OS decision

Wear and Tear · 13 Jan 2014

Hi, I've got this "problem", and that is I don't know what OS should I use. In the last year I've used Windows 7 Home Premium x64 and I tried almost all good & legit tweaks on the internet and still it felt slow. I also tried Windows 8.1 x64 and it feels slow too. My specs are:

Motherboard: MSI MS-7276
CPU: Intel Core2Duo E4400
Video Card: nVidia GeForce GT 440
Memory: Kingston DDR2 4096MB
Hard Disk: Seagate Barracuda ST3200827AS

If someone can help me to choose the "best" OS for my configuration (with arguments, not just because he use it and its the best OS) I'd be grateful, thanks in advice. Have a nice day.

ThrashZone · 13 Jan 2014

Slow can be caused by allot of things mainly too many startup items,
Secondly a way to aggressive security suite or having two antivirus programs running,
Give some software items you use,
Troubleshooting for win-7,
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/220165-troubleshooting-steps-windows-7-a.html
Optimizing windows,
https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

badger906 · 13 Jan 2014

Microsoft would have you using windows 8.1 as its designed with lower system requirements.
but personally I feel 7 is smoother and quicker. then again I hate the new look and will only change when forced to.

the thing thats letting you down is your processor. its just a bit to old now, and struggling to make things happen snappily.

normally the answer is to throw more ram at it (as a ram upgrade is the cheapesr option with one of the largest performance gains)
however 4gb is more than enough for win 7 or 8.

A solid state hard drive (even a small one just for your os) would see an improvement in how snappy things are, but its not going to make a night and day difference.

andrew129260 · 13 Jan 2014

I have a test PC with core 2 duo and it runs great with no issues. No speed problems whatsoever. It all depends on what your trying to do on it. Gaming or video editing-Ya that won't work well. But the everyday stuff like web browsing and photos and email should have no issues.

It's windows 7 home premium 64 bit with 4GB ram no ssd ether, just a 250 GB sata 2 spinner.

whs · 13 Jan 2014

This is always a problem on an older system - you need patience. Performance can be considerably improved by adding a SSD and install the OS on that. Here are some reasonably priced ones to choose from:

Newegg.com - 120gb ssd kingston

A cheaper option would be to use a Linux OS. I have been using Linux Mint Mate since a while and it is fast. It uses a lot less resources than Windows, is straight forward and easy to use and has all the functions I have ever needed. Try it out in virtual fiest, maybe you like it. Here is how.

Another option would be Zorin. Have a look.

andrew129260 · 13 Jan 2014

+1 for zorin. Really great free OS that is very fast. Great for the basics.

Wear and Tear · 13 Jan 2014

@ThrashZone - I said that I've traid almost all tweaks including the 2nd link you've posted.
@badger906 - Yes, I red somewhere that 8.1 requires less than 7, but that's kinda false 'cuz I see no difference. I know my CPU is low, my hard drive also but I don't really want to spend money on PC atm.
@andrew129260 - I don't really know where's the problem, maybe it's my hard disk (only 8 Mb cache), or even maybe my power source (it's a noname 450W). Sometimes on Chrome, for example I had opened 3 tabs (Facebook, YouTube & random) and when i switched between tabs my YT video frames, but now i use Mozilla and everything seems to be fine. Atm I play only Dota 2 and it works fine at medium settings, so there seems to be no problem.
@whs - I've considered using Linux Mint/Ubuntu, but I haven't got time to read about it and watch some tutorials. I'll try Linux Mint MATE to see if it fits my expectation. Thankies, ur post was quite helpful.

Also, thanks to all, u helped me somehow

.

AddRAM · 14 Jan 2014

Windows 7 on an ssd

Linux Mint 16 off a flash drive or cd.

http://www.linuxmint.com/

caperjack · 14 Jan 2014

seven should work good on you system ,might I suggest a fresh install and start over with install only software you use ,and for a no hassle virus program use Microsoft security essentials for win7 64x

Wear and Tear · 14 Jan 2014

@caperjack - I did couple of fresh installs (even cleaned the hard disk with disk part) but no change, and I install only software I use and I don't think viruses are a problem, I did several scans with different AVs and Anti-Malware programs.