Graphics stuttering on new PC please help.

[Jw_Leonhart]

I just built my cousin a new computer. The specs are as follows:

Asus a7v266 motherboard
AMD Athlon XP 1600+ processor
256MB Crucial PC2100 DDR (default timings)
40GB Western Digital
Gainward Geforce3 Ti200 no o/c
Windows XP

The graphics seem to stutter on games and my max 3dmark score is 6000. I know this is way below average for this system. that is not my main concern though considering it is triple the performance of his old computer only being able to play Metal Of Honor on the lowest graphical settings to avoid lag. I am just curious what could be causing the stuttering. One idea I have is that his CPU is running to hot. It runs about 60C idle and 64C at load (140-148F.) We are picking up a new HSF tomorrow so that should lower it down, but I am not sure if that is the problem or what. I am doubting it but it is an idea. Thank you for any help.

 

[o1die]

I would lap the new heatsink and cpu core with thermal paste, such as arctic silver III. I use a single edge razor blade to get the thinnest possible layer. I would also download the latest driver for your geforce3 off nvidia's website. Have you loaded directx? Most driver cd's come with it.