A PC is a personal computer that has a central processing unit, which is made to be used by one person. Although not all PCs are desktops, all Windows-based computers are regarded as PCs because they are useful for word processing, Internet communication, creating digital or audio compositions, and desktop publishing. PCs are more widely used and less expensive than laptops because PC manufacturers do not have to consider the cost of packing everything into a small chassis or incorporate displays, keyboards, and mouse. A PC upgrade is always advisable in order to update the system and enhance its functioning. It involves replacing the hardware, software, or firmware with a better version.
You should upgrade the hard drive, solid state drive (SSD), memory, CPU, graphics card, and computer software. The RAM, SSD, graphics cards and processors are the PC components that are most commonly upgraded. If you are a gamer, it is critical to update your BIOS, graphics card drivers, game settings, hard drive defragmentation, background apps, and activities, overclock your RAM, and check your hard drive for fragmentation. A PC upgrade every three to five years is advised.
What Should I Upgrade on my PC? : Detailed Explanation
Hard drive
It is the hardware part of your computer that stores all the digital content like your pictures, music, videos, programs, application preferences, and operating system. The computer can function without the hard drive by using other external devices such as a DVD or USB. Hard drives last for three to five years, and you can reformat a hard drive to work with any type of computer. To choose a hard drive, you must select the appropriate interface, purchase a drive with the appropriate capacity, choose a model with a sizable cache, and assess the drive’s power usage and noise level. The recommended size of a hard drive for a PC is 500 GB to 1 TB.
To upgrade the PC hard drive, you need to either replace an existing drive or install an additional drive to add more storage space to a computer.
- Click on start and search for create
- Format hard disk partitions
- Open the disk management app
- Click on the “yes” button
- Right-click the volume to select it
- Choose that option to modify the drive letter and pathways, Press the “add” button
To swap out a current drive, you must:
- Make a data backup
- Make a backup disk
- Replace the outdated drive with the new one
- The operating system must be reinstalled
- Reinstall your programs and files
SSD (solid state drive)
Persistent data is stored on solid-state flash memory through the SSD which is a non-volatile form of storage device used in computer media. Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in computers replace them and perform the same basic functions as a hard drive. Your storage speed will be increased when you upgrade your SSD. The recommended size of the SSD is 1 TB, which gives you enough space for your operating system and enough space for future software and files. To upgrade your SSD,
- Remove the back panel after turning the computer off
- Pull out the old drive by raising it by 30 or 45 degrees
- Place the back panel on after installing the SSD
- Start up with the SSD
Computer memory
The various forms of data storage technology that a computer may use are referred to as computer memory. That component of the computer enables for short-term memory. The two types of PC memory are:
- RAM (Random access memory)
- ROM (Read-only memory)
While the RAM can be upgraded, the ROM, which uses flash memory cannot be changed because data stored in the ROM cannot be electronically modified after the manufacture of the memory device. It is a non-volatile memory that is rewritable and enables users to update the ROM or firmware on their motherboards or any other components such as video cards or SCSI cards. It cannot be altered or accidentally changed.
To know if your memory needs an upgrade, you will notice the following signs:
- It takes a while to boot and load your PC
- Programs take longer to load and there is poor performance in everyday tasks
- Your system is slow when you try to multitask and You get alerts that state “low memory” or “out of memory.”
- There are display problems, either partial loading or freezing
- Your computer may completely refuse to function
RAM (Random access memory)
This is the computer’s primary memory, and you must upgrade it
- Find the RAM slot
- Take away the old RAM
- Align the new RAM so that it will fit in the area where the old one was removed
- Press down on the RAM cartridge until you hear the clicking sound signaling a loc
You can add a second RAM module to an already installed one to boost memory. You must have enough RAM slots and the same type of memory to accomplish this. Go to “Windows Memory Diagnostic” to restart the computer and have it scan the RAM module for problems to see if your RAM was installed correctly. You will, thereafter, receive a status report on your screen after it is finished.
