Processor and Memory Upgrades: How to Give Your Computer New Life
Is your computer struggling to keep with a new operating system upgrade or a new program? Are you spending more time waiting for your computer to load than you are actually using it? Does your computer often give out-of-memory errors? If so, it may be time to breathe new life into your computer with a simple processor memory upgrade.
If your computer is relatively new — five years old or less — upgrading the processor or the memory can be an easy, inexpensive way to get many more years productive use whether the expense or aggravation of migrating to a new computer. While both upgrades will give you the most bang for your buck, many people may find that just one or the other is sufficient for their needs and their budget. The only question, however, is determining which is best for your particular computing needs.
Here’s a Quick Look at the Benefits of Each
Memory upgrades: Easily the most cost-effective and easiest upgrade that you can perform. Memory upgrades are as simple as replacing your old memory with faster, higher capacity RAM sticks. When replacing memory, keep in mind that memory is best replaced in pairs – meaning that if your computer currently has four gigabytes (4gb) of RAM in a single memory ‘stick’, your preferred upgrade would be two new four megabyte sticks or 8gb total. You would not want to simply add a second memory stick. This is due to the fact that to be most efficient, memory should be matched, meaning it should be the same brand, same specifications, and, preferably, from the same product lot. Buying a pair (or more) of memory sticks as a package guarantees that the memory is properly matched. For most users, 8 GB is sufficient; high demand users or user who use memory-intensive applications may want to consider an upgrade to 16 GB of RAM. Also, while most modern desktop computers will accommodate up to 32 GB of RAM, most operating systems – and applications – cannot make sufficient use of more than 16 GB, meaning that for most users a 32 GB upgrade is largely unnecessary.
Processor upgrades: Not for the faint-of-heart, a processor upgrade is a delicate process that should only be attempted by an experienced end-user or a professional computer technician. While Windows or your preferred operating system may be the soul of your machine, the processor is the beating heart of your computer. Replacing your processor with a more modern, faster processor can make a tremendous difference in the speed at which your computer runs. A processor upgrade is a more expensive, more complicated upgrade than a memory upgrade, but will in most cases also yield a corresponding improvement in performance versus a simple memory upgrade. The exact processor upgrades that are compatible with your particular computer will vary by computer manufacturer and the type of motherboard installed in the computer. You should be able to determine which is right for you by checking the manufacturer’s website or by discussing your processor upgrades with an experienced computer technician.
Contact us for more information on how to choose the right upgrade for your computer. Our experienced technicians have the experience and the knowledge to help you make the right decisions to keep your computer running at peak performance for years to come.