What is bottlenecking computer's performance

[Vandravcek]

Hi all,

I have a question... I'm experiencing slowdowns when browsing the web while running 4-5 non demanding single threated apps in the background. Is CPU bottlenecking computer's performance or is it to little ram (Core duo E8400 + 4 Gb DDR2 1066 Mhz ram + SSD Samsung EVO 850)? Thanks

 

[GamingEnthusiast420]

CPU + RAM could use an upgrade. Mostly the CPU when it comes to background apps.

 

[Vandravcek]

Is +90 % CPU usage cause of slowdowns? I'm asking, because I'm thinking of buying 8 Gb ddr2 ram (hard to find and expensive). If it is CPU, I have to buy new PC, as I can't upgrade CPU much on existing mobo.

 

[velocityg4]

More RAM won't help with CPU usage. If you don't have enough RAM you page out to the hard drive. While that will really slow down the computer. It won't increase CPU usage by any measurable degree.

 

[Vandravcek]

velocityg4, is 90 % CPU usage causing this slowdowns? Like "heavy" pages opening slowly, refreshing takes long sometimes, occasional not responsiveness of tabs etc.?

 

[velocityg4]

As GamingEnthusiast420 said you need a CPU upgrade and a RAM upgrade. One or the other is not enough. You need both.

 

[GamingEnthusiast420]

Why can't you upgrade?
What is your motherboard?
There aren't many Wolfdale chips, but unless you have the Xeon there can be an upgrade.
What is your motherboard socket? LGA 775 or 771?

 

[Vandravcek]

Why can't you upgrade?
What is your motherboard?
There aren't many Wolfdale chips, but unless you have the Xeon there can be an upgrade.
What is your motherboard socket? LGA 775 or 771?

My MB is Gigabyte P45-DS3, socket 775.

I don't know where to get 4 compatible DDR2 ram sticks. I have already tried pairing four old 2GB sticks with identical specs on paper (1033 Mhz dual channel), but for some reason MB is willing to work only when only 2 are installed. I was thinking of buying four of those now-> https://goo.gl/Aepr3S
Do you thing they would work?

The only upgrade for viable CPU is probably Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 -> https://goo.gl/3UYlFz
Will I see enough performance boost over E8400 to justify 55 $ on old CPU?

Thanks

 

[velocityg4]

Why can't you upgrade?
What is your motherboard?
There aren't many Wolfdale chips, but unless you have the Xeon there can be an upgrade.
What is your motherboard socket? LGA 775 or 771?

My MB is Gigabyte P45-DS3, socket 775.

I don't know where to get 4 compatible DDR2 ram sticks. I have already tried pairing four old 2GB sticks with identical specs on paper (1033 Mhz dual channel), but for some reason MB is willing to work only when only 2 are installed. I was thinking of buying four of those now-> https://goo.gl/Aepr3S
Do you thing they would work?

The only upgrade for viable CPU is probably Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 -> https://goo.gl/3UYlFz
Will I see enough performance boost over E8400 to justify 55 $ on old CPU?

Thanks

I never heard of that brand of RAM. These Hynix should work properly they are a reliable brand. 4x2GB, DDR2 800, Unbuffered, 240pin.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/8GB-4x2GB-Hynix-HMP125U6EFR8C-S6-PC2-6400U-800MHz-240-pin-DDR2-Desktop-Memory-/292079296606?hash=item440148605e:g:yFEAAOSwnHZYZoGC

I'd stick with a good brand. G.Skill, Hynix, Kingston, Crucial, Corsair, Samsung, OCZ

The top CPUs for that motherboard in order. The Q9550 and 9505 have much better prices. The
- QX9770
- QX9650
- Q9650
- Q9550
- Q9505
http://uk.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-EP45-DS3-rev-10#support-cpu

Be sure to install the latest BIOS (F10b) before installing the replacement CPU.
http://uk.gigabyte.com/Motherboard/GA-EP45-DS3-rev-10#support-dl

 

[Vandravcek]

Thank you all for answers. I'll go with upgrading both.