We often get a very valid question posed by customers coming into the shop. Can you make this computer work better? We could explain that we can make it go as fast as what they want pay, and while it is true, it would be a cop-out. Our first response is something like Let us look at what your computer has in it. One of our three tiers of upgrades should suit what the customer wants and needs. The most effective method of making a computer more efficient is increasing the available memory in the hardware and then optimizing the running features of the operating system. More memory (RAM) allows more programs to fully load into memory without storing overflow onto the much slower hard drive. Optimizing the operating system helps eliminate many programs and services in memory, vying for the processors attention. This efficiency allows for faster loading and somewhat better execution speed by most programs. Hardware manufacturers, in our opinion, tend to ship their systems with too little memory installed. This Stage 1 upgrade is the least expensive and satisfies most people who want to wring a little more life out of their computer. Hard drives and graphics cards are the next items to be inspected. Technology marches forward. Top of the line a year or two ago may find it hard to compete with the mid and bottom end of this year. Mechanical hard drives can be swapped out for much faster throughput solid state drives (SSDs). Graphics cards can be installed, replacing the functionality of built-in graphics chips, resulting in better screen updates and 3D graphics. These are what we would consider Stage 2 upgrades. Stage 2 upgrades incorporate Stage 1 upgrades. With more memory, a faster hard drive, and more capable video card, the customer is granted more time to keep playing video games and other media intensive programs at a moderate price. Stage 3 upgrades include the CPU, mainboard, and power supply if needed. Typically, the processor manufacturers Intel and AMD release new families of processors with higher overall throughput and new features every 18 months or so. These new processors can really make a computer speedy! However, mainboards are only compatible with a subset of the processors out there, and if the customers mainboard was made more than a couple of years ago, it will most likely require replacement so that it can accommodate the new CPU features and electrical interface. Stage 3 upgrades effectively yield an entirely new computer and can be tailored to the customers current and near future needs. Pricing is variable for this stage because although everything will be new, there is a cost savings because current generation parts can be easily found and there is not a premium associated with locating older compatible hardware that is common in a Stage 2 upgrade. Upgrades made with reliable parts can help ensure that the computer will last longer than if it were stuffed with cheap parts. Reliable isnt always the most expensive, and we have had experience with many brands of hardware and can give the customer choices to help fit the bill. If the customer just wants to browse the web or check email with a little more speed, then Stage 1 or Stage 2 works. If sights are set on modernizing on a budget, or the pricier option of extreme 3D gaming, then Stage 3 is the logical choice. Before we can make an honest recommendation for you, we will need to take a look inside of the computer, listen to what you need, and then let you know your options.
Posted on: Wed, 23 Jul 2014 20:44:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015