Performance being really choppy with ATI drivers

Solution 1:

1. Install CompizConfig SettingsManager

   sudo apt-get install compizconfig-settings-manager

   • Warning: What are some of the issues with CCSM and why would I want to avoid it?

2. Click on the Composite tab, and un-check Detect refresh rate.

   

   

3. Click on the OpenGL tab, and un-check Sync to Vblank.

   

Solution 2:

I had same problem, but, however, in my case adjusting compiz settings didn't help a lot.

I also had ATI drivers installed. Then I noticed ATI had JUST released new ones, which are said to have much better supprot for the latest X and Unity. However, ATI released them too late, and they failed to get into Ubuntu repositories.

What I reccoment you is to uninstall the ATI driver (fglrx) Ubuntu installed for you, and get the newest one from the ATI's site: http://support.amd.com/us/gpudownload/Pages/index.aspx

In my case this provided incredible improvement of overall performance. I hope it will help you too!