Improve Your PC or Laptops Overall Performance with Hardware Upgrades

Types of Hardware Updates

RAM

Your computer uses RAM, random access memory, to perform many functions and operations. More RAM allows your computer to perform more tasks simultaneously and run faster. You can boost the overall performance by installing additional RAM or replacing the existing RAM with larger memory sticks. These days 8GB of RAM is pretty standard and, for most, sufficient for day-to-day computing.

Not all computers and laptops can be upgraded with more RAM. Some are limited to small increases. These limitations are by design. They are set by the motherboard manufacturer. A low-range laptop, for example, may come with 4GB, and you can only upgrade it to 8GB maximum. A mid-range laptop may be limited to a maximum of 16GB RAM. This can also apply to desktop computers.

Hard Drive

Hard drives on most laptops and desktop computers can be easily swapped for a faster type called a Solid State Drive (SSD) if it doesn’t have one already. One can expect a more efficient and faster system with an SSD. Notably increases in start-up, opening programs, updating, downloading etc.

Processor

Your processor has a large impact on the speed and performance of your laptop or desktop computer. But it’s not just a matter of getting another processor (CPU – Central Processing Unit) and swapping it over. Again there are limitations by manufacturers. It is easier to upgrade the CPU in a desktop than on a laptop. This is related to the design of the motherboard that it connects to.

Video Card

Graphics processing units (GPU), or video cards, for computers and laptops, handle what you see on the screen. For most computers and laptops, the GPUs are integrated into the CPU. Integrated graphics cards function as part of the processor and use its processing power together with RAM to convert data into a signal that can render images on a monitor. Then there are discrete* GPUs that work independently of the processor and are designed to handle heavy image processing in video games and 3-D rendering software that an integrated GPU can’t. A discrete graphics card is a separate processing unit inside your computer. A new GPU/video card can boost the graphics processing ability, allowing you to play the latest games or use your computer as a high-definition entertainment centre with your HDTV, for example. It is easier to upgrade a desktop than a laptop—again, limitations of the motherboard design.

*Discrete means separate or divided. A discrete unit is a separate part of something larger.