PC is slow, any low costs suggestions?

michsmit

I have an ASUS mini desktop with the following spec:

Intel Pentium N3700 1.6GHz
4GB of RAM

The model/case is as follows:
https://www.asus.com/uk/Tower-PCs/K20CE/

The PC runs slowly, slow to boot, slow to browse the internet. I'm reluctant to replace.

Many thanks

esuhl

Has it always run this slowly?


You could visit speedtest.net to check your broadband speed.


What OS are you running? In Windows, you might want to run msconfig to see if you have lots of (unwanted?) programs running at startup.


Also worth running scans with MalwareBytes and adwCleaner to check for malware.

dipsomaniac

if using windows first stop/step

file explorer > this pc > cdrive > right click > properties > disk cleanup > cleanup system files (make sure you tick all options)

Neil_Jones

This is another one of these "bargain" machines that basically use laptop parts that have been put together in a full size case. It was slow when you bought it unfortunately, that processor (N3700) you find them in laptops where the focus is more on energy saving than performance.

You could probably replace the mechanical drive with an SSD to give a bit of a boost but don't expect miracles.

psychic_teabag

What applications do you usually run ? Is it mostly just a browser for surfing the web ?

markfj

Ccleaner I find helps to a point

fred246

Years ago I used to do an annual reinstall of Windows. Partly because it was far cheaper to buy a new Norton Security disk than it was to renew my current one. It also meant I did an annual backup of important documents. It's always much faster after a reinstall. If you are just using it for basic surfing, Microsoft Office it might be worth a try. The processor is a bit slow but not awful.

Heedtheadvice

Do the above recomnendations first.
If still not happy with speed consider buying a refurbished machine. They can be feally good and much faster than your present one. As examples only (not specific recommendations) do a search for 'refurbished pc' and have a look at those offered from Amazon such as https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lenovo-ThinkCentre-Professional-Certified-Refurbished/dp/B00TFYF6DS/ref=sr_1_15?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1546250409&sr=1-15&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_browse-bin%3A3240862031
I preferred a Dell and have been very pleased with it for the last two years but also added an SSD which makes a marked improvement.


If those are within your 'cheap' price range (from under £100 upwards) post back on here and get some specific machine advice prior to purchase. Many on here who will advise which one to buy rather than taking pot luck!

googler

Are you connecting to your home router with WiFi or ethernet cable? If WiFi, and your PC is close to the router, try an ethernet cable.

Download WinDirStat and run it to see if any particular files are clogging up the HDD

Have you taken a look through Explorer to see if the HDD is full or near-full?


Lastly, how much are you willing to spend to improve things, if it turns out spending is required?

Norman_Castle

The PC runs slowly, slow to boot, slow to browse the internet.

Assuming you're using windows. scan with Malwarebytes, tidy up with ccleaner then use ccleaner to remove programmes from the start up list. Google any you don't recognise.

mksysb

Replace Windows with Linux. Xubuntu would be a good distro to try first.