Hi all,
So I have had my laptop for just over 2 years now, a Sony Vaio CW1S1E with spec's:
Processor: Intel Core2 Duo P7450 @ 2.13GHz
RAM: 4GB
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M (512MB)
HDD: 320GB
I've been fortunate not to have any problems with the laptop, but this also means I've never re-installed Windows (I'm also abit forgetful when it comes to de-fragmenting...). So the hard drive is full of countless programs and games that I rarely use, and it has gradually slowed down to the point where it takes a good 10 minutes to run smoothly after booting. It also has trouble running CS:S nowadays, when it used to handle Crysis on medium settings!
Anyway, I'm wondering if a simple re-install will help get it back to normal? But there are a few problems:
. Will I be able to re-use my Windows OEM install? (There is a "Product Code" on a label on the bottom of the laptop)
. Will I be able to find compatible video card drivers? (I've never been able to upgrade my drivers as the installer doesn't recognise the card, something to do with Sony I believe, can't find working drivers on their site either!)
After the re-install I'll mostly be using it for Web Browsing, Word, Excel etc. Ideally I'd like it to handle a bit of light gaming (CS:S mainly), for when my girlfriend has stole my PC to play the Sims...
I'm also wondering if it's worth getting a 120GB SSD, since the laptop only has SATA2? (I presume.)
If so, would a SanDisk Extreme or Mushkin Chronos be better?
Thanks,
Josh
So I have had my laptop for just over 2 years now, a Sony Vaio CW1S1E with spec's:
Processor: Intel Core2 Duo P7450 @ 2.13GHz
RAM: 4GB
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 230M (512MB)
HDD: 320GB
I've been fortunate not to have any problems with the laptop, but this also means I've never re-installed Windows (I'm also abit forgetful when it comes to de-fragmenting...). So the hard drive is full of countless programs and games that I rarely use, and it has gradually slowed down to the point where it takes a good 10 minutes to run smoothly after booting. It also has trouble running CS:S nowadays, when it used to handle Crysis on medium settings!
Anyway, I'm wondering if a simple re-install will help get it back to normal? But there are a few problems:
. Will I be able to re-use my Windows OEM install? (There is a "Product Code" on a label on the bottom of the laptop)
. Will I be able to find compatible video card drivers? (I've never been able to upgrade my drivers as the installer doesn't recognise the card, something to do with Sony I believe, can't find working drivers on their site either!)
After the re-install I'll mostly be using it for Web Browsing, Word, Excel etc. Ideally I'd like it to handle a bit of light gaming (CS:S mainly), for when my girlfriend has stole my PC to play the Sims...
I'm also wondering if it's worth getting a 120GB SSD, since the laptop only has SATA2? (I presume.)
If so, would a SanDisk Extreme or Mushkin Chronos be better?
Thanks,
Josh
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