I replaced my GTX 1650 4GB with an RX 6600 8GB, but instead of gaining performance, I'm getting noticeably lower FPS in the games I play. I installed the new graphics driver and removed the old one, although I originally did the cleanup after the new card was already installed. I'm also using the existing 6+2-pin power cable from the previous setup. Could the power connection be causing this, or is there something else I should check?
2 Answers
The first thing to verify is that the driver cleanup was thorough. Use Display Driver Uninstaller in Safe Mode, remove the previous graphics drivers, then install the current RX 6600 driver with the new card installed. Also double-check that the monitor cable is connected to the RX 6600 rather than the motherboard’s video output.
The 6+2-pin cable is normally the correct PCIe connector for an RX 6600, as long as it’s actually a PCIe power cable and not the similar-looking CPU/EPS cable. Make sure it’s fully seated and that the power supply is adequate. It’s also worth checking CPU temperatures and clock speeds, since overheating or throttling can make games perform worse even after a GPU upgrade.
A graphics card upgrade can sometimes make the CPU work harder, so checking CPU and VRM temperatures under load is a good idea if the drivers and cable look correct.
I did use DDU, although I ran it after installing the new card. The system seemed to work normally afterward, so I wasn’t sure whether that timing mattered.