I've got a 256mb XFX 7600GT AGP running ForceWare Release 169.
And I can only get 2937 in 3dmark05. It's the free version at 1024*768 resolution.


Athlon64 3400+ (Newcastle) 2.4ghz 512kb L2
7600GT @ 550/700
1 GB PC3200
K8S-LA MOBO


CoolnQuiet keeps the cpu at 1.8ghz and I don't know if it's going to 2.4ghz in the runs. After a run I quickly check and it says 1.8ghz. But I don't think this would half my score because other people with 7600gt cards get 5000-6000 easily in 3dmark05. My card came at 580/750 but I downclocked it to 550/700 cuz I need to conserve on my 300 watt PSU and HL2 runs like butter regardless. Why is my score half of what it should be?

Reasons:

1. PSU is not good enough, causing your CPU & GPU to run at less than full speed

2. Your CPU may not be clocking up to 2.4 like it should

Will a cpu and gpu downclock if the psu doesnt put out enough? I thought the system would crash. Even though it's got only 300 watts it does 19A on the 12V.

I checked CPU-Z and it shows my memory running at 200mhz instead of 400. My board only supports single channel memory. Is this a likely cause for the low score?

Your board only support single channel??? What board is it?

200Mhz = 400Mhz DDR

But no, single channel memory would not efet the score by that amount.

Yes, your GPU may not run at full 3d speeds if it doesnt get enough power. Also, your board may be keeping your CPU at a low clock if it is not receiving adequate power.

You're lucky its not crashing / freezing / shutting down.

Get a new PSU, it will sort your PC out. (99% sure thats the issue)

Cool 'n Quiet is bad

Turn it off and you will see an improvement, and yes you should get a better power supply (at least 400w).

Good Luck!

I think this will be enough.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817153023 And only $39.99. And $10 mail in rebate.

The mobo is a K8S-LA (Salmon) http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c00257657&lc=en&cc=us&dlc=en&product=455039

Here's a shot of CPU-Z saying it's single channel.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/ayk1987/CPU-Z.jpg
And the 3400+ newcastle is socket 754. I think that socket was single channel.

I'll get a new pow supply and see whats up.

I installed a new PSU that was lying around. It's a 530watt Raidmax Hybrid 2 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152028

I updated to the latest directx and installed the nvidia drivers. Same score. I'm averaging 40fps in Far Cry on high at 1024*768. I should be getting around 60-75fps. Could it be that my motherboard is crap, or does that not affect fps much? My GT seems to be putting out GS performance. I checked the clock speeds and it seems fine 580/750.

Could it be my Mobo?