AMD processor with Vista Premium

I'm not sure why but the amd tl-56 running Vista with 1 gig of ram is running oddly. It is running very choppy and slowing to a pause. I don't want to but I have other problems with the build. The cover off the side is loose and makes it hard to plug in cables.

It freezes and jumps far too much and not stable enough to handle even the most menial of tasks. I will take it back to Costco as I can not rely on the system. Is anyone experiencing the same problem?

 

I highly doubt it is the processor. Probably ram or graphics card that is the bottlneck here.

 

I don't think its your processor, since AMD had a large hand in helping Microsoft during the development stages of Vista. if Costco won't take it back or you change your mind try and reinstall vista.

wow, I got beat to it.

 

You could certainly use more RAM (Vista really wants 2GB) but I'd bet on a software problem. Too much junk running in the background (check Task Manager for CPU hogs), the usual virus/worm/spyware infections, etc.

 

One thing I might try is to check the power options settings. There's a setting in there in the advanced portion which tells the computer to let the processor run at a minimum or maximum percentage of its actual speed.

I was running on battery at one point, and at was about 30-40 percent, and noticed my system was getting slower and slower. That is the problem. Somehow your power options may be choking the processor at, say 50% of its max. If you have not changed the options, I doubt this would be the issue, but check it, to rule it out.

 

More RAM will help a lot.

 

hmmm yes more RAM does help but for the problems he is describing it sounds like its not an issue of more power but lack of power either due to hardware issues or software. You could try reinstalling vista and seeing if that helps but it could be you have ended up with a faulty unit. the specs for the machine certainly dont suggest that you would experience such problems unless you were using the CPU under severe load (should also check task manager for CPU load)

 

Thanks for the ideas and input guys.

I agree more Ram will always be a plus. I miss the 2GB in my old system but I shouldn't be experiencing this type of lag. I use CCleaner and do a weekly cleanup of my startup menu and regularly check for the garbage you can collect from the net.

I think this might go deeper. The power consumption are set at a moderate level and it still does it, even on AC supply. I still have half of my HD open and do maintenance regularly. I still think I have a processor issue.

 

Just to reiterate what was said above, get more ram. Remember, HP strongly suggests that 2GB is the minimum for running Vista Premium optimally.

 

I agree, while running multiple programs/windows my system memory indicates near 50% with 2gb of ram.

Guessing that would indicate you are probably reaching maximum system memory usage with 1gb.

Anything "highly" recommended must be so for a reason!

 

i still dont think his problem is lack of RAM. while running your typical applications , monitor your RAM consumption and see what it says. Maybe there is a program running that is hogging all the RAM. Otherwise I still think it's something else.

 

On your gadgets sidebar, remove all the icons then add the processor and RAM speedo's and watch to see how much system memory is being used while doing the things you were doing while encountering the problem.

That gauge will tell you what percent of ram that is currently being used and this will tell you if it is the system memory that is running low.

Right now with IE 7 open and the clock in my sidebar I am running at 41%, w/2gb of ram and windows vista home premium.

I'm guessing you are red lining!

 

IIRC, that gadget includes virtual memory in its computation? I no longer have a Vista installation to look at. Task Manager will give you a little more detail.

 

The large dial gives you CPU usage and the smaller dial gives you RAM usage.

 

I suggest you try and use vLite. With vLite you can remove a bunch of unnecessary Vista components. I removed alot of features from Vista such as: drivers I don't use, Windows Defender, WMP, Sidebar, Search, some services, Aero, etc.

Its a bit tricky to use if its your first time using it. My Vista performance is actually alot better compared to a normal install of Business edition.

You will need your Vista setup files and vLite will remove the components you want to remove and rebuild the source and you can burn it to DVD or span across CD's.

Its automated so you don't really have to do anything really technical. But then again there are always risks such as break some Windows functionality and dependencies, but I haven't noticed anything severe. This does however require a reformat.

Maybe some other members who have used vLite or nLite before can give you some advice and their experiences using such programs.

The site is here: http://www.vlite.net/

 

Basically this is the story...

You didn't get the recommended amount of ram to run Vista Premium effectively! You know your GPU is sharing memory as well; think about it. Just go buy another 1GB dimm and be done with it.

Enjoy Vista like it was meant to be enjoyed!