Config Bios and Windows installation
- First boot :
Check the usual parameters: check that the boot order is correct, update if necessary, activate XMP, modify the fan curve, check that the components are at their normal settings.
- After stock benchmarks and before OC benchmarks:
I decided to follow vertex’s and other members’ recommendations on RAM profiles:
These recommendations seem to be right on target. Can RAM be pushed even further? Probably, but let’s not forget that we’re aiming for an optimization that’s stable and viable in everyday use.
Windows installation
Very much in vogue in recent years, optimizations are, in my opinion, far too over-the-top. In my experience, they bring more problems than real benefits…
I leave you with this nugget:
However, there are a few parameters to take into account and it’s still possible to make an easy, cleanly optimized installation.
To create the bootable USB key, I used a well-known utility, RUFUS. Unlike other competing tools, RUFUS offers a number of options to help you get the most out of your Windows installation:
- Remove the need for a Microsoft Online account
- Create a local account with an existing username
- Disable data collection
Important: before any manipulation of windows, remember to make a backup of your windows/data, you never know..
As far as Windows settings are concerned, I’m aiming for stability and improved user experience. Here’s what I do (it’s all in the settings panel):
- Deactivate notifications
- Activate clipboard history (often activated by default). It seems pointless here, but believe me, it can save your life
- Hide the search bar in the taskbar
- Enable game mode
- Disable device localization
- Disable startup of certain applications (depending on your needs)
- In the privacy settings, there’s plenty to disable:
- General: disable all
- Handwritten input: disable
- Diagnostics and comments: Disable
- Activity history: disable and clear history
- Voice: Disable
- Camera/Microphone: You can deactivate them for apps you’re sure you’ll never use, to avoid unpleasant surprises
- Voice activation: you can leave it enabled, but remember to disable the option allowing apps to use voice activation when the device is locked!
- Phone calls/messages/radio: of course, deactivate
- Other devices: unless specifically required, deactivate
- Set power mode to high performance
- In the PC advanced settings, performance tab, you can disable unwanted visual effects. The impact on performance is derisory, but it can be interesting on an old, worn-out machine.
