How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? CPU, GPU, RAM & Others

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? | cpugpunerds.com

As a computer user, you may have noticed that your machine is not running as smoothly as it used to. Maybe it’s taking longer to start up, or programs are taking longer to load. Sometimes, your computer may even freeze or crash. Is it underperforming? Then How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming?

Computer systems are constantly running machines, and they also need maintenance and upgrading. Timely maintenance and upgrading keep away the issues like underperformance. Moreover, underperformance may not occur due to only one factor; several factors, including CPU, GPU, RAM & Others may involve.

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming?

You can check your PC using system analysis tools and software. First, you have to check each piece of hardware, including CPU, GPU, RAMS, and Hard drives, separately to identify which one is causing the low performance. Once identified, you can resolve the problem in seconds. 

These tools can monitor your hardware’s performance in real-time. In addition, they provide comprehensive information about your hardware’s health, temperature, and usage statistics. These statics help you to determine the performance of that hardware through comparison. 

Signs That Your PC Is Underperforming

A few critical indicators can help you determine if your PC is underperforming. These indicators will also help you determine which hardware or component is causing the issue. 

1. Laggy Performance

The first obvious sign that your PC might be underperforming includes sluggish performance while running programs, particularly resource-intensive ones like games or video editing software. 

2. Blue Screen Error or BSODs

Other signs include frequent crashes or BSODs, freezes, blue screens, etc. You may also notice that certain programs take longer to open up than they did before, while other programs start to crash frequently.

3. Slow Boot Time 

An average computer boots up in around 10 seconds, but if your computer takes several minutes to turn on, there is some serious issue. If you suspect that a slow boot time is causing your PC to underperform, there are several steps that you can take to troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

4. Computer Noise

Noise comes from different hardware like fast running faans, cracking noise of hard drive or GPU. These noises indicate that your hardware is causing any issue, and you have to take a step on time. This hardware is the primary source causing slow performance of your PC.

How To Check Underperforming CPU

You can use CPU analysis tools, troubleshooting, or hardware analysis techniques to check the underperforming CPU. Also, keep an eye on your CPU temperature,  hertz, voltage supply, functional cores, etc. All these things help to determine the performance of your CPU.

Tools To Check CPU

There are several CPU tools like CoreTempCPUZMonitis, or Geekbench 4 for the proper analysis of the CPU. Some of these tools are free, but some are paid. Here is how you can check the CPU performance:

  • First, download CPUZ from the given link, and extract and install it on your PC. 
  • Now go to the CPU bar to find the CPU name, model, core speed, cache, etc. Here you can compare these things with the same standard CPU. 

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? CPU, GPU, RAM & Others | cpugpunerds.com

  • If you see any disturbance in the core speed, hertz, or cache, you can diagnose that your CPU is causing the low performance of your PC. It could be due to the following factors:

1. High Temperature

High temperature affects the CPU negatively. It decreases the overall functioning; as a result, the overall performance also decreases. Try to use a new cooler or replace the heatsink. 

2. Outdated Drivers

Outdated drivers are the worst thing to deal with when using an advanced CPU. Drivers are constantly updating, and your machine needs new drivers to keep running. So check the drivers of your CPU. 

  • Go to the control panel and open “Device Manager.” Now click on the “Processor” and scan for new drivers from the menu bar. 

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3. Faulty Power Supply

Unstable power supply voltage and current negatively affect the CPU performance. CPU is made of several transistors and components. Each component requires a certain amount of current. Check the core voltage using the CPUZ application to confirm the supply voltages. 

How To Check Underperforming GPU

Thes best way to check your underperforming GPU is by using techniques like benchmark and FPS tests. Compare the results of these tests with standard GPU test results; you can conclude whether your CPU is faulty or not. CPU doesn’t need much upgrading, but if you still find any fault try replacing the GPU.

Tools To Check GPU

You can use GPU testing tools like Furmark or Heaven benchmark to test the running capacity of your GPU. GPUs are designed to bear heavy graphical loads and temperatures. If your GPU is unable to control temperature or rendering load, it may cause low performance and affect the whole system. 

Here is how you can test your GPU using FurMark.

  • Download the Geek FurMark from the link and install it on your PC. 
  • Open the application and run the test. It will test your GPU to the highest limit. If your PC restarts suddenly or the GPU display crashes during the test, it means your GPU was causing all the performance issues. 

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? CPU, GPU, RAM & Others | cpugpunerds.com

Here are some reasons why your graphics card is underperforming:

1. Overheating GPU

If your GPU is overheating, you may face an underperformance issue. This overheating may happen due to poor ventilation, hot or humid environment, or dust clogging. Test CPU temperature and if you suspect an issue, try to resolve it immediately. 

CPU temperature is categorized into 3 main classes, normal, moderate, and high. After reaching high temperature, GPU suddenly turns off to protect the components from burning. During the test, if your GPU suddenly reaches high temperatures and turns off, it’s faulty and may cause PC underperformance. 

Normal Moderate High
40°C to 50°C 50°C to 65°C 70°C and above

2. Cache Buildup

The cache is the temporary file storage where the PC stores data temporarily to access quickly on demand. Unfortunately, the cache has its storage limit; it causes a performance issue if it exceeds. To avoid the cache problem, try to clean the computer caches, and it will automatically clean the GPU cache. 

