Computer Upgrading Tips
posted by: Vlad AkilovThe new operating system Windows Vista will ship soon, and if you want to upgrade you should better have a computer capable of all the new features. Even if you aren’t planning to upgrade to Vista, but still have an old computer and think its time to upgrade, these tips will definitely help you out.
Processor If you are still on a single core processor, now is a great time to upgrade to dual core. With both Intel and AMD having great processors for dual core. Intel has their leading edge Core 2 Duo, and AMD with its Athlon X2. Both these processors are faster than single cores, and much better at multitasking.
Get More RAM If want to run more than one task at a time, you definitely need to spring for more RAM. More RAM means faster load times and smoother running of programs, not to mention multitasking. A single one stick of 1 Gig of RAM just doesn’t cut it anymore, you should definitely go for DDR 2 RAM with 2 gigs of memory. The optimal usage for DDR 2 is with 2 sticks of 1 gig RAM for better performace.
Storage These days hard drives are so cheap that people just buy it because its so cheap. More and more videos, and games take up much more space on the hard disks thats why its necessary to get more storage. If you are an average computer user, just using it for email, music, and work you should have at least 120 Gigs. For people that like to watch movies, and have a huge music collection and like to record TV shows to their computer, I suggest going for the 250 Gigs, and for those that have a vast multimedia collection, 500 Gigs or even more is best.
Monitor CRTs are old school, if you are reading this article on a CRT monitor its time for an upgrade to a nice LCD monitor. LCD monitors take up less space, and don’t cause strain on your eyes. When shopping for LCD monitors, remember that bigger is better. Don’s settle for a 17 inch, I suggest a 19 inch or bigger with a DVI connection for a sharper image. Wide Screen LCDs are much better for watching movies and also give more viewable area.
Graphics Even if you are not a hardcore gamer, you still need to upgrade to a newer graphics card, especially if you want to see yourself using the new Windows Vista operating system and taking advantage of the cool AERO interface. The GeForce 7600GT is a perfect card for under $150, it will take care of being Vista ready and can handle all the latest games. On the ATI side the X1650 is a great buy for also being under $150, and will handle all the latest games.
December 15th, 2006 at 4:16 pm
I think you have provided some valuable information for those who don’t know as much about computers as others.
I could do with a LCD myself, I am still using a CRT *looks embarrassed* I have looked into them and I couldn’t agree more with what you said, 19″ with DVI Connection is the way to go. My brother has a 19″ Widescreen and it looks very good.
I have recently bought myself new storage actually, 80GB wasn’t enough, 200GB is sufficient now ;).
Regarding the Vista bit, I am not entirely sure how many people will actually end up getting Vista. I am using Vista RC1 (Didn’t bother to get RC2) and it seems ok however I personally won’t be in a hurry to get it partly because its too expensive and secondly because I think its too vulnerable in its first few months if not year of release.
Overall, good entry with some very good advice