Note: If you are unsure of what hardware to upgrade to fulfil a particular need, don't be discouraged. Contact your computer's manufacturer or a local reseller, and they will be able to guide you in the right direction.
Step 2: Assess your current components' upgrade possibilities
Before going further down the upgrade path, you need to identify what components are currently in your computer. This does not necessarily mean that you need to make a lengthy list of everything that makes up your system, focus instead on the components you have decided to upgrade.
The easiest and most accurate way to identify components currently in your system is to seek the services of your computer's manufacturer. Refer to any documentation that may have come with your system, or contact the manufacturer directly by phone or via the Web. You can usually identify components through the operating system, but this method may not be completely accurate with newer hardware.
Tip:
Before you log onto the Web or settle in for a support call, be sure to jot down the make and model of your system and what operating system it is running. If your system's serial number is readily apparent, make note of it as well. Many phone- and Web-based support systems need this information in order to identify your computer's original components.
You may find that you can upgrade some of your computer's components and not others. The manufacturer can give you the best advice for your particular system, but here are some general guidelines for what you can expect when you look into upgrading the different performance-related components of your system (the most commonly upgraded parts of any system).
- The processor: The general goal of a processor upgrade is speed -- the faster your processor, the better. The manufacturer's name, the specific model name and the speed of the processor all affect your processor upgrade options. Before you commit to a processor upgrade, weigh up the amount of increased speed against the cost to be sure the upgrade is worth it. For example, if you can only upgrade your 900MHz processor to 1GHz (1000MHz), your speed increase would be somewhat insignificant. It will certainly help, but it may not be as noticeable as upgrading from 900MHz to 1.8GHz (1800 MHz), for example.
- Memory: Every computer supports a finite amount of memory, so you need to find out how much memory your system can handle -- and how much you currently have installed -- to identify your upgrade options. The benefits you'll see from a memory upgrade depend entirely on how you use your computer. If you typically use your computer to create documents, check your e-mail and browse the Web, you may not notice the benefits of a memory upgrade because your software doesn't tax the system much to begin with. However, if you often work with applications that use large amounts of data or perform intensive operations, like multimedia editing tools, upgrading the memory could have a noticeable impact on your system's performance.
Tip:
Unlike processors, you do not necessarily need to stick with the same manufacturer when upgrading memory. You will find that many different manufacturers make the same kind of memory, allowing you to shop around for the best available deal.
- The hard disk: In most cases, when you upgrade your hard disk, you move up to a disk with a larger capacity. Alternatively, you may choose to simply add a new hard disk to your computer to extend the storage space you have rather than replacing it. If you take this approach, you won't have to reinstall all of your software or migrate your existing data to the new drive. Again, there are a few different types of hard disks available, and your manufacturer or a reseller will be able to advise you on the type of disks that are compatible with your system. As a general rule, always buy as much storage space as you can afford – even if you don’t need it now, you'll probably need it later.
Step 3: Perform the upgrade
After you determine exactly which components you want to upgrade and work with your manufacturer or a reseller to choose the right equipment, it's time to physically perform the upgrade. You can upgrade your system yourself, or contact the system's manufacturer to find a certified reseller or service provider to do the work.
Before you proceed with any upgrade, whether you do it yourself or pay a service provider to do it:
- Be sure to back up your key data. Although highly unlikely, your system can be damaged during an upgrade. While you can fix or replace a computer, lost data can be impossible to recreate or recover.
- Verify the terms of your system's warranty with the manufacturer. Some warranties become void if an unauthorised individual performs work on the computer while other warranties completely allow such things.
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