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Whether to Replace or
Upgrade your Computer
Web Tech Support Page!
Whether to Replace or Upgrade your Computer: Web Tech Support Page!
By Raymond Garcia
WebTechGeek.com
Whether to Replace or Upgrade your Computer: New computers have become so inexpensive
at this time that you should consider buying a new computer.
But, some people often believe upgrading you computer
has better value than replacing it. You should consider
upgrading a good working computer by spending about 30
to 50 percent of the original cost is a good value than
a new machine, unless you will receive a significant speed
and performance increase. It's definitely time to a consider
a new PC or upgrade you rPC if your games more closely
resembles a slow-motion replay than an fast action game.
The best time to buy or upgrade a computer
is shortly after a new generation of product debuts, especially
when you are considering a new CPU or video card. All
new technology drives price down on existing computer
hardware and systems. If money is tight, try buying one
generation behind the latest and fastest video card and
no more then two generations behind on CPU.
If you need to replace only one or two components
to bring your computer up to speed, whether to upgrade
or not is a no-brainer. For instance, if you simply need
some additional memory and a new bigger hard drive, I'd
say go for it! However, if your CPU and mother board is
outdated and the motherboard won't accept a faster CPU
upgrade, or if you need a new faster video card to play
the newer games. It maybe time to replace that old hunk
of silicon with a newer cheaper computer. Remember you
can give your old computer to someone you know or sell
it, maybe keep it as a back-up computer.
How do you know if it's time to buy a new
faster computer? A good indicator is the age of your computer.
If it's three years old or more it's time! Computer are
faster and cheaper to day, so if the cost of the upgrading
your computer approaches half of the price of a new computer,
it's time for total replacement.
Also look at the recommended system requirements
(not the minimum system requirements) on the back of the
box of some of the newer games and applications. If your
system's components meet or exceed the recommended requirements
or are relatively close, then upgrading your computer
is a good option. However, if your computer falls significantly
below the requirements, it's time to buy a new system.
The operating system plays a big part in
the equation, for example, Windows 98/ME run great with
128 to 256MB of RAM. On the other hand, Windows XP will
only perform it's best if it has at least 512MB of RAM.
As for memory, you can never have too much. Installing
512MB to 1GB under the your PC hood will do wonders for
all games and applications. Also no self-respecting game
geek should ever consider a video card with less than
128MB of RAM.
Remember Component balance should be taken
into account, as well. A super fast CPU and a fast video
card will ne bottlenecked with insufficient RAM. Also
loads of RAM and a fast CPU can't counteract a old feeble
video card. Nor can a powerful video card and loads of
RAM compensate for an old slow CPU. Look for a proper
balance among key parts.
You should never have your computer repaired
with refurbished used parts. You should consider replace
your computer if you will need to rent or lease one for
several weeks while yours is being serviced or awaiting
parts, renting a computer can be exorbitantly expensive.
Remember come back to WebTechGeek.com for more computer
help.
Whether to Replace or Upgrade your Computer Tips:
1. Try to get a free estimate if your going
to pay a PC repair shop to upgrade or repair your system.
If not, find out the hourly labor charge. You should expect
to pay $50 to $70 per hour for labor in U.S. cities, with
a 1-hour minimum charge, and twice as much for on-site
repair. Find out how long the repair or upgrades will
be warranted. Most shops warrant repairs for 30 to 90
days. If you can do the upgrade yourself you can save
on the cost of labor.
2. Most hard drive last 3 to 10 years, the
life of other mechanical drives to vary depending on the
usage, and expect your computer electronics to last many
years. New hard drives are bigger and cheaper, upgrading
your computer with a bigger new hard drive is one of the
best upgrades you can do yourself.
3. You should consider upgrading your computer
if the costs less than $300 or less then half the cost
of the system, and the computer's performance and functionality
are completely satisfactory. You should replace your computer
if you are want to buy a computer that is better in all
ways, or if the need upgrades costs more than $400.
4. You should consider buying a new computer
if you have a Pentium 3 PC or older. You should consider
getting a new machine if your current computer lacks specific
functionality that you need. Also look for a new computer
to come with at least a 1-year limited warranty, Two would
be better. Also a good toll-free services and support.
5. If money is tight, try buying one generation
behind the latest and fastest video card and no more then
two generations behind on CPU.
6. If you decided to upgrade your computer
or build a custom computer, then use www.pricewatch.com
or www.pricegrabber.com
to help in the process. Make sure to read what others
have to say about the vendors before your make a purchase.
Try to buy all your computer parts from a single source
to save on shipping.
Remember to come back to WebTechGeek.com
for more How tos and Windows tips.
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