Why Your High End PC is Underperforming?

Some general reasons cause issues in all computers, whereas some specific reasons cause only high-end PCs to underperform based on their configuration.

Let’s explore the more specific reasons that cause PCs to underperform along with solutions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Even a high-end computer may underperform due to inadequate maintenance resulting in accumulation of dust and debris, malware infections, having a lot of temporary files and a lot of apps and programs running in the background.
• The system may also underperform CPU bottleneck, storage and cache issues, too many cookies in it, incompatible parts, outdated drivers, faulty memory, inefficient cooling and not rebooting the system ever.
• Using a computer for cryptocurrency mining, which is a craze today, may also affect the system if the components are not ideal and powerful for these specific purposes.

Common Reasons Why Your High-End PC is Underperforming 

Accumulation of Virtual Debris

Every PC’s underperformance is usually caused by how the device is being used.

Browsing the web, installing extensions, creating a variety of files, and downloading apps, music and movies results in an accumulation of virtual debris overtime.

This is where performance issues begin in all computers.

Solution: Use your PC with great care, avoid downloading random files and use a dedicated cleaning software to clean and optimize your PC.

Background Applications & Programs

As soon as you click the start button several applications/programs prepare for use by running in the background.

So, when you start working on your computer there are several programs already running and utilizing resources.

Some programs keep running even after their windows have been closed. They only stop running after their process is ended manually.

Since, a computer’s processing power is being siphoned by background programs the ones actively in use tend to slow down.

Solution: Use the Task Manager to disable auto start for programs that won’t actively be used. Also, close resource intensive programs when not in use.

Malware Infection

Spyware and viruses are a serious threat that negatively impacts a PC’s performance.

They takeover browsers, push phishing and advertising websites and have the ability to completely crash the system.

Things as simple as downloading files from suspicious websites that aren’t secure and opening emails received from suspicious senders can cause malware infections.

Some malware are designed to only hijack hardware resources and display annoying ads, whereas others are used by hackers to steal information.

Solution: You must install and regularly update an effective antivirus and antimalware program on your PC.

Scan your device regularly to detect and remove viruses and malware. Additionally, ignore suspicious emails and avoid visiting websites that are not secure.

Excessive Temporary Files

During creation and modification of files computers are designed to save a copy in the form of a temporary file.

Not all computers automatically delete these files after programs are closed, hence such files accumulate overtime and result in performance issues.

Solution: Manually deleting temp files will save you and your PC a lot of trouble. Regularly delete all temporary files that occupy space.

CPU Bottleneck

A CPU bottleneck can also occur in computers that are not used for gaming.

A bottleneck occurs when a PC’s performance starts to stall under the demands of certain applications.

Chances of a CPU bottleneck occurring increase dramatically when processors are weak and when low-grade CPUs are used alongside high-end devices.

CPU intensive games can cause a bottleneck even when the GPU i.e. The Graphics Processing Unit is capable.

Solution: If you happen to be using new hardware and a bottleneck has occurred it is more than likely a hardware issue.

If a software is causing issues due to its own limitations, you will have to check to identify which software is at fault.

Furthermore, you must ensure the software being used and your PC’s processor are compatible with your other high-end equipment.

Clear Cookies & Browser Cache

Each time you visit a website, caches are made and saved as small files.

Your browsing history along with your personal information are saved as cookies.

Gradually, accumulation of such files takes up a considerable amount of memory and your PC may start underperforming as a result.

Solution: Ensure frequently deleting cookies and browser cache, as this allows browsers to work more efficiently. Access your browser’s settings to delete cache and cookies.

Full SSD

Solid State Drives or SSDs are remarkably faster as compared to Hard Disk Drives or HDDs.

However, they slow down a high-end PC’s performance dramatically the more they are filled up.

It’s easy to keep your PC & SSD running at top speed provided you never fill up your SSD beyond 70% of its total capacity.

Solution: If your SSD is almost 70% full you may have to delete some files or upgrade to a larger drive.

Problems Related to HDD

The Hard Disk Drive or HDD is generally the primary and most important data storage device in computers.

Using magnetism, it stores your data/information in binary code.

Your HDD may be outdated, close to its lifespan’s end or almost entirely full. Consequently, your PC’s processor will slow down and underperform.

Another common problem HDDs tend to experience is fragmentation.

