There comes a time when your computer’s just not what it used to be. You can’t install new gadgets or run the latest software, and even routine tasks begin to seem painfully slow. In short, you want more than your computer can give — you need an upgrade.

Why upgrade?

The rapid pace of technology means that computers have increasingly short lifespan. However, strategically updating your computer’s internal components, memory or peripherals can help put off the day when it’s no longer functional.

While new computers are relatively cheap, in instances where your current machine meets the vast majority of your needs then an upgrade may be the best solution. It may just be a matter of installing a FireWire card for video editing or adding some storage space to turn your tired machine into the spruced up system you need.

Similarly, if only the cheapest new computers fall within your budget and you’re looking for features that come with expensive models, you may be able to add new capabilities to your current computer and save money.

Random access memory (RAM)

RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. When you open a program, its essential data is loaded from your computer’s hard drive (its long-term memory) into RAM for easy location. the more RAM you have, the more applications you can run simultaneously.

Adding more RAM is one of the cheapest ways to upgrade a computer. In many cases you can double your computer’s memory for under $50.

RAM is measured in Megabytes (Mb) and while new computers will usually come with 256 or 512Mb, older computers may have considerably less. RAM comes in a number of types that differ in shape, speed, capacity and price. Your computer will probably only be compatible with one of those types, and what types it can accept depends heavily on the motherboard

Motherboard

Your computer’s motherboard is its foundation, a circuit board to which all other internal components connect. While a new motherboard is likely to have considerably more speed and onboard peripherals, you’ll almost always need to upgrade other components as well. New motherboards won’t support some older components — at a minimum you’ll also need to replace your computer’s CPU (processor). And depending on your current system, you may also need to replace your RAM and the motherboard’s power supply too. A new motherboard will however let you take advantage of new components.

On the bright side, buying a new motherboard, processor and RAM from a reputable company will improve a PC just two years old. A motherboard will cost you between $100 and $300.

Processor

The central processing unit (CPU) is the brains of your computer and upgrading it is best done in tandem with your motherboard. Not only do your motherboard and processor need to be compatible, but even when older motherboards can accommodate faster CPUs, they can’t always take advantage of other improvements, such as lower power consumption or faster cache — so you’ll never get as much out of a new CPU without an equivalent motherboard. Buying a CPU and motherboard together is also a good move if you’re worried about compatibility.

That said, upgrading your processor alone is worthwhile if your motherboard can take a faster processor of the same connection type. Expect to pay from around $100 to more than $300 for a new processor

Modern processors generate a lot of heat and keeping them cool can improve their lifespan and performance — it pays to buy a heatsink or fan for a processor upgrade.

Graphics card

The graphics system of your computer handles the work of drawing your screen, whether you're typing on a word processor or blazing your way through a super-fast new game.

Depending on the type of computer you own, you may have either inbuilt graphics, or a graphics card. Many graphics cards these days sport processors which are fast, powerful and carry more RAM than your average three-year-old computer. Adding a graphics card to a computer with an inbuilt chip or replacing your existing card with a newer model takes the hard work of constantly drawing and redrawing your screen away from your computer’s processor and system RAM, thereby boosting your computer’s overall speed.

A new graphics card will set you back between $50 and $600.

Hard drive

If you’re running out of storage space on your hard drive and you have a spare IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics) connection consider a second drive. Adding another hard drive rather than replacing your current drive can save you hours of frustration as you won’t need to install all your software again. A spare drive also acts as an extra backup, in case something goes wrong.

For regular backing up, there are many alternative storage solutions available. Whether it’s a large format external storage drive such as a Zip, an external hard drive, or a new USB key, there’s something to fit computers of every age.

Optical drive

Optical drives that allow you to play and/or record different types of optical discs are a useful addition to any computer. A CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, CD Writer or DVD Writer is a good choice for an optical drive, and will cost you less than $100. CD/DVD recordable drives and a DVD-ROM will allow you to listen to music or watch movies, as well as copy some CD and DVDs.

Soundcard

The sound capabilities of computers are often overlooked. Your computer may have no sound at all, an inbuilt sound chip on your motherboard, or a soundcard. Adding a standalone soundcard can improve the overall experience of gaming and allow you to watch movies with a DVD drive and listen to CDs, MP3s or internet radio. There are soundcards available at a range of prices. If you have onboard sound, however a set of good speakers may be a better investment.

Expansion cards

Adding an expansion card can bring new features to your computer
The only limit is how many free PCI slots you have

	an network card lets you connect multiple computers to form a network useful if you’d like to connect your DSL or Cable modem.
	a USB 2.0 card for connecting speedy USB 2.0 peripherals to your computer. You may need a patch for your motherboard or operating system to support it, otherwise it’ll only function at USB 1.1 speeds.
	a Firewire card (right) — few PCs over a year old have a connection for these speedy peripherals. If you plan to use external CD burners or video editing this is a handy upgrade.

Upgrades for software

	In order to maintain security, upgrading your web browser is a good idea newer versions often have improved security and privacy features.
	We recommend you update your antivirus software definitions on a weekly basis, but to protect your computer from new types of virus, upgrading your antivirus software package is also a good idea — every two to three years should suffice.
	If you’ve ever wondered why someone with the same system as you can have a much faster computer, the answer is usually drivers. You can upgrade drivers for almost any piece of hardware on your system, including components.