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    Performance hit when using a Dock and/or Sidebar?

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by demonhotrod, May 17, 2009.

  1. demonhotrod

    demonhotrod Notebook Evangelist

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    I asked this in the Desktop thread a while ago and have only just gotten around to making a topic about it (oops). Here is what I asked originally:

    I'm not too bothered with the custom themes as I like Vista Aero but i would like to start using a dock and maybe sidebar. I only have 2GB of RAM (DDR2) and with only one program and startup programs running (Bluetooth, NOD32, Dell Quickset and RMClock) I seem to be using 32%, according to Vista's Reliability and Performance monitor.

    I'd really like to know your views on this
     
    demonhotrod, May 17, 2009
    #1
  2. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It'll slow down yor startupas ts "one more thing to load" - not sure about performance once its fully running.

    Possibly not much and mainly RAM.

    (PS: You could upgrade your RAM....)
     
    DetlevCM, May 17, 2009
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  3. surfasb

    surfasb Titles Shmm-itles

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    most docks and sidebars are not going to make a significant dent in system performance. I play Left 4 Dead with two VNC client windows open along with my browser and I suffer no noticable frame rate reduction. Maps do take a little longer to load though....
     
    surfasb, May 17, 2009
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  4. JustinNotJason

    JustinNotJason Notebook Consultant

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    I was using RocketDock in Vista x64, until Vista screwed the pooch again....but I digress. I used it with my laptop - specs in sig - and I really didn't notice it at all performance wise; and I always had it running. It couldn't have used more then 5,000K of memory when I watched it in the Task Manager.

    I've heard Object Dock uses more but then I've never used Object Dock so I can't say if that's true.
     
    JustinNotJason, May 17, 2009
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  5. McGrady

    McGrady Notebook Virtuoso

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    Docks hardly use any resources. Definitely not enough to notice on your system or to slow down any other app.
     
    McGrady, May 17, 2009
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  6. Rob41

    Rob41 Team Pirate Control

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    I run a gadget from sidebar, Window Blinds, object dock and Dreamscenes active wallpaper and am still able to game well.

    Just depends on your laptop's specs and what you're doing.
     
    Rob41, May 17, 2009
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