Computer Upgrades – Should You or Shouldn't You?
If you have been using a computer for any length of time, you’ve probably reached the point of needing some computer upgrades at least once, if not many times.
One of the most frustrating things about using a computer is the constant need for upgrades. Computers change pretty quickly, and it seems like every time you want to install a new version of Windows, run a faster internet connection, or play the latest game, you’re faced with computer upgrades.
These computer upgrades can come in many different forms. Probably the two most common upgrades are RAM and hard drives. These are two aspects of your computer’s memory… the RAM is the “main memory” where your programs run when you’re actually using them, and the hard drive is the “storage memory” where your programs, data and Windows are loaded.
There are also lots of upgrades that add new capabilities to your computer. Things like CD or DVD burners, TV tuner cards and video cards are things that, while not necessarily required, will add to what your computer will do.
Is It Worth the Cost?
With the cost of computers being as low as they are – you can buy a whole system for under $500 – the question is often whether it’s really worth the money to upgrade or should you just buy something new?
This same question can come up when you’re having computer problems. A computer repair service can often cost hundreds of dollars to repair a problem with your computer. Why would you spend the money on fixing something older when you can buy something new for the same money, or not that much more? Even professional virus removal can run into hundreds of dollars – again, do you spend the money fixing or buying?
There are quite a few things to consider when making the decision to upgrade or replace:
Do you have a lot of information or specialized configuration on your current computer?
If you’ve spent a lot of time getting your computer set up the way you like it, the cost of buying a new computer could be considerably higher than computer upgrades to your current one, when you factor in your time.
How old is your current computer?
If your current computer is more than 12-18 months old, chances are pretty good that the new $500 computer has as much or more power. In a case like this, you might be further ahead by buying a new computer and getting something faster, with more memory and more capabilities.
If your computer is less than a year old, it is probably still more powerful than the base packages current available.
Is your current computer an “off-the-shelf” model or did you custom configure it when you bought it?
If you have a custom-configured computer, chances are that the components in it (like the sound card, video card, etc.) are higher performance than the standard off-the-shelf models would be. If that’s the case, you’ll likely be looking at a much higher price to buy an equivalent new system, compared to buying computer upgrades for your current one.
If your computer is a standard name-brand package, it probably uses standard components. An equivalent new computer would likely be using higher performance components.
What Parts of Your Computer Make Sense to Upgrade?
As I mentioned above, the hard drive and RAM are two of the most common computer upgrades. These two parts of the computer often make sense to upgrade, both from a financial point of view and a time/labor point of view.
The RAM and the hard drive are relatively easy to install in most computers, the RAM in particular. If you’re familiar enough with computers – or adventurous enough – to install them yourself, it is fairly straightforward.
If you don’t want to get “under the hood” yourself, and would rather pay a professional to do it, these upgrades won’t break the bank in labor charges.
Another common upgrade is the video card. This is especially true if you play a lot of games on your computer. The newest games tend to need more and more video card power all the time.
A new video card can also add new capabilities, such as being able to watch and record TV or other video on your computer. Upgrading the video card is also pretty straightforward, but there are some catches that you have to be aware of.
Some of the other, less cost-efficient upgrades include the CPU (the computer’s “brain” – Pentium 4, Athlon, etc.), the motherboard (the main circuit board that everything else connects to), and the case. Upgrading any one of these items often requires other components to be upgraded as well and can lead to more money than a new computer.
Now, having said that, there are going to be people who upgrade these parts quite effectively. I happen to be one of those people. When I buy a new computer, I generally build it myself, with specific components of my choosing. I can change specific components and reuse others for some time, as my closet full of outdated computer parts will prove :-)
For the average user, however, these things do not really make sense, in either time or money. Most people would rather just use their computer, not spend their time building, configuring and troubleshooting it. It’s kind of like owning a car. Personally, I just want something that gets me from A to B. I don’t know how to fix cars, nor do I want to learn. Other people love getting under the hood and tinkering.