When it comes to PCs, most users expect a reliable and lag-free experience. The boot up process takes only seconds, programs open almost without delay, and videos run smoothly. But every now and then, there’s sand in the gears: the PC crashes without warning or copying files takes minutes.
In most cases, it’s not the software but the hardware that’s responsible for the drop in performance. But where the bottleneck is located cannot be determined right away. Is a memory module defective or is the CPU overheating? Is the hard disk or SSD working at its capacity limit? Or is the application simply slow because it’s pulling data from the internet?
If your PC is slower than usual, you can find the issue by using special tools that display the current performance of the individual components. Read on to learn more.
Further reading: Is your laptop slow? Try these 9 things before you give up
Using the Task Manager tool is a good starting point
The Windows task manager displays data and statistics on the most important PC components clearly and graphically. In case of problems, this system program is your first port of call.
IDG
The Task Manager is a useful tool for performance control. Microsoft has revised and upgraded the program considerably in recent years.
To call up the task manager, press the keys Ctrl>Alt>Del and select Task Manager (you can also alternatively type task into the Windows search window). In the app, click on Settings at the bottom left and activate the option Always on top.
Now switch to the Performance tab and open the CPU, Memory, GPU, Ethernet, and/or WLAN tabs in turn. Keep the tab open and work as usual on the PC and observe the information of the components. If they are permanently above 80 percent, then there’s something wrong here.
Keeping an eye on the CPU with Core Temp and performance monitoring
The freeware Core Temp shows the current temperatures of the individual CPU cores.
IDG
If your computer crashes again and again or runs noticeably slower, the cause is often an overheated CPU. The trigger can be a badly fitted or malfunctioning fan. The processor’s protection circuit reduces the clock frequency as soon as the temperature rises sharply. If this is not enough, the CPU is deactivated to prevent damage and the PC switches off without warning.
So you’re going to want to check the temperature of the processor with the help of Core Temp. The freeware offers a constantly updated database with all older and current CPU models from AMD and Intel and displays their data after starting. It also calls up the individual core temperatures and displays them on the tool interface and at the bottom of the taskbar.
The program window shows the maximum permissible CPU operating temperature at Tj. Max and the current temperatures below it. If these are permanently above 80 degrees, there’s probably a cooling error. Now you’ll want to look inside the computer to see if the fan is spinning and is firmly seated on the processor.
Windows performance monitoring tracks the percentage of processor time required for a thread in the graph (shown below).
IDG
If the PC is simply doing its tasks too slowly, this may also be due to the CPU. In this case, observe the utilization curve in the task manager. Another helpful tool is Windows’ performance monitoring, which you can call up by entering perfmon in the search field. After starting it, open Performance > Monitoring tools > Performance monitoring in the left column.
Now a constantly updated diagram appears showing the processor time at the bottom. This value indicates how much time the CPU needs to execute a thread. Thread here means certain program actions, i.e. in word processing for text input, for saving, for printing, and so on. The less processor time the CPU has to spend to execute a thread, the better. If the value in the performance monitoring is permanently above 80 to 90 percent, the CPU is too slow and should be replaced.
Test your RAM for defects and errors
Recurring PC crashes can be caused not only by the CPU, but also by the memory components of the main memory. Defects due to production errors or overheating are by no means rare. If individual memory addresses can no longer be addressed, Windows crashes.
With Memtest you can check the built-in RAM for errors. However, the software requires some preliminary considerations. Since Windows does not allow access to memory that is already in use elsewhere, Memtest can only ever check the free RAM. Therefore it’s best to reboot the computer, not call up any other program afterwards, and just start Memtest. Since Windows moves its subsystems dynamically in the memory, the tool will sooner or later examine the entire RAM.
Memtest can examine a maximum of between two and 3.5 GBytes of contiguous memory. Therefore, look in the Task Manager under Performance>Memory to see how much memory is currently available and divide the Mbyte value by 2,000. The result is the number of Memtest instances you should open in parallel. In each of them, enter 2,000 megabytes as the memory volume. Let each instance run until a coverage of 100 percent is reached. According to the manufacturer, this will detect 95 percent of all memory errors. If Memtest encounters an error, the program stops and issues a message. In this case, it’s best to replace the memory latch.
Check the temperature and functionality of your graphics card
The graphics card can also cause crashes, especially if it is being used to capacity by a PC game. In this case, the GPU can overheat and memory errors can occur.
