Optimize performance by adjusting settings and processes.
Optimize performance by adjusting settings and processes.
It's been about three years since I last changed my PC settings, and it still works well, though it occasionally freezes briefly during tasks like video editing or gaming. I’m hesitant to format now because I plan to upgrade my system in six months, and re-installing programs would be inconvenient. What options can help me tidy up Windows without losing much performance? My current specs are: Intel Core i7-4770 CPU, MSI H97 motherboard, Corsair Vengeance DDR3 RAM at 1600MHz, 8GB, a GTX 2060 gaming GPU, Gigabyte GeForce RTX 2060, OC case with Fractal Design, Define R5 SSD, Kingston V300 SSD (120GB), WD Blue 1TB drive, and a Samsung 850 EVO 250GB SSD. I also have a Silent Pro cooler for efficient cooling.
I’ll check the telemetry data, but I currently have a 2x4 GB RAM stick. From what I found online, I can’t enable quad channel with my CPU. A pair of 2x8 GB DDR3 modules is around 100€ new or about 80€ used, which is roughly the same as new DDR4 models I’ll get later this year.
List all installed programs and delete the unnecessary ones. Starting from a standard Windows setup, you can reduce its size without major performance gains. There are options to reinstall Windows smoothly, depending on which applications you wish to keep.
It might not be due to long-term Windows usage. It could stem from new features introduced in recent updates—especially in the defender toolset—but not just that. Open the control panel and review all settings; disable any you don’t use. Windows offers many enhancements that users often overlook. Missing quad channel support doesn’t prevent using four memory sticks, as they can still function in dual-channel mode.
Recently, TechyCity produced a video on the topic (worth checking out).