DIY PC Upgrade
PCs have unquestionably made leaps and bounds in terms of performance, even just in the past decade. Every year it seems like new computers are released with better performance, and since many software developers create their products based on the performance of these new machines, many users with older computers may be left out in the cold. Luckily, if you have an attachment to your PC, you can simply upgrade its components rather than purchase a new machine.
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Things You'll Need
- Phillips-head screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- External or internal hard drive
- CD/DVD writer, external or internal
- Recent graphics card (ATI and Nvidia are both well known brands)
- Recent operating system (XP, Vista or Windows 7)
- Extra RAM memory
- Recent CPU (Pentium, Athlon or Pentium i-processor [i3, i5 or i7])
Instructions
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Add some hard drive space. Many older PCs, even the high-end ones, only come with about 8 gigabytes of space, but modern PCs typically have at least 500 gigabytes. You have two options: either add an external hard drive, which will connect to the PC with a USB port, or swap out the PC's old SAT internal drive with a new, bigger one, which can be purchased from any electronics retailer and will come with detailed swapping instructions. However, all of your personal files and the operating system will vanish from the old hard drive, so back up any important files on a flash drive or on your external hard drive.
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Install an operating system. Even if you decided that you are happy with your internal hard drive and didn't swap it, you should still upgrade to at least Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7, as most software programs require the use of these operating systems. To avoid compatibility issues with newer software, Windows 7 is your best bet since it's the most recent. To install it, turn on the computer and place the operating system's installation disc into the disc drive. Turn the computer back off, then back on and press "F12" (this may be "F11", depending on the operating system) to boot from the disc. From there, it's just a matter of following the on-screen instructions to install the system.
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Replace the CPU. Chances are, if you're using an old system then it has an old CPU, such as a Pentium II or a Celeron. Most software programs, particularly games, will run better with a newer CPU, such as the Windows iCore line. Replacing them is not difficult, but you will need to open up the computer casing with a screwdriver and follow the installation instructions that come packaged with the processor. A newer processor not only improves your computer's speed but also allows you to run multiple programs with minimal slowdown.
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Put in a graphics card. Graphics cards process graphics and are crucial for optimal system performance, particularly if you're planning on using the computer for digital artwork, animation, video games or video editing. Most graphics cards can simply be inserted into your computer's free PCI card slot, which can typically be found on either the back or the front. The card, when purchased, will provide detailed installation instructions and come with a software CD to help your computer recognize the new hardware.
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Swap out your old CD-ROM for a CD or DVD writer. Since so much content these days has been digitized, CD and DVD writers (most come as a combo) are essential for those wishing to store their precious videos or digital photographs. These writers can be installed one of two ways: you can swap your internal CD-ROM for a writer, or you can simply add an external one that connects to the PC via a USB cable. Internal writers can be installed very easily and only involve opening the PC case, unhooking the old CD-ROM and hooking in the new writer; they are also much faster than the external writers, which must first send information through the USB cable.
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Add some virtual memory, or RAM, which is what allows the computer to run multiple programs. Many older computers only have 256 megabytes of RAM, which is not even enough to power a single modern operating system (you will typically only find a minimum of 1 gigabyte in today's market, and this is usually reserved for low-tech netbooks). RAM can be purchased usually by the gigabyte and is very easy to install. Some computers having multiple internal slots that require you only to hook them in. For playing games and watching movies, a minimum of two gigabytes or RAM is the standard, although four is optimal. Some PCs for video editing have as much as eight or even 16!
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Tips & Warnings
Only upgrade what you need. If you're not planning on using your computer for video editing or gaming and simply want email or word processing, then upgrading the RAM and inserting a graphics card probably aren't very economical options.
Every computer is different, as are every brand's computer components, and therefore they won't all install the same way. Consult your particular brand's installation manual for specific instructions when it comes to installing new components.
References
- Photo Credit pc image by Dron from Fotolia.com
