Do Games Slow Down The Speed Of The Computer

Sorry guys - another question on speed of computer. I was told that installing too many games on the computer slows it down. Any solutions to that - external hard disks or uninstalling these games which I paid for and is not cheap? When I have enough money saved up I will probably buy another computer, just for internet use. What do you think?

[question posted by hopeful28]

responses and comments:

that is really good idea. games slow down if you install many games on your computer. this will create problems and this can reduce the speed of execution of files. have a nice day. [imrajesh]

i agreed with you man [rudhra143143]

Well, yes they slow down the speed, there are many issues for that, but if u can then purchase a 3D card and perhaps u may not need a faster computer then ! [usman400]

What is a 3D card? I am a moron where computer and their accessories are concerned. I don't even know a tenth of what's out there which is related to the computer. Is it expensive? [hopeful28]

probly but not fully sure about it i hav also heard abt it [195734687951235475]

If I didn't have such a slow system I probably wouldn't even think about it. I guess you don't have this problem. [hopeful28]

I have to disagree that by installing games, your computer will slow down. This is a common misconception of computer users. Installing games doesn't affect the speed of your computer. Games are merely files. just like your MP3s and documents. What I believe causes the slowdown of the computer are spywares or 3rd party programs that run on startup. This programs consume memory, and in computer terms, less memory means less performance. I have installed lots of games on my computer, and it is still in top shape. I just take a note of my startup items, I disable the ones I don't need. Some games have a habit of installing startup items, which often is not necessary for it to work properly. Hope that helps. :) [ryanrudolf]

Maybe your computer barely meets the minimum requirements, that is why it is slow to start with? A memory upgrade is the cheapest and effective way of speeding things up. Also, anti-virus programs consume a lot of memory, because they always run in the background and scans all the files in your system. I try to stay away from Norton as it consumes a lot of memory. How did I figured this out? I once installed Norton AV, and it made my system crawl. For testing purposes, I disabled the Auto Protect feature of Norton, and thinks went back to normal. But turning Auto Protect is not a good idea, it is the same thing as having no anti-virus installed. What I did is searched the forums for good AVs that are not resource hogs. I un-installed Norton and settled for F-Prot. Seems to be much better in terms of performance and can also catch almost all of the viruses. :) [ryanrudolf]

it doesn't matter if you have installed a lot of games on your pc it will not slow it down,it will only slow down when you are running a game depending on the game requirements,also defrag your drives once a fortnight atleast [ArchAng3l]

But what if I clean out something wrongly? Will that happen - I am not a computer expert. [hopeful28]

yes game slow down computer ur booting drive shoued free memory game installed on other drive [datir1]

The post by ryanrudolf is correct. There are several things you can do to try and get a little extra speed out of your computer it you're finding things are beginning to slow down a bit. 1) Check your start up files. Chances are you're starting up a bunch of programs right when you boot. These'll slow down your start up and consume memory. Turn off what you absolutely don't need. 2) Check for spyware and adware, etc. Commonly these start up right when you boot too, but are usually harder to stop (to the common user, anyways). I'll provide links if you want to a site that'll walk you through how to do that. 3) Turn off any fancy effects you have running (assuming WinXP). Really a minor thing, but... mouse trails aren't really needed, among with a variety of other things WinXP has to make it look pretty. Again, I'll provide links to some guides to help you do this if you want. [Zairo7]

Woops, sorry for the slow response. Here's the link to help you with spyware/adware: http://www.theeldergeek.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=13415 Also, if you're interested: http://tweak3d.net/tweak-guides/ NOTE: On both of the above links there's always the inherent risk of doing something that could make your computer not work. Thankfully, both sites provide step-by-step instructions. If you feel uncomfortable with doing anything they ask (this applies moreso to tweak3d than theeldergeek) then don't do it. At this point I'd also like to point out that if you are looking at the tweak3d guides, the 15 Minute XP Tune-Up and Windows XP/2000 Cleanup may be of interest to you (assuming you're running Windows XP). If you find you're still having problems, theeldergeek has a specific forum where you can post and they will help you with a timely solution. [Zairo7]

