Alienware Computer Running Slower Than Normal – Learn Ways to Get its Speed Back

Raza Ali Kazmi Solutions

Many of us hold the view that once we’ve purchased a new Alienware laptop/ PC we don’t have to perform any system maintenance and optimization.

Sadly, this doesn’t hold true at all! After the expiration of service warranty, the Alienware laptop/ computer becomes sluggish and lags during gameplay, applications become unresponsive. The manuals contain very little or no information about dealing with such performance issues. In this article, we will be explaining various simple yet highly effective methods ranging from tinkering with startup items to optimizing the machine for best performance. For a quick optimization of Alienware machine, use the performance optimization features of ST Cleaner. It comes with powerful features such as System Cache which can speed up the computer in no time. You can download and try its functionality here:

alienware pc

ST Cleaner is a harbinger of strong security principles

 

Use Minimal Set of Startups

A Longer startup list makes your computer become painfully slow. Using the System Configuration tool in Windows, change the way your computer boots up.

  1. Type TaskMgr in the Search Box, and open it from the Search Results.
  2. Expand the user interface (More details icon).
  3. Use the Startup tab to organize the startup items.
  4. Select an unwanted startup item, choose Disable.

Uninstall Space Consuming Apps

Review the list of installed applications and look for programs that occupy larger disk space. Uninstall any unnecessary applications with larger disk usage.

  1. Open the Settings page from the Start Screen.
  2. Click System > Apps & Features tab.
  3. Sort the apps list by size. Select Sort by size option from the drop down box.
  4. The apps will be listed in the descending order of disk usage. Uninstall the ones you don’t need.

Upgrade BIOS Firmware

An update of your BIOS Firmware can sort out this issue. Before you install the upgrade, make sure you close all other programs including your Antivirus and review the support documentation, in case something goes wrong during the installation stage.

For Dell users:

  1. Go to the Dell Drivers & Downloads page here.
  2. Do you know your Service Tag or Express Service Code? If yes, enter it and click Submit. Else click Detect Product button and download their utility software that automatically detects it.
  3. Download the BIOS Firmware Update.

Turn Off PCIe Gen3 Feature

PCIe Gen3 feature adversely affects your computer performance. Disable it using the BIOS Setup.

  1. Restart your computer and go to the BIOS Setup. (Press F2 repeatedly)
  2. Once the Alienware company logo is displayed, use the keyboard arrow keys to highlight the Advanced menu, and press Enter.
  3. Move down to PCIe Gen 3 setting and press Enter.
  4. Select Disable option, press Enter.
  5. Go to the Exit menu > Save changes and exit. Alienware computer will automatically restart.

Use the Pre-Boot System Diagnostic

Alienware computers contain a pre-boot system diagnostic utility that scans for hardware problems and possible system issues. Based on the diagnostic findings you’ll be able to determine whether any hardware needs to be replaced or there is any issue with a particular software.

  1. Reboot your PC and then press F2 key until Alienware logo appears.
  2. Select the Diagnostics option and press Enter.
  3. The tests will begin automatically. Be patient and let the all the tests finish by themselves.

Update Graphics Card

When you’re running an outdated graphics driver, the games and programs run much slower. A video card update will likely give a much needed boost to your system performance.

  1. Open the Run dialog. To do so, press Windows Key + R simultaneously.
  2. Now type mmc devmgmt.msc and press Enter.
  3. Expand the top node, and then expand Display Adapters.
  4. Right-click your video card, choose Update driver software option.

Adjust your PC Settings

Windows often sets different visual effects that eat up higher amount of RAM. Customize Windows for best performance on sluggish Alienware PCs.

  1. Right-click This PC > Properties.
  2. Click Advanced system settings > Advanced (tab) > Settings (Performance).
  3. Click Visual Effects > Adjust for best performance.
  4. Click OK | OK.

Raza Ali Kazmi

Raza Ali Kazmi works as an editor and technology content writer at Sorcim Technologies (Pvt) Ltd. He loves to pen down articles on a wide array of technology related topics and has also been diligently testing software solutions on Windows & Mac platforms.