Fragmentation occurs when data is fragmented i.e. it is no longer written as a connected cluster on the drive and several fragments of it are physically spread out on the drive.

Since, a single file turns into several fragments it takes longer to access the file.

Solution: To identify what is causing HDD issues, a hard drive check must be run.

If there is empty space remaining in your hard drive and storage concerns are ruled out, you must then check for other problems with the HDD.

You must start the process of defragmentation, as it pieces together all fragmented pieces of files to write them on the drive as cohesive connected clusters, thereby making it possible to quickly access files saved on the drive.

Compatible Computer Parts

 Incompatible computer parts play a huge role in hampering a PC’s performance.

Hence, each part must be chosen with great care while keeping compatibility in mind.

The fastest way of determining if two computer parts are compatible is by reading their product pages on their respective manufacturer’s websites, as a compatibility list is usually included.

Solution: To ensure that the various computer parts you plan on using are compatible with one another you may have to research extensively, consult an expert or use a system builder tool.

Dust Accumulation

Dust build up negatively impacts a computer’s performance and the two primary ways it does so is by causing computer components to hold onto heat, thereby making it harder for internal fans to cool the CPU down.

This layer of dust and added heat reduce the entire system’s efficiency.

Solution: To clean your PC use compressed air along with a microfiber cloth.

Then blow and wipe to get rid of all dust. Additionally, keep the surroundings of your PC clean by vacuuming as often as you can.

The ten aforementioned reasons are general issues that result in underperformance. They are applicable to all computers including your high end one.

The following reasons, however, are generally specific and limited to high-end PCs.

Rebooting

No computers have been designed to run efficiently for hours on end without being shut down even for a brief moment.

Hence, rebooting your PC regularly is essential to its wellbeing.

In fact, you must reboot before attempting to troubleshoot for any performance related issues. Rebooting almost always succeeds in solving minor issues.

Solution: Whenever you notice your PC slowing down and beginning to underperform, simply reboot your PC, as it is a simple quick fix.

Overclocking

Overclocking refers to the use of more power, which results in generation of more heat.

Hence, if internal fans remain unable to provide adequate cooling the GPU and CPU also heat up, which in turn causes thermal throttling.

Thermal throttling slows down hardware to decrease power usage and heat generation.

Solution: Restarting your device will help with overclocking as internal fans spin even while shutting down and rebooting.

This will reduce heating in a more quick and efficient manner. Additionally, airflow to and around your PC must be improved, as confined spaces cause overheating.

Faulty RAM

RAM or Random Access Memory is the hardware that stores programs and tasks in active use so that the processor can access them immediately.

You can easily identify early onset of RAM failure by observing gradually diminishing performance.

If your PC works efficiently for a short while after being powered up and then begins to lag after a few hours of use, you can be certain that your PC’s RAM is either faulty or has started to fail.

Solution: Running no more than two programs simultaneously can help your PC’s RAM perform better. If nothing improves by doing so, replacing or upgrading the RAM will be your only option.

Outdated Drivers

Computers rely on drivers in order to communicate with all hardware components connected to them.

Hence, if your PC’s drivers are outdated then communication between components will be hindered. Outdated drivers will cause delays, as communication with connected hardware components takes longer.

Solution: On the internet you can look for the latest versions of compatible drivers, download and then install them.

Or else, you can choose to install a reliable driver updating software, which will locate and automatically install up-to-date compatible drivers.

Cryptocurrency Mining

Given the times that we live in, it is very likely that without your approval or knowledge your high-end PC is being utilized to mine cryptocurrency.

Such sneaky plans are carried out by embedding malware in programs that you use for a different purpose and hackers use for discreet illegal mining.

Similarly, some sites contain codes which discreetly mine crypto currencies for as long as these sites remain open on a computer.

Solution: Close your browser when you are not actively using it.

Also, search for suspicious tasks or programs that are siphoning processing power but do not appear in the Activity Monitor or Task Manager.

As soon as you identify such tasks/programs, end them immediately.

Conclusion

An efficient high-end PC ensures that we remain productive and efficient in aspects of our lives that require a computer.

Hence, it is crucial that you immediately identify and correct all performance related issues.

Now that you have a comprehensive list of reasons why your high-end PC is underperforming, you will be able to troubleshoot with ease.