Computer Tips From A Computer Guy

PC Upgrades That Will Make Your Computer Run Much Faster For Under $100

Posted: 02 Jan 2010 03:59 AM PST

"Make your computer faster" is one of the most searched for phrases in search engines under the computer/tech category. The problem is, many people try to make their computer's faster the wrong way.

There are a ton of websites out there that will "make your computer faster" using basic software. You have probably seen the advertisements on TV telling you to go to a website and it will optimize your computer and increase speed up to 20x.

These types of sites use simple spyware/antivirus/optimization software to remove junk from your computer. They also promote free scans in their ads. The catch is, after you get the free scan, you need to pay if you want to fix all the errors found in the scan.

Definitely not worth it. There are many completely free programs out there that will do the exact same thing as these sites will.

Chances are, the people that are searching for ways to make their computers faster, probably have an older computer; or, they do not regularly maintain their computers… which will eventually lead to a significant slow down. You don't ever hear about someone with a new computer with a top of the line quad core i7 asking why their computer is so slow.

Which brings us to the point, hardware upgrades are what will really give your computer a noticeable boost in speed and performance. A new computer is never a cheap thing to buy.

So, why not spend a little bit of money and upgrade your current system? Chances are, you can make your computer run much faster than it currently does, for a cheap price. In this article, our example computer will be a Base Dell Dimension 2400… 4 years old, standard configuration. We will double the speed (which is very noticeable) for under $100.

1. Upgrade the processor.

Base Dell Dimension 2400's came with a 2.4GHz Intel Celeron processor. These days, that processor is terrible. Even back then, that processor was not so great. The maximum processor that a Dell Dimension 2400 can handle, according to Dell, is a 2.8GHz Pentium 4, which is a significant upgrade from the Celeron. Current price of a 2.8GHz Pentium 4 on Ebay, $11, shipping included.

*Installing a processor is not near as hard as it sounds. For the example computer, Dimension 2400, you don't even need a screwdriver. Remove the side panel on the case, unhook two clips, remove the heat sink, remove the processor… then reverse to install a new processor.*

2. Upgrade the Memory.

Base Dell Dimension 2400's came with 256MB of RAM stock. These days, computers can handle several gigabytes of RAM. The maximum amount of memory that a Dell Dimension 2400 can handle, according to Dell, is 1GB.

That is 4 times more memory than stock, which would bring a very noticeable difference in speed. Current price of 1GB of memory for the Dimension 2400, $15 on Ebay, shipping included.

*Installing new memory is one of the easiest computer upgrades. The process involves removing the side panel on the case, flipping some levers, pulling out the old RAM, and inserting the new RAM.*

Total so far: $26

3. Upgrade the Graphics Card

A graphics upgrade will bring speed to your computer's video performance, something that no software optimization will do. Base Dell Dimension's came with a standard Intel graphics card. Cost of a graphics card with triple the performance on Ebay, $8, shipping included.

*Installing a graphics card is similarly easy. You will need a screwdriver. The process involves removing the side panel of the case, unscrewing the old graphics card from the mount, pulling the card out of the port, and inserting the new card in it's place.*

Total so far: $34

4. Upgrade the CD-Drive

CD's burning a little slow on your old computer? Why not upgrade the old CD burner to a CD/DVD burner. Base Dell Dimension 2400's came with a CD-ROM drive… which cannot even burn CD's. Cost of a CD/DVD burner brand new from Newegg, $27, plus $7 shipping.

*Installing an optical drive is also easy. The process involves removing the side panel of the case, disconnecting a cable, pulling out the old drive, and replacing with the new. There are plenty of guides online that explain the process in detail*

Total so far: $68

Summary:

That's really all there is to it. For $68, you can completely upgrade an old computer and increase it's speed. With the extra $32, why not pick up a wireless network adapter… or go buy yourself a steak.