I have a Vista premium pc that I custom built, I'm running an Amd 3800 dual core, 2 gigs ddr2 ram, with a nvidia 7300 gt 256 mg video card, I have a 250 gig hard drive and partioned it to 70 for my c drive with my os on it, and the remaing for my d drive. I have disabled the aero features and a few others, I left the gadgets a.k.a fake widgets enable, cool feature, my question is does any one think disabling this will increase performance and speed. I like to set my media center to record tv while I browse the internet sometimes play music too. Just looking for optimal performance, any suggestions?

Please note that I do not intend on upgrading any further for now, just looking for tweaks I can do to increase speed.

the answer is by Michael H :
You might want to check you video card drivers. The Nvidia 7300 seriers has a hardtime running vista. The GS and the GT. You have plenty power maybe something in the background is using your resorces up. Is this a New install of Vista or an upgrade. If its an upgrade I recommend formatting and reinstalling a fresh new install. Go to MSCONFIG (Start, run ) and click on startup and see whats loading with Vista and only check whats nessary for startup You only needs things like your Anti Virus software everything else can be unchecked.