Computer Processor Speed

**Alfa1234** · 05-25-19, 11:44 AM

I am guessing you can probably give your old computer a decent speed boost by simply adding more RAM memory and the "too many chrome windows slowdown problem" is usually memory related and not processor speed related. You can ask your local shop for a price (shouldn't be expensive) or add it yourself if you know your motherboard type and aren't afraid of screwing open the desktop.

**brooks85** · 05-25-19, 01:33 PM

You need to look on youtube how to do a complete reformat of your HP. They load it will all kinds of shit that will slow your pc down so you need to do reformat so that only windows is on the machine.

Then if it is still to slow for you make sure you get at least 12gb of ram. 16 is the way to go if you're opening multiple windows and programs running.

**icon** · 05-25-19, 02:40 PM

More RAM is good but what would really speed up an old system is a new SSD (Solid State Drive) as a hard drive is much slower and an old hard drive WILL fail eventually.

So add more RAM and swap the old hard drive with a new SSD and your old PC will show noticeable performance in speed.

**byronbb** · 05-25-19, 07:47 PM

SSD is a great idea. If you are technically challenged then my suggestion to try installing Ubuntu linux will be pointless but my main web browsing/youtube machine is a duo core 4GB ram with an ssd HD running Ubuntu, and i have no performance issues unless trying to play videos in 1080p.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 05-25-19, 08:09 PM

ThxForTheComments.

I mentioned that I'm sort of a technology retard:

1) Yes, I've heard good things about Solid State drive.

2) Yes, I hate all the shit they add onto the new computers. Trust me, I'm not an APP guy. I don't do much other than Internet + Excel + a little Word.

Thx for the replies. And Best wishes. Trust me, I could easily screw it up.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 05-25-19, 08:11 PM

Originally posted by Alfa1234

I am guessing you can probably give your old computer a decent speed boost by simply adding more RAM memory and the "too many chrome windows slowdown problem" is usually memory related and not processor speed related. You can ask your local shop for a price (shouldn't be expensive) or add it yourself if you know your motherboard type and aren't afraid of screwing open the desktop.

I very much am afraid of screwing it up. I wouldn't feel comfortable doing it myself.

**Sanity Check** · 05-25-19, 10:20 PM

Originally posted by ChuckyTheGoat

OK, first off let me admit to being technologically challenged. I'm old-school, and I don't like to change too much.

I have had a long-time Desktop computer that I've worked off for years. >10 years, in fact. I know most would say that puts it beyond the Age of Obsolescence. Surely, I've gotten more than my fair share of mileage off it.

I've recently tried to expand my horizons. My old desktop has slowed down (understandably). But I'm used to it, so I could using it as my primary computer.

Have bought two other computers in last six months:
*HP laptop, that I use for processing + travel.
*HP desktop, which I'm trying to convert as my Primary home computer.

I know I'm long-winded here. I don't really have a problem, just talking out loud. So, here's how I'm operating:

1) My old Desktop. It's getting old, I tend to open too many Chrome windows, which slows it down. One nice solution I've found for this is going to Windows Task Mgr and killing Chrome. Re-start Chrome and it will re-store your working windows, pretty much w/o fail. Have found this to refresh the Performance speed to at least Double.
2) My HP Laptop. Very happy w/ this one. The computing speed is pretty good. And the windows pop-up quickly.
3) My new HP Desktop. I'm a little disappointed. Speed is not quite what I had hoped for. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong.

The main bottleneck on operating performance is the hard drive.

It spins and has moving parts which makes it orders of magnitude slower than the CPU, RAM or anything built via solid state technology. If you could watch the execution of programs on a real time basis, you would notice the CPU idles for long periods of time waiting for data to be written/read to the hard disk. Upgrading to a solid state disk is the mod which usually yields largest performance gains.

RAM is the 2nd main performance bottleneck issue that arises. When RAM utilization peaks in the 60%-80% or higher range, computers switch to what is known as "virtual memory". It takes segments of data stored in RAM and begins to store them on the hard drive (it begins to treat your hard disk as if it were RAM) with a significant negative impact on performance.

Those are the basics. People used to heavily believe in things like "overclocking". CPUs in past eras used to be "de-tuned" similar to how some cars were released with performance engines that were de-tuned and could easily be modded for high performance. These days those gains tend to be far less as de-tuning on a performance basis is almost non-existent.

