Is Your High End Computer Running Slow?
So you’ve spent all this hard-earned cash on a computer that boasts some impressive specs on paper. Your heart sinks when you notice that performance is lacking or you have to wait when you shouldn’t for things to happen. But maybe you can fix the problem if you know why it keeps happening.
Please Note: This article addresses performance problems with computers and not speed related to your internet connection.
Why Is My High End Computer Running Slow?
All the reasons that we will discuss boil down to one thing: how you use the machine. When installing extensions, browsing the web, downloading apps, creating different types of files, and downloading all your movies and music, your computer will inevitably build up virtual detritus that eventually affects its performance.
Here are some issues that might make your computer slow.
1. Background programs and applications
When you click the start button on your computer, many programs automatically start running and getting ready for use.
But, unfortunately, when you get to work on the computer, all these background programs are already running and using up resources.
Some programs even continue running in the background after closing their windows, and you need to end their process manually.
All these programs run in the background and siphon on your processing power, eventually slowing down the programs in use.
Aaron Schoeffler, a computer repair doctor at LaptopMD, says the most common disease slowing down your laptop is the startup programs competing for resources and ruining your computer’s speed.
Solution
To solve this problem and improve performance, you must disable auto-start for unnecessary apps on your Mac or PC. Here is what to do depending on the machine you are using:
Windows PC
Use Windows Task Manager to close all programs running in the background. To do this, hit Ctrl + Alt + Delete on the keyboard and select Task Manager.
Then click on more details in the left-hand bottom corner. You will then see a list of all the running programs using up your RAM and memory.
For startup programs, click on the startup tab at the end of the task manager window. Then, close all the running startup programs that are not necessary.
Too many startup programs are one of the most common things that cause slow boot times and poor system running speed.
From here, you can check which programs are resource-intensive and affect the computer’s performance if left running. Now, sort out the programs to be closed and click on the end task to complete them.
Mac
You might need to configure login items in the machine’s system preferences. For example, go to Applications, click on Systems Preferences, User Groups, and Login Items.
This will show you a list of all the programs that affect the computer’s speed use. Now you need to uncheck unneeded programs.
If you have desktop icons, you don’t use, delete, or move them to trash. You can also move the files on your desktop to their appropriate folders if needed.
Note that some programs running in the background are necessary for your laptop to work correctly. Therefore, when ending potentially unnecessary processes, make sure you know what the program is before you disable it.
2. Malware infection
Viruses and spyware can mess with your computer’s performance. They can hijack your browser, push advertising or phishing sites and even completely crash your system.
Your computer can be infected by something as simple as opening emails from unknown or suspicious senders or downloading files from weird and suspicious websites.
Some malware only affects your computer performance by showing you unwanted ads or hijacking your hardware resources, while others can allow hackers to steal valuable information from your computer.
Solution
We highly recommend having a reliable antimalware and antivirus program on your machine.
Besides, avoid opening emails from sources you do not trust or visiting sites that are not safe.
Windows PC
To remove malware, open the search bar on your computer, type Security into the search box, and click Open. Next, select Virus & Threat Protection and then click Quick Scan.
Mac
Here is a step-by-step guide on scanning for malware on your Mac.
If all else fails, back up your most important files, start fresh with a complete format of your HDD or SSD, and reinstall your operating system from scratch.
3. Problems with your hard drive
The hard drive is the temporal lobe of your computer/laptop. The spinning disk stores your data in binary code using magnetism. If it is not in top condition, your computer will most likely slow down.
Sometimes it might be the hard drive is nearing the end of its lifespan, or maybe there is no space left, or perhaps it is just outdated and needs to be updated.
Either way, any of these problems can be why your processor is slowed down.
Solution
The first step is to run a hard drive check. Check how much space is remaining in the hard drive. Check for other hard disk issues if the storage is not the issue.
Windows
Go to Computer, right-click on the drive, select Properties, then Tools / Check Now. You can then select “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”.
This will prevent it from accessing the “bad” areas on the hard drive. Wait patiently for it to finish scanning.
Mac
Perform a scan of your hard drive.
To extend your hard disk’s lifespan, avoid any impact on the hard drive. Consider upgrading from a hard disk drive to an SSD as well.
4. Too many temporary files taking up storage
When you create or modify a file, the computer automatically stores a copy (a temporary file). Temporary file extensions usually end with “temp.”
Unfortunately, some computers do not delete these files even after closing the program. As a result, these files take up a lot of storage and eventually slow down your machine.
Solution
To prevent this, you need to delete these files manually. First, go to the search bar on your computer, then type Disk Cleanup and click Open.
In the window that appears, click on the drive you intend to clean, then click on the Temporary Files box. A list of files will pop up.
From here, you can delete all the temporary files in storage that are taking up memory.
5. CPU Bottleneck
Even if you are not into gaming, your computer can experience a CPU bottleneck. This happens when the processor is not strong enough to meet certain program demands.
In addition, a CPU bottleneck can occur if you pair a low-grade CPU with high-end devices.
For example, using a super-fast graphics card on an entry-level desktop processor is likely not working well.
Likewise, you may notice lower performance with CPU-intensive games even though your GPU is more capable.
Solution
To address the CPU bottleneck adequately, you should first understand what is causing it. If you are using new hardware, then it is easier to identify.
But if it’s an installed program causing the bottleneck, you will need to check to know which software is the problem.
Ensuring that the programs you run on the computer and the processor match the high-end equipment could solve the problem.
