Upgrading your computer is more manageable. Small amounts of key new hardware can breathe life into even the oldest PCs.
While the motherboard is a more difficult upgrade to make (it’s a Printed Circuit Board that every other piece of hardware attaches to), adding a better processor can be game-changing for anyone that uses their PC for gaming or demanding applications.
Content Summary
Memory
If you’re looking for an instant performance boost, memory is one of the easiest upgrades. Upgrading your RAM will give you more available storage space and enable your PC to load applications faster.
Keeping too many tabs open in Chrome, using Photoshop, or playing demanding games can quickly eat up all the available memory on older computers, reducing system performance to a crawl. If your computer only has 2GB of memory, jumping to 8GB will dramatically improve responsiveness.
Crucial has a tool to help you find the correct memory for your specific laptop, so check it out to see what type you need. Be sure to touch a metal connector on your motherboard or the back of your CPU before installing your new RAM to discharge any static electricity.
A faster processor can also significantly improve your PC’s overall performance. However, it can be a more challenging upgrade because you may have to replace your motherboard to get the best performance from the new chip.
Graphics Card
Having the best processors and RAM will only matter if you can’t see what you’re doing on your screen. The graphics card handles everything displayed, so it’s an essential component.
It would help if you upgraded your GPU to play games at high-resolution and frame rates or use many graphical programs like video editing or 3D modeling. Even standard Windows can benefit from a more powerful graphics card, but you’ll need to ensure your power supply has enough capacity for the extra work required.
Desktop PCs are made for upgrades, so taking advantage of them can help you get the most out of your machine without the cost of a new one. Getting the right components for your PC will give you at least another couple of years of use, significantly cheaper than purchasing a new one. The good news is that Samsungparts.com can help you identify the exact CPU, RAM, GPU, and storage that’ll fit your requirements perfectly.
Hard Drive
The hard drive stores your digital files and is a critical PC component. However, constantly running out of space (because your drive is entire) can slow your computer down.
A higher-speed hard drive is an upgrade that can significantly improve your computer’s performance. Upgrading from a 5,400RPM to a 7,200RPM hard drive, for example, can speed up your system’s data transfer speeds. Alternatively, you can opt for a solid-state drive that doesn’t spin and has much faster write speeds.
Ultimately, hardware upgrades can extend the life of your and your employees’ computers while saving money over buying new devices. However, you must understand what each upgrade can and cannot do to get the most out of your hardware. For instance, increasing RAM won’t make a faulty processor more reliable. That would require a motherboard replacement. So, if you’re ready to take your PC to the next level, be sure you have all the necessary parts and tools lined up before tearing apart your laptop.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the central hub of a computer. It connects all the internal parts of a computer in one place and hooks up to external devices like front panel ports with cables and wires. The motherboard also contains sockets for RAM, expansion cards, and hard drives. A computer can’t function without a functional motherboard.
If your PC is slow to start up or has trouble running games, a motherboard upgrade could be the solution. But rule out other issues, like a failing power supply or bad CPU, before spending on a new motherboard.
Unlike graphics cards and hard drives, most computer components only require compatibility with a particular motherboard for functionality. RAM, however, requires that the gold fingers on the memory stick are correctly aligned – if not, it will not work. Therefore, ensuring that the new RAM is compatible with your motherboard before purchasing is essential.
