Why my computer is so slow or sluggish and sometimes a sudden freeze, restart or shutdown?

I know it’s kind of irritating to hear, but unfortunately, when you have lots of work to do, this might stress you. Personally, I would like to initiate a full scan of check disk (chkdsk) or reinstallation of OS and applications which cost time and nothing yet sure if the outcome will change.

Apparently, you might go to the nearest computer technician shop to look into your concern, and then it might advice you to change something on your computer and also it cost a lot of money.

But don’t worry, I’ll give you tips on checking your very own Computer (PC) upon slow response and sluggish.

I encounter a lot of problem usually upon booting on bios, when the computer boots up that it seems taking forever or when you’re inside the bios, you pressing arrow keys to navigate but it has delayed reactions upon pressing it.

– This cause by following problem: Memory, Power Supply, Graphic Card, HDD, Motherboard and CPU.

1. Memory, if you have different Model and Capacity of Memory Module, that might be the case, to test it, try to remove one memory module, then try to boot up your PC, this might help to see if the issue will arise. If not, try then the other one, after you test the entire memory modules and nothing seems changed, then move on to the next parts to test.

(Note: Do not used different model of Memory Modules and Capacity, this might cause some problems in later period of using it. A good example is that, used both Memory Modules with same capacity and model. Especially, if you’re motherboard supports dual channel modules.)

On 32bit OS, up to 3.5 GB can only be detected. If you what to max the usage of memory modules then used a 64bit OS.

DIMM_1 = 1 GB DDR3 SameModel01
DIMM_2 = 1 GB DDR3 SameModel01 (much preferred)

DIMM_1 = 1 GB DDR3 SameModel01
DIMM_2 = 512MB DDR3 DifferentModel02 (capacity and model doesn’t much)

2. Power Supply, unhealthy Power Supply causing for computer system unstable resulting sluggish and unexpected freeze or even sudden turn off. Test your Power Supply if it’s still working or not, to know how click here. Also used a Tester to check voltages, if you don’t know how to check voltages on the Tester, simply borrow a good PSU from your friend or to your neighbor just to test if the issue is in the Power Supply. You can also check the PSU voltages on BIOS, go to hardware monitoring then from there you will see the current voltages of your PSU. The Red Mark Voltage means that the Voltage is unstable or not accurate, possibly to replace a new one, because it can do further damage on your computer system.

3. Graphic Card, not working graphic card / video card or not properly working VGA card can result unstable boot up and computer performance moreover sluggish and slow computer system. It may freeze any operation around your computer system. First diagnostic is to check physically the graphic card. See if there’s any bloated capacitor, if you found one, then you need to change your graphic card immediately. If you are using built-in VGA, then try to borrow a graphic card then insert it to your graphic card slot (AGP, PCI, or PCI-E slot). Sometimes, using built-in VGA is not advisable, especially in cases like you are using extensive graphic/video software’s such as Graphic Editing Software and Video Editing Software.

(Note: Other things to check like burnt chips or resistors. If there’s no physical damage on the graphic card, perhaps you need to used the built-in VGA to see if there’s no issue will be arise or borrow someone’s graphic card)

4. HDD (Hard Disk Drive), one of the reasons of sluggish computer system can be found on your HDD due to failing drive or bad sectors and also corrupted files or system files. It can be the MBR is already corrupted; you need to format or reinstall its MBR. Checking the integrity of the HDD sometimes can be time consuming depends on the test you will implement. For Seagate HDD there is a SeaTools for DOS and Windows check there website for more info click here. For Western Digital HDD, try the Data Lifeguard Diagnostic can be found on their website, for more info click here. There are other HDD Brands, and there a lot of HDD Tools you can used to test your HDD integrity. If any errors arise, then probably you need to backup your data then replace a new one. Sound Clicks on HDD is also a sign of damage HDD and needed to replace it. Bad Sectors and Mechanical Failures result to unwanted corrupted files or system files.

5. Motherboard, physically examine your motherboard to see if any bloated capacitor, if you found one, then you need to replace your motherboard. Other things to check like burnt chips or resistors. Ideally, I prefer to have a replacement motherboard, in case that every parts on the motherboard are seems fine; it’s the time for me to use other motherboard for further testing.

6. CPU, last thing I have to confirm, mainly results could be faulty or not properly attached, due to maintenance cleaning, or the thermal grease CPU Heat Sink Compound should be reapplied.

Another thing is to check the PINS or the PINS of the motherboard to see any bent or damage.

7. Do a system update. Update drivers on graphic card, motherboard and system updates on your Operating System.

If you already check everything then it’s the time to consult on a professional computer technician.

One or more can be the issue on computer system. For my other experience, faulty and grounded computer case, sometimes the cause of system freeze or a sudden slow or sluggish system.

To add more information, feel free to add a comment. 🙂 I hope this helps you out!

Related Links / Articles / Entries / References / Sources:
Quick Test and Check if Power Supply is Working or Not – Jcyberinux.com

SeaTools for DOS and Windows – Seagate – Official Site

Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for DOS and Windows – Western Digital – Official Site