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UPGRADING

Upgrade is a term that describes adding new hardware in a computer that improves its
performance. For example, with a hardware upgrade, you could replace your hard drive with
an SSD and get a huge boost in performance or upgrade the RAM, so the computer runs more
smoothly.

Benefits of a hardware upgrade

 Performance increase, which makes the overall computer run faster and more smoothly.
 Capacity increase. For example, adding a larger hard drive allows the computer to store
more information. Adding more memory increases the computer’s ability to run more
programs efficiently.
 It may be necessary to upgrade the computer to meet a program or games system
requirements.

Disadvantages of a hardware upgrade

Although the benefits are always going to outweigh the disadvantages of a hardware upgrade, it is
still worth noting what disadvantages there may be when upgrading hardware.

 Damage during install. It is possible, if not done correctly (e.g., not taking ESD
precautions) or using to much force, you may damage the new hardware during the
upgrade.
 When upgrading major computer components, such as a hard drive or motherboard, you
may need to reinstall all your software that can be a significant time investment.

Software upgrades

When referring to software, a software upgrade refers to any major upgrade to the software that
adds significant or completely new changes to the program. An example of a software upgrade is
upgrading your version of Windows. For example, if you had Microsoft Windows XP and
upgraded to Windows 7, it would be considered a software upgrade.

Benefits of software upgrade

New features not available or found in previous versions.

Often, the new version of a program has better stability and increased performance.
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After so long, an older software program will be discontinued and often no longer [Link]
of not doing a software upgrade

Almost all software developers release software updates to help keep a program secure and stable.
However, eventually, all companies will stop supporting a program after upgrades to a program
are released. For most software programs, this is not a problem as long as you no longer need
support from the developer. However, for operating systems and software programs that could
have potential security vulnerabilities, not upgrading may leave your computer vulnerable to
attacks.

Differences between software upgrades and updates

An update and upgrade are two different things. Updates are usually free and often very small. An
upgrade is usually not free and much larger. For example, if you have Windows XP and want
Windows 7 you would "upgrade" to Windows 7. However, if you had Windows 7 and needed to
install fixes for security vulnerabilities or other problems you would "update" Windows. See
the update definition for information on this term.

Before You Upgrade

Before deciding you need a hardware upgrade, make sure you actually have a hardware problem.
Do these basic computer housekeeping tasks first, and see if your computer's performance
improves:

 Uninstall any unnecessary software you're not using.

 Remove viruses, spyware, and other malware.

 Defragment your hard drive (primarily an issue for Windows computers).

Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards

 Why is the computer being upgraded? For example, does the computer need more memory?
Are more expansion slots needed? Does the computer need a bigger/faster CPU to run certain
operating systems or applications? Is more space wanted in the computer area? Sometimes
upgrading the motherboard does not help unless the other computer components are
upgraded. The most expensive and fastest motherboard/CPU will not run applications well
unless it has the proper amount of memory. Hard drives are another issue. If software access
is slow, the solution might not be a new motherboard but a faster and larger hard drive or
more RAM.

 Which type of expansion slot (PCI, AGP, or PCIe) and how many adapters of each type are
needed from the old motherboard? Does the new motherboard have the required expansion
slots?

 What type of chipsets does the new motherboard support? What features, if any, would this
bring to the new motherboard?

 Will the new motherboard fit in the current computer case, or is a new one required?

 If upgrading the CPU, will the motherboard support the new type of CPU?

 Does the motherboard allow for future CPU upgrades?

 How much memory (RAM) does the motherboard allow? What memory chips are required
on the new motherboard? Will the old memory chips work in the new motherboard or with
the new CPU?

Before replacing a motherboard, it is important to do all the following:

 Remove the CPU and CPU fan.

 Remove adapters from expansion slots.

 Remove memory chips from expansion slots.

 Disconnect power connectors.

 Disconnect ribbon cables.

 Disconnect external devices such as mouse, keyboard, and monitor.

Replacement motherboards do not normally come with RAM, so the old modules are removed
from the bad/older motherboard. A motherboard usually does not come with a CPU. Make note of
the CPU orientation before removing it from the bad/older motherboard. Some retailers sell kits
that include the computer case, power supply, motherboard, and CPU so that the components
match, function together correctly, and are physically compatible.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM is temporary (or short-term) memory and concerned with overall system performance and
speed. RAM modules are of long sticks that plug directly into your motherboard. The computer’s
guidebook or motherboard manual will tell you how much the maximum amount of RAM
supported by your system.

