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Be Smart About Your PC Upgrade

by: KayBrener
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Buying a new computer when the old one seems to have gotten too old for your taste may prove to be an expense that you cannot afford. Instead of cracking you head thinking about ways to make extra cash for such an investment, try upgrading your old computer so you can make it work as well as other, newer models. Here is the smartest way to do it.

Computer components work together in a consensus, which means that you must keep in mind the limitations they exert on one another. For instance, the motherboard of your computer allows only a certain amount of memory to be placed on it, so do not throw your cash away for something like it. So, the first step is to right down your PC current configuration, marking which parts can support an upgrade.

The list of priorities for IT purchases must always start with the RAM. A little word of caution is necessary: take a look at your motherboard manual and other documentation concerning your existing hardware and see which type of RAM you must purchase. If the new RAM is not compatible with the rest of the computer, then it will be just wasted cash.

Usually, high quality RAM works well with a high bus frequency CPU, so take this aspect into consideration when you go shopping. Also, if you intent to upgrade your CPU as well, make a comparison to see what configuration fits your pocket best.

Do you tax your PC with cycle hungry tasks like playing 3D games or editing digital videos? Or perhaps your PC came stock with an onboard graphics card and you've a spare slot just waiting for a faster graphics adapter to give your rig a little more pep. This type of upgrade can be costly, so be sure you know what type of performance boost you need.

Graphics cards are quite expensive, so it is not worth spending over $600 only on this upgrade if you do not necessarily needed. For surfing the web, consulting your e-mail or writing text documents, making such a huge expense is simply useless. Another thing that must be kept in mind when purchasing a video card is to see which is the slot type your card goes on the motherboard. Whether is PCI, PCI Express or AGP, the new item must be compatible or otherwise, you will just throw money out the window.

After taking care of the RAM and the graphics card, it is time to estimate how much memory you need to store up all your files, data, music and movies. If you are a gatherer and you like to place lots of stuff on your hard drive, so they can come in handy whenever you want, then a bigger hard drive is next on your list. There is always a solution to make backup on DVD's or pen drives, but you will see that, in time, your hard drive will seem to shrink under the pressure of your files.

Most hard drive upgrade kits sold provide software that will allow you to easily transfer the entire contents of your old hard drive. This saves you from the laborious job of backing up all your files and doing a clean install of Windows on the new hard drive. Swapping out your older hard drive for a newer model will typically decrease loading and saving times, resulting in a noticeable improvement of your computer

Many PC gamers and aficionados upgrade their motherboards to stay on the cutting edge of computer technology. But if you've a plan for a new mobo, make sure you don't have a proprietary PC-think Dell, HP, IBM, et al.-as in some instances you'll need to purchase a new case just to get it to squeeze in, and you'll often spend several times as much for the newer main board than you did for the older one.

Upgrading the components in your PC can give your old computer a much needed spring in its step. But before you open up your wallet and your PC's case, be sure to have a game plan before performing transplant surgery on your box.

About the Author

Kay Brenner is a Faster computer consultant who specializes in restoring your slow PC, saving you from the hassles of struggling with a slow PC. To learn how to avoid computer problems, download a free PC Tune Up

Be Smart About Your PC Upgrade

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