1. Testing computer performance
Introduction
Introduction testing performance
Going to run programmes which will push the PC to the limits and see if it keeps
stable, which will determine whether it needs upgrading or not.
• CPU tests
• Memory usage
• HDD storage
I will be running these tests to see if the computer is running up to standard
and see if it needs upgrading or not. I expect the PC to be up to date and run
fine from the spec.
I will receive the data from programmes which performs a graph that shows
how much of the certain components use though high end tests.
I will then use the data to determine whether the computer is fine or other
things need replacing. If there’s any problems e.g. low HDD space, not enough
memory, then I will also look up prices on whether it would benefit buying
separate components or buying a new pc.
Processor and memory usage
Going to use windows performance monitoring to see what CPU and memory
usage is going to be used while running certain programmes and applications.
See results below.

2. Workstation Identification: TFT 1-200
Test
Reason
Expected Result
Actual
Result
Comments
Windows Performance
monitoring of –
To check the system performs
normally.
Average Processor Use < 50%
14%
Average Memory Use < 30%
21%
This is a lot lower than I
predicted but is working well
with its limits.
Processor usage spike < 60%
53%
Memory usage increase by < 20%
18%
Processor usage spike – 60%
56%
Memory usage increase to < 40%
19%
Processor usage spike < 50%
47%
Memory usage increase by < 30%
20%
Processor usage spike x 2
- Launching Browser < 80%
- Playing Video < 50%
(Spiking throughout video)
54%
Memory usage increase to 40%
28%
•
•
% Processor Use
% Committed Bytes
10 Minutes sampling every
2 seconds.
Open and browse
Facebook.
(Firefox)
Open Photoshop, including
an image.
Open Word, including 3
documents
Launch a video from
YouTube (3-4 Minutes)
How much time is used when
carrying out calculations –
How heavily loaded the system
is
Long enough to give general
idea of performance, sample
rate short enough to catch
brief spikes
Used Frequently.
Commonly used and heavy
resource usage
Generally used.
Check performance when
accessing Internet/Network
36%

3. Close all applications
Check that memory and
processor usage fall back to
original readings
Processor usage drop to idle
Memory usage < 20%
17%
As expected the CPU average was not far off correct but under estimated the memory which as dealt with the running of
programmes well also running how it should be.

4. 70.0
Opened and
browsed
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
0.0
Opened youtube video
Cpu Usage
Opened
up
photos
Openend word and three documents

5. I recorded my data on a line graph so it made it more readable and better presented.
Disk space usage
file usage
before
after
operating system
16294.6
16087.1
program files
11152.8
10639.8
0
0
sysvol info
9755.3
10007.1
paging file
6103.5
6103.5
recycle bin
11.9
11.9
528.1
528.1
43846.2
43377.5
user documents and profiles
other
Total used

6. operating system
program files
user documents and profiles
sysvol info
paging file
recycle bin
other
This is a graph of the computer as you can see the only big difference was the program files being changed.
Task B Disk Space Usage
Common causes
Impact of low disk space can cause, slowness, freezing, crashing.

7. Clean up methods – Windows hard disk clean up, uninstall programs from add or remove, organize data and delete
unused files.
Saved 468.7 hard spaces from doing clean up it wasn’t a lot down to the computer being pretty new and modern.
The most space taken from the hard drive from the pie chart I created was the operating system which taken just under
half of the disk space.
Task c upgrading
This is a price and spec of an upgrade of the pc I use in itec etc max memory, CPU and Windows to compare the option of
if it needs upgrading or whether its fine as it is.
Ram
Cpu
Hard drive
Operating system
Graphics card
Motherboard
Case
Power supply
Socket of processer – 1155
Memory - RAM is 6GB DDR3 – maximum 16GB
Operating System supported - 32 bit would only see 4GB
6gb ddr3 Ram
Intel Pentium G640 2.80GHZ
465GB with OS, 500GB on its own
Windows 7 professional
On board
Gigabyte Technology H61M-S2PV
Zoo storm
250W

8. 64 bit to see full 16GB
Highest Processor
Intel Xeon E3-1290 V2 @ 3.70GHz9,942$885.00*
Processor now
Intel Pentium G640 @ 2.80GHz2,502$69.99*
Replacement of system
CPU £299
Windows 7 pro 64 bit £108
RAM 16GB £117
Gigabyte GA-h81m-Ds2 socket £40
Time 3hours £90
Total £654
Upgrading price
CPU £299

9. Windows 7 pro 64 bit £108
RAM 16GB DDR3 £117
Time 3 Hours £90
Total £614
Advantage
The Advantage of upgrading the system is that it’s only a little bit more expensive than the upgrading price which you’re
guaranteed all new parts and also have the PC for longer.
Disadvantage
The disadvantage is that you could buy new parts and whilst fitting you could damage equipment or could already be
faulty. With upgrading you know that the parts you have already work so that you can ensure it would be the new
equipment if there was a problem.
Opinion
My personal opinion I would go with the upgrade just because you know old parts work and if there was a problem you
could tell it was new parts.