Warcraft performance issues

[Ukitake]

Now, I`m running WoW in windowed mode, with most of stuff on low or disabled ( only using 1280*1024 res, projected textures & environment details(low setting). Addon usage is always bellow 10 MB, and fps/ms outside raid & cities is steady 60 fps & up to 90ish MS.

I know my config is utter disaster for todays standards and all, but I`ve been playing WoW on this pc for about 4 years or so, and up untill recently I didnt really have performance issues. And it still gets the job done - I`m playing in world ~150ish 25 man raiding guild - so it`s not unplayable - if I underperformed that much they would have kicked me long time ago. However I`m having really big issues with both my fps & ms lately - fps went from 40ish in rads to 15-20, and ms spiked from 80ish to 150-200. And I didn't really change anything that important apart from upgrading drivers on (relatively) regular basis.

So basicly I`m looking for any tip / idea / whatever pops into your head - How to enhance performance - raid wise ? Ingame I`ve done just about everything I can, I`m looking for something to tweak regarding my pc performance .Anything apart from buying new comp since this one is crap ( I know it is, but I`ve got no money for a pc atm) will be greatly appreciated.

DxDiag:

System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 8/12/2011, 15:54:21
Machine name: ICKO-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit (6.1, Build 7600) (7600.win7_gdr.110408-1633)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD
System Model: MS-7125
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 64 Processor 3700+, ~2.2GHz
Memory: 2048MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 2048MB RAM
Page File: 987MB used, 3107MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7600.16385 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 2: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (retail)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (retail)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (retail)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 9600 GT
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0622&SUBSYS_23651682&REV_A1
Display Memory: 1267 MB
Dedicated Memory: 499 MB
Shared Memory: 767 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor Name: Generic PnP Monitor
Monitor Model: SyncMaster
Monitor Id: SAM0192
Native Mode: 1280 x 1024(p) (60.020Hz)
Output Type: DVI
Driver Name: nvd3dum.dll,nvwgf2um.dll,nvwgf2um.dll
Driver File Version: 8.17.0012.7533 (English)
Driver Version: 8.17.12.7533
DDI Version: 10
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 5/21/2011 06:01:00, 11992680 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-4562-11CF-5F68-69031FC2C535}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0622
SubSys ID: 0x23651682
Revision ID: 0x00A1

[Sephiracle]

There is nothing you can do to change the performance for nothing.

You have a 7 year old processor. That's the problem. I ran the same gpu as you and had a Pentium D(even newer than your cpu) and got 40fps max in instances. Put that same gpu in a 2500k system, raid 10m's at no less than 60fps ever, usually 120+ in instances.

WoW's engine is only getting more clunky as time goes by and they're arbitrarily increasing the amount of animations and shoddy programming to increase what's required out of computers to run them. Hence why so many people have issues in Firelands that didn't before.

[Cilraaz]

Check the Sticky Index, specifically the Low FPS thread. There are some tips there that might help you squeeze out a few more frames, such as disabling your combat log and the "lower than low" setting macros.

[Ukitake]

Thanks, both of you.