New advances in technology can mean a PC is outdated within months. This can be particularly true if you’re into gaming. Gamers need high-powered PCs with state of the art graphics, memory and CPUs, and a good power supply to run the multitude of energy-hungry games on the market.
But what happens if your PC can’t cope?
You’re left with two choices: Replace the PC with a brand new model. Or, a slightly cheaper option, upgrade the parts inside your existing PC.
Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? However, there are some pitfalls to watch out for before you take your PC apart.
#1 – Is it a Laptop or a Desktop?
Whilst it is possible to upgrade both, it is a lot easier to find economically priced parts for a desktop.
#2 – Is it upgradable?
It’s easy to think that all computers are upgradable. Unfortunately, they aren’t. In order to make computers compact and cost-effective, some manufacturers use under-sized motherboards. This can make replacing them with a higher spec motherboard extremely difficult. It also affects the ability to upgrade graphics and memory.
#3 – Your power supply & cooling system
These are the heart and lungs of your computer system. Many PCs are fitted with power supplies that are just powerful enough to run the system as it is. Adding a high-powered new graphics card, could make your PC struggle. Similarly, if your cooling system or fan is now too small for your new super-charged PC, it will overheat.
#4 – Your Microsoft Operating System
The motherboard and CPU are the brains of your PC. If you change any part of the brain, you change the identity of your computer. Your Microsoft Operating System will see it as a new machine, flashing warning signs telling you that your software isn’t legit.
Theoretically, this is fixable. You can call Microsoft and tell them you’ve upgraded your motherboard. Hopefully, you’ll catch them on a good day and they’ll issue you with a new license key. This isn’t guaranteed though. Especially if you were running the free version of Win 10. There is still some confusion whether the free version is transferrable to a new motherboard.
#5 – The age of your PC
The age of the device is an important factor when deciding to upgrade. New to old compatibility is the main issue here. Changing one thing to a newer, fresher, on-trend device could cost you a lot more than you bargained for. For instance, if you have a DVD writer with an older IDE type connection, changing to a SATA motherboard is going to make that player unusable.
Upgrading is an ideal way of keeping up with technology and getting the best out of your system. But, do some research first to make sure the parts you want to purchase will fit and are compatible. Otherwise, you could be left with an over-priced doorstop.
If in any doubt, always check with a professional computer technician before attempting a DIY upgrade. You will save yourself a lot of expense and heartache.
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