Laptop feels bogged down and acts like it is trying to catch up at times.

[alankelly1]

Hello all,

I am working on a laptop for someone else, and have not been able to solve this issue. I'm leaning towards the device needing more ram, but the person thinks it's something else.  I've scanned it for viruses, and even reistalled Windows 10 on it, but the issue remains.  I asked him to describe what's happening, and I've copied it below.  Thanks ahead of time for your help

-Alan

While operating the computer, the system will occasionally experience brief “freezing/lockups” for a duration of up to 5-6 seconds before registering that some action was taken (scrolling, typing, clicking, etc.).  It is almost as if there is a delay, or the computer is “bogged down” and can’t keep up, though memory usage never exceeds ~50% on a typical basis.  This occurs with either an external mouse or with the trackpad, and does not appear to be impacted by a lot of programs running.

  Computer is typically not plugged into a monitor.  In most cases, only 1 or 2 programs and windows are open when symptoms arise.  It occurs more frequently on an internet browser; browser type does not appear to matter though I predominantly use Firefox.  Most common programs used are Autocad,Outlook, Word, Excel, and Firefox.  CC cleaner program is run at least twice a week, and the computer is shut down daily.  Windows updates are also accepted whenever prompted.

Laptop is less than a year old, has an i7 2.7-2.9 and 8 gigs of ram.

[CherylG · Accepted solution]

Since you have reinstalled Windows and more or less ruled out software issue-have you tested the hardware? Immediately after powering on start tapping the Esc key. This will open a menu where F2 System Diagnostics is an option. Tap F2 key and run the tests.