So you’ve got an old computer issue… it’s sluggish, it’s dated, or it’s just downright ugly. Whatever has driven you to admire newer models, don’t be too quick to abandon old faithful just yet. Not only can you upgrade your old computer, but you can do it without any special skills or a supersized budget. Here’s how:
The Memory (RAM)
To squeeze out all of your PC’s potential, the memory (aka RAM, or random-access memory) is the place to start. Some PCs require a start from scratch approach to upgrading memory, but for the majority of computers, you need little more than a screwdriver to vastly improve your machine’s speed and performance. Another reason memory is the go-to upgrade? It’s cheap; 2 GB can be had for under $40.
The Hard Drive
Next to RAM, improving your hard drive is one of the best upgrades you can make. Your hard drive is basically what houses and accesses, well, pretty much everything; programs, files, music… Hard drive space is always something you can have more of, especially if you’re into games and entertainment. The more space you want, the higher the price goes, but that number stays fairly grounded; a 500 GB hard drive can be picked up for about $100 or less.
A DVD-RW
If your PC doesn’t have a functional DVD-RW drive, consider the convenience of being able to create DVDs of your music or digital photos. Plus the ability to create backup discs of your data is essential — especially if your machine is an older model, apt to play up. You can get an internal or external DVD-RW for less than $50.
A Graphics Card
If you can’t afford the best gaming laptop or computer, upgrading your graphics card and sticking with old faithful for now is a decent alternative. You can get a good graphics card for everyday use for less than $100, but if you’re a gamer or work heavily with image editing or photos, you could spend over $500. Go for something on the lower end and put what you save toward your gaming laptop.
A Monitor
Here’s an upgrade that makes a huge difference but requires little more than plugging in a cord. If your current monitor is on the fritz—or looks more like an old tube TV—there are all kinds of shiny new options out there to fix or improve your viewing pleasure. From widescreen LCD to 3D Ready, sizes and prices run the gamut, but you can pick up a good-sized widescreen LCD upgrade for under $100.
A Sound System
If your Space Invaders experience is dampened by poor or non-existent sound, consider a new sound card; you can find a decent one for about $80 or less. Of course, if your computer speakers aren’t able to produce much more than a crackling-fire sound effect, you’ll need a good external speaker set or head phones. It will cost anywhere from $20 to $100, but make all the difference in your listening experience.