**brooks85** · 05-26-19, 08:02 AM

the main problem with ANY HP or Dell is bloatware.

get rid of the bloatware and you likely will not need to do no other upgrades. Very simple to do. If you can click a mouse then you can handle it.

**JAKEPEAVY21** · 05-26-19, 08:14 AM

Chucky, I buy a new inexpensive laptop($250-$300) every couple of years on Amazon. I've found that regardless of price, they usually die after a few years so I get cheap ones. I have a ~10 year old desktop as well in my office that i hardly ever use but it still works.

**Sanity Check** · 05-26-19, 08:43 AM

Originally posted by brooks85

the main problem with ANY HP or Dell is bloatware.

get rid of the bloatware and you likely will not need to do no other upgrades. Very simple to do. If you can click a mouse then you can handle it.

True.

Originally posted by JAKEPEAVY21

Chucky, I buy a new inexpensive laptop($250-$300) every couple of years on Amazon. I've found that regardless of price, they usually die after a few years so I get cheap ones. I have a ~10 year old desktop as well in my office that i hardly ever use but it still works.

If you have issues with dying hard drives, disabling active virus scan in the background can help w/that.

Constant reading/writing to the disk, the way 24/7 virus scan does, wears it down.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 05-26-19, 12:30 PM

Thx. Good info in here.

**peacebyinches** · 05-28-19, 04:31 PM

Originally posted by byronbb

SSD is a great idea. If you are technically challenged then my suggestion to try installing Ubuntu linux will be pointless but my main web browsing/youtube machine is a duo core 4GB ram with an ssd HD running Ubuntu, and i have no performance issues unless trying to play videos in 1080p.

I second this, maybe not for OP, but for others wanting some boost in their computing experience, Linux is the way to go.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 07-24-19, 08:34 PM

Originally posted by brooks85

the main problem with ANY HP or Dell is bloatware.

get rid of the bloatware and you likely will not need to do no other upgrades. Very simple to do. If you can click a mouse then you can handle it.

Fair comment. I never know what I need to delete. I'd hate to delete something I need later.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 07-24-19, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by peacebyinches

I second this, maybe not for OP, but for others wanting some boost in their computing experience, Linux is the way to go.

I have heard this. But how do I get SSD drives? Is that something I need to do at purchase?

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 07-24-19, 08:36 PM

This is still frustrating for me. New computer is way too slow.

Gonna keep doling out pts to anyone who posts good info in here.

**Sanity Check** · 07-24-19, 09:18 PM

Ctrl + alt + del

Click on task manager.

It has a tab that says: "startup".

Disable anything on the list that is not essential.

**Dr.Gonzo** · 07-25-19, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by ChuckyTheGoat

This is still frustrating for me. New computer is way too slow.

Gonna keep doling out pts to anyone who posts good info in here.

Find out the specs of you PC and post them here.
What is the CPU, how many cores?
What is the ram size and speed? You want 16gb for future proofing.
What is the GPU.
Someone will be able to tell you what you are working and with and what to expect.

**Dr.Gonzo** · 07-25-19, 09:22 PM

Originally posted by ChuckyTheGoat

I have heard this. But how do I get SSD drives? Is that something I need to do at purchase?

SSD is a type of hard drive, look at your computer specs to see if you have an SSD or mechanical Drive.

**gauchojake** · 07-26-19, 02:19 AM

SSD will help boot time but doesn't have anything to do with graphics. Most desktops today are being sold with a decent processor, so GPU and RAM is what you need to look at. The good news is that your motherboard likely has unused slots that you can use to upgrade the machine for a relatively small price.

**TheMoneyShot** · 07-26-19, 03:01 AM

Chucky... I feel for you man. Same boat you're in. A lot of posters have given you sound advice. It just takes time removing programs etc... and yes we all have made mistakes removing wrong programs before.

I purchased a HP gaming computer back in 2005. Paid around $2,300 for it. In 2012 the video card failed... practically worthless... not donating anymore money into it. So, $2,300 lasted me 7 years... that's not good enough. I won't donate to these a$$hole computer companies anymore.

I'm using a very old HP Desktop currently from 2005 (different one... not the gaming one.) 14 years now... and still going strong. Some guys are going to laugh... but here are some of the stats

2.80 GHz
Pentium 4 processor
Windows XP
2.50 GB RAM
Hard Drive at 150 GB

My computer starts up very quickly. I only run Chrome for my browser. I can only run like MAX 4 or 5 screens at once. If I'm running FoxSports or ESPN... I can only run that... and like one other page. lol

I get by... lol I also have a HP Laptop... I hardly use it... lol only for Bitcoin transactions lol

I don't think I'm old fashion... I just have ZERO TOLERANCE with products that don't last! I'll beat the product up until it dies... then I will buy new.

