is some hardware problem or the location of my computer is very poor. I use it mostly in my lap and notice some amount of heat after playing for any extended period of time. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to remedy these problems, I just want to play my games!

 

Hmm, that is an unusual problem.

Did you make any changes to your computer right before this happened? Or maybe something happened to it? Anything Unusual?

 

The decrease in performance is likely the result of overheating; the card may be underclocking itself due to high core temperatures:

- Can you post your temperatures for us using Hwmonitor?
http://www.cpuid.com/hwmonitor.php

- Ensure that the fan is running

 

Also,
sitting on your lap might be blocking the intake vents. Have you cleaned the dust off the cooling fan?

Dust=heat

 

It would seem that you have a case of overheating, try monitoring your temps while gaming with HWMonitor.

 

+1 for overheating.
Fire up hwmonitor and check, then clean the vents and heatsinks.

 

Also make sure that your power settings aren't set on Power Saver.

 

try a fresh install just to be sure it is not a software issue. That would be a last case issue but would definitly help

 

Hello,

We apologize for the inconvenience, please make sure the system is not running in stealth mode, this will underclock the processor and GPU but also as other memebers have mentioned to check for overheating. Let us know with your findings.

Thank you.

 

DO NOT PLAY GAMES WITH IT ON YOUR LAP!!! IT IS OVERHEATING!!!!

Use a tray or large hardcovered book on your lap in order to keep the vents clear for correct ventilation.

 

Think about the future of your genetic material... DON'T USE IT ON YOUR LAP!

 

Won't damage anything.
The number of sperm produced while being heated will be lower, but once you remove theheat it's all back to normal.

 

Even after moving my labtop to my desk I am getting the same slow down problems. My GPU is running at about 60 degrees Celsius and my CPU at about 50. The only thing I can even think now is that I may be running in stealth mode without knowing it. Could someone please inform of how to check for this.

 

Well theres a quick touch button that looks like a speedometer, thats the stealth mode button, also if you look in the Alien Command Center there should be performance settings there as well.