You can read the temperature in the task manager under Performance>GPU. Better suited than the on-board tool, however, is GPU-Z. This tool collects and displays additional information about the hardware. As a rule of thumb, the GPU should not get hotter than about 80 degrees. Otherwise, there’s a risk of hardware defects. If GPU-Z detects higher values, check whether the card fan is running and firmly seated. Whether it can be replaced depends on the graphics card itself.
OCCT can be used for a memory test of the graphics card. On the user interface, click on Test>VRAM on the left. Select the correct graphics card and the test duration. The default setting is 30 minutes, which is sufficient even for generously equipped cards. Now click on the start symbol at the bottom. If the program diagnoses a memory error, you have no choice but to install a new graphics card.
If a game only runs slowly and jerky with a low frame rate, the GPU might simply be overtaxed. This can be tested with the 3DMark benchmark, but the free demo version is very limited.
Getting to the bottom of long waiting times during copying
The tool SSD-Z reads the S.M.A.R.T. data of your SSD or hard disk and points out errors when reading or writing.
IDG
If booting Windows suddenly takes a disproportionately long time despite the SSD, you should check the data medium. Crystaldiskmark has proven itself as a speed test. The tool performs several test runs and measures the time for writing and reading data. If the values are conspicuously low, we recommend taking a closer look. Crystaldiskmark not only detects hard disks and SSDs, but can also measure USB drives and sticks.
SSD-Z is suitable for more in-depth analyses. This tool displays the technical data and the current temperature of the storage medium and also lists the S.M.A.R.T. values of the drive. SSD-Z also comes with its own benchmark, but it is less precise than that of Crystaldiskmark.
When it comes to PCs, most users expect a reliable and lag-free experience. The boot up process takes only seconds, programs open almost without delay, and videos run smoothly. But every now and then, there’s sand in the gears: the PC crashes without warning or copying files takes minutes.
In most cases, it’s not the software but the hardware that’s responsible for the drop in performance. But where the bottleneck is located cannot be determined right away. Is a memory module defective or is the CPU overheating? Is the hard disk or SSD working at its capacity limit? Or is the application simply slow because it’s pulling data from the internet?
If your PC is slower than usual, you can find the issue by using special tools that display the current performance of the individual components. Read on to learn more.
Further reading: Is your laptop slow? Try these 9 things before you give up
Using the Task Manager tool is a good starting point
The Windows task manager displays data and statistics on the most important PC components clearly and graphically. In case of problems, this system program is your first port of call.
The Windows task manager displays data and statistics on the most important PC components clearly and graphically. In case of problems, this system program is your first port of call. IDG
The Windows task manager displays data and statistics on the most important PC components clearly and graphically. In case of problems, this system program is your first port of call. IDG
IDG
The Task Manager is a useful tool for performance control. Microsoft has revised and upgraded the program considerably in recent years.
To call up the task manager, press the keys Ctrl>Alt>Del and select Task Manager (you can also alternatively type task into the Windows search window). In the app, click on Settings at the bottom left and activate the option Always on top.
Now switch to the Performance tab and open the CPU, Memory, GPU, Ethernet, and/or WLAN tabs in turn. Keep the tab open and work as usual on the PC and observe the information of the components. If they are permanently above 80 percent, then there’s something wrong here.
Keeping an eye on the CPU with Core Temp and performance monitoring
The freeware Core Temp shows the current temperatures of the individual CPU cores.
The freeware Core Temp shows the current temperatures of the individual CPU cores.
IDG
The freeware Core Temp shows the current temperatures of the individual CPU cores.
IDG
IDG
If your computer crashes again and again or runs noticeably slower, the cause is often an overheated CPU. The trigger can be a badly fitted or malfunctioning fan. The processor’s protection circuit reduces the clock frequency as soon as the temperature rises sharply. If this is not enough, the CPU is deactivated to prevent damage and the PC switches off without warning.
So you’re going to want to check the temperature of the processor with the help of Core Temp. The freeware offers a constantly updated database with all older and current CPU models from AMD and Intel and displays their data after starting. It also calls up the individual core temperatures and displays them on the tool interface and at the bottom of the taskbar.
The program window shows the maximum permissible CPU operating temperature at Tj. Max and the current temperatures below it. If these are permanently above 80 degrees, there’s probably a cooling error. Now you’ll want to look inside the computer to see if the fan is spinning and is firmly seated on the processor.
Windows performance monitoring tracks the percentage of processor time required for a thread in the graph (shown below).
Windows performance monitoring tracks the percentage of processor time required for a thread in the graph (shown below).
IDG
Windows performance monitoring tracks the percentage of processor time required for a thread in the graph (shown below).
