Maximizing Efficiency Windows 7

Mattisbak

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Dec 8, 2013
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So, I have been trying my best to make my computer as fast as all possible. I have download Advanced System care, Ccleaner, Game Booster, I have done some work to def-rag it and do everything I can, even unparked all cores. My computer Specs are as follows in this Gyazo link: http://gyazo.com/85055d640d1e655e28d645202a387e65 My computer is about 2 months old and has been running fine on most games but I would like to see the Maximum performance I could get out of it. I am not a real tech guy, I just know how to keep my computer clean and optimized for performance. I would just like some tips on how to speed it up even more. Maybe virtual ram, using a USB drive to use extra ram, I don't know what I should approach. Normally on games I get about 45-60fps on Medium settings, I want to be able to go on maximum settings at 60 fps, I don't need any higher then that. Please feel free to lend me some helpful advice, Thank you! :)
 

pyr0_m4n

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Unfortunately, that image does not give a clear understanding of your computer. I build performance computers and can help, but need some more information. I will try to answer some of your points.
1. Virtual RAM: Running RAM from a USB is very slow and normally pointless in term of gaming. USB ports do not transfer data as quickly as a RAM stick. If your motherboard can support it, installing another stick of RAM that matches your current stick/s will provide much more benefit.
2. Adv Sys care, Ccleaner, Game booster: Programs like this do provide some benefit. Game booster closes unneeded processes while playing games to free up CPU time. Ccleaner is more for just junk files and doesn't have any major impact on games. Defragmetation can improve load times during loading screens.

Please post a full list of system specs so that I can better answer your questions.
 

USAFRet

Titan
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Except for a once in a while scan from CCleaner, ditch those things. I've been doing this a long time, and IME the vast majority of 'Boosters' and 'Speed Improvers' and 'Optimizers' do more harm than good.
I've never seen one that gives more than a placebo effect. And anything they actually might do, you can do yourself.

Running a reputable AV, and routine scans with MalwareBytes and/or CCleaner is all you should need.

Those things running all the time does.....what? Sucks up system resources, doing junk you don't need it to do.
 

Mattisbak

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Maybe this is what you are looking for? http://gyazo.com/c492c9259fdf53e2af065109969115ac (Where it says "4 Logi..." It says 4 Logical Processors"

 

pyr0_m4n

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I want your graphics card model. Odds are, if you are getting 45 fps at medium, there's nothing you can do to play at ultra except buy a new graphics card. A 45 fps at medium translates to about 20 fps on ultra which is basically unplayable without heavy lag.
 

Mattisbak

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I try to open up my graphic cards settings and I get this http://gyazo.com/d8d075b512247714e8496b713e2f5486 I updated my driver a few days ago and Now I can't change anything!

 

Mattisbak

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AMD Radeon HD 8570D
 

pyr0_m4n

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Based on that graphics adapter, you will be able to run some games at lower settings, but there is no way you will ever be able to play anything on max settings. It just doesn't have the power. No matter what programs you use, or even try to bulk up every other part of the computer, that adapter will always bottleneck it. Based on benchmarks for your computer, you would not be able to reach maximum settings in the majority of modern games at a playable framerate. Even a full size 7870 can only reach 25 FPS on ultra for Far Cry 3. That card is 450% more powerful than yours.
 

Mattisbak

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Darn, that's not what I wanted to hear..You have any advice as to what I could do for the cheapest alternative and how it would effect my gaming performance?
 

pyr0_m4n

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It depends. If you are stuck with this computer, there's really not much you can do. Without a dedicated graphics card, you are extremely limited in your options. The adapter you have is an APU. This is AMD's built in graphics that are based on the CPU itself. This has zero dedicated memory. In order to get better performace, and before I could suggest anything else, I'd need to know what motherboard you use to give me an idea of what would be best. Do you know offhand or happen to have a serial number or something for the computer so I can look it up?
 

Mattisbak

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13gp1680m180-1 Is inprinted on the base of the computer if that's what you are looking for
 

pyr0_m4n

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Sorry, it's not. I'm assuming this is a desktop. You never specified if it was, but I assume it is since that APU you have is used in desktops I've seen. If you open the side panel on your case, look towards the center of the motherboard. You are looking for a code like this: "GA-990FXA-UD3" This is the model number and it's usually below the processor somewhere. Also, if you are planning to upgrade, giving me a budget can help you select new components easier.
 

Mattisbak

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m113b-uUS0030 is what I found.

 

pyr0_m4n

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Sadly, I cannot find any information on this board. It may be a proprietary board from the manufacturer. However, it should have a PCIex16 slot on it. Placing a GPU in this slot would significantly increase your gaming power. I did do some research on your CPU. It was placed in specific desktop models. Each one had at least one expansion slot that could be used for a graphics card. However, the majority of these computers didn't have Power supplies that could support an addition. Without actually knowing your specific computer, i cant go any further into detail. If you can find a way (such as newegg page or amazon) to give me an idea of what you use, then I can help more.
 

Mattisbak

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Mattisbak

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I got the computer about 2 months ago from Newegg.com, here is all of the specs listed on the page about the computer I am on right now, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220449
 

pyr0_m4n

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Ok, you DO have a PCIe slot that a graphics card can go in, but your power supply is too weak to handle a decent card. You will need to upgrade to at least a 500w PSU in order to add a decent graphics card. Other than that, I see no problem with adding on a better GPU.
 

Mattisbak

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So what are you telling me? If I was on a 100$ budget, what could I get? I also have a 2 year old computer with a 3gb graphics card that plays this game at 15fps lowest settings. Would that be any good also?
 

pyr0_m4n

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For $100, you are pretty much out of luck. To go maximum settings in modern games at 60 FPS, (BF4, Far Cry 3) you will need at least a r9 280x which costs approx $450. That's not including the PSU that you would need just to power the thing. You might be able to play max settings with a cheap r9 270, but most modern games will lag. As for the other computer, i would need to know the parts inside before I can give advice on it.