Save Money When Upgrading Your PC
By: Ryan Thomas

With the introduction of Vista and the drop in prices of dual-core processors, now is a good time to upgrade your older PC. As always, though, if you are happy with what you currently have then you may completely ignore this entire article and go on with your life. For the rest of you, it means that are not happy and wish to have more speed and power in your PC.

Technology advances very fast these days, what might be decent today may be laughable in two years due to its obsolescence. This is why upgrading only certain components, rather than a whole new system is the smart way to go. Why spend a lot of money on a top-of-the-line computer that will be discarded in three years? I don't know, but people still do.

Before we begin, if you are completely computer illiterate you may want to take your computer into your local computer shop, or talk to a trusted friend, and have them upgrade it for you. You still may want to read this article in order to make sure they don't charge you for things you don't need. Don't be afraid of getting a second opinion if you think you are getting shafted.

First you may need a little background on computer hardware. There are five main components of a computer that determine its speed and power; motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive and power supply. The other components do not affect the actual speed of the computer; computer case, CD/DVD drive, mouse, keyboard and monitor. There are many more components that you may have, depending on your system, none of which is a large factor in the speed and power of a computer. Now that we know which components do not affect the actual speed of the computer, we can try to salvage those components and use them in the newer upgraded PC, thereby saving you money.

First up is your CD or DVD drive. CD / DVD drives, or burners, are universal and can be used on any PC, as long as they work. Make sure to test your drives out before deciding on keeping them. The speed of the CD / DVD burner affects only the drive itself, not the computer. A faster DVD burner, for example, will burn DVDs faster, that's it, the power of your computer really has nothing to do with it. If your CD / DVD drive works and it burns fast enough for you then you may use it in your new computer.

Next is your old computer case. A computer case adds absolutely nothing to the performance of a computer. Most cases can be used over again with new components providing the motherboard will fit properly. If you happen to have a very small case then chances are you may have to spring for a new one. Most people, though, will have a case big enough to accommodate newer motherboards. Your best bet is to measure the motherboard that is currently in your computer and check it against the following common board sizes; ATX boards measure 12" X 9.6"; Micro ATX boards measure 9.6" X 9.6". To make things easier, try getting the same size motherboard as you currently have. All motherboards will display their form factor, either ATX or Micro ATX (aka mATX).

Other components such as mouse, keyboard and monitor are called external peripheral devices and offer no addition or detraction of the performance of a computer. If you like the way they look and feel then simply keep them and save the money. Same goes for any other components you may have on your older computer such as a card reader, any installed PCI card, 3.5" floppy drive, speakers and others. These are all things you would be paying for if you bought a whole new system.

Last but not least, sell the rest of your computer. Yes, that's right you can usually sell your old computer, or what's left of it, for a few dollars (don't expect much). A working motherboard, processor, RAM power supply and hard drive can be worth some money to a computer geek, like me! Any computer guru will have cases and other parts lying around that they can use to make your computer whole again. Ask around or post an ad somewhere, you'll be surprised how quick it will sell.

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