You don't need a new computer. I think your computer doesn't meets the minimum requirements of the games you have installed. Try checking the games specification and compare it with your system specs. In that way you will know what hardware you need to change in your computer inorder for it to function well. [rhie0216]

How do I go about doing that? The games I downloaded are from popcap, imagineengine, realarcade etc... [hopeful28]

it depends on the internet service provider you had dear.as long as you had a good connection internet provider i think there will be no problem dude.you need a good provider to play online game.and it depends on your computer capability. [fahmiri2al]

Hmmmm, ok I did think that maybe I needed to upgrade my memory - do I just buy a new card which has more memory or is it possible to just add on? [hopeful28]

I know they use a lot of memory and slow down the computer. I am not sure how you uninstall these games, though. [mimatexas]

It's ok - that's why I had to post this question so that I get all the experts to tell me :-) . Thanks for responding though. [hopeful28]

If you install too many games on the computer and you install it on the system drive of course it will slow down your machine because of the disk space. Some computer games eats lot of memories from your system. One cheap way to speed up is having an additional RAM in your computer. If you're experiencing that your machine slows down during gameplay, it (your machine)probably have just meet the minimum system requirements of the program. Upgrading your video card will do [gatekeeper23]

Hey thanks. I think I am beginning to get a clearer picture - I hope so. [hopeful28]

Not only games but other programs that take up a lot of system resources like adobe and macromedia software. Those use up a lot of ram, processor power and hdisk space. It will also depend on the physical ability of your pc. What is the processor? Dual Core? Quad Core? What is it's cache? fsb? multiplier? Your video card? AGP, PCI-E or SLI? How many mb? ddr 1, 2 or 3? Your hardisk, EIDE, SCSI or SATA 1 or 2? Buffer memory how many mb? rpm of hdisk? RAM - DDR 1 or 2? Speed of RAM? All of these affect the speed of your pc when using applications. [merkava]

Oh my, you are talking over my head. I suppose I should copy everything down and check it out one by one. Thanks for responding! [hopeful28]

installing a lot of anything slows your computer down. you can always just get more memory for your computer or have it reformated. i think it would be a waste of money to buy a whole new computer, unless of course, your current computer is old, then getting a newer one would probably be better. [melissacus]

Thank you - I will take note of all suggestions and work it out slowly. [hopeful28]

Computer games that you install on your computer can slow the computer down if you do not have a decent amount of RAM on your computer as well as hard drive and processor. Some games out there take up a lot of memory. I am getting ready to upgrade my RAM in my computer so that I can do more with it, like playing games. I don't think you need two computers. You should be able to find a good deal on memory for your computer. [kgwat70]

Thank you, I definitely will choose the cheaper option if possible. I like your practical advice. Bless you. [hopeful28]

Yea, game can really slow down computers a lot, even if you don't have them installed. Playing Online game (like RuneScape) can slow you down quite a bit. The larger the game size is, the more it will slow your computer down. Interchangeable hard drives would be a great improvement to computers, switching from normal hard drive to gaming hard drive. [Slicerdicer9]

I didn't know there are different types of hard drives (groan). The next time I go to the computer shop I better have a good talk with the sales person there!! Thank you - looks like this discussion is an educational trip for me, lol. [hopeful28]

hi,nice to know your topic bcs i'm also really interested in this topic.as i know. and what i'm doing with my comp.i actually save the games that i like to evaluate or play in other partition of hardisk.it's really work.let's try the method! [ayris77]

How do I do that??? If you read this again, please let me know. Thank you. [hopeful28]

I hear you, i don't have an answer but my hubby has so many games and they do slow down our computer, if you find an answer please share it with me :) [Candacefraser]

Thank you for responding - I surely will let you know if and when I find a solution to this. Also, I think it would help you to read all the rest of the responses - they are really informative!! Bless you. [hopeful28]

no i dont think so..if u r using a good quality procesor n graphic card..then the game cant hav any affect on speed of the comp....this is just a myth that games decreases the speed of the comp...the games actually improves the alertness sensitivities os the human mind.. [aruniitb]

