ObjectDock + WindowFX = Slower window dragging

January 10, 2004 1:33 PM from

When I have ObjectDock and WindowFX (to enable shadows only), windows move slower when I drag them around the screen. I have WindowFX set to show shadows while moving, and Windows XP is configured to show window content while dragging. If I unload ObjectDock, the windows move very quickly. If I set WindowFX to hide shadows while moving and keep ObjectDock running, windows move very quickly as well. I have tried this with WindowBlinds loaded and without it, and it doesn't make much difference.

I have an ATI Radeon 9800 and am running the 3.10 catalyst drivers under Windows XP SP1. I have an AMD Athlon 2800+ (Barton) with 1gb of RAM. I enabled hardware alpha-blending as recommended by WindowFX in the performance advise section.

It's not a big deal, but I thought I would post just to see if anyone else experiences similar slowdowns when running both apps together in a similar configuration. It would be nice if the windows moved as quickly with ObjectDock running and shadows turned on while moving as they do without. Is this a technical limitation of the video hardware, or is it something that can be improved in code?

wincustomize

4,222 views 8 replies

Reply #1 January 11, 2004 5:19 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Wow man, I don't know much about the inner workings of the programs but I couldn't imagine it being a hardware problem. I have a 2700, an ATI 7000, and considerably less ram, and I also run WindowsFX + OD at the same time with no problems. Hopefully someone who knows can give you a definative solution but in the meantime I can tell you that I've been using mindsoft utilities 7.62 and noticed an immediate BIG improvement in performance. BTW: I have been told that Nvidia cards work better with AMD's and the ATI cards mesh with the pentiums better. (after I got an ati for my AMD box, but from a very reliable source none the less).

Reply #2 January 11, 2004 5:59 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

I have been told that Nvidia cards work better with AMD's and the ATI cards mesh with the pentiums better

I have built both Intel and AMD machines and I agree with that

Curtains - Customize Windows with additional styles

Reply #3 January 11, 2004 8:12 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Open Task Manager and see how many handles OD has going in processes....if your machine has been up for awhile it could be thousands. (it's a known issue). If it is high just re-start OD and see if everything works any better.

Reply #4 January 11, 2004 8:25 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

the threads go for any program. if you get over 2000 it needs to stop running.

Reply #5 January 11, 2004 8:33 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Travis ...I didn't say threads (that is not an issue with OD)...I said 'handles'

Reply #6 January 12, 2004 10:51 PM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Thanks for the replies.

The handles count for OD is currently at 996. It's been running for a couple of days. Unfortunately, restarting it doesn't help since the slow down happens right after loading OD with WindowFX in this config.

Reply #7 January 16, 2004 12:47 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

threads, handles. applies to both

Reply #8 January 16, 2004 12:48 AM from

WinCustomize Forums Top

Also I always noticed slower window dragging with windowsfx so I turned that feature off in it. just gave it the old dotted outline to move around windows.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting and posting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!