Upgrading your desktop PC can certainly be a way to extend the life of the computer and even provide extra functionality. Understanding which components can be upgraded and the improvements gained can be confusing and may lead to further expense and sometimes a mix of components which lead to the computer crashing and reliability issues.

Why Upgrade?

The usual explanation given for upgrading a desktop PC is to improve performance. It is important to note that sometimes a PC may be running badly for other reasons than requiring an upgrade. Computers can run badly because there is a problem with the OS or Operating System which is installed on the computer’s hard disk drive. There may be a virus or malware program infecting the PC, installed software or updates may cause issues with performance too. The operating system requires regular maintenance in order to operate correctly.

If your computer or desktop PC is getting old then an upgrade may be the right thing to improve performance and extend the life cycle of the machine.

You may want to install a piece of software or game and some of your components do not meet the required specifications or you just want more internal storage. Upgrading may be the solution to resolve these issues.

What Can Be Upgraded?

Technically all the components of the desktop PC can be upgraded but care is needed to make sure that upgrade parts are compatible with the other components.

Motherboard

The motherboard is at the heart of the computer. It sits flat against the side or bottom of the PC dependant on the type of case the components are housed in.

A motherboard is easily the hardest component to upgrade in the desktop PC. All the other components are connected to it so compatibility between the replacement motherboard all the other computer parts are essential.

Make a start by writing down all the specifications of your existing computer components. You may have to visit the manufacturer’s internet pages to determine the full specifications of installed components. It is important to note that manufacturers desktop PCs may have bespoke connections or fittings that make upgrading particularly difficult, be sure to check whether your PC has standard connectors before outlaying any money.

Once you have all the required information then you can begin looking for a replacement motherboard. Unless you are replacing a suspected faulty motherboard you are most likely going to upgrade your computers CPU or Processor and Memory or RAM. If this is the situation then you can obviously look at new CPUs and memory at the same time and upgrading to the latest technologies. This is the most costly type of upgrade to you can perform on your desktop PC but it is the one with the most performance gains dependant on budget.

As the computer motherboard is the most complicated of the components to upgrade, it may have a knock on effect to your installed operating system. It will most probably lead to a complete reinstall of the OS. Make sure you have the required disks and drivers before upgrading.

CPU or Processor

Upgrading a CPU on its own is a relatively easy task compared to the motherboard. Your desktop pc’s motherboard can only hold a certain range of processors. This information can be obtained by researching your motherboards specifications. This will determine the maximum size and specification processor that can be installed.

It is important to note that if you are increasing the speed and performance of the CPU then you may need to purchase a more powerful, higher rated CPU cooling fan.

Memory or RAM

Increasing the amount of memory or RAM in the desktop PC is the most visible performance hit that upgrading can achieve. Again research into the motherboard specifications is required to make sure you know what type and size of memory can be installed.

If you cannot upgrade the memory then a motherboard upgrade may be also be necessary in order to increase speed and performance but this will almost always end in a new CPU too.

Graphics or Video Card

Again it is necessary to check your motherboard specifications before attempting to upgrade your computer graphics. Your desktop PC could currently use onboard graphics and may not have a dedicated graphics slot. Onboard graphics can usually be disabled in BIOS or by installing a dedicated graphics card.

There are many types and specification of graphics card so be sure to get the right one for your machine. Take note of the slot type and other requirements before spending any money.

Hard Disk Drives

Upgrading hard disk drives is not so necessary these days due to the amount of external storage devices available. If you do want to expand you existing internal storage make sure you have the space to install the drive. Be sure to check that you have a spare or the correct connector on the motherboard for your new drive.

Note if you are going to replace your main hard disk drive then you are going to have to back up and reinstall everything once you have fitted the drive.

CD, DVD, BlueRay Drives

Upgrading these drives is a simple task. If just upgrading the type of drive then removing and fitting the drive takes no time at all. Be sure you have the correct connector type such as IDE or SATA and make sure your motherboard supports it.

If you are adding an extra drive to your desktop PC then make sure you have enough space and that you have enough spare connectors on the motherboard.

Add-in Cards or Expansion Cards

There are numerous expansion cards available to add extra functionality to your computer. There are soundcards, USB expansion cards, video capture cards etc. They slot quite simply into a spare PCI or PCI-e slot on the motherboard. They require drivers and software to be installed to operate correctly. Be sure that the expansion card is compatible with the motherboard and the operating system install on your desktop PC.

Upgrading your desktop PC may be the answer to increasing the life or performance of the machine but be aware, sometimes upgrading can lead to further upgrades which in turn can lead to more cost. Make sure you research your components carefully before make the beginning the upgrade process. Sometimes it can be cheaper to upgrade everything and buy a new off the shelf desktop PC.

The author takes no responsibility for the outcome of upgrading your PC or computer. The article is written as advice only. Always use anti-static equipment when handling computer components or opening up a desktop pc. Be sure that all electrical items are disconnected from the power source.