I mean in regards to unlocking the full potential, any apps I should download, software to run, settings to alter. I hate when I get a top of the line new device and it doesn’t seem like that much of an upgrade until I unlock all its capacities. Got a Dell G15 laptop i9, 4060, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, 360Hz. Got it for $912 pre-tax, nice Black Friday sale.
- Update OS
- Update drivers
- Remove bloatware
- Run 3DMark and check performance
There is not much to do except quickly run all the updates from Dell (BIOS and stuff) to avoid turning your new toy into a barbecue. Then undervolt CPU and GPU for better thermals. I think you can undervolt in the BIOS. For GPU, use MSI Afterburner. Plenty of tutorials on YouTube. You need to use the curve method. If you want long-lasting battery, you can also reduce the wattage of the CPU (Throttlestop?). I don’t think Dell has many bloatware installed.
Doing a clean Windows install with a USB drive is the best way to get rid of all the bloat and have it running smooth and fine. Install and update.
Hadden said:
Doing a clean Windows install with a USB drive is the best way to get rid of all the bloat and have it running smooth and fine. Install and update.
Any guide on this? Like a step-by-step + where I would find the Windows and what file format it should be and so on. TIA
@Jasper
Best way is to download the latest Windows version ISO file from Microsoft and then use Rufus to make an install USB drive. Then you boot into the USB drive and follow directions. You’ll have to wipe your drives clean, but it’s fairly easy. I’ve done it numerous times. Google is your friend.
@Jasper
I’m not an expert on this, but many years ago, I installed Windows on my PC using USB. There was a Rufus site or program and basically had everything you need to make a USB Windows installer.
Hadden said:
Doing a clean Windows install with a USB drive is the best way to get rid of all the bloat and have it running smooth and fine. Install and update.
Isn’t it better to have the manufacturer’s version of Windows and have it updated? What’s the difference? What do you mean by bloat? I mean, if you say these versions have a lot of predefined preferences, isn’t it tuned to run better for the machine that they built? All I’m asking is, doesn’t the manufacturer usually know what’s good for the machine that they built?
@Teegan
Manufacturers have deals with software companies that put programs on your computer to track your usage for a “better user experience”, and sometimes just to put ads on your computer. They’ll offer a service while constantly asking you to upgrade to their subscription service. I honestly believe they might put things into the program that slow your OS down just so they can get you to pay them to “optimize” it.
@Joss
Me day one uninstalling McAfee.
@Teegan
Manufacturers’ software is crap and will slow down your computer. Windows is all you need. It will download all the correct drivers for all your hardware. You can thank me later. 