How to configure a notebook

Brian Nadel CNET

Published: 16 Jan 2006

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Go to section: Introduction The need for speed More than meets the eye Suggested configurations How we tested Performance results

More than meets the eye

Just like the petrol mileage for a car, a notebook's performance and battery life will vary according to how you use it. Beyond your processor, memory and hard drive, we've outlined a number of other features that can affect how your system performs.

Graphics

	Less expensive notebooks generally have an integrated graphics processing unit (GPU), which leans on system memory (RAM) to render graphics. A higher-end system typically has a discrete GPU with its own memory that acts like a tiny, self-contained video processor. A discrete GPU can free up the RAM and let the processor work faster, but it can also take a heavy toll on battery life.

Networking and Wi-Fi

Staying connected can be as vital as breathing, but it doesn't come for free. Leaving a notebook's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth activated will usually decrease performance and use up battery life. If you're not plugged into a wall socket, deactivate your connections when they're not in use.

Peripherals

	Whether it's a modem or an external hard drive, whatever's hooked up to your notebook via PC Card slot, FireWire or USB port will draw power and shorten battery life. Some devices will automatically shut down when not in use, but others are power hogs. The best bet: don't connect your peripherals until you need them.

Operating system

Books have been written about how to tweak the effect of an operating system on performance. We don't have the space to get into that here, but be aware that you can adjust performance factors in the Performance Options window (on the Advanced tab of the System Properties window). In addition to adjusting the virtual memory level, you can change the processor's priorities and optimise graphics.

• Introduction


• The need for speed


• More than meets the eye


• Suggested configurations


• How we tested


• Performance results

Go to section: Introduction The need for speed More than meets the eye Suggested configurations How we tested Performance results

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