CPU (Central processing unit)
It is composed of the main memory, control unit, and arithmetic-logic unit and regulates how the computer functions. The tasks of the central processing unit include:
- Control any aspect of the device and provide orders swiftly
- between the memory and other devices for the transport of data
- Obtain information from the memory
- Decode all the instructions
- perform arithmetic and logical operations
- Execute memory-stored programs
Before you update your CPU, you must ensure that it is compatible with the motherboard cooler. You can upgrade it in the following ways:
- Remove the side panel of your computer
- Remove the CPU cooler
- Clean the patch of the cooler’s contact
- Locate the CPU socket and lift the retention arm
- Remove the old processor
- Insert the new processor
- Apply a thermal paste
- Reinstall the CPU cooler
- Close the side panel
Signs your CPU needs an upgrade include:
- System freeze
- Glitches
- Your system takes a long time to complete tasks
- Certain programs are not supported by your system
- Your computer would not start up
- Computer noises that are not normal
Graphics card (GPU)
An extension card known as a graphics card produces a feed of output images that are sent to a display device, like a computer monitor. There is a graphics card in every computer. The ability to render visuals produced by the CPU makes a graphics card crucial. When you use the GPU for graphics-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering, you can clearly see how powerful it is.
The graphics card’s capacity can be changed by following the steps
- Your computer needs to be unplugged from the power source and turned off
- Open the case on your computer
- The current graphics card’s PCI-e power connectors must be disconnected
- Old graphics card should be taken out of PCI-e slot
- the PCI-e slot with the updated graphics card
- Connect the power supply
- Close the computer case
- Switch on the computer
Computer software
Computer software is a programming code that is executed on a computer’s processor. It can be stored physically on a hard drive or a USB. It can also be cloud-based or hosted on the internet.
To view available software updates,
- Select the Start button.
- Go to settings
- Click on “Update & Security
- Click on the available update.
- Hold off until the installation is complete.
- Switch off your computer
Reasons to Upgrade Your Computer
- To avoid security vulnerabilities
- to keep up with software developments
- It is cheaper
- It enhances security
- It improves your online experience
- Suitable for business growth and value
- Enhances the hardware experience
- It provides better compatibility
- provides better support
- Availability of spare parts
- Aesthetics
- more energy efficient
- Faster performance
- You can easily access new apps, websites, and services
- Stable drivers
- There are greater chances of hardware support
Where can you upgrade your computer?
You can update your PC yourself. However, it would cost you between $600 and $1000 to hire an expert to perform the modification. You can upgrade PC software with Microsoft by purchasing the software package. You can also update different parts of the OC at:
- Newegg
- Geek squad
- BestBuy
- Velocity Micro
- PC Gamer
The best PC brands are:
- Dell XPS desktop computer
- 2021 Apple iMac
- Dell Inspiron desktop computer
- Aurora R13 Alienware
- 2021 Mac Mini
- The Acer Aspire TC
- Origin PC.
Summary
A personal computer is a PC. It is an electronic gadget or equipment that complies with predetermined guidelines and carries out a predetermined set of tasks. It can easily manipulate and process different kinds of data it receives, perform complex calculations, and produce some output. Additionally, that output may be saved for subsequent use and retrieval.. It is important to upgrade the hard drive, RAM, SSD, graphics card, and processor to enhance the security of your PC, and its aesthetics, and make it more efficient for faster performance while saving energy.
FAQ
Are a laptop and a PC the same thing?
Yes, They are the same,. The sole distinction is that a laptop can be portable.
Should you increase the CPU or the RAM first?
While both are important, updating the RAM is especially important as it helps with multitasking and improves the performance of complex programs and operations.
Superior to hard disks, are SSDs?
SSDs are quicker, more energy-efficient, more robust, compact, quieter, and perform similar tasks than HDDs.
