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Practical PC Upgrades: Boost Performance and Efficiency

Discover how to upgrade and expand your PC with processor, RAM, and external device upgrades. Learn about adding peripherals, device drivers, OS upgrades, and hardware modifications for optimal performance and functionality.

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Practical PC Upgrades: Boost Performance and Efficiency

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  1. Chapter 19Upgrading and ExpandingYour PC

  2. Getting Started • FAQs: • Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? • Will adding RAM improve my PC’s performance? • How do I add and upgrade external devices? • When do I need device drivers? • Should I upgrade to a new OS? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  3. Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? • Expanding your PC usually means adding components • Upgrading typically means replacing a component • You typically can upgrade your microprocessor • Make sure it plugs into the CPU socket • Make sure it is cost effective • Spending $50 to $300 won’t dramatically boost speed • State-of-the-art processors are expensive, about the cost of a new computer • Replacing the microprocessor rarely produces the performance equivalent to a new computer because it is only one factor Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  4. Can I upgrade the processor in my PC? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  5. Will adding RAM improve my PC’s performance? • Adding RAM can increase processing efficiency by providing fast-access space for programs and data • Today’s PCs typically have at least 2 GB of RAM • 1 GB of memory costs less than US $50 • Find out the current RAM capacity and specifications • Work with a reputable store • Factors • Speed: memory access time • Capacity: amount of data that can be held • Package: type of memory module • Type: most likely a type of DRAM (dynamic RAM) • Pins: must match the slots on the system board Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  6. How do I add and upgrade external devices? • Input, output, and storage devices connected to a computer are sometimes referred to as peripheral devices • Most connect to USB port • Your computer automatically recognizes the new device • Add a USB hub to turn one port into multiple ports • Bus-powered hub draws power from the computer • Self-powered hub has an external power supply • Wireless USB operates by transmitting data between wireless transceivers Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  7. How do I add and upgrade external devices? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  8. When do I need device drivers? • A device driver helps a peripheral device establish communication with a computer • Windows 7 includes built-in device drivers • Automatically starts when needed • Can fail for a variety of reasons • Operating system updates can cause problems with device drivers • Windows 7 can be configured to automatically check for device driver updates Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  9. When do I need device drivers? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  10. Should I upgrade to a new OS? • Upgrading to a new version of the operating system can give your computer a performance boost • Upgrades can be more work if you skip generations • If your current operating system is not eligible for an upgrade, perform a clean install Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  11. Should I upgrade to a new OS? • Consider the following suggestions: • Check specifications • Back up your files • Research the process • Gather tools • Make sure you have time Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  12. Hardware: Desktop computers • Desktop computers typically have large cases • Space inside for lots of components • Array of expansion options • All PCs have an expansion bus that provides a variety of ways to connect peripheral devices • An expansion bus is an electronic pathway that moves information between the microprocessor and RAM, and stretches to various ports and slots • Connectors inside the case are called expansion slots • PCI Express Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  13. Hardware: Desktop computers Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  14. Hardware: Desktop computers • Expansion slots are designed to accept expansion cards • Common use is to upgrade graphics capability • Another upgrade is a RAID controller • Divides and replicates data among multiple hard disk drives • Data can be mirrored • RAID storage is a popular feature of business and home server systems Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  15. Hardware: Desktop computers • A computer mod is a custom, hand-built modification to a computer system component • Often include custom paint jobs, glowing lights, state-of-the-art components, and clear Plexiglas side panels • Built using old components • Can include heavy-duty power supplies, plus ventilation and cooling systems Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  16. Hardware: Desktop computers Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

  17. What’s wrong with a little dirt…or smoke? • What do you think? • Do you know if you have dirt buildup around your computer’s fans (notebook) or inside the case (desktop)? • Are computer repair technicians within their rights when they refuse to work on excessively dirty computers? • If a company can deny warranty service to dirty computers, should that be explicitly stated in the warranty? Practical PC 6th Edition Chapter 19

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