Upgrading an old computer can breathe new life into it, saving you money compared to buying a new one. With a few easy DIY upgrades, you can make your old computer run much faster and improve its performance. Here are 4 upgrades to consider:
1. Add More RAM
Adding more RAM (random access memory) is one of the best ways to make your computer run faster. RAM is like your computer’s short-term memory – it stores information for quick access by your CPU. The more RAM you have, the more applications and browser tabs you can run simultaneously without slowdowns.
Upgrading your RAM is a straightforward process on most computers:
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Check your motherboard manual to determine what types of RAM are compatible and the maximum amount your computer will support. Many older computers max out at 4GB.
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Purchase a RAM kit with the compatible type of RAM. Make sure to buy DDR3 or DDR4 RAM depending on your computer.
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Open your computer case and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. The RAM modules will click into place – just match the notches and apply gentle, even pressure on both sides until it clicks.
Adding an extra 2GB – 4GB of RAM to give you at least 4GB total will make a noticeable difference in performance.
2. Install an SSD
Replacing your computer’s hard disk drive (HDD) with a solid state drive (SSD) is a very impactful upgrade. An SSD has no moving parts and data access is much faster – making your operating system and applications load in seconds rather than minutes.
To install an SSD:
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Buy a compatible SSD that will fit in your computer. SATA III SSDs are compatible with most computers.
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Backup your data and clone your HDD to the new SSD using cloning software. Popular options are Macrium Reflect (Windows) or Carbon Copy Cloner (Mac).
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Physically install the SSD in the HDD bay and connect the data and power cables.
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Boot from the SSD, format your old HDD, and reinstall your operating system clean on the SSD.
Booting from an SSD versus an old HDD makes a night and day difference in performance.
3. Upgrade Your Operating System
Installing a newer operating system like Windows 10 or macOS can also speed up an older computer. Newer operating systems are more efficient and lightweight.
Before upgrading, check that your computer meets the minimum OS requirements:
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For Windows, you need a 1GHz processor, 1-2GB of RAM, and 16-20GB of storage.
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For macOS, you need a Core 2 Duo processor, 2GB RAM, and 9GB storage minimum.
Provided your hardware meets those requirements, you can upgrade by:
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Backing up your data to an external hard drive.
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Performing a clean install of the new OS by booting from the installation media.
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Reinstalling your apps and restoring your data.
An updated operating system provides under-the-hood performance improvements.
4. Add a New Graphics Card
The graphics card plays a big role in your computer’s speed when running graphics-intensive applications like games, video editing software, and certain browsers.
Upgrading to a new graphics card such as an NVIDIA GTX or AMD Radeon card can drastically improve gaming frame rates and application performance.
To upgrade your graphics card:
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Find a graphics card that is compatible with your motherboard and power supply. Measure inside your PC case to ensure it will fit.
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Uninstall existing GPU drivers and shut down the computer.
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Remove old graphics card and insert new card into PCI-E slot. Secure it with a screw.
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Connect the power cables from your PSU to the new card.
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Boot up computer and install latest GPU drivers.
With a newer GPU, you’ll gain more video memory, faster speeds, and graphics horsepower.
Summary
With a few simple upgrades like adding RAM, installing an SSD, updating your OS, or adding a new GPU, you can make your older computer run much faster. These DIY upgrades are easy to perform and give your computer new life for a fraction of the cost of buying a brand new PC. Give your old computer a speed boost today!
