In order to fully realise the performance potential of core-shell columns on conventional HPLC systems, some simple system optimisations maybe necessary to minimise extra-column band broadening effects. In this report, a series of simple measures (adjusting detector acquisition rate; optimising connective tubing; use of a low-volume flow cell) are made to a standard HPLC system in order to achieve UHPLC-comparable performance with sub-3μm core-shell media.