upgrading : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary

When the software you run becomes so bloated you need a faster computer you are probably best off to sell your old computer and buy a new one. In general you can’t just pop in a faster CPU (Central Processing Unit), since the new CPU will need a different type of socket and faster support chips and faster RAM (Random Access Memory). You have to replace the entire motherboard and RAM. When you do so you must make sure the new board has compatible slots for all you add-in cards. If you have to replace any of them, very quickly you are better of to resell. If you resell, you end up with two working computers. If you upgrade piecemeal, you end up with one computer and a pile of parts nobody wants. No wonder the economics usually favour selling.

Oddly the older the equipment the more expensive it is. For example old DDR-2 RAM costs twice what modern DDR-3 RAM costs. A IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) drive is twice the cost of a modern SATA (Serial ATA) drive for the same capacity. This factor tends to push toward selling and rebuying rather than upgrading.

Simple upgrades you might consider:

• Add more RAM. Fill every slot on your motherboard. RAM is quite inexpensive. I can remember back when it was over $1 million a mega (not giga) byte.
• Get a bigger monitor
• Replace the disk with one with faster RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) and faster access time.
• Get a higher resolution mouse
• Add an SSD (Solid State Disk) drive
• Add some more USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports (for unused headers).
• Get a higher quality keyboard with a touch that you find appealing.

Computers change so fast, you will likely discover, if you get a new CPU, you will need a new motherboard and new RAM, If you get a new video card, you may find you need a new power supply. So generally you are better off to sell your old computer as a unit and get a new one.