32-bit OS only recognises 3.2GB Ram, and not 4GB.

Subtract 1 GB due to your video cards leaves you with 2.2GB Ram. Running 3 instances each taking approx 500MB leaves your OS and running progs with ~700MB, which is generally low for Vista.

I can understand how his framerates are lower then expected.


Remove a video card completely, or you could try disabling it in Device Manager.
Install a 64-bit OS immediately, be it XP 64 or Vista 64.
When using 2 monitors in Vista, choose Dual View (or Clone) and not Horizontal Stretch View. The 2 monitors should be plugged into the same card (obvious, if you followed the above steps).
The Alts should be run on 800x600 resolution, then manipulated however you like using maximizer. If you are using a widescreen, choose an appropriate widescreen res compared to 800x600.

The number 1 thing is getting a 64-bit OS. You can try to deal with your framerates using SLI, and I'm sure you will be able to get decent framerates, but the above is a recommendation that will guarentee a fix for your problem.

I run a Q6600, 4GB Ram, 512MB GT8800 w/Dual Monitor, Vista 64, 5 instances.
I run with combined 98MB addons running between the 5 instances and get 25FPS on active and 25FPS on Inactive instances in Shatt, 40FPS on Active and 30FPS (max setting as per Config.wtf) everywhere else.