How To Upgrade a Desktop Computer

A brand-new computer featuring all the latest hardware means that it will keep up with the times for a number of years, but as technology improves and new components hit the market, it may be worth doing small upgrades to the PC that will significantly improve its performance, and avoiding buying an entire new computer completely.

Fortunately, performing upgrades on a desktop computer is not that difficult, and most people would be able to do it without having to take the entire thing to a professional. These are some of the easiest upgrades to do at home. It’s worth remembering that the computer should be turned off and unplugged when making any changes to the hardware to avoid any damage to the components.

RAM

RAM, or random access memory, usually consists of two sticks that are plugged into slots on the motherboard. RAM tends to be the easiest component to replace as its ready accessible and doesn’t require any extra cables. If the computer is running out memory more often than it should, or it just needs to be faster, it may be worth investing in better RAM sticks. Once acquired, simply push down gently on the two notches on either side of the RAM until the sticks are ejected. They can then be replaced with the new RAM sticks, which should be pushed down on until both notches click back into place.

Storage

Most computers from the last two decades used standard disc-operated hard drives for all storage needs, but over the last few years we’ve shifted over to solid state drives, also known as SSDs. SSDs are significantly faster, far more stable, last longer, and they aren’t privy to the same drawbacks that affected hard drives. This is a little tricker to install than a RAM stick, but should be easy enough. After locating the HDD, which will usually be on its own mounted rack, the user can pull out the two cables in the back.

The SSD, which will usually be much smaller, will be able to accommodate the same cables. Securing the SSD to the rack with screws is necessary, after which the same two cables can be inserted into the back. It should be noted that making backups is highly recommended, as a new SSD will be completely blank, meaning that a new operating system will need to be installed before accessing the internet or checking out the latest Ausbet offerings.

Graphics Cards

Graphics cards are more powerful than ever, and they can be switched out at the user’s whim. The old graphics card will have a power cable plugged into the side, and will be inserted in a slot on the motherboard. Like the RAM slot, there will be a notch that the user will need to either pull or press down upon before the graphics card is released. Sometimes extra mounting screws at the back will need to be undone first. Once out, the new graphics card can be carefully pushed into the slot until a click is heard, and then the power cables will need to be plugged in before it starts working.