There are various reasons why one may want to upgrade their PC. Some simply do it to solve an existing problem. Perhaps the performance of their PC has dropped so much they have to upgrade the components to keep the computer operational.
In other instances, people upgrade their PC not because they have serious issues but because they want top-of-the-line performance.
In both cases, it’s critical to do your due diligence before you start purchasing and installing new components on your PC. Failing to do your homework can easily result in expensive financial losses. You can also lose your data if you’re not careful.
Here are three critical factors you need to consider when upgrading your PC.
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1. What’s the cost of upgrading?
The first critical question you have to ask yourself is whether an upgrade is worth it in the first place. Here is the thing, upgrading a PC is not that straightforward. Items like the CPU can cost hundreds of dollars. And if you don’t have the technical knowledge of replacing the component yourself, you’ll have to spend extra cash on a technician.
Therefore, before you proceed further, ask yourself whether the PC is worth upgrading or if you’re better off purchasing a new computer. If you are upgrading smaller components like RAM, then sure, buying the component can be worth it. However, for the more expensive items, consider the cost of upgrading vs. purchasing a new computer.
In any case, make sure you’re getting a good deal. You can get coupon code in a lot of places online to offset the bill for your PC setup upgrade. Whether you want to upgrade internal components like CPUs, or a simple accessory like a desktop computer stand, headphones, mousepad, you will be able to find discount codes if you search well enough.
2. What issue do you want to resolve?
The performance issue you want to resolve directly determines the component you need to upgrade and how much it will cost you. If you want your PC to run smoother and faster, you’ll probably need to upgrade your RAM and switch to a solid-state drive.
If you want to improve your gaming experience, you’ll need a new GPU.
You should also know that some issues may require replacing more than one unit. For example, if you have a tough time gaming, a GPU upgrade alone might not be enough. You may need to upgrade other components too. In fact, you might be forced to upgrade your monitor as well to get the ultimate experience.
So, don’t just think about your immediate problem. Get the full picture and see if there are other bottlenecks you’ll need to resolve when upgrading your PC.
3. Compatibility
Lastly, check whether the items are compatible with your system. The last thing you want is to spend hundreds of dollars on a CPU only to realize it is incompatible with your motherboard. Besides being a waste of time, buying incompatible items can have you dealing with tiresome return policies. You don’t need that.
So, ensure the specific components you’re buying can run on your PC. Make sure the GPU can run on your motherboard as it is. Or, if it needs a bios update, check if the update is available before purchasing the GPU.
You can check compatibility yourself or consult the customer support of the store you’re buying from.
Do not buy upgrades for your PC before doing your homework. You can easily end up with a bunch of expensive components that you cannot use. Follow the above guide to ensure your hard-earned money is going to the right place.