Tag Archives: diagnosis

How to diagnose computer performance issues

I have been having some serious performance issues lately with my DELL precision M6600, which is almost 5-6 years old now!

I finally found a way to determine if it is my hardware or my workflows. Quite pleased to say it was my hardware and I am not crazy. But here is how I found out!

Download the Passmark Perfomance Test tool from link below (Free 30 day trial). These guys test over 600 000 rigs or something like that daily and after you complete your test you can compare your results to people with a similar or identical rig. Very useful!

http://www.passmark.com.au/download/pt_download.htm

I tested using 8.0 when writing this.

1. After you load into the performance tool, go the system tab and take note of the key specs of your computer. You will need these to find other rigs similar to yours to compare to.

  • CPU type/speed/L3 cache
  • Total Physical Memory
  • HDD Rpm/Size
  • Video Adapter Description

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2. Go to “Baseline” Menu -> Manage baselines…

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3. Now go the “My baselines” tab and delete all the existing baselines that get placed in by default

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4. Then go to the “advanced search” tab and add in a few params. I added my cpu and clock speed and my model type

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5. Tick on as many baselines as you can see match your specs. You may need to play around with the search params. You can add up to 16 baselines.

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6. Now run the Benchmark! Make sure you close any working applications. If your on a laptop, make sure you plug your power supply in.

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7. You will get a nice little bar and some popups while it runs.. Even a jet flying around..

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8. When your done you will get a score like so.

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9. After you finish uploading you will get a popup with a link .. RECORD THIS LINK, As I haven’t been able to find it later! And its useful to be able to send to others etc..

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10. You can now see how your computer benchmarks against other rigs with similar hardware. I ran this test on an old desktop I found to replace my laptop. My laptops results are further below… Absolutely woeful!

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11. Laptop results

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