**RonPaul2008** · 07-26-19, 03:04 AM

If the new computer is slow then then either there is something wrong with the hardware or the software is making it slow. If it isn't the hardware, Install ubuntu linux and it should work better. You don't even have to uninstall windows, when you install linux it will give you the option to install linux alongside windows (this is called dual booting). You can also install linux on the old laptop. The information about ssd and ram are also good tips.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 07-26-19, 11:08 PM

Originally posted by TheMoneyShot

Chucky... I feel for you man. Same boat you're in. A lot of posters have given you sound advice. It just takes time removing programs etc... and yes we all have made mistakes removing wrong programs before.

I purchased a HP gaming computer back in 2005. Paid around $2,300 for it. In 2012 the video card failed... practically worthless... not donating anymore money into it. So, $2,300 lasted me 7 years... that's not good enough. I won't donate to these a$$hole computer companies anymore.

I'm using a very old HP Desktop currently from 2005 (different one... not the gaming one.) 14 years now... and still going strong. Some guys are going to laugh... but here are some of the stats

2.80 GHz
Pentium 4 processor
Windows XP
2.50 GB RAM
Hard Drive at 150 GB

My computer starts up very quickly. I only run Chrome for my browser. I can only run like MAX 4 or 5 screens at once. If I'm running FoxSports or ESPN... I can only run that... and like one other page. lol

I get by... lol I also have a HP Laptop... I hardly use it... lol only for Bitcoin transactions lol

I don't think I'm old fashion... I just have ZERO TOLERANCE with products that don't last! I'll beat the product up until it dies... then I will buy new.

I did find a nice link to removing bloatware. Got rid of 22 programs. Making baby steps.

**semibluff** · 07-27-19, 09:52 AM

My favourite laptop was new(ish) when Vista was new(ish). I hated Vista and put XP back on it. The screen stopped working about 7 years ago and i've been using it as a tower system since then. According to Defraggler its been switched on for 1844 days 1 hour - so 12 hours a day for 10 years, give or take. The thing that slows old computers down is memory usage on the drive. XP accounts for about 24 GB and if I keep the total for everything under about 31GB everything runs fast. 31-65 GB and it's pretty good. Over 65 GB and it slows down. Essentially old drives have 3 levels of memory: fast medium, and slow. If you go over the limit for fast then everything drops to medium. My advice is to buy an external drive and put everything you don't regularly use on that. All your back-ups, films, games, music if you store more than about 100 songs, etc should be stored there rather than on for hard drive, (C

.

Other things that slow you down are viruses and malware so run regular antivirus checks and use malwarebytes.

The next common issue is a bad/damaged section on your hard drive. Running chkdisk is something people should do. If you don't know how to do this then download a free copy of Glarysoft Utilities or Advanced System Care, (IObit), that will do it for you, (then remove it if don't want or use it again).

Keeping drivers updated tends to optimise component performance so you might consider adding Driver Booster, (IObit), and running an update. I'm not a fan of IObit so I tend to install their products, run clean-ups, then remove them again.

As a once every few months thing install BelarcAdvisor and run once. By all means delete it afterwards. It will provide you with a lot of useful system information including any updates missing and licences on your system. If you have a printer it's worth printing off all the information and keeping it in case you have future issues.

Lastly something i'd recommend for everyone - Tweaking.com's Window Repair. It's free and it's got me out of trouble more than once. Basically it can repair and reset your operating system without wiping all your data. Even if you never use it I recommend having it installed and updating it monthly. You never know when you'll need it. Run it at least once just to read the advice - especially the Power Drain. It's corny but that alone has helped in the past. All you have to do afterwards is reset the current date and some minor settings back to your preferences.

**TheMoneyShot** · 07-28-19, 08:56 AM

Not trying to hi-jack Chucky's thread... but rather use this one to ask a question.....

I have an Old Dell Inspiron 1764 Laptop... I believe the Hard Drive is dead. Won't boot up windows on power up. Ran Diagnostics and Hard drive failed. In my opinion all Dell laptops run extremely hot. Built like sh#$.

Anyways... going to replace the Hard Drive with a near replica... don't want to spend that much money on this thing. Found a new Hard drive for $16.99 on ebay.