IDG
IDG
If the PC is simply doing its tasks too slowly, this may also be due to the CPU. In this case, observe the utilization curve in the task manager. Another helpful tool is Windows’ performance monitoring, which you can call up by entering perfmon in the search field. After starting it, open Performance > Monitoring tools > Performance monitoring in the left column.
Now a constantly updated diagram appears showing the processor time at the bottom. This value indicates how much time the CPU needs to execute a thread. Thread here means certain program actions, i.e. in word processing for text input, for saving, for printing, and so on. The less processor time the CPU has to spend to execute a thread, the better. If the value in the performance monitoring is permanently above 80 to 90 percent, the CPU is too slow and should be replaced.
Test your RAM for defects and errors
Recurring PC crashes can be caused not only by the CPU, but also by the memory components of the main memory. Defects due to production errors or overheating are by no means rare. If individual memory addresses can no longer be addressed, Windows crashes.
With Memtest you can check the built-in RAM for errors. However, the software requires some preliminary considerations. Since Windows does not allow access to memory that is already in use elsewhere, Memtest can only ever check the free RAM. Therefore it’s best to reboot the computer, not call up any other program afterwards, and just start Memtest. Since Windows moves its subsystems dynamically in the memory, the tool will sooner or later examine the entire RAM.
Memtest can examine a maximum of between two and 3.5 GBytes of contiguous memory. Therefore, look in the Task Manager under Performance>Memory to see how much memory is currently available and divide the Mbyte value by 2,000. The result is the number of Memtest instances you should open in parallel. In each of them, enter 2,000 megabytes as the memory volume. Let each instance run until a coverage of 100 percent is reached. According to the manufacturer, this will detect 95 percent of all memory errors. If Memtest encounters an error, the program stops and issues a message. In this case, it’s best to replace the memory latch.
Check the temperature and functionality of your graphics card
The graphics card can also cause crashes, especially if it is being used to capacity by a PC game. In this case, the GPU can overheat and memory errors can occur.
You can read the temperature in the task manager under Performance>GPU. Better suited than the on-board tool, however, is GPU-Z. This tool collects and displays additional information about the hardware. As a rule of thumb, the GPU should not get hotter than about 80 degrees. Otherwise, there’s a risk of hardware defects. If GPU-Z detects higher values, check whether the card fan is running and firmly seated. Whether it can be replaced depends on the graphics card itself.
OCCT can be used for a memory test of the graphics card. On the user interface, click on Test>VRAM on the left. Select the correct graphics card and the test duration. The default setting is 30 minutes, which is sufficient even for generously equipped cards. Now click on the start symbol at the bottom. If the program diagnoses a memory error, you have no choice but to install a new graphics card.
If a game only runs slowly and jerky with a low frame rate, the GPU might simply be overtaxed. This can be tested with the 3DMark benchmark, but the free demo version is very limited.
Getting to the bottom of long waiting times during copying
The tool SSD-Z reads the S.M.A.R.T. data of your SSD or hard disk and points out errors when reading or writing.
The tool SSD-Z reads the S.M.A.R.T. data of your SSD or hard disk and points out errors when reading or writing.
IDG
The tool SSD-Z reads the S.M.A.R.T. data of your SSD or hard disk and points out errors when reading or writing.
IDG
IDG
If booting Windows suddenly takes a disproportionately long time despite the SSD, you should check the data medium. Crystaldiskmark has proven itself as a speed test. The tool performs several test runs and measures the time for writing and reading data. If the values are conspicuously low, we recommend taking a closer look. Crystaldiskmark not only detects hard disks and SSDs, but can also measure USB drives and sticks.
SSD-Z is suitable for more in-depth analyses. This tool displays the technical data and the current temperature of the storage medium and also lists the S.M.A.R.T. values of the drive. SSD-Z also comes with its own benchmark, but it is less precise than that of Crystaldiskmark.
Amazon’s Leadership and Corporate Culture: Lessons from Jeff Bezos
Amazon, one of the most influential and innovative companies in the world, has a corporate culture and leadership philosophy shaped largely by its founder, Jeff Bezos. Bezos’s approach to leadership and his vision for Amazon have set the company apart in the highly competitive tech and retail sectors. This article explores the key elements of Amazon’s leadership and corporate culture, and the lessons that can be drawn from Bezos’s unconventional methods.
The Bezos Leadership Philosophy
Jeff Bezos founded Amazon in 1994, and his leadership philosophy has been instrumental in driving the company’s success. Central to Bezos’s approach is a relentless focus on the customer. He famously emphasized, “We’re not competitor obsessed, we’re customer obsessed. We start with the customer and we work backwards.” This mantra has guided Amazon’s product development, customer service, and innovation strategies.
