Computer is excruciatingly slow - adds 15-20 hours/week.

Started as FT analyst at a boutique bank about 6 months ago now, and I have dealt with tech issues constantly that have severely hindered my productivity. The computer I was issued freezes multiple times a day, oftentimes just dragging simple Excel formulas, inserting columns, paste special, and even when navigating file explorer. More complex models and datasets send the CPU through the roof and the whole device will freeze, which makes me lose hours of work a week. I was given an older version (same model) than other people in my analyst class, which makes me suspect something is wrong with the hardware itself. Every time I ask the IT support staff to explain what’s happening they’re unable to give me a firm answer, and have resorted to installing driver updates, reimaging the computer, and other forms of resets, all with extremely limited/temporary success. I’ve been using a loaner laptop which has worked more smoothly, but it’s just one they found sitting around and a much older model than what I was using before with less RAM and a weaker processor, and I’m still having the same issues. The tech team has told me that they’re unable to replace the device as the manufacturer believes there is nothing wrong with it. I explained this to the head of my group and asked if I’d be able to try a new computer, and it really pissed him off for some reason. Even though other analysts and associates acknowledge how it’s affecting my work, my MD just says he thinks it could be my own fault. I’m not sure how to handle this situation, as it’s led to me work nonstop the last 6 months to meet deadlines (which I’ve been able to accomplish with some bumps along the road/fire drills, but at the expense of basic personal needs). I’m worried that as I’m given more responsibility my capacity will not expand proportionately to my experience, as at this point the only thing slowing me down is my device itself. If tech support won’t get me a new device and the head of my group seemingly won’t either, how would you all recommend I approach this? 

Wyd?

Ask my boss about a new computer again (high risk)
25% (6 votes)
Continue to work as much as I humanly can on the shitty laptop and smile through the pain
4% (1 vote)
Buy my own laptop
21% (5 votes)
Break the laptop and try to get a new one
25% (6 votes)
Quit
25% (6 votes)
Total votes: 24
4 Comments
 

What are the utilization levels for CPU and memory before you launch any software? If these are high, there could be an underlying process consuming system resources. It could also be an antivirus program running too long. Another check is to see if the system is auto starting needless apps in the background. There are some things you can try if your MD and IT team are not helpful.

 

This paragraph says so many words but I don’t understand half of what’s in here but to summarize: You have a slow computer that’s slows your progress and you’re unable to get a new one? Maybe it’s not the computer that’s slow but just the virtual computer in your computer that lags

Had this occur before where even with a new computer the virtual machine was slow. Why not just take on less staffings 

 

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