Question is... I have all original Dell Operating System CD's... is it pretty much simple to replace old hard drive with the new one... and then pop the operating discs in.... and it should basically be plug in play? I was reading some threads online... they would prefer you have a bootable USB stick made? This is where I get confused? Do I just put the Operating System Data on the stick... and then just Boot from the stick?

Also, any tricks on getting the data off the old hard drive without hiring a computer tech?

**EVPlus** · 07-28-19, 10:06 AM

Originally posted by TheMoneyShot

Not trying to hi-jack Chucky's thread... but rather use this one to ask a question.....

I have an Old Dell Inspiron 1764 Laptop... I believe the Hard Drive is dead. Won't boot up windows on power up. Ran Diagnostics and Hard drive failed. In my opinion all Dell laptops run extremely hot. Built like sh#$.

Anyways... going to replace the Hard Drive with a near replica... don't want to spend that much money on this thing. Found a new Hard drive for $16.99 on ebay.

Question is... I have all original Dell Operating System CD's... is it pretty much simple to replace old hard drive with the new one... and then pop the operating discs in.... and it should basically be plug in play? I was reading some threads online... they would prefer you have a bootable USB stick made? This is where I get confused? Do I just put the Operating System Data on the stick... and then just Boot from the stick?

Also, any tricks on getting the data off the old hard drive without hiring a computer tech?

I would try replacing the oem drive with the replica, and then use the operating discs first.

As for getting data off the old and dead hard drive yourself, there's videos on youtube like this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mjn7d6wXcvA

The question is, just how often are you going to use the transfer kit you have to buy? It might be less hassle to have a shop do it - unless you have sensitive data on the hard drive and it worries you that an unscrupulous tech will copy it for themselves.

Regardless how you fix the laptop, I STRONGLY recommend an external cooling device. I had two laptops die sooner than expected due to over heating issues. I now use this:

Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Temperature-Auto-Temp-Detection-2600-5000RPM-Nintendo/dp/B01NACVLWM/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2RINCSP3M54KI&keywords=opolar+laptop+cooler&qid=1564325016&s=electronics&sprefix=opolar%2Caps%2C291&sr=1-1

I never let the temps go above 79F. It typically averages 77F. The disadvantage is it does drain the battery faster, but since I basically use my laptop for a desk top, it's not a hassle to keep the power supply plugged in.

I also went to Home Depot and bought little square rubber tabs that lift the laptop about half inch higher. This allows just a little more room underneath to let air circulate and keep the internal temps down.

With the above set up, SSD, 16g RAM, removal of all bloatware, regular updates, anti-virus, I don't have any problems running 15+ windows. And the laptop is going strong after 4+ years.

**TheMoneyShot** · 07-28-19, 05:39 PM

Thank you for info EVPlus

I will definitely look into it. I need all the help I can get.

**semibluff** · 07-29-19, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by EVPlus

...I never let the temps go above 79F. It typically averages 77F. The disadvantage is it does drain the battery faster, but since I basically use my laptop for a desk top, it's not a hassle to keep the power supply plugged in.

I also went to Home Depot and bought little square rubber tabs that lift the laptop about half inch higher. This allows just a little more room underneath to let air circulate and keep the internal temps down...

If you're using a laptop as a desk top/tower system my advice is to install a wireless mouse and keyboard then turn the laptop sidewards so the vent is now on top rather than on the side. It sounds silly but it makes a huge difference.

**TheMoneyShot** · 07-29-19, 12:14 PM

I was comparing the Dell Laptop with my HP Laptop....

Dell was made in 2011 I think??? HP Made in 2012.

The Dell runs extremely hot... just with basic Dell system files....

HP runs impressively cool.... again... just basic HP system files...

I hardly put anything on my laptops. I don't understand the difference? Dell is a POS.

**icon** · 07-29-19, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by TheMoneyShot

I was comparing the Dell Laptop with my HP Laptop....

Dell was made in 2011 I think??? HP Made in 2012.

The Dell runs extremely hot... just with basic Dell system files....

HP runs impressively cool.... again... just basic HP system files...

I hardly put anything on my laptops. I don't understand the difference? Dell is a POS.

Before you can blame the manufacturer you need to know what processor is in each machine.

Intel CPU's are more popular for laptops because they run cooler. AMD processors are notorious for creating a lot of heat. Also Intel CPU's tend to be better on power use/longer battery life and are more expensive. AMD CPU's are often used in budget laptops.

