Here are my computer specs:

Custom Build

Intel(R) CORE(TM) i5-3550 CPU 3.30GHz
ASRock Z77 Pro4 LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard
ZOTAC ZT-50403-10L GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 192-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP
Windows 7 64 bit
16 GB RAM
ASUS VW246H GLOSSY Black 24" 2ms(GTG) HDMI Widescreen LCD Monitor 300 cd/m2 ASCR 20000:1 (1000:1) in 1920x1080

I am having a hard time playing games or much of anything on my computer. I updated all the drivers and it still has problems. My computer can't run Steam and multiple tabs in a browser at the same time. It can't play a 1080p video for longer than a minute without some serious lag and skipping. I've tried to play games like L4D2 and it lags and lags until it is just completely unusable. God forbid I try to run Steam and a livestream at the same time. It's very obnoxious and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong.

Any help would be appreciated!Good evening notuslethe and welcome to CH

Thank you for the info you supplied so far but I do have a couple of questions for you

#1... Who's PS do you have and what is the wattage of it?
#2... When windows was installed did you use the windows 7 drivers or did you go to the manufacture web site for them or did you use the ones on the CD?
#3... Have you tried a different monitor to make sure the issues is not the LCD not being able to keep up with the refresh rate?
#4... When the drivers were installed just in case you are not aware of it they should be done as such.
Install the OS>then chipset drivers>video card drivers>lan drivers>sound drivers and if you have a modem do that last then install external drives, devices etc afterwards.
#5... Did the video card get plugged in with the PCIx 6 pin power plug?


Here is the link for the MoBo web site for the drivers http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Pro4/?cat=Download
Here is the link for the Video card web site just pick the OS and bit version http://www.zotacusa.com/downloads?cat=#downloadscontent

Hope to hear from you soon, Mike
 1. My power source is the generic source that came with the case and it is 500W.
2. I used the Windows 7 drivers
3. I don't have a different monitor to try. I've tried asking around, but my friends all have laptops.
4. I'm pretty sure I installed the drivers like this: OS>video card>chipset. That's not the order you gave - is there some way I can fix that?
5. Yes, the video card was plugged in the with PCIx 6 pin power plug.


Thanks for your help!Good evening notuslethe and welcome back

Yes this is a easy fix just go to the manufacture web site and download the drivers for your equipment.

Here is the link for the MoBo web site for the drivers http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z77%20Pro4/?cat=Download
Here is the link for the Video card web site just pick the OS and bit version http://www.zotacusa.com/downloads?cat=#downloadscontent

I am not trying to be a wise guy but in #2 you said that you used W7 drivers and in #4 you said "I'm pretty sure I installed the drivers like this: OS>video card>chipset."

If you meant to say maybe something like this you installed W7, then the video card & last chipset drivers off the supplied CD /DVD's if you did that I would go to the web sites listed and get the newest drivers for your PC's parts and then just remove the drivers that you installed and reboot if needed.

Then when you are back at the desktop just install the drivers that you downloaded starting with the motherboard drivers on out.
Just start with the chipset drivers>video card drivers>lan drivers>sound drivers and if you have a modem do that also. There is no need to redo the OS.

Then all should be good, please let us know how you make out. Mike  You didn't sound like a wiseguy - I totally get what you were saying and how I was being confusing. Yes, I installed all the drivers off the included DVDs.

I've downloaded all the new drivers, but I don't know how to uninstall the old drivers. I looked up how to do it, but I'm afraid I will uninstall something important. I went into the device manager and revealed the hidden drivers and then uninstalled the faded ones, but I'm unsure if that's enough or I should uninstall more.

Also, I tried running different games, and when I tried to run Dragon Age Origins, my computer just shut off after a few minutes. Do you think my power source could also be at FAULT?

Thanks for your help!Good evening notuslethe and welcome back

You are very welcome.

     The chipset drivers and video card drivers etc just go to control panel > uninstall programs if you see the name listed click on the item and look up top it will say remove / uninstall then if asked reboot the PC then afterwards when you are back at the desktop just install the chipset drivers first > video card and try that that should work.

Please let us know how you make out, Mike Sorry it's been a while since I replied, but I've been so busy!

I uninstalled the drivers and reinstalled, but nothing changed. I'm still having difficulty playing games. Good evening notuslethe and welcome back

OK if all the drivers were updated from the manufactures web site and in order do you or have you gotten any errors / bsod messages.

Open the device manager is there any yellow or red items / icons then you may want to look while you are in the device manager look up top for view and then show hidden devices is there any of them with a yellow ! or red x.

If you still have not found any thing yet you may want to remove the add-on video card and plug your monitor into the onboard plugs and see how it does. Yes i know it will not be as good as your card but this would just be a test.

Mike