- Jan 2, 2012
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Well, first of all, does it actually feel any faster? or no?
If you're feeling no performance difference, then i would have to say something is wrong.
Can you be more specific where you're not "feeling" the speed?
Boot times? (can you give us a boot time, from the end of your POST sequence to the login screen/desktop)
Programs not starting fast enough (if so, which programs, and how long to start them?)
Windows OS not as snappy as you though? (does the start menu populate instantly? does control panel populate instantly? does Add/Remove programs populate instantly?)
edit: did you test your "fresh" system before you started tweaking and optimizing it?
#1. Yes it feels faster but I went from 4GB to the max for this Dell Studio 1558 laptop to 8GB the week before. I did notice that difference opening Chrome, Outlook 2010, etc. I am thinking two things. First, doubling the RAM helped a bunch and having done that the week before, the addition of the SSD was not as discernible. Yes, Start Menu & Control Panel opens instantly.
I don't think there is anything is wrong. The physical install was straightforward and the Intel Toolbox detected no issues and everything looks great. I loaded the newest chipset drivers first, then the Intel Management Engine, video, sound, touchpad, an app that controls the back lit keyboard and function keys, upgraded the DVD firmware, etc.
#2 I did do a test before the tweaks for this POS chipset It's the HM55. But I had done the normal optimization like turning off hibernation, indexing, superfetch, lowering my page file to 1024, and disabling services I don't use like tablet, bluetooth. After I dd the chipest tweak, I did see some improvement. It's the 4K reads I am not thrilled about at 17.45. I just feel like something is holding it back and it's probably the chipset.
serpretetsky: I have to get ready for work so I will time the boot tonight.
upsdriver: I was not being "unrealistic" as I mentioned in my first post I had a Dell Mini 9 with an SSD and it booted almost immediately. I upped the RAM to the max of 2GB and that little 16GB drive flew with stripped down Windows 7 RCs. In fact, I also used vlite and stripped down Windows Ultimate x32.
I am not a him btw. I know there are very few women that build their own desktops, OC and in general tweak to the degree that I do. I was one of very few women at the Windows Launch here. But I have taught my 3 sisters how to build their own rigs and they tinker too. They learned by me shipping back my old mobos and CPUs.
zCypher: Yep, AHCI is enabled in the BIOS. I also verified Trim using the command line and with the Toolbox.
VirtualLarry: I did not "fall for the forum hype, and went out and purchased an SSD". There are only two easy upgrades on a laptop. Install more RAM and a faster drive. That's basic Larry. And you can start your own thread. ^_^
Sunburn74: I ordered it from Dell so I could use my Dell card. They screwed up several things and I ended up getting an additional $50 off the original discount. The $138 includes taxes. It's not all in my head either.
groberts101: I agree with what you said, "Some just don't mind waiting as much as others do". Which, btw is why I am running two WD Raptors in RAID 0 on my desktop.
peonyu: I think you are on the right track. I think it's my POS chipset that for lack of a better word, seems throttled. That would explain why I feel like something is holding back.
How many posts before I can post my scores?
Thanks everyone. I'll time my boot tonight.
FWIW, below are my specs:
Studio 15 1558| Black Chainlink| i5-520M, |8GB DDR3 RAM |120 GB Intel 320 SSD|ATI HD 4570, 512K|Backlit|9 Cell|Web Cam|Windows 7 Professional x64
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