Would like some insight as to why I have stuttering frame rates in Source games.

[EliteMon95]

Been having problems with Garry's Mod and TF2 specifically, but generally, with all Source Engine games.

Frame rates are stuttering on a modern setup:
-8GB PC1600
-Phenom II x4 @ 3.0GHz
-Radeon HD 6850
You get the idea.

I will say that I have just installed Windows freshly on this computer replacing Lubuntu, which is now on my laptop.
Before I reinstalled Windows, every game played on the Windows install before was 200fps in older games like these.

Now with the reinstall, games stutter. There are no other visible problems however.

I have just one theory for now:
The newest versions of the Radeon drivers are causing this, 13.0 was just released and I'm using it.
Should I rollback to a previous driver?

EXTRA: This is NOT normal, TF2 is lagging, not on max settings, but while on LOWEST, same for Gmod.
ttt_67thway_v3 lags on lowest graphical settings.

If you need extra info I will share it with you.

[OtherMech]

Could be your computer is oveheating. Could be something completely different. Try using gamebooster and see if that helps.

[Karmah]

All I can say is make sure you have the drivers for everything update, and make sure nothing is overheating.
To check the temperature of your graphics card, join a game and have it completely running (like not the main menu, that's hardly a graphical challenge even), and then when it's lagging and such check the temperature in the catalyst control center.
You can check the temp of your CPU using an app called CPUZ, which is free I think.

You might want to post another thread under the [URL="http://facepunch.com/forumdisplay.php?f=107"]Technical support[/URL] section of facepunch, maybe people there can help.

[Francisco]

you have to download more ram

[EliteMon95]

Thank you all for your support.
I'd like to download moar RAM but I don't have a MacBook.