3. Overclocked GPU

Overclocked GPU requires additional components like a cooler to deliver full performance. But if you lack the necessary equipment, your GPU won’t only reduce performance but also cause a bottleneck to the PC. So instead, try to run your PC after turning off the overclocking from BIOS. 

4. Outdated Drivers 

Each GPU has its manufacturer’s drivers to function correctly on your PC. Old and outdated drivers cause malfunctioning and low performance. Always check for the updated drivers on the manufacturer’s site. 

5. Benchmarks Range

The benchmark helps you compare the GPU speed, performance, and efficiency. In addition, it indicated the quality and current condition of your GPU chipset. Each GP has its minimum and maximum benchmarks scores, like the VRAM usage and condition when idle, etc. 

How To Check Underperforming RAM

You can use tools like “Windows Memory Diagnostic” or Memetest86 to check your RAM. RAM (Random access memory) is a hardware component of a PC that stores files, data, and applications during current use. Sometimes this temporary data causes the underperforming issue. 

  • Run Windows Memory Diagnostic and select the “Restart Now option.”

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? CPU, GPU, RAM & Others | cpugpunerds.com

  • It will start the diagnosis and will deliver you the report. 
  • If your RAM doesn’t have any issue, it will state that “No problem has been detected yet.”

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? CPU, GPU, RAM & Others | cpugpunerds.com

  • You can also view the results from the Windows event viewer. 

Here are some common RAM issues that may lead to Underperforming RAM:

1. Unusable RAM

Unusable RAM is the major issue when you install or upgrade your ram. This issue leads to limited RAM performance and hence causes a bottleneck. You can solve this issue by going through some advanced recovery options.

2. Low RAM Frequency

Over time, your RAM frequency also decreases. It mainly occurs in overclocked RAMs.These frequency fluctuations harm your RAM’s performance. The only solution for this issue is to buy a new compatible RAM for your PC. 

3. RAM Cache

Like CPU and GPU, RAM also stores temporary files and has cache memory. Whenever this cache memory is full, RAM shows signs of low performance. Always remove temporary files using Windows diagnostic tools or cache cleaners like CCleanerAdvanced System Care, or Outbyte PC Repair.

How To Check Underperforming Hard Drive

You can check a faulty hard drive using Hard drive analysis tools like Hard Disk Sentinel or HDDScan. The hard drive stores all your data, files, and applications. If your hard drive is faulty, it won’t be able to open a single file or even run the operating system properly. 

Here is how you can check an underperforming Hard Drive. 

  • Download and install HD Sentinel on your PC. 
  • Open the application; it will show you the hard drive’s health, performance, and usage time. If its health is below 100%, you have to change the hard drive immediately. 

How To Check If My PC Is Underperforming? CPU, GPU, RAM & Others | cpugpunerds.com

The health drop in your hard drive could be due to several factors that you have to avoid next time. Some of these factors include:

1. Over storage

Avoid storing too much data in drives. If your drives are too full, it will lead to slow performance, freezing, and crashing issues. There are some indicators in Windows 10. When you open “This PC,” you can see the storage bar. If the storage bar is red, try to remove excess data to avoid damage.

2. Corrupt Files

Frequently corrupted files are also an indicator of a dying hard drive. So before it’s too late, you should create a backup for all your important data and documents. You can use reliable third-party software like Auslogics BitReplica or Windows 10 backup tool to create backups.

4. Disk fragmentation

When your disk is highly fragmented, it will lead to low performance and crashes. You can use a third-party defragmentation tool or Windows 10 inbuilt tool to clean the disk and improve the overall performance of your hard drive.

How to Troubleshoot Your Slow or Underperforming PC?

You can troubleshoot your PC using third-party diagnostic tools to window built-in tools. You can also follow techniques like hard restart, cache removal, or defaulting BIOS settings. If still, your PC is underperforming, here are some troubleshooting tips that you should follow:

1. Check Hardware Issues

Hardware checks must be the priority. Hardware issues can also lead to underperforming systems. You should check all your hardware devices, including the CPU, GPU, RAM, and hard drive. If you find any faulty hardware, you should replace it to help improve your system’s performance.

2. Restart the System

The first and most simple thing you can do to improve your system performance is to restart it. A quick restart can often help you fix various issues, including an underperforming system.

3. Check for Available Updates

Your PC’s slow performance could also be caused due to software and hardware issues. Ensure you have the latest updates for all your devices, including drivers and software. You can also check for available updates from the Settings app in Windows 10.

4. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

If you are still facing issues with your system performance, you can try running the System Maintenance troubleshooter. This built-in Windows tool can help you find and fix various issues.

5. Free Up Disk Space

If your system’s hard drive is full, it can lead to slow performance and other issues. You should free up space by deleting unneeded files and performing disk cleanup. This can help you improve your system’s performance and speed up its processes.

6. Disable Start-up Programs 

If your system is taking too long to startup, it could be due to a large number of start-up programs. You can try disabling some or all of these programs to help improve your system’s performance.

7. Scan for Viruses and Malware

If your system is infected with viruses or malware, it may cause slow performance and other issues. You should scan your system for these threats using a reliable security program. It can help you remove the threats and improve your system’s performance.

Conclusion

If you find that your PC is underperforming, there are various things you can do to troubleshoot the issue. You should check for hardware and software issues and run the System Maintenance troubleshooter. You can also try disabling start-up programs, scanning for viruses and malware, and freeing up disk space. Following these tips can help you improve your system’s performance and speed up its processes.

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