Will SSD improve performance of an old laptop?

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whitenack

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Jun 26, 2012
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We have an old laptop here at our office that is frustrating it's user. The main frustration is the slow boot and load times. In the past, we would just replace this laptop with a new one. However, I wonder if a new SSD would be enough of a upgrade or if it would wouldn't be worth it on such an old machine.

The machine is a Dell Vostro 1500 bought in 11/2007. It has a Intel Core 2 Duo 2.2GHz and 3GB RAM.

Obviously this is such an old machine that the knee-jerk reaction would be to just replace it. However, the laptop is for a part time employee so it doesn't have to be top of the line. All it will be used for is data processing, internet, etc. Also, I have another machine that the SSD could be used on if it didn't do any good and we just had to replace the laptop anyway.
 
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whitenack

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Thanks for the replies. The problem it has now is it grinds and grinds on loading programs, especially when it has just been booted. The HD light stays lit for 15 minutes or so. We also deal with a lot of email, so starting up outlook and opening the inbox takes a long time. Would an SSD not make a big difference here?
 
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paladin2006

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Jan 2, 2014
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Hello!

I assume that Your laptop's HDD is heavily fragmented and filled up with data. If the laptop wasn't so slow before in similar tasks, than it is probably the fragmentation problem. The best method to improve performance is to reinstall OS and every program that You need. If this is somewhat undesired at the moment, than defragmentation may help.

The more free space is left on HDD the better. If HDD is almost completely filled up, move some data onto local network disk or external HDD, into cloud or burn few DVDs to free up some space. Use a defragmentation program, for example: Piriform Defraggler (Free); Raxco Perfect Disk or O&O Defrag (both are sold for some money, but You can use them in trial mode as well).

If the hard disk is making unusually loud or unfamiliar noises, like clicking, than it is better to quickly backup the most important data. Check S.M.A.R.T. data of the HDD to see if any of the attributes is in the red line. CrystalDiskInfo will do the job (it is free; portable zip version is also available).

And if You are going to reinstall OS (with SSD disk installation you are most likely to do it), use Windows 7 or 8.1, because native Vista is inferior to them (in terms of performance) per se.

As for the laptop's hardware specs, it is more than sufficient for simple everyday purposes. So the simple choice are:

1) Defragment HDD;

2) Reinstall OS (with bundled Vista OS);

3) Install SSD and Windows 7/8.1.


Regards.
 
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