Best Computer Upgrades

computer upgrades

The most area to look at is to upgrade some of the primary hardware that runs your computer. The best three in order of performance increase are RAM, Video Cards, and hard drives.

If you are planning on upgrading your computer’s memory, you will first need to determine how much memory your computer currently has. You will also need to know how many empty slots you have for upgrading the memory. If your computer was new when you purchased it and you have not upgraded it, this information is normally provided in the user manual that came with your system. Otherwise, you will need to perform a BIOS check to see how much memory you currently have. Then you will also need to open your computer’s case to check the number of empty slots.

Once you have checked these things, check your computer’s manual to find compatible memory types. When you are purchasing memory modules, it is usually best to buy the most memory you can with the least amount of modules.

The next are that would help would be to replace the video card or add RAM to the video card if possible. Many of the newer low-end computers borrow RAM from the system, which is economical from the manufacturing side but not the most efficient for the operation.

The newer versions of all the major video cards have their own processors and RAM on board the card. This adds quite a bit of punch to the refresh rate and can have a big impact for most computers. Video cards also have a host of features that can help speed up some graphic operations.

The next area that can always use some help is the hard disk. Your hard disk really has two factors that dictate the speed it operates. One is the type of connection; the other is the speed the hard drive spins. The newer hard drives have what’s called a Serial ATA interface, which can move data at up to 350mbps (megabytes per second). The older ones are limited to 100-133mbps.

The speed the platters spin can affect the ability to access the data. Older drives have speeds up to 5500 rpm, and many are 4400 rpm. Many of the newer drives spin up to 7200 rpm or even 10,000 rpm. The newer units also come with buffers that can hold frequent data accessed and allow for even faster operation

Another popular upgrade many people consider when upgrading their systems is DVD/burner upgrade. Though most computers now include at least DVD player/CD burner, some older computers only include a CD player. These days, though, much of the media disbursed in video format, especially with the recent explosion of video online. If you are considering an upgrade, then you will want to choose a DVD+R/RW drive which lets you read and burn both CDs and DVDs. These drives can also format information as well as burn it to a disc at the same time.

These are only a few of the most popular upgrades for computers. Some others include sound card and motherboard upgrades. Before trading in your computer for a new one, be sure to shop around to see if an upgrade might be a more cost effective option

Taken from Best Computer Upgrades — Cost verses Value! By John Dow & Upgrading Your Computer – 3 of the Most Popular Computer UpgradesBy Dave Page

Also see my other guide on computer printers

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