Low-Spec Performance
Practical ways to get more speed out of modest hardware, without buying a new computer.
Quick answers
Why is my laptop suddenly slow and hot?
Dust in the fans makes the processor slow itself down to stay cool. Cleaning the vents is free and often fixes it.
Can I game on integrated graphics?
Yes, for many games. Lowering the resolution or render scale helps more than any other setting.
Can I run AI on my own computer?
Small models can run on a laptop with 16 GB of memory, but slowly without a dedicated graphics card.
Why is it slow even when plugged in?
Check the Windows power mode. Battery-saving modes limit performance even on AC power.
Guides
- How to speed up an old laptop: 10 checks, in order
- Games for integrated graphics: 13 that run without a graphics card
- Running AI on an older laptop: what’s realistic
- Laptop overheating: what causes it and how to fix it
- Windows power mode: what it does and which to choose
- Is a graphics card upgrade worth it in an old desktop?