Is it time for a new computer? Maybe it’s not working fast enough, or it freezes much too often. Whatever the case, before you buy a brand-new PC, consider upgrading it. This will save you money while improving its performance.
Here are 3 hardware upgrades you should consider before shelling out hundreds of dollars on a new one.
1. Beef Up Your Processor
Upgrading your PC’s central processing unit is probably the most complicated improvement to be made on your computer. However, a new one means better performance with low power usage.
When upgrading your processor consider things like Intel vs AMD, motherboard compatibility with your current random-access memory (RAM), and power requirements. Always take into consideration compatibility to prevent running into issues. It’s also likely you’ll need to replace your motherboard alongside the processor.
Note: It’s only beneficial to beef up your processor if the improvement is considerable. For example, shifting from an Intel Core i3 to a Core i5, or from an earlier generation to a newer one.
2. Increase RAM
Adding extra RAM to your PC is the simplest and most approachable method for improving your hardware. It’s cheap, you can do it on practically any computer, and it doesn’t take a lot of technical knowledge. If your laptop enables it, it’s also one of the best laptop upgrades.
Almost all sluggish PCs benefit from an instant speed improvement when their RAM is upgraded. The more RAM you have for resource-intensive operations like as video editing or gaming, the better.
So, how much RAM is typical for an upgrade?
The lowest amount of RAM you should be using is 4GB. It’s enough for basic usage, with up to 10 browser tabs, some picture editing, and video streaming. Upgrading your memory to 8GB will produce some of the most noticeable results.
For larger tasks like serious gaming, media editing, or any professional-level work, 16GB is recommended for the best performance.
3. Update Storage Drive
You should update your hard drive if you’re running out of space, or you want better performance. If you’ve exhausted every option when it comes to freeing up space on your hard drive storage, and you’re still running out of room, it’s time to upgrade to a larger one.
A full hard disk not only makes it impossible to store fresh data, but it can also have an influence on performance. At the very least, leave 10GB of free space for the operating system. Consider increasing the physical speed of hard disk devices.
Switching to a solid-state drive is one of the most beneficial computer improvements. These are several times quicker than a normal hard disk drive because they employ flash memory rather than a spinning disk.
Ultimately, a high-speed data drive has an influence on the overall system. It translates to faster boot times, faster application loading times, faster game start times, and increased responsiveness in apps that employ huge files (like video editing or RAW photo editing).
Upgrading Your PC Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult
When considering how to improve your PC, there are so many affordable options. Consider upgrading your processor, increasing RAM, or updating the storage drive on your computer. All three of these upgrades will get your PC running smoothly and performing better long-term.
Ideally, you should always personalize your improvements to meet your specific requirements. Taking the time to figure out where the problems are in your system will help you make the best selection when it comes to a hardware update. And, make sure you’re always using hardware that’s compatible.