Could be that my computer may be lacking in something that's why my system is like a cripple now - limping ever so s..l..o..w..l..y. Thanks for your suggestion. [hopeful28]

I think it's not necessary, games maybe slowing down your computer but your computer is suppose to work ok with them. If you're talking about external hard disks for the games that may be a problem because I'm not sure how fast the games are suppose to run and external hard disks are slower than internal. [shomomo]

They do some how affect the speed of the computer specially if it is currently open with another programs running. Wnem a game is highly or has a very high requirement or specs needed to run then they do affect the speed of the computer. Greetings. : ) [moneymind]

no it is not true , games doesnt slow down the speed of the computers. [mshajeer]

Some how they do since when our hard disk is also almost at its capacity of full our computers tend to run slower or the applications will run slower. I say that you only install those games that you are currently playing or love playing as to save on hard disk space and not to run too many games at the same time. greetings. : ) [moneymind]

Usually when I play games, it's always just one at a time. I don't run a few games all at once. Maybe it's those installed games taking up too much of the hard disk space. Thank you for responding. [hopeful28]

Start your game until you finished it....until you finished it or game over ...;) then you can uninstall that after bored. Next use software which can delete unecessary registry of old game. Then you can install a new gam and enjoy it. [hardy07]

i also agree that installing too many games will slow down your computer [mehula2]

Speed of computer is a major problem nowadays.You metioned that u r installing games in ur system but u didnt mentioned howmany OS u r installed. ok it is not a problem. If u installed more than one OS keep any one specifically and reinstalled others.This will make u r system fast. And u have to watch memory capacity of games and installed it.ther r lot of website games also avilable.If u dont mine u may use it speed is not a problem here. Some web names r < zapak.com,vetty.com,etc>.Thakyou. [jaganathanvcet]

I am only running on Windows XP. I think I have to consider all the various suggestions and then work on it. Thanks for the web names. I will check it out! [hopeful28]

I think installing a lot of games contributes to the slowness of your PC. When you install games, it occupies a space in your Hard drive. Also, when you run this games, it consumes memory resources. What I usually do at home is I have a separate hard Disk where I install games, other applications, save files, mp3s, etc. My primary Hard disk is just for the operating system. Another solution is for you to increase your RAM. [clod0327]

Thank you, what you have suggested has already been mentioned earlier. This will 'hammer' the information into my head better. [hopeful28]

yes i think but only at the run time after that i dont think they slow done the computer [manmaxman]

Yes, games slow down computer and some games will make your computer come to a crawl. I think an external harddisk is a good idea, and another one would probably be adding memory to your computer. Also the system setup would help to in free unused memory. If you install games on the computer, don't have them put icon in your tray, this will lessen the memory usage as well. click on the game you want to play only don't run them all at the same time coz this will definately slow down your computer even if you upgrade the memory to 1gb. if computer are cheaper then memory or external harddisk, you can always buy another one for internet use only. [omega007]

Yes, I have to find out the cost of the external hard disks available first and then decide if it is more economical to use that or get a computer just for internet. Thank you for your suggestions. [hopeful28]

no, I dont thinks. as long as you leave enough space on your harddisk C for computer to run itself. if your harddrive C has enough space, I dont think install games on computer would affect your computer's speed. the only thing you should consider is to run your defragment software from time to time in case that there are too manyt defragment on your harddrive. [philipwu51]

I've tried defragmentation but it didn't help. Have to consider other factors. But thanks for helping me think. [hopeful28]

of course because it can lessen the memory of the hardisk so better delete the games which you dont play anymore it can registered to the registry of the windows everything you install in the computer thaths why it can slow down the speed of your computer [harxian]

Thank you for your suggestion. I am looking at all the factors brought up in all the responses. :-) [hopeful28]

I have personal experience in this field,some days back I installed pro evolution soccer 6 on my pc and found that the speed of my pc has reduced drastically and my mouse also stopped working properly so I finally uninstalled the game and now my pc is working just fine!!!!!!!! [Apakshit]

