[SOLVED] Is it salvageable?

[litgamer]

I got this laptop about 4 to 4.5 years ago. At the time I was a complete computer noob and thought the specs of this thing were "great". It's worked great for the past few years. Now 4 years later its starting to die out. The CPU ( I7-7700HQ) is constantly hitting 100% usage, even with barely any processes running. I've tried everything. I've got throttle-stop to try and under-volt it so it doesn't heat up badly. I've replaced the thermal paste on it as well. Next is the hard drive. Pretty sure I got some cheap Chinese HDD. Its lifespan is probably long overdue. This thing is constantly at 100%. In task manager it will show 0.1 MB/s and still maxed out. Im wondering if in any way this poor thing is salvageable or able to be brought back to life.

 

[USAFRet]

1. Take it apart and blow the dust out
2. Replace the HDD with an SSD
3. Clean OS install

It will run better than new.

 

[1LiquidPC]

Should have decent service life left. Tried a full format and fresh OS install? A cheap SSD would be a big help as they are dirt cheap these days while you are at it.

 

[COLGeek]

Have you scanned for malware recently? How about a fresh install of Windows?

 

[litgamer]

Have you scanned for malware recently? How about a fresh install of Windows?

Yes I've scanned for Malware, and have even fully wiped it's hard drive recently. I'm unsure how to do a fresh install of windows. I DON'T have an external drive to use if that's needed. My Windows is an OEM version.

 

[1LiquidPC]

Windows 10 I'm assuming. You can create a bootable USB with latest version on it for install. Download the media creation tool from MS. I'm just suggesting a cheap SSD while your at it. It probably is an old 5400 or at best 7200 RPM HDD.

 

[COLGeek]

See here:

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

 

[litgamer]

See here:

How To - Windows 10 clean install tutorial

If you are looking for the Windows 11 Clean install tutorial, you can find that here: Windows 11 Clean install tutorial (Click here) Otherwise, welcome to the Windows 10 Clean install tutorial This tutorial is intended to help you, step by step, to perform a clean install of Windows...

forums.tomshardware.com

Thank you for the help. My only issue is finding a usb now lol or buying one.

 

[jsmithepa]

Good news is, i7 got plenty of life.

Bad news is, If u don't have the skill to find out why ANY processor is running 100% all the time, u may not have what it takes to DIY-salvage this laptop on your own.

U should re-install Windows from scratch. You bought this laptop, u got the manual set, it details what you have to do. Backup critical data beforehand needless to say.

At the end, u may have to replace HD.