Buying and Upgrading: Tips on Upgrading you system, and buying o


© Michael Christopher Brinton

Many users find themselves stuck with a computer that isn't giving the performance that the want or need, but don't have enough money to buy a entire new system. But what most people don't know, is that by upgrading the components in a system, almost anyone can increase performance without buying a whole new system. Eventually everyone will have to purchase a new computer system. However with a little money now, you can greatly improve the performance of your present system.

First, you need to decide on how much money you are willing to spend, and most importantly, what you will use the computer for. Companies like Intel that produce processors, and faster systems, want you to think that what you have isn't enough and that you need a new computer. (Hey that's the way they make their money)

First, before you start to upgrade, you need to consider what you plan to use you computer for. Usually, there are three main types of computer users:

  • The business user who just uses a computer for applications such as word processing and maybe e-mail.
  • People who work in the computer industry creating new software, or high-end graphics.
  • Gamers who are looking to play with the best quality they can, experienced computer and internet users, and people in business working on multimedia presentations.

As you can probably guess, the second and third groups use their computers fairly often and there are many ways for each group to upgrade their computer systems.

Business users who just use applications for everyday work don't need a high-end computer system. A Pentium 100 based system will meet all their needs. The other two groups will most likely need to upgrade now or sometime in the future. They have the option of getting a entire new system, or if they don't have enough money, they can upgrade their systems component by component. This will save money, and depending on the quality and performance of the components they purchase, some upgrades may be able to be transferred to a new system when one is purchased.

When looking to buy new components for your computer, the internet can be a great buying resource. Some of the best deals can be found on the internet if you know where to look. Also, there is a large used hardware market. If you don't mind if something isn't brand new, you usually can get a good deal on something that has been briefly used. Also, if the component that you replacing isn't too old, you might be able to sell it used, for some extra cash.

Go To Page: 1 2


The copyright of the article Buying and Upgrading: Tips on Upgrading you system, and buying o in Computer Hardware is owned by . Permission to republish Buying and Upgrading: Tips on Upgrading you system, and buying o in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Post this Article to facebook Add this Article to del.icio.us! Digg this Article furl this Article Add this Article to Reddit Add this Article to Technorati Add this Article to Newsvine Add this Article to Windows Live Add this Article to Yahoo Add this Article to StumbleUpon Add this Article to BlinkLists Add this Article to Spurl Add this Article to Google Add this Article to Ask Add this Article to Squidoo


Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: View all related messages

4.   May 22, 1998 11:58 PM
Well, for starters I would definitly recommend the BX chipset. It's the motherboard of the future (well at least the near-future) and offers much more upgradability over LX boards. As for the processo ...

-- posted by MichaelB_2


3.   May 19, 1998 11:33 PM
Titus Goh

Hello Michael, I'm thinking of upgrading my Pentum 100 to a P II machine. Given a wide range of CPU available, (from 233 MHz to 400 MHz), which will be a batter value for money? (i.e It' ...


-- posted by TitusG


2.   Mar 28, 1997 11:50 AM
Thanks for the compliment, its nice to know that my advice is useful. Also, once I am finished with my little sub-section of articles about buying, if there is something that you want to see me cover, ...

-- posted by MichaelB_2


1.   Mar 27, 1997 8:31 AM
Michael, You explained these things so clearly that I finally understand. Scary thought! I really appreciate your article and the links were very helpful. Keep up the good work ...

-- posted by JoyE





For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Michael Christopher Brinton's Computer Hardware topic, please visit the Discussions page.