I'm happy for you and I wish my problem was that simple. Mine is more than just one game and I paid alot to have them installed. [hopeful28]

Its not just the games that slows down your PC. If your hard disk is alsmost full, then its academic that your PC will slow down. One solution is to get a higher capacity hard disk or deleting unnecessary files, unused applications etc. Defragging your drive can also help. [thediesel]

Thank you, I will take your suggestion into consideration definitely. Cheerio! [hopeful28]

probably the games slow down the speed of the pc, but if you unistall the finished games and save the player files, when you re-install the game you don't have lost the saved progress and you don't have any problem!! Have a nice day! [nitrodona]

Well, this is one angle I have not considered. However, my games are all on hard disk and I need the registration key to play it. If I uninstall and I don't have the key I can't reinstall it. [hopeful28]

I don't think it has effect on your computer if your not playing with your computer then it wouldn't affect your PC performance. I would suspect that maybe you got infected by a virus from connecting to internet that may be a possible. Or you may check your HDD space if you got any space left that may also affect the speed of your computer. [rsa101]

I probably will have to pay an expert to come down to do a thorough check for me because some of those things suggested are foreign to me and I don't want to end up jeopardizing the whole system. I'm terrified of that happening. [hopeful28]

This is the disscussion for which I am being scolded by my parents that Computer slows down the speed of your computer.I don't think so it usually depens upon the speed of your computer,for games I think your computer should have a very good configuration,you should have hardisk of 40GB to 80GB,graphics card of 64MB to 128MB,RAM of about 256MB to 512MB,then you'll never face such problems,It's too costly but not as costly as to buy another computer. [livinghell01]

Thank you for listing all the configurations to me. I will copy it and use it when I go browse at computer shops here. [hopeful28]

anything that you installs in your computer affects the speed of a computer especially when your using them all at a time.. [topsnav]

No, I don't run everything one shot - I can't because the system is already so slow. But hey, thanks. [hopeful28]

Ya some games really slows down the speed of your computer.It depends on your graphic card that u r using... [saajaan]

Yup, this is one thing I will be looking into. Thank you. [hopeful28]

Yes, installing too many games in computer will slow down your speen of computer. but if you can use one game at a time and the other programs does not working. It will help your speed. you have to disable RAM to reads other programs when you're playing a game. I don't know how but I know it can be done. buy another computer for internet use will help you to gain the internet speed. If you have so much money, it will be okay for you. [dunsong]

Thank you, I will buy another computer if I think it is advisable to do so. :-) But that's when I have the money. [hopeful28]

Ya its true, U can use 3D card to solve this issue. [talk2hardikbhatt]

3D card only help for games speen at monitor screen but not helps the speed of internet nor the games itself. [dunsong]

hey i have a cafe and in my cafe i have total 8 computers and the game i have installed is totally 15 games my computers work as it worked before i installed the games so i tell you that there is no such problem if u install game ok.. it will jus slow down ur comps speed only when u will play the games n while quiting to windows that is also for 5 to 10 mins so dont you worry you can install as many games you want............ [krunal_inlove1]

Well, I think the problem may be that I don't have much as much memory as you have installed in your computers that is why mine is slow while yours isn't. [hopeful28]

Sometimes you can get a better processor and video card and that will increase your performance. It also depends on the age of the computer that it's installed on as well. I know that with my laptop, even though it's a newer model, it doesn't do "games" very well that are not online (ie pogo, neopets). Alienware is the best system out for gaming, but it's really expensive as well. You should talk to someone who really knows computers in and out, and isn't looking to make a quick buck off you, to help you figure out what your computer needs really are. Hope this helps. [alluravoice]

Thanks for the warning. I have been conned before and I am wary about going to people whom are not recommended by my family or friends. Thanks for the feedback. [hopeful28]

Not all games slow down the computer.The games which require much amount of memory during execution slow down the speed of computer.So if the computer have enough memory available(free memory),then there is no problem.So in my opinion ram needed to be upgrade if any body want to play games.It should be 512mb or more to play games. [ashumit02]

