Computer Running Slow? Upgrade Or Replace

Eventually even the best computer you can buy becomes obsolete. Its amazing how quickly new breakthroughs in personal computer technology happen, and how the leading edge is always moving. And with these new technologies, it seems you can do more, faster and cheaper than ever before. So, the question is should you upgrade your current computer or would you be better off replacing it?

There are all kinds of new computers out there, from the hottest PCs for the gamer in your house that might cost $6,000 or more, to the bargain PC that you can buy for around $300. Your wallet can determine how much you can spend on a new PC.

But, with a modest budget of around $30-250, you can get the most common computer upgrades, memory, video cards, monitors, or processors.

New hardware comes out so quickly that what was cutting edge six months ago has had two successors since then. But, by keeping an eye on the hardware that you can purchase thats six months to a year old, you can save a ton of money with your upgrades without giving up too much power. Video cards in particular demand premium prices when they first come out, and then prices plummet once a new, improved model comes out.

Computer processors seem to follow these same guidelines, by buying an older processor you can usually buy a great processor for about a third of the price of the best one on the market. Usually in the $200-300 range finds the best deals on processors. What youll find is that you get almost as much power as the top of the line at a fraction of the price.

Memory however is not the best place to skimp. The more memory the better, and its usually the best upgrade your money can buy. Just a few hundred dollars of additional memory can make a huge difference in your computer.

I typically recommend most normal users to upgrade at least once before they consider a new computer system. A little more memory, a second or third generation video card, and you can buy a few more years of usable life, without the upheaval of moving to a brand new computer.

But, eventually your options to upgrade become pretty slim. Now it depends on how you use the computer. But, if youre an average computer user, a few games here and there, lots of internet, and some office documents. Most of the time a computer can last you between 5-10 years with some key strategic upgrades

Computer Users that need more power, to play games or create videos will probably be better off getting a new system about every three years. That seems to be about the time frame that computing power doubles and prices fall in line.

If you decide to move towards a new computer, it s become much easier with USB drives that can make easy backups of your important files. You can buy a 100GB USB drive for around $100, which is very handy to keep all of your important data.

I recommend going to www.pricewatch.com. You can get a feel for what type of upgrades you can afford, and then compare it to the costs of a brand new computer. Almost every computer upgrade you can imagine can be found there at a reasonable price.

Overall, the decision whether to upgrade or replace comes down to cost effectiveness if you can put in a small upgrade for under a few hundred bucks and it makes your computer last just a few short years longer, that is probably the right decision. But, over time it just doesnt make as much sense when even the mid to low priced systems are more effective than your current computer could ever be with all the upgrades. Good Luck with your decision.

By: David Smith

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

David Smith provides on site computer repairs throughout the Jacksonville, Florida area. For more information about his services, or other helpful articles on all things computer related, please visit his Jacksonville Computer Repair website.

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