Slow graphics "painting" the screen or freezing up

[eleebenson]

I have an HP Slim Desktop 450-a24, intel Pentium J2900, 4gb DDR 3L memory, 1TB drive, Intel HD Graphics, Ultra Slim Tray SuperMulti DVD, Wireless LAN 802 11b/g/n.  I do a LOT of Google Maps, sometimes more than one window, switching back and forth looking at them. The graphics or "painting" of the image is slow, or freezes entirely. If the computer sits for a period of time, the picture is frozen and I have to reboot and re-enter all my map information. What do you think is the issue?  Running Firefox. 

[old_geekster · Accepted solution]

@eleebenson, welcome to the forum.

I believe that your problem is caused by the Integrated Graphics.  Google Earth is a processor and graphics hog.  I have had computers with good discrete video cards have problems with it.  The newest version is worst of all.  You could try shutting down some of the background processes to see if that helps.  Read the guide in the link that I provided.  There is no slot on the motherboard for a discrete video card.

You could upgrade the memory to 8 GB. Here is the Product Specifications page for the computer.  Look at the section titled "Memory upgrade information".

Caveat:  I suggest trying Google Chrome to see if it handles Google Maps better, since they are developed by the same company.

Please click the Thumbs up + button if I have helped you and click Accept as Solution if your problem is solved.

[eleebenson]

Thank you very much for your answer.  I was reading up on the difference between Nvidia and Intel graphics and the Nvidia does perform better since it doesn't go through the motherboard.  I will be looking into a new computer in the near future and definitely want one with the Nvidia card and more RAM.  There are two other problems indirectly associated with this issue, namely, my screen occasionally flickers and I can't use my cell phone in front of my computer.  I have to use bluetooth connecion with a headset.  So, I think a new computer is in my future.  

[old_geekster]

You are welcome, @eleebenson.

I would be very glad to help you choose a new computer when you are ready.  It doesn't have to be extremely expensive to do a good job.  Also, what you want in a new computer is a discrete video card, not Integrated video and a SSD for the boot disk.  This will improve system performance dramatically!