My RAM probably is running out of space plus other factors. Well, I better not install any more but just play online. [hopeful28]

yaa. i have experienced the same. games reduce the speed of the computer a lot. [subha12]

yes,computer games are slow down the computer.when games are installed in computer it occupy large amount of memory space,so during process speed of execution becomes slow.Also computer gamews are very interesting people early play games so their time also losted [balee_india]

Thank you for responding. I am looking at all angles from the suggestions given by all the other responders. [hopeful28]

I've got about 35~ish high demanding games on my pc and it still runs the same as it did the day I built it. I use many programs like ccleaner to rid myself of other crap that will slow my desktop down. GAME ON! [nexuswolf]

Perhaps your RAM and other related parts have sufficient memory space for you to accommodate all these games without speed lag but for me I have to upgrade some of them I think if I want my computer to perform better. Thanks for your input. [hopeful28]

Yes to many computer games will slow down your computer.You could buy some RAM or some more gigabytes. [zane2702]

Thank you for responding - I am considering doing it. [hopeful28]

They may slow it down if you have a lot of games installed at the same time and don't have enough free disk space to have them installed, otherwise I don't think they can slow down your machine, they may use more RAM and processor while you're playing but will not slow it down when you're not playing. [ownado]

After reading all the responses, my conclusion at the moment is that it could be a combination of all the factors like the video card, RAM memory, Norton Antivirus and not just the games. I will have to get someone to check it out for me b4 I decide what to upgrade or get a new computer. Thanks for you input too. [hopeful28]

Well i think we must have seprate pc for gaming with powerfull configuration because just using internet and browsing not require high configurations. [bashiriqbal]

Thank you taking time to respond. This will be one of my considerations but at the moment, I am cashstrapped so I have to wait before I can buy another computer. [hopeful28]

It is not the games per se that slows down the computer. I think it's in the amount of disk space the game occupies. The more cramped your hard drive is, the more chance the files will be fragmented. This would surely slow down your operations. [dekzee]

Thank you for your opinion. I have received different feedbacks regarding this issue so far and I need to go through all of them again before deciding on what to do first. Maybe I will try to defragment the disk again to see if it helps. [hopeful28]

yes man installing too many games will slow down your computer .If you have external graphic card of 512 mb or more RAM your Pc will not slow down [athaur]

Thank you, I am looking into all the things I can upgrade to help with the problem. [hopeful28]

There is a lot of reason can make your computer more slow. the key to play with your computer speed is in your RAM and your processor. to much application run it will takes memory and if your computer memory reach the limit it will slows your computer. to much file on hard disk is not recommended too, try at least save 20% from your total disk space. [istanto]

Ok, I will add your suggestions to my list of considerations. Thanks for your inpute. Much appreciated. [hopeful28]

But, games don't slow down your computer unless you decide to run them and if that happens and you close out of them, then they're only affecting the RAM. The only way that having too many games will slow down your comp is if you completely fill up your hard drive and start using up the virtual memory, but I don't expect anyone to do that. [Undrsiege]

i think games make a buffer memory for the game useage but it use virtual memory that slow down the computer that will be for at the run time but after that it will be normal to speed of computer [manmaxman]

No I think this is a wrong view from the people that games slow down the computer. When you are playing a game a lot of the RAM is being utilised and so after you close the application few files remains in your RAM. But this is not a big problem is you can easily use a ram cleaner to clean the memory and then you'll find that your computer working properly. But is there are a few software is which did to slow down your computer specially anti-virus because they keep running few processes on your computer which you can see through your task manager. These definitely use the a lot of computer resources and slows down the computer. [amitavroy]

I know I am a bit late on this one but yes it is true. My Daughter had a few on hers and it slowed it down totally and also depends how much Space you have on your Computer. [gabs8513]

it depends on what type of games are installing. if you are installing the games that require huge memory to store than it can slow down your computer but small games usually don't slow down the speed of your computer [mitsubishi]

Do Games Slow Down The Speed Of The Computer

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