At the very least, try and reduce the gap in performance between your system and the CPU by performing an upgrade that is compatible with your motherboard and suits your budget.
6. Clear browser cache and cookies
Caches are created and stored every time you visit a webpage. These files are kept as small files in your Temporary Internet Files folder.
Your personal information and browsing history are also stored as cookies. Over time, this information piles up and takes up a lot of memory space.
Solution
Ensure that you regularly clear out your browser cache and cookies to allow your browser to work faster when loading pages and reduce the amount of storage they could eat up.
Depending on your browser, you may find these settings under the Settings menu, History, then click on Clear Browsing Data (some browsers label it Clear Cache & Cookies). Finally, click on confirm to delete the cache and cookies.
High-end laptop running slow
Whether your high-end laptop is new or old, you can corrupt the hard drive or slow it by making a few rookie mistakes. Fortunately, these mistakes are often reversible.
If your high-end laptop runs too slow, run a malware scan to see any malicious viruses downloaded.
Another solution is to ensure that your laptop meets all of the requirements of the games and other programs you’re running (RAM, storage, graphics cards, etc.).
Laptops are often outdated within a few years, so it’s best to run one RAM-intensive program at a time—close old files when you’re not using them.
High-end PC running slow
High-end PCs are often favored over laptops because you can remove and replace parts. Your computer won’t become outdated if you’re always adding upgraded components.
As with a high-end laptop, ensure your PC meets all program requirements, then check for malware.
You should also check the parts’ compatibility if you built them home. Many PC parts aren’t compatible, which could cause them to overheat or slow down.
Try the System Builder tool by PCPartPicker to know if your parts are compatible. In addition, you can read this article to learn more about how to tell if computer parts are compatible with each other.
How to prevent your computer from getting slow
As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. There are very few things that are as annoying as a slow computer.
A slow computer processor goes hand in hand with slow internet. These two can make you pluck out your hair in frustration.
So to help you avoid getting a taste of this frustration, here are tips and tricks that have proven helpful in preventing computers from slowing down.
Do not install unnecessary software
Installing random software messes with your computer’s performance and leaves it with the risk of slowing down or even worse.
It also helps to peruse your apps constantly and uninstall ones you have not used. Avoid keeping programs you do not use, as these will only take up space without adding value to your computer.
Pay attention when you are installing a new program. Unfortunately, some software sources include random toolbars and other unnecessary resource-hogging programs on their apps to make a quick buck.
Instead of just running through the installation process without much thought, take your time and pay attention to what you are installing.
Ensure to uncheck boxes for anything extra that is added to the app.
Upgrade computer RAM and install a fast SSD
RAM is in charge of holding all the programs that you are actively using. It is known as a computer’s short-term memory. 4 GB RAM should be the minimum amount to run a computer for everyday use.
But if you use your computer for gaming or other resource-intensive purposes like video editing or programming. In that case, you should consider increasing your RAM before your computer’s performance worsens.
The good old hard disk is one of the limiting factors of your long-term computer memory.
When you open a program, the hard disk has to look for those files one byte at a time before transferring them to the RAM.
As such, it is expected that this method is not very efficient and can be painfully slow. Therefore, switching to SSD (solid-state drive) is advisable if you want your computer to work more efficiently.
Although your high-end computer most likely comes with an SSD, you should consider getting one if you don’t have one.
An SSD is a digital successor to the hard disk with more spank and does the job more efficiently. In addition, it is faster by at least ten times.
So, your files will process and open much faster compared to the hard disk.
Install OS updates and reboot regularly
Whether you use Mac or Windows, it helps your computer performance by installing operating system updates as soon as they are released.
These updates discover and patch any new security holes that would otherwise let malware into your system.
You can set your computer to install updates automatically or ensure to update when you get a prompt.
Reboot your computer regularly as well. Rebooting allows the system to install and update programs that would otherwise not update when it’s on.
It also cleans up the computer and frees up RAM that is sometimes taken up by poorly coded programs.
Run a disk defragment
A fragmented disk essentially works a lot harder and slows down your computer. Disk defragmentation will help rearrange the fragmented data and store it in one place.
It also ensures that all programs are in one place and that any unused space on the drive is also in one place. This will allow your disk to work more efficiently, and your computer will be much faster.
You can schedule a disk defragmentation, but you can do it manually by clicking on My Computer (or This PC), right-clicking on the Hard Drive, and then select Properties. Then, under the Tools tab, click on Defragment Now.
Note: While this suggestion works for HDDs, it’s not the best for SSDs. If your high-end computer uses a solid-state drive, don’t run disk defragmentation because it can ruin the hard drive.
Do not let your boot drive fill up
Monitor the main storage space, and do not wait until it is filled. To run smoothly, your computer needs free space on drive C, which holds the Operating system.
If this space is 90 percent full, the system won’t have enough space to create temporary files and will have to delete and recreate files, which takes time constantly, and you’ll feel your system has become slower.
Always ensure a few gigabytes of free space on the boot drive. Keep track of your apps and constantly uninstall anything unnecessary. This will ensure that there is always free space on this drive.
Use CCleaner frequently on Windows machines to clean up temporary files
Please do not wait until piles of junk affect your computer’s performance before you clean them up. Instead, run CCleaner at least once a month to help eliminate the junk.
It can also scan the size, trim any untidy register codes, and notify you of programs set to run on startup. This will help you know which programs are unnecessary and uninstall them.
Mac is very efficient with self-maintenance and will probably not need you to do this manually.
