Love Firefox but sorry it's slower!


Recommended Posts

I love firefox.. my favorite browser.. and it's always been some what speedy to me.. but the 3.5 release just seems very slow and some what laggy(slow loading menu's, start up/exit). Has anyone else noticed things like this? Also I'm not running any Extensions.

Link to comment
https://www.neowin.net/forum/topic/792304-love-firefox-but-sorry-its-slower/
Share on other sites

I've had this happen to me. It seems after a while, something happens, and the browser doesn't respond as quickly. I can close the browser and then continue on, and it'll be fine, but it's annoying when I've got windows open

Don't remember this happening before with 3.1

I've had no problems at all. It's sped up a little bit for me, but it was already bloody fast to begin with. On my computer and laptop, it's faster than Safari 4, and Google Chrome 3. Yes, I know the benchmarks say that Chrome is faster than Firefox, but not here! :p

I've had this happen to me. It seems after a while, something happens, and the browser doesn't respond as quickly. I can close the browser and then continue on, and it'll be fine, but it's annoying when I've got windows open

Don't remember this happening before with 3.1

I was on 3.0.11 and it was fine, never had an issue.

Firefox has suddenly hung for a second or two. However, I don't know what's causing it, and it's only happened twice so far, the first when it was still labeled RC3.

At all other times though, it's been much faster than Firefox 3, so I'm pretty sure whatever the next few patches bring will fix the minor hang issue. But in the meantime, I'm considering just starting over with a, "Clean" install anyway.

Firefox can get laggy when the Places database (all your history, bookmarks, etc.) get too big. Mine's close to 100MB (this isn't the cache--this is history, bookmarks, etc.!); there's a world of difference when I start Firefox with a fresh profile (but with the same settings, extensions, etc.) than with my existing profile. Making sure that the places db is defragged helps a bit (b/c it's accessed and written to every time you hit a URL of any sort).

If you cut all the nice features Firefox has and other browsers don't, it would be very fast. Sorry, but absolutely nothing is perfect for everyone. Get used to it and stop bashing this wonderful piece of software with silly milliseconds comparisons. This is purely childish behavior.

3.5 is slow here too. Not a lot slower but it is noticeable.

I certainly don't know why they're claiming all these performance improvements and IE8 seems faster than Firefox at this stage.

Because for many of us, Firefox 3.5 has been much faster than it used to. I'm really curious as to how it's actually noticeably slower than usual for you guys. I've experienced nothing but good results on the number of computers I've installed it on, including those crappy $300 Compaqs. :pinch:

I know it shouldn't matter at all either, considering I've upgraded from 3.0 -> 3.5 on a few of them as well, but have you tried a clean install?

Edit: Also, I run a number of addons, but that has never really slowed the performance at all.

I have to agree. Not only is the initial loading a little slower, but the browsing experience seems sluggish.

Also, I've been having trouble loading my usernames and passwords from FF3.0.11.

And a lot of extensions that I use still don't work (yes, I've done the maxVersion trick and installed Nightly Tester Tools, but they just force the extensions to install, but it doesn't mean they'll work properly).

3.5=epic f4il.

Firefox can get laggy when the Places database (all your history, bookmarks, etc.) get too big. Mine's close to 100MB (this isn't the cache--this is history, bookmarks, etc.!); there's a world of difference when I start Firefox with a fresh profile (but with the same settings, extensions, etc.) than with my existing profile. Making sure that the places db is defragged helps a bit (b/c it's accessed and written to every time you hit a URL of any sort).

Yeah, I've noticed. I was wondering why Firefox ran slowly... when I realized I had history entries dating back months ago :|

After going to Chrome, Firefox feels bloated! 3.5 fixed some issues but Chrome still beats it by far. Once it gets dedicated extension support (the process to install adsweep is lengthy and complicated for your average user), and gets the ability to manage filetypes, it will be the best browser out there!

Firefox could learn a thing or two from Google, especially the idea of making each tab its own process so you don't crash all your tabs, but rather you can close that one and keep the remainder running

3.5 is slow here too. Not a lot slower but it is noticeable.

I certainly don't know why they're claiming all these performance improvements and IE8 seems faster than Firefox at this stage.

Because it is faster, if you're having slow downs the only things I can suggest are trying safe mode or a new profile.

Performance hasn't gotten worse for me, but I notice that memory usage is still crazy.

Memory usage is pretty good for what it has to store, better than other browsers.

And if it doesn't use the memory, it's wasted.

...

Firefox could learn a thing or two from Google, especially the idea of making each tab its own process so you don't crash all your tabs, but rather you can close that one and keep the remainder running

You know IE also does the "process per tab" thing, right?

