Very low fps in TF2

[happypooface]

ok, in tf2, my fps used to be fine on all high settings, now my fps drops to 8 from the average 16, in fights.
this is my rig

Windows Xp
1.5g ram
ATI radeon x1650 512mb video card
3.0 GHz Intel processer

 

[LinkedKube]

Have you updated your drivers or checked for updates at least?

 

[happypooface]

update drivers

yes, i have downloaded the most recent update for my driver

 

[iBP_James]

Check your background processes to see if you have any programs or unwanted spyware that may be causing your FPS lag.

 

[Tha General]

What is TF2?

Also changing drivers or just using different ones always seems to help.

 

[happypooface]

background processes

wihch processes are normal and which arent?

 

[Darth_Terra1]

if you haven't already done so, you may want to try updating Directx to the latest version which was released this month, MS dont put it on the windows update service you have to go get it from their website yourself. it Usually solves issues.