Old HP laptop stutters every 3 seconds (works fine in Safe Mode). How to fix?

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Old HP laptop stutters every 3 seconds (works fine in Safe Mode). How to fix?

Wakrak

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#304344 26-Apr-2023 21:23

Evening all.

Just got hold of a laptop that was given to my grandmother. I'm going to turn it into her main computer as her original desktop is falling apart.

Laptop = HP15-af139au

When I first got hold of it, I noticed these stutters every three seconds. I thought that the laptop might just be full of crap, so I gave it a fresh install of Windows 10 on a new MX500 SSD, added another 8gb of ddr3 ram, and updated all of the drivers once the laptop was up and running.

The stutters persist, however. In safe mode, it works fine. No freezing whatsoever.

Where to from here?

Thanks.

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#3068261 26-Apr-2023 22:05

That processor is absolutely ancient, and slow even when it was new. If possible I'd recommend picking up literally any ex-lease device from PB Tech, otherwise if you do want to push ahead with that system, I'd suggest Linux Mint to be the way to go.

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#3068268 26-Apr-2023 22:15

toejam316:

That processor is absolutely ancient, and slow even when it was new. If possible I'd recommend picking up literally any ex-lease device from PB Tech, otherwise if you do want to push ahead with that system, I'd suggest Linux Mint to be the way to go.

Cheers for the response. Thought that may be the case. Guess if there's no easy fix, second-hand might be the way to go.

Wakrak

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#3068271 26-Apr-2023 22:36

toejam316:

That processor is absolutely ancient, and slow even when it was new. If possible I'd recommend picking up literally any ex-lease device from PB Tech, otherwise if you do want to push ahead with that system, I'd suggest Linux Mint to be the way to go.

Reckon this is decent enough for the price?

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#3068275 26-Apr-2023 22:59

That's literally the first Core processor intel ever made, it'll work but it feels like you're hell bent on ancient tech.

Take a look at Buy the HP EliteDesk 800 G2 (A-Grade Off-Lease) Intel Core i5 6500 SFF Desktop... ( EXWKSHP8002210 ) online - PBTech.co.nz, which is a helluvalot more modern (5 generations newer than the one you linked, and still a whopping 7 generations behind).

If you have a budget in mind, something with a bit more longevity can be suggested too.

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#3068276 26-Apr-2023 23:13

toejam316:

That's literally the first Core processor intel ever made, it'll work but it feels like you're hell bent on ancient tech.

Thanks again. Few factors: just not clued up enough when it comes to these types of computers (older spec) + trying to be cheap + hoping to have it sorted by Friday since I’m travelling to see her tomorrow (Hamilton - Whakatāne).

But if she can wait another two weeks, then I’ll put a bit more effort in and get something a bit more decent like what you suggest. Under $200 would be nice. $250 max.

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#3068277 26-Apr-2023 23:17

That one I linked is $230, so that seems like an easy win then.

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#3068288 27-Apr-2023 07:03

Is windows a must? You could install chrome flex on it that would see a performance boost. There's also Apollo os on the horizon to clean it up but I don't think that's out yet.

One thing you can try is look at the task list and see what's eating up resource, mmon my old 3rd gen i5 it's windows defender scanning incoming network traffic that's really makes it chug, it can be turned off if you need the extra speed.

xpd

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#3068293 27-Apr-2023 07:54

Check out AtlasOS as well, brings new life into old PC's, and its Windows based :) AtlasOS — Home

Its aimed more at gamers but for a basic PC it'll be fine.

XPD / Gavin

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#3068296 27-Apr-2023 08:22

How's the battery? I've seen at least one brand of laptop with "micro-freezes" like that when the battery's bad.

Andib

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#3068300 27-Apr-2023 08:45

xpd:

Check out AtlasOS as well, brings new life into old PC's, and its Windows based :) AtlasOS — Home

Its aimed more at gamers but for a basic PC it'll be fine.

I STRONGLY recommend against anyone using this, Let alone giving it to someone as a daily system who does not fully understand exactly what it does and how it leaves you exposed.
There's been a ton of security researchers pull it apart in the last 24 hours but in short AtlasOS removal all the built-in security features of Windows, breaks Windows updates leaving anyone who uses it heavily exposed.

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#3068303 27-Apr-2023 09:01

Just be aware Windows 10 goes end of life 2025. Windows 11 needs at least a 8th Gen Intel CPU and a TPM to run officially (yes there are work arounds).

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Wakrak

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#3068314 27-Apr-2023 09:31

everettpsycho: Is windows a must? You could install chrome flex on it that would see a performance boost. There's also Apollo os on the horizon to clean it up but I don't think that's out yet.

One thing you can try is look at the task list and see what's eating up resource, mmon my old 3rd gen i5 it's windows defender scanning incoming network traffic that's really makes it chug, it can be turned off if you need the extra speed.

Thought it might be Windows Defender too. Turned it off last night but no change.

Under processes, the only thing jumping up and down is the CPU. System is using around 12% of the CPU. Nothing over 2% besides that. No GPU usage. Memory seems fine.

Under performance, CPU goes from 2% to 20%, in line with the 'freezing'. Chart looks like the teeth of a pruning saw.

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#3068320 27-Apr-2023 09:41

Are you using drivers from HP or just using the Windows defaults?
I have seen in the past weird things happen on older devices in the past where Windows has a more up to date 'generic' driver however the newer driver doesn't play nicely with the hardware. If you haven't already I'd start by downloading & installing the drivers from the HP site.

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#3068322 27-Apr-2023 09:46

Andib:

I STRONGLY recommend against anyone using this, Let alone giving it to someone as a daily system who does not fully understand exactly what it does and how it leaves you exposed.
There's been a ton of security researchers pull it apart in the last 24 hours but in short AtlasOS removal all the built-in security features of Windows, breaks Windows updates leaving anyone who uses it heavily exposed.

Any sources you can post? Be good to review...

Wakrak

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#3068324 27-Apr-2023 09:49

Andib:

Are you using drivers from HP or just using the Windows defaults?
I have seen in the past weird things happen on older devices in the past where Windows has a more up to date 'generic' driver however the newer driver doesn't play nicely with the hardware. If you haven't already I'd start by downloading & installing the drivers from the HP site.

I'll reset it again and use the HP assistant to download drivers before I do anything else. I think the stuttering was happening on the blue complete installation of Windows screen as well, but not 100% certain. Find out soon...

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