PC Upgrades

If your PC is getting a little sluggish, you have several options. You can, for example, upgrade your current system by adding new components; replacing some of its existing ones, or you can just buy a new computer. But, it's probably a smart idea to do a bit of soul-searching and take a hard look at why you're unhappy with your existing PC. Is it too slow? Too unreliable? Can't play the latest PC games? Need to edit videos or digital images? Need more hard drive space?

You might want to consider the possibility that your existing PC does meet your needs, despite the seductive call for a new PC brimming with the latest features. The bottom line is that many of us just don't need that much PC power. If most of your time is spent sending e-mail, surfing the net, playing solitaire, you really don't need the blistering speed of the newest models. On the other hand, a few upgrades could help you ease into more-sophisticated computing without busting your budget. And although the computer companies won't like to hear this, upgrades can allow you to put off purchasing a new system for months, perhaps even years.

To Upgrade or Buy A New PC?

Personal computer technology keeps speeding forward at a breakneck pace. Depending on how quickly a manufacturer rolls out new machines, it's only a slight exaggeration to say that the PC you purchased last month is already obsolete. If you bought late in a given cycle, chances are good that a newer (and maybe even less expensive) model has already replaced it. If you're one of those folks who always buys the latest and greatest -wonderful! Keep buying. Most of us, however, live in a world of limited budgets.

Before we look at the types of PC upgrades you might consider, it's important to talk about which computers are worth upgrading. The best measure is the age of your PC. If your computer is less than two years old, it's a good candidate for upgrades. If your PC is much older than that, then serious decisions must be made. We generally do not recommend upgrades on PCs/laptops that are older than three years. PCs that are three, four, or more years old are simply unable to take advantage of the newest components. In some cases, specific upgrades--such as processors aren't available for older PCs; in others they'll work, but at slower speeds. For example, while you can install one of the newest mega-space hard drives in your old PC, it won't work at maximum speed. Some older PCs also require special upgrade components that are difficult to find or so expensive that upgrades just aren't economical.

When to Buy a New PC

Aside from the age of the PC, there's no hard and fast rule for when upgrades just aren't worth it. But if you decide to upgrade most of your PC's components with higher-end options, the price can quickly approach the cost of a brand new PC. In that case, you should opt for a new computer, which will give you a system where everything is designed to work together using the latest technology.

In addition, some applications require super-fast systems. That's particularly true for editing video from camcorders or playing the latest eye-popping computer games. These require very fast processors, oodles of RAM, and big high-performance hard drives. Admittedly, you can get by with an upgraded system, but you'll have to live with compromises. You can, for example, edit video on an older, upgraded system, but you'll spend time twiddling your thumbs while the system catches up with you. And you won't be able to use some of the more advanced video effects that would be a piece of cake for a brand new system.

If you do opt for getting a new PC, you'll need to decide what to do with your old system. Forget trading it in; older PCs have virtually no resale value. But options are available; many people less fortunate than ourselves would be very grateful to receive your old system. Ask friends and relatives or put it on a free recycling group such as "Freegle".

Moving Data to Your New PC

If you do opt for buying a new PC, you've probably wondered, "How do I move my stuff from my old PC to my new one?" When you purchase a new PC from Computer Services Southport we automatically set-up your new system with all of the data you wish to save from your old PC. It is not a job for the in-experienced. All the software needs recording and settings & data saved from the old system; then the software needs installing on the new PC, often in a set order, and finally the old data needs transferring.

Choosing the Upgrade Path

Upgrading a computer requires careful, methodical work. Systems can easily be damaged by static electricity which is why we have designed our PC workshop with PC repair and builds in mind. Below, we have listed the most popular PC upgrades.

Memory

Upgrading your PC's memory remains one of the most effective, and most economical, ways to increase your PC's performance. It is also one of the most popular upgrades. Today's operating systems and applications run faster with large amounts of RAM (Random Access Memory), but if your PC is a year or two old, chances are that it came with 1Gb of memory or less. Increasing this memory is going to make your user experience far more pleasurable. Applications can load faster and browsing the internet can be more of a joy.

Memory prices fluctuate, your system may need a specific type and there are many manufacturers. Please contact Computer Services with your requirements and we can advise on the most appropriate upgrade. Depending on the design of your PC, you may be able to add to the memory you have, or you may need to discard what you have and start from scratch.

Hard Drive

No matter what you do with your PC, you can never have enough hard drive space. That's especially true if you're an MP3 aficionado or you work with movie files. After RAM, hard drives are the next most popular PC upgrade. Drives keep getting bigger, and prices keep falling. At press time, March 2011, a fast 1TB hard drive is approximately £70-£100 depending upon the make. Drives that big give you space to expand. You can either replace your existing drive or add the new drive and use it in addition to your existing drive.

DVD / CD-RW Drive

A DVD/CD drive can be a very useful tool adding real utility to your computer. You can share digital camera photos with friends and family, make secure backups of your important data, or create your own music mixes.

Graphics Card

If you work with photos from a digital camera or play PC games, a new graphics card can not only make images pop up on your screen faster, but can produce sharper, higher-resolution images that are easier on your eyes. A new graphics card is an easy upgrade that pays off. But note that we're talking about "value" cards. Professional cards require cutting-edge systems with fast processors and lots of RAM, a must-have if you're a serious gamer who wants to take advantage of the latest games.

Sound System

Most off-the-shelf PCs come with mediocre sound systems, including both the internal sound circuitry and the all-important speakers. If you're into PC music, a new sound card and latest-technology speakers make a difference you can hear. However the most economical 'upgrade' could be to network your PC to your gaming console/TV and playing your music and movie files through your living room's 5.1 surround sound system.

Monitor

Not every upgrade requires opening the PC case. Since you spend all your PC time looking at your monitor, investing in a newer, bigger monitor can be better than getting a new PC. Your eyes will thank you for it. Widescreen monitors are a fabulous choice. These monitors are designed using the new widescreen format giving you more desktop space which is ideal as the new format allows 2 A4 sheets to be side-by-side increasing productivity within the office.

Widescreen monitors allow the end-user to view video and films as they were intended on their displays and increase and improve the field of view while playing games with their native 16:9 aspect ratio. One of the best things about a monitor upgrade is that you can continue to use it when you finally do buy that new PC.

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