Recommendation on increasing system performance

cesardantas

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Jan 19, 2014
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I have been using a Sony Vaio VPCCW13FB laptop for more than 4 years now. Over the last year, I have noted that its performance has dramatically slowed. I tend to think it is due to heavier apps being used on top of a relatively old system. Having said this, what actions could be taken to increase system performance/speed? Is it recommended to increase RAM memory from 4GB (current) to 8GB (maximum possible)?

Current OS: Windows 8
System info:
cpu1w.jpg

cpu2s.jpg
 

Ironsounds

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Hello... Look in your TASK MANAGER, and look under the PERFORMANCE tab and see if you running Low PHYSICAL MEMORY in you every day tasks.
Also look into your Disk for Un-Deleted Files Cookies/internet etc... Do a DISK Cleanup... Defrag the drive... Look here, C:\Users\* Your Name *\AppData\Local\Temp and delete it all. you might have to enable "View Hidden files" in Windows settings.
You need a good Quad Core Processor for Windows7-8 and a minimum of 8gb these days.
 

LummusMaximus

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If you have dual RAM slots, then you should really make sure to use similar RAM sticks in each to increase integrated graphical performance- i.e. x2 4GB 533MHz. You could always pop in an SSD, as that'll make everything feel so much zippier.
 
Generally speaking, if you are using RAM hungry apps, then yes, additional RAM can help.

As for the comment regarding quad cores... while having 4 cores is better than having 2 cores in general, it is not really a requirement for Win 7 or Win 8.
 

cesardantas

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Jan 19, 2014
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As Ironsounds suggested, I performed a disk cleanup, deleted all files from temp and took the following screenshots from task manager - I didn't even run basic tasks as the office package, mindmap software, mirroring content or batch downloads:

Task Manager (CPU)

Task Manager (Disk)

Task Manager (Memory)

The point is if buying similar RAM sticks, 4GB each, as put forward by LummusMaximus, would really influence overall system performance or would amount to a complete waste of money. Are there standardized tests that can be put to the test?

Best regards.
 

Ironsounds

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Hello... Here is great free PC test Software, http://www.passmark.com/download/pt_download.htm Here is your CPU Passmark rating, http://www.passmark.com/cpubenchmark/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Core2+Duo+P7450+%40+2.13GHz&id=968 Here is the Performance available Today, http://www.cpubenchmark.net/high_end_cpus.html
It all depends what you want/expect from your laptop and your needs... They are great portable Tools, but if you are in need of workstation performance in your Home, There are alot of great options, and they start with a fast CPU/MB.
The Biggest speed increase for your laptop would be a SSD drive, and you will have to backup/re-install files/programs, unless you can just ADD another drive to it... but you will also be able to carry that investment over into future computer use.
If you are out using other Computers, and then you come home to yours, that is when you will Notice performance differences.
 

jeff-j

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Dec 13, 2013
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I would say run disk cleaner, do a msconfig and remove any programs that you dont need to start up with windows, uninstall any old programs, download ccleaner and clean both the registy and temp files. Make sure your disk defrag is working and that it has run recently. For hardware upgrades to improve performance max out your ram, and install a SSD hard drive, with a clean install of windows, and use the windows easy transfer tool to move your profile and documents/photos/music.

Also when you installed windows 8 did you do a clean install or upgrade from 7?
 

Ironsounds

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Hello... Your laptop has a 5400 rpm drive and is over 4 years old... The hardrive is your slowest Data component and is prone to failure... you will be able to re-use your SSD in another system for versatility... Also it provides faster Temporary Page File memory.

The ram is important too... but I would buy low priced and maybe Used on Ebay... You will have to get two 4gb sticks and remove your old sticks for re-sale? But that ram is half the speed of modern computer memory, and may not be compatable/usable into a future computer upgrade.
You can install a faster Spec'd Memory modules, But they will only run at 533, But it is easier to find/Buy and use in a future Laptop.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=100007609%20600006178%20600000401&IsNodeId=1&name=8GB%20%282%20x%204GB%29&Order=PRICE
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=ddr3&Number%2520of%2520Pins=204&_dcat=170083&_sop=15&_osacat=0&Form%2520Factor=SO%252DDIMM&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR10.TRC1.A0.Xddr3+2x4gb&_nkw=ddr3+2x4gb&_sacat=0&_from=R40
 

cesardantas

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Jan 19, 2014
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Ironsounds, Jeff-j, I will check out SSD.

And with regard to RAM Memory, If I were to buy these modules, would it be compatible with my Sony Vaio VPCCW13FB?

At Kingston website, it lists this one as being compatible: KVR1333D3S9/4G, Brief description: 4GB 1333MHz DDR3 Non-ECC CL9 SODIMM, Detailed description: Standard 512M X 64 Non-ECC 1333MHz 204-pin Unbuffered SODIMM (DDR3, 1.5V, CL9, 2Gbit, FBGA, Gold).