In the realm of computing, efficiency is paramount. Users often find themselves frustrated by applications that consume excessive system resources, leading to diminished performance during both gaming and productivity tasks. Among the usual suspects are minimized browser windows, vendor bloatware, and programs dedicated to wallpaper and RGB lighting. For those looking to optimize their systems, it may be time to consider alternatives or adjustments to these resource-hungry applications.
Your RAM-hungry web browser
Chrome, Firefox, Edge — no one is immune
Modern web browsers have become increasingly demanding, with many popular options being Chromium-based and notorious for their high RAM consumption. Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and even Brave frequently top the charts in Task Manager’s RAM usage. While Firefox once stood out as a lightweight alternative, recent reports indicate that it too has succumbed to high memory usage.
For users who juggle multiple tabs—especially those whose gaming PCs double as workstations—this can quickly become overwhelming. To alleviate some of the strain on your system, consider switching to browsers known for their lower resource consumption, such as Arc, Vivaldi, Opera GX, or DuckDuckGo. Testing these alternatives could lead to a noticeable decrease in RAM usage, allowing you to return to your preferred browser with a more streamlined experience.
Your needlessly convoluted antivirus program
McAfee, Avast, Bitdefender, and others
As we navigate the digital landscape of 2025, the necessity of third-party antivirus software on personal devices is increasingly questionable. With cyberattacks on the rise, many users may feel compelled to invest in antivirus solutions that ultimately bog down their systems. For Windows users, Microsoft Defender offers robust protection without the bloat associated with many third-party options.
Independent studies have shown that popular antivirus programs like McAfee Total Protection and Bitdefender Total Security can significantly slow down system performance during scans. While some antivirus solutions, such as Kaspersky Security Cloud Free, may perform better than Microsoft Defender, the general consensus is that built-in protection is often sufficient for most users.
Wallpaper Engine
Looks beautiful, but it can strain older systems
Wallpaper Engine remains a favorite for those who appreciate animated wallpapers, yet it can be a considerable resource drain, particularly on older systems. Despite its aesthetic appeal and a modest one-time fee, the dynamic wallpapers can spike CPU, RAM, and GPU usage, especially when running alongside other demanding applications.
For users experiencing performance issues, it may be beneficial to switch to lighter wallpapers or even uninstall Wallpaper Engine, particularly if system resources are limited.
SignalRGB
Here’s your signal to disable it
SignalRGB is another popular program that enhances the visual appeal of a PC by syncing RGB components. While it offers a seamless experience, it is often criticized for its high resource consumption. Users with limited RAM or older CPUs may find that the performance hit is not worth the aesthetic benefits. If your system feels sluggish, consider disabling SignalRGB to reclaim some of that lost performance.
Your first-party vendor bloatware
Armoury Crate, iCUE, Synapse, and more
First-party software from motherboard and peripheral manufacturers often comes bundled with bloatware that can hinder system performance. Programs like Asus’s Armoury Crate and Corsair’s iCUE may seem useful, but they frequently offer little more than distractions while consuming valuable resources.
Many users find that they can achieve the same functionalities through more efficient alternatives, allowing them to sidestep the performance penalties associated with vendor software.
Stop ignoring silent performance killers on your PC
While applications like antivirus programs, RGB utilities, and wallpaper apps may not appear resource-intensive at first glance, their impact on system performance can be significant. By identifying and addressing these silent performance killers, users can reclaim valuable CPU and RAM bandwidth, enhancing their overall computing experience. While not everyone may wish to eliminate these programs entirely, even small adjustments can lead to noticeable improvements in system responsiveness.
