... and DX10 made no difference whatsoever. The game-play graphics are still as slow and choppy as before. A better videocard and a considerably faster processor might help but I doubt it, and I don't think either is possible anyway. Buying this machine was a mistake. When I go to replace my main system next year, the people who advised me to buy this unit, people who are more concerned about price than power or performance, will be told to stay away.
On the bright side the no-CD crack/pirated exe file works perfectly so if I can ever get my main system reformatted or at least cleansed of viruses and such I can safely install and use the SecuROM-infected discs. My thanks to the people who make such things... and may EA Games and Sony be condemned for making such things necessary.