I have a PC that I got from someone else who built their PC and it is finally starting to show its age. Sometimes when I open applications, the frame rate drops.

I think it is using one of these currently, from 2014. https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/900-series/

I know that gfx cards have to be compatible with your Power Supply, and your PCI-E slot, but not sure what else I should know??

I would like to get something very compatible with Linux, Firefox, and Wayland, with lots of hardware codecs. Intel ARC?

How do you learn all this stuff?

  • Zer0_F0x@lemmy.world
    1·
    2 days ago

    1. Windows Update. If the thing was off for a while, expect windows update to cripple it until it’s satisfied.

    2. Slow boot drive. If it’s an older SSD it might be kicking the bucket soon. Also, if your boot drive is over 90% usage you’ll definitely feel it.

    3. RAM issues. Download RAMMon (free RAM checking tool) and let us know what you see

    4. Thermals. If your CPU hits 90+ degrees then it’ll have to throttle down to save itself. Cleaning the dust helps a lot with that because dust is an insulator and traps heat in.

    • sem@piefed.blahaj.zoneOPEnglish
      1·
      1 day ago

      The drive is very full and old, so upgrading storage has got to be a priority.

      Not sure how to measure thermals, but I will look for a way. There should be a CPU temp sensor at least.

      I can test the ram with memtest86 which is already installed and post the results.

      I don’t think it is Windows Update ;)