They are working on it though, sharing code with the Chrome guys (open source is nice that way)

Found this:

What finally produced a dramatic increase in speed of loading was erasing (just about) everything from my Users\AppData\Local\Temp folder that Richard suggested. Then Firefox loaded in about two seconds. I had something like 15,000 files in that Temp folder.

Also seems suggested to go to your IE options and clear your cache/temp files there too. Hope that helps.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Nothing Ear (a) and CMF Buds Pro 2 with active noise cancellation drop to lowest price ever by Fiza Ali With Prime Day 2026 scheduled to run from Tuesday 23 to Friday 26 June, Amazon has already begun rolling out early access offers ahead of the main event. Particularly, Nothing Ear (a) and CMF Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds have dropped to their lowest price ever with limited Prime deal offering 33% and 24% discounts, respectively. Nothing Ear (a) are equipped with 11mm dynamic drivers featuring a PM1 + TPU diaphragm. For noise control, the earbuds offer active noise cancellation (ANC) of up to 45dB across frequencies reaching 5,000Hz. The smart ANC algorithm adapts to surrounding noise levels, while a Transparency Mode allows users to remain aware of their environment when needed. Connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.3, with support for AAC, SBC, and LDAC audio codecs. Additional features include IP54-rated earbuds for dust and splash resistance, paired with an IPX2-rated charging case. Furthermore, users also benefit from pinch controls, in-ear detection, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, dual-device connectivity, and a low-latency mode designed for gaming and video playback. The Nothing X app unlocks a range of customisation options, including a personalised equaliser, bass enhancement, control remapping, ear tip fit testing, firmware updates, dual-device management, a Find My Earbuds feature, and low-latency mode settings. When it comes to the battery, the earbuds house a 46mAh lithium-ion battery, while the charging case contains a 500mAh cell. With ANC disabled, users can expect up to 9.5 hours of playback from the earbuds and up to 42.5 hours in total with the charging case. With ANC enabled, battery life is rated at up to 5.5 hours per charge and up to 24.5 hours combined with the case. Finally, fast charging is also supported that should provide up to 10 hours of playback from a 10-minute charge with ANC turned off. Nothing Ear (a) Wireless Earbuds (Black): $53.20 (Amazon US) - 33% The CMF Buds Pro 2 feature a dual-driver audio system consisting of an 11mm bass driver and a 6mm micro-planar tweeter. The earbuds use PU (polyurethane) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) titanium-coated diaphragms and are tuned by Nothing to deliver balanced audio performance. They further support active noise cancellation of up to 50dB across a frequency range of up to 5,000Hz, and noise control features include a Smart ANC algorithm, Adaptive ANC, Transparency Mode, and Clear Voice Technology 2.0. For calls, the CMF Buds Pro 2 use a total of six microphones and feature an environmental noise-cancelling algorithm, Clear Voice Technology 3.0, and Wind Noise Reduction 3.0 that should improve voice clarity during conversations. Furthermore, when it comes to the connectivity, it is provided through Bluetooth 5.4. Additional features include an IP55 rating for dust and water resistance, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair, in-ear detection, a low-latency mode, and a Find My Earbuds function. Moreover, through the Nothing X app for Android and iOS, users can access custom EQ settings, a bass enhancement algorithm, customisable controls, Find My Earbuds, low-latency mode, dual-device connectivity, an ear tip fit test, and firmware updates. The earbuds contain a 60mAh rechargeable lithium-ion battery, while the charging case houses a 460mAh battery. A full charge of the earbuds and case via USB-C should take approximately 85 minutes, while the earbuds alone should be fully recharged in the case in around 60 minutes. Battery life is rated at up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 43 hours with the charging case when ANC is turned off. With ANC enabled, playback time is reduced to up to 6.5 hours on the earbuds and up to 26 hours with the charging case. Talk time is rated at up to 6 hours on the earbuds and 25 hours with the case with ANC disabled, or up to 4.8 hours and 18.6 hours, respectively, with ANC enabled. CMF Buds Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds (Dark Grey): $37.05 (Amazon US) - 24% Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • The entire world moved to the vastly superior and now universally supported Dolby Atmos technology a very long time ago, mate.
    • Insane. This is as crazy as COVID back in 2020, where you could go back one year in time and tell them that everybody's gonna be locked in and now with memory that your old computer was going to be worth more tomorrow
    • "Bad Pool Caller" meaning one of your software is trying to change memory it doesn't own, in a memory pool that's it ,nothing to do with Windows
  • Recent Achievements

    • Collaborator
      ryansurfer98 went up a rank
      Collaborator
    • Week One Done
      Eurosoft10 earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Eurosoft10 earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Year In
      Skeet Campbell earned a badge
      One Year In
    • One Month Later
      Sharbel earned a badge
      One Month Later
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      544
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      187
    3. 3
      Michael Scrip
      77
    4. 4
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      75
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      71
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!