Bezos’s customer-centric philosophy manifests in various ways. For instance, Amazon’s customer service policies are designed to maximize customer satisfaction, often going above and beyond industry standards. This includes offering easy returns, fast shipping, and a broad range of products. The commitment to customer experience is not merely a slogan but a guiding principle that influences every aspect of Amazon’s operations.
Innovation and Risk-Taking
Another hallmark of Bezos’s leadership is a strong emphasis on innovation and risk-taking. Bezos has been known for his willingness to experiment and embrace failure as part of the innovation process. His approach is encapsulated in the principle that “failure and invention are inseparable twins.” This mindset has led to the creation of groundbreaking products and services such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Kindle, and Alexa.
Bezos encourages employees to think big and explore unconventional ideas. Amazon’s “Day 1” mentality, as described by Bezos, means treating every day as if it were the first day of the company’s existence. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and creativity, where employees are motivated to push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
The Two-Pizza Rule
Bezos’s leadership style also emphasizes the importance of small, agile teams. The “Two-Pizza Rule” is a notable example of this principle. According to this rule, teams should be small enough to be fed with two pizzas. The rationale behind this is that smaller teams are more effective at communicating and collaborating, which leads to faster decision-making and more innovative solutions.
The Two-Pizza Rule has influenced Amazon’s organizational structure, promoting a decentralized and flexible approach to management. It encourages teams to be autonomous and take ownership of their projects, leading to a more dynamic and responsive organization.
Long-Term Thinking
One of the defining features of Bezos’s leadership is his long-term thinking. Bezos has consistently prioritized long-term goals over short-term gains, a strategy that has often led to criticism from investors focused on quarterly results. However, Bezos believes that focusing on the long term is essential for building a sustainable and successful business.
This long-term perspective is reflected in Amazon’s investments in infrastructure, technology, and talent. For example, Amazon’s substantial investments in its fulfillment network and cloud computing services were made with the expectation of significant long-term returns. Bezos’s willingness to forgo immediate profits in favor of future growth has been a key driver of Amazon’s success.
Leadership Principles
Amazon’s leadership principles are a cornerstone of its corporate culture and reflect Bezos’s values and vision. These principles guide decision-making, employee behavior, and company policies. Some of the most notable principles include:
Customer Obsession: Always start with the customer and work backwards. Work to earn and keep customer trust.
Invent and Simplify: Seek out new solutions and simplify processes to make things easier for customers.
Hire and Develop the Best: Raise the performance bar with every hire and promotion. Recognize exceptional talent and help them grow.
Deliver Results: Focus on the key inputs for your business and deliver them with the right quality and in a timely fashion.
These principles help create a unified company culture where employees are aligned with Amazon’s mission and values. They also serve as a framework for evaluating performance and making strategic decisions.
A Culture of High Standards
Bezos is known for his insistence on high standards, which is reflected in Amazon’s corporate culture. He believes that maintaining high standards is crucial for driving excellence and innovation. This approach has led to a demanding work environment where employees are expected to deliver exceptional results and continuously improve.
While this culture of high standards has contributed to Amazon’s success, it has also been a point of contention. Critics have pointed to the intense pressure and high expectations placed on employees, leading to concerns about work-life balance and employee well-being. Bezos and Amazon have addressed these concerns in various ways, including investing in employee benefits and programs aimed at improving workplace conditions.
Lessons for Other Organizations
Amazon’s leadership and corporate culture offer several valuable lessons for other organizations:
Customer Focus: Prioritizing the customer can drive innovation and create a competitive edge. Companies should continually seek to understand and meet customer needs.
Embrace Failure: Viewing failure as a learning opportunity rather than a setback can foster innovation and resilience. Encouraging experimentation and risk-taking can lead to breakthroughs.
Small Teams, Big Impact: Smaller, autonomous teams can be more agile and effective. Empowering teams to make decisions and take ownership can drive productivity and creativity.
Long-Term Vision: Balancing short-term pressures with a focus on long-term goals can lead to sustainable growth and success. Investing in future-oriented projects can pay off over time.
High Standards: Setting high standards and striving for excellence can drive performance and improvement. However, it is important to balance this with consideration for employee well-being.
Conclusion
Jeff Bezos’s leadership and Amazon’s corporate culture have been instrumental in shaping the company’s success and influence. Bezos’s focus on the customer, innovation, long-term thinking, and high standards has created a unique and powerful organizational environment. While there are challenges associated with this approach, the lessons from Amazon’s leadership can provide valuable insights for other organizations striving for excellence and growth.
