Dell 3350 - how to make Win 7 snappy

[clifftam]

Hello,

I am running a Dell 3350.
- i5-2430M @ 2.4 Ghz
- 4 GB Ram
- Win 7 64 bit
- Seagate ST9500423AS HD (7200 RPM w/ 500 GB)

I notice that when i use daily usage like opening excel or word, there's a lag. The lag is a few seconds.

Just wondering what's the best way to reduce this lag. Should I upgrade to 8 GB Ram?

Is there certain settings I need to change in Win 7? I already reduce the loading time by removing unnecessary boot up programs.

Any suggestion will be great.

Thanks!

 

[dodger46]

Smartest thing you could do would be to invest in an SSD for running Windows and your favourite progs., they will then load in an instant...

 

[bgrt]

Get an SSD, you won't regret it.

 

[clifftam]

thanks guys...i will think about it ...SSD still a bit pricey for me....

 

[nbelote]

$34.99 after a $20 rebate: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227542

I have had one of those (sold it with the laptop I put it in). Not current tech but it'll do more than what you're asking for. One of those in the internal hard drive bay in the laptop, plus a HDD caddy for the optical drive bay containing the original 500GB hard drive and you'll never look back.

Of course you lose your optical drive but how often do we use those nowadays? I have a cheap $30 external I got off of eBay for occasions when I need one (only reinstalling Windows, realistically).

 

[clifftam]

Best answer selected by clifftam.