So it may not be the brand of laptop but type of CPU.

What CPU is in the Dell? What CPU is in the HP?

**TheMoneyShot** · 07-29-19, 01:03 PM

I won't run AMD in any computer. Purchased a custom HP AMD computer years ago... for gaming... had nothing but problems for the first 30 days of use. HP kept saying AMD is the BEST FOR GAMING. Computer would reboot on it's own for no reason. While playing a PC game.... game would just stop... and go right to the desktop screen.

HP was nice enough to allow me to upgrade to the Pentium chip at no additional cost. Had no issues for that particular desktop.

Now back to the laptops...

Dell Laptop 2.26 GHz Intel i5 Dual Core with 4 GB RAM (Model Dell Inspiron 1764)

HP Laptop 2.3 GHz Intel i5 Dual Core with 3 GB RAM (Model HP Probook 4530)

Only issue I have with the HP Laptop out of the box.... if you're typing a long essay... It will jump to a different section of the essay (ON IT'S OWN) and screw it up. Meaning almost over writing what you just typed. Then you have to backspace.... and edit etc. Doesn't matter what website I use.... doesn't matter if I'm using WORD.... it just jumps from paragraph to paragraph on it's own. I have no clue in why it does this. One day I will figure it out... not worried about it.... got the laptop free from Rakuten back in 2012... because I purchased so many electronics on a business account. Had to use the bonus points. So... got the laptop new.

**peacebyinches** · 07-30-19, 09:38 AM

Originally posted by TheMoneyShot

I won't run AMD in any computer. Purchased a custom HP AMD computer years ago... for gaming... had nothing but problems for the first 30 days of use. HP kept saying AMD is the BEST FOR GAMING. Computer would reboot on it's own for no reason. While playing a PC game.... game would just stop... and go right to the desktop screen.

HP was nice enough to allow me to upgrade to the Pentium chip at no additional cost. Had no issues for that particular desktop.

Now back to the laptops...

Dell Laptop 2.26 GHz Intel i5 Dual Core with 4 GB RAM (Model Dell Inspiron 1764)

HP Laptop 2.3 GHz Intel i5 Dual Core with 3 GB RAM (Model HP Probook 4530)

Only issue I have with the HP Laptop out of the box.... if you're typing a long essay... It will jump to a different section of the essay (ON IT'S OWN) and screw it up. Meaning almost over writing what you just typed. Then you have to backspace.... and edit etc. Doesn't matter what website I use.... doesn't matter if I'm using WORD.... it just jumps from paragraph to paragraph on it's own. I have no clue in why it does this. One day I will figure it out... not worried about it.... got the laptop free from Rakuten back in 2012... because I purchased so many electronics on a business account. Had to use the bonus points. So... got the laptop new.

There’s a chance this could be from accidentally touching the touch pad with your wrist or palm when typing, but there are also certain bugs with touch pads that require updating the touchpad drivers or if you use a mouse, disable the touch pad or change the settings so it’s less sensitive (some touch pads can be crazy sensitive). If that still doesn’t fix it I think there are actual third party programs designed to fix this (I think one is called “touch freeze” or something), but downloading extra crap is sort of going in the opposite direction as far as cpu performance, so try the other fixes first.

**TheMoneyShot** · 07-31-19, 04:05 PM

Originally posted by peacebyinches

There’s a chance this could be from accidentally touching the touch pad with your wrist or palm when typing, but there are also certain bugs with touch pads that require updating the touchpad drivers or if you use a mouse, disable the touch pad or change the settings so it’s less sensitive (some touch pads can be crazy sensitive). If that still doesn’t fix it I think there are actual third party programs designed to fix this (I think one is called “touch freeze” or something), but downloading extra crap is sort of going in the opposite direction as far as cpu performance, so try the other fixes first.

Thanks for the advice.

I'll check it out.

I'm getting that new hard drive for that Dell laptop in tomorrow's mail. I'm crossing my fingers that everything loads from CD tomorrow. Sh#$ like this never goes smooth for me lol Need all the luck I can get.

**TheMoneyShot** · 08-02-19, 07:57 AM

Received the hard drive in yesterday's mail. Popped it right in... perfect match from the original. Nice to know you can still trust people on Ebay to come through for you. $16.99 for a hard drive? You can't beat it. Back up and running.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 08-06-19, 12:42 AM

OK, this new HP is a piece of shit. Just can't run anything on it, at less than a snail's pace.

Thx for all the tips. I'm just a computer retard.