Ways to upgrade desktop computers to optimize usage according to needs

Over time and with usage needs, your computer may fail or need a new upgrade to function better. This helps process tasks and play games smoother and faster. In the following article, let's explore with TipsMake the simplest and most effective ways to upgrade your desktop computer.

Upgrade your computer by upgrading the hard drive

RAM and hard drive are two important parts that directly determine data access speed and computer performance. Therefore, optimizing and upgrading these two components will help your computer feel like it has been 'transformed' after a long time of use.

Upgrade SSD drive

Upgrading an SSD hard drive is one of the simplest and most effective ways to help transform your old computer. A new generation storage hard drive usually has data access speed 3-4 times faster than older HDDs. Not only that, they also have extremely fast read and write speeds of 400-500 MB/s. This helps bring users the fastest and smoothest experience. 

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Besides, the price of an SSD hard drive is currently quite reasonable. Therefore, if your computer does not have an SSD or is using an old HDD, upgrade to an SSD immediately. Because this will help increase the operating speed of your computer significantly.

Note: When upgrading a hard drive to an SSD, users are required to install an operating system on it to help improve the speed of the computer.

Replace the HDD with a higher capacity

A high-capacity HDD not only helps users store more data but also helps improve the operating speed of the computer. So if you want to upgrade your desktop computer, you just need to upgrade the HDD or replace it with a new HDD with higher capacity.

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Upgrade more Ram

RAM is an intermediary part located between the CPU and storage memory, responsible for helping the computer multitask and run multiple applications at the same time. The larger the RAM, the faster the data access speed and the greater the amount of computer work it can handle.

Currently, the minimum RAM capacity of a computer is 2GB. However, playing games and performing multiple tasks at the same time requires your computer to have a higher RAM capacity. Besides, the price of RAM today is not too high, only from a few hundred thousand depending on the capacity and manufacturer. Therefore, users can easily choose the RAM bar that suits their needs.

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Upgrade CPU and GPU (Detachable card)

If you want your desktop computer to perform better, users should consider upgrading the CPU and GPU. As follows:

CPU

CPU is likened to the brain of a computer, directly determining the performance and operating speed of the machine. So if you want to upgrade your old desktop without buying a new one, upgrading the CPU is the most suitable choice. However, upgrading the chip also means you have to replace the motherboard.  

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Therefore, before you want to upgrade the chip, you need to check whether the mainboard you are using is compatible with the chip line you intend to upgrade or not. In addition, there are still some hardware manufacturers like AMD that do not require users to replace the motherboard when upgrading the CPU.

The most important thing is to make sure the new chip is completely compatible with the computer's motherboard and socket to avoid causing damage to other components. Ideally, you should use CPU –Z to view the information displayed in the Package section and choose the most suitable CPU.

GPU (Discrete Card)

For gamers, optimizing the GPU or upgrading the graphics card is the best way to get the smoothest gaming experience. Because a good graphics card not only helps you process graphics in your computer more realistically and sharper, but also helps minimize lag or broken frames when playing.

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Currently, if you want to use high-end GPUs, your computer must have a 6 or 8-pin power connector. Therefore, if you want to use these card lines, users need to choose a source that suits their needs.

Note: When upgrading a GPU for a desktop computer, users need to choose a card line that matches the device's chip and RAM to limit card errors and help the GPU reach its full potential.

Clean the machine and replace the thermal paste

One of the simplest ways to help upgrade your old desktop computer is to clean it and replace the thermal paste. The reason is because computers, if not cleaned regularly, will lead to dirt accumulating inside, causing damage to components and causing the machine to operate slowly.

Normally users can use compressed air to clean the computer. Then use thermal paste to cool the CPU and GPU. To check the temperature of the computer, users can use SpeedFan temperature measurement software. If your computer is too hot, you should apply thermal paste immediately to help reduce the temperature quickly and keep the computer operating more stably.

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Change your computer screen for the better

Old desktop computers often have low-resolution screens, making the user experience incomplete. To overcome this situation, you should switch to using a new screen with Full HD resolution and high scanning frequency. This will help you experience vivid and sharp images when working, watching movies or playing games.

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Currently, users can easily choose to buy separate computer screens with a variety of sizes and prices. However, if you want to get the best gaming experience, you should choose to buy a screen 24 inches or larger with a scan frequency of 75 Hz and a response time of less than 5ms.

Upgrade separate accessories included with the device

Equipping new accessories is also a way to help you upgrade your old computer. This is also the solution chosen by many users today to get a better experience.

Mouse

Depending on your needs and financial conditions, you can choose the type of mouse that is right for you. For example, if you are a gamer and want to have the best gaming experience, you should choose to buy gaming mice with the appropriate size and weight.

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Keyboard

Mechanical keyboards will give you a completely new typing experience and also help reduce hand fatigue when you have to work continuously with the computer. In particular, mechanical keyboards are also a great assistant for you during fierce fights or battles in the game.

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Earphone

If you want to have the best sound experience when playing games, listening to music or watching movies, you must definitely own a genuine headset from reputable brands. Note that when buying headphones, you should choose a product with material and width suitable for the ear rim to avoid ear pain when wearing headphones to work for a long time.

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Things to note before upgrading used desktop computers

1. Before upgrading the computer, users need to find out what the current configuration of the computer is. From there, choose the appropriate upgrade method.
2. Users also need to determine which CPU the current motherboard can be upgraded to, whether to install more RAM/hard drive or change to another Ram/hard drive.
3. Choose genuine components and carefully check the components before assembly.

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Epilogue

Above are instructions on some of the most effective tips for upgrading old desktop computers that you can refer to and apply to your computer. This helps you meet your own usage needs and get the best experience.

Jessica Tanner

Update 12 October 2023