It's frustrating when your PC's performance slows to a crawl, but that doesn't mean it's time to purchase a new computer. A tune-up utility, such as Iolo System Mechanic, can whip your machine back into shape with just a few clicks. But is the app worth its $49.95-per-year subscription price? Maybe. Iolo System Mechanic improves your PC's performance by defragging the hard drive, deleting junk files, tweaking CPU and RAM usage in real time, and executing other computer-enhancing tasks. Plus, the latest version improves several longtime features, while adding a revamped, attractive interface. So why the tepid recommendation? You don't necessarily need Iolo System Mechanic to get most of these benefits—if you're the intrepid type who doesn't mind diving deep into Windows 10 to find similarly effective tools.
How Much Does Iolo System Mechanic Cost?
The base Iolo System Mechanic (version 21, reviewed here) has a list price of $49.95 per year, and is compatible with all PCs running Windows 10/8/7 (Windows Vista and XP PCs work with System Mechanic versions up to 16.0.0.10). Like many tune-up utility companies, Iolo constantly runs discounts, so don't expect to pay the full price. At the time of this writing, Iolo System Mechanic was going for $14.98 per year.
Iolo also offers System Mechanic Pro (a $69.95-per-year suite that bundles antivirus and data-protection tools) and System Mechanic Ultimate (a $79.95-per-year tier that adds the ByePass password manager and Malware Killer anti-malware tech).
For comparison, AVG TuneUp costs $69.99 per year. Ashampoo WinOptimizer is one of the few tune-up utilities that isn't subscription-based; it's a one-time, $49.99 purchase. On the other hand, Windows 10's integrated tune-up tools won't cost you a thing.
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Unlike most PC tune-up utilities, Iolo System Mechanic lets you install the software on any number of computers, provided that it's not for business purposes. That's a welcome benefit in the age of the multi-PC home. Ashampoo WinOptimizer and AVG TuneUp offer generous 10-device licenses.
Iolo System Mechanic's Tools
The latest Iolo System Mechanic has a new, streamlined look that makes it easier than ever to find the app's various tools. The interface has several options in the left pane, such as ActiveCare (real-time system monitoring and clean up) and LiveBoost (maximizes CPU, RAM and hard disk performance), that contain individual tune-up subcategories. In addition, useful dialogue bubbles pop up to explain common PC problems and the tools' various functions. You can activate individual tools or initiate a one-click tune-up. I won't discuss all of them, as there are many (File Shredder, Privacy Shield). I will highlight a few here.
The Dashboard opens by default after you launch Iolo System Mechanic. It's here that the Repair Now button appears, if Iolo detects a problem. Clicking the icon causes Iolo to launch the appropriate system-fixing tools to eliminate junk files, unwanted programs, and the like.
On-Demand Boost focuses all processor cores on the task at hand and turns off nonessential background programs. Iolo states that it may improve your PC gaming sessions by delivering improved system performance. Using On-Demand Boost, you can manually tweak your PC's power settings or create unique power-management profiles.
Iolo System Mechanic vs. Windows 10
I tested Iolo System Mechanic's ability to whip a gaming PC back into shape by performing two tests—running the Geekbench system performance tool and measuring boot times—before and after running the tune-up utility to compare the computer's speed. I ran each test three times, and then averaged the numbers.
Before Iolo System Mechanic scrubbed the system, my testbed that features an Intel Core i5 CPU, Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti graphics card, 16GB of RAM, 2TB hard drive, and Windows 10 operating system booted in a lengthy 2 minutes and 32 seconds. The rig scored 605; 2,469; and 61,033 on Geekbench's Single-Core, Multi-Core, and OpenCL tests, respectively.
After I used Iolo System Mechanic, I saw much improved system performance. The PC's boot time dropped to a respectable 1 minute and 11 seconds (14 seconds better than AVG TuneUp's numbers and 28 seconds better than WinOptimizer's numbers), while its Single-Core, Multi-Core, and OpenCL numbers rose to 728; 2,602; and 61,988, respectively.
Windows 10's built-in tools offered comparable improvements. The testbed's boot time dropped to a respectable 1 minute and 14 seconds (just three seconds behind Iolo's result), while its Single-Core, Multi-Core, and OpenCL numbers improved to 820; 2,637; and 62,578, respectively.
Iolo System Mechanic placed first in one of the four categories—boot time. That's because Windows 10's default tune-up utilities claimed the number one spot in the Geekbench tests. Now, Windows 10's system-enhancing tools didn't trounce Iolo System Mechanic's PC improvements in terms of performance, but it's worth noting that Microsoft's tools free tools are incredibly effective.
So, what do these numbers mean in everyday use? Snappier performance in my everyday computing. However, there was one area that didn't see a performance boost: internet speed. Iolo claims that System Mechanic can speed up your PC's internet connection via its NetBooster feature, but I didn't see a significant improvement that couldn't be explained by normal fluctuations when I ran Speedtest by Ookla. (Editors' Note: Ookla is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag's parent company.)
Numbers Aren't Everything
Raw Geekbench numbers, however, aren't the be-all and end-all of PC performance. Certainly, the data shows that you can improve your PC's performance with Windows 10's built-in tools, but there is another reason you may want to invest in a third-party tune-up utility: convenience.
Iolo System Mechanic has all of its valuable tools in one convenient location. Windows 10 has its Disk Defragmenter, Storage Sense, and Startup applications all located in different places within the operating system. Plus, you get the Incinerator app that Iolo claims permanently deletes unwanted, sensitive files. Windows 10 also has a feature that overwrites deleted data, Cipher, but it requires firing up Windows Powershell and tinkering with the command line. It's safe to say that most people do not want to do that. Iolo also displays all running programs, and even highlights the ones considered essential to your PC's operation—a nice touch.
Do You Really Need More Than What Windows Offers?
Iolo System Mechanic's transformation from a basic tune-up utility to a general PC enhancer is commendable. You can use the utility to improve your PC's performance, shred unwanted files, and more, depending on the tier. Plus, you get unlimited licenses, which goes a long way to justifying the cost if you have many PCs in your household.
Still, we've cooled on tune-up utilities in recent years. They were valuable tools in the Windows 8/7/XP eras, but we find them harder to recommend with Windows 10, as the operating system lets you effectively tune-up your PC for free. Our testing numbers bear that out. Plus, third-party tune-up utilities have proved troublesome in recent years. We've seen two testbeds suffer hard drive failures using third-party tune-up utilities. We haven't experienced that loss with Windows 10's built-in tools. The catch is that Windows 10's tools don't live on your desktop or Start menu, so it's easy to overlook them. Iolo System Mechanic, on the other hand, is something that you know exists after purchasing it.
If you want just the basic PC tune-up experience, Windows 10's free tools work just fine. But if you need additional features (a file shredder, a password manager, anti-malware tools, for example), Iolo System Mechanic is a good choice.
Iolo System Mechanic's many tools let you clean up a lethargic PC, securely delete files, and perform other computer-related system tasks (depending on your subscription tier). That said, you can replicate many of its basic tune-up benefits by exploring Windows 10's free options.
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