Upgrading RAM depends on how many slots you have and the maximum size each slot supports.
Some computers require that you have the same amount of RAM in each slot. Check the PC’s
manual to confirm this.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

CPUs sit on the motherboard in a dedicated socket. It is important to know that these sockets are
often specific to particular generations of CPU. They’re also specific to CPU manufacturers (AMD
or Intel).Once secured on the motherboard, a CPU is cooled with a cooling unit, usually a heatsink
and fan. However, other PC cooling solutions are available. Like the motherboard, it is unwise to
upgrade your CPU yourself if you are a beginner. In most cases, upgrading your CPU will require
a new motherboard, along with a heat sink and perhaps other components.
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Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Providing power to the PC is the PSU, usually found at the back of the PC case. A look at the back
of your computer will show you where the power cable is attached. There is usually an on-off
switch on this, in addition to the power switch on the front of the computer.

PSUs power the motherboard and CPU via dedicated cables. SATA power cables power
everything else in the computer. PSUs are rated by the amount of power they supply (e.g. 600
watts).It is important that your computer is powered properly. If it isn’t, components will not work
correctly, and the system will soon fail.

To upgrade your PSU, first research the specifications of the video card and CPU. You also want
to make sure you get the proper connectors for your system. The PSU can be replaced by first
disconnecting all internal cables. Follow this by removing the screws that secure it to the PC case.

Fixed Storage Device (Hard Drive or SSD)

Data is retained on your PC in a storage device. For decades a hard disk drive (HDD) has served
this purpose, but PCs increasingly rely on other devices. These are usually Solid State Storage
(SSD) devices, compact 2.5-inch devices that look just like HDDs.

HDDs and SSDs are found at the front of the PC’s case and connected to the motherboard via
SATA cables. Drives required two cables: one for power, one for data. Older disk drives rely on
wider ribbon cables, known as PATA, with an IDE connector for data. They’re powered by Molex
plugs.

If a HDD or SSD dies or you plan to upgrade to a larger capacity storage device, they can be easily
swapped out. Just make the necessary backup precautions, before you unplug the device and
remove the securing screws/clips. The SSD or HDD can then be replaced.

Removable Storage: DVD-ROM or Blu-ray

Increasingly uncommon on laptop computers, desktops still seem to ship with an optical drive.
This is known as removable storage, typically a DVD-ROM or Blu-ray drive, with read and write
capabilities.

Upgrading an optical drive is simple. Unplug the cables, unscrew, or unlock the drive from its
housing, the push it out the front of the case.

A USB stick or SD card, both based on flash RAM, are also removable storage. PCs frequently
ship with a card reader and USB ports on the front. Replacing a card reader is simple—again by
unplugging and pushing through from the back to pull it out.

Graphics Card (GPU)

Also known as a video card, the graphics card or GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) links your
computer to a display. While older PCs employed a VGA port, current computers use HDMI to
connect to HD displays.

In most cases the video out port is connected to an integrated graphics card on the motherboard.
However, this isn’t always the case.

Modern games require better graphics cards. As such, gamers, video editors, graphic designers,
and other specialists employ dedicated graphics cards. GPUs slot into a dedicated PCI-Express
(PCIe) slot on the PC’s motherboard. This overrides the motherboard’s GPU.

Graphics cards are prone to compatibility issues such as size specifications, slot placement,
motherboard type, processor speed, and power intake. However, upgrading is as simple as
removing the securing screw and clip, unplugging the GPU and slotting the replacement in its
place.

Sound Card
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On the back of your PC you will typically find three to five small circular ports. These are usually
colored. In some cases, you might also find them on the front of your PC.

These are the audio ports, connected to your computer’s sound card. Like the video card, a sound
card is usually integrated into the motherboard. However, for specialist use such as gaming and
audio development or recording purposes, a dedicated sound card might be used.

Sound cards offer various audio improvements, such as advanced audio processing and Dolby 7.1
surround sound. Like the GPU, the sound card slots into a PCIe slot on the motherboard (a different
slot to the GPU, however).

A new sound card has minimal compatibility issues.