CPU Performance Guide

This guide has tips and suggestions that may help to improve your CPU or general computer performance.

General Performance Tips

Update your operating system and all drivers

Check background processes for high CPU or RAM usage [Win Mac ]

Clean up your system's caches, logs, and other temporary files that build up over time [Win Mac ]

Upgrade from a standard HDD to an SSD[]

Tips for Addressing Underperformance

Check temperature - (In Novabench on Windows, click "Temperature")

• High temperature can throttle back your performance.
• Ideal temperatures vary by processor. Ensure your temperature is within an ideal range under load.
• Ensure fans are working and clear of dust.
• Ensure the heatsink is well seated with appropriate thermal paste.

Switch to a high performance power profile[]

• Experiment to find the balance between energy efficiency and performance that works for you.

Check RAM

• RAM modules need to be installed in the correct slots for full performance (see motherboard manual).
• Check for memory failures []

Going Further

Even if your system is performing where it should be, it may still be possible to push the performance further.

Overclocking

• Overclocking configures your system components to run faster than the manufacturer default.
• Not all computers can be overclocked.
• Many guides online cover overclocking in depth. [AMD Intel ]

Other advanced BIOS configuration

• Beyond overclocking, other BIOS settings may improve performance.
• A general overview is available here.