[--==KILLAH==--]

I have no idea what video card you're using, nor did you state which drivers are installed and I don't particularly care.

I'm assuming you've updated virus scanning software and run a full system scan prior and also defragged your drive/drives prior to changing too many funky settings. If not, I'd highly advise doing so since systems seldom slow down for no reason. You did say that things were working fine prior to your vacation.

Okay... so you've changed from Network issues (ping) to video card/directX/OpenGL tweaking...

I'd suggest visiting both of the following sites:
[url:50f1d]http://www.tweak3d.net[/url:50f1d]
[url:50f1d]http://www.guru3d.com/[/url:50f1d]

Try this: [url:50f1d]http://gamershq.madonion.com/articles/3dmarktips/?page=3[/url:50f1d]

More video card tweaks: [url:50f1d]http://www.techtv.com/screensavers/print/0,23102,3014598,00.html[/url:50f1d]