| Everyone with a computer is looking to have the | | | | PCI express, AGP 8x, AGP 4x, AGP 2x, AGP and |
| fastest, and most efficient computer filled with | | | | PCI. |
| the latest computer hardware technology. But to | | | | Sound Card Upgrade |
| keep up with the continual changes as technology | | | | The sound card improves the sound produced by |
| becomes more and more advanced requires | | | | the computer. This makes computer gaming |
| complete upgrades on your computer. But, what | | | | more enjoyable, as well as listening to music and |
| are the best computer upgrades available? | | | | watching digital media. |
| Memory Upgrade | | | | In order to install a sound card, you need to |
| A memory upgrade is one of the most popular | | | | locate an available ISA slot on the back of your |
| computer hardware upgrades and one of the | | | | computer. These slots are the longest sockets on |
| easiest to do to boost the performance of your | | | | the motherboard and there might be other cards |
| pc. But before you do a memory upgrade first | | | | already installed in those sockets. There are two |
| check the BIOS operating system to determine | | | | internal openings on each of the slots at the back |
| how much memory is already on your system. | | | | of the computer. So, remove the access plate at |
| Also to upgrade your memory it will be necessary | | | | the rear of the socket to insert the sound card. |
| for you to open the case of your computer to | | | | Make sure the access plate on the sound card |
| find out how many modules are currently installed | | | | covers the hole created by removing the initial |
| and how many slots are still empty. If all the slots | | | | access plate. But, be sure to gently insert the |
| are already filled you may have to remove the | | | | sound card with a slow back and forth |
| modules and replace them with larger ones. | | | | movement, otherwise the sound card can be |
| Now, after finding out the current memory | | | | damaged. |
| situation, review your operating system and | | | | DVD Player/Burner Upgrade |
| application programs to determine how much | | | | With so many digital videos becoming available, |
| memory is needed to make your computer | | | | many people are looking to upgrade to a DVD |
| perform at its peek level. In general, these | | | | player and burner combo. The most powerful |
| programs provide a minimum and a | | | | DVD player/burner currently available is the |
| recommended rating. So to reach the fullest | | | | DVD+R/RW. These do tend to, however, be |
| potential of your computer, the memory should | | | | incompatible with older DVD-ROM drives and DVD |
| meet or exceed the recommended level. | | | | players. But the current big names in the industry, |
| Ok, so you now have some basic information to | | | | such as Sony, HP, and Phillips, support these |
| do your memory upgrade, but hold on a second, | | | | players. DVD+R/RW drives are faster than |
| before running out and buying more memory, | | | | previous models and are capable of formatting |
| check your computer manual or go directly to the | | | | while burning data to the disc. |
| motherboard to find out what type of memory is | | | | Motherboard Upgrade |
| supported by the current computer operating | | | | Now for those of you who are truly serious |
| system. If you don't check this out you will most | | | | about upgrading your computer hardware, |
| likely get the wrong memory chips and the | | | | motherboard upgrades are another popular option. |
| memory upgrade will not work. | | | | But of course, a motherboard upgrade is the |
| Also keep in mind When buying a memory | | | | most difficult upgrade to do and I certainly |
| upgrade module, that it is best to buy the largest | | | | wouldn't recommend it if you don't have a strong |
| amount of memory with the least number of | | | | background in computers and electronics. For |
| modules. This way, there is room for growth in | | | | those of you who can manage, however, you will |
| the future. For example, instead of buying two | | | | certainly enjoy the freedom of never having to |
| 512MB modules, purchase one 1gb module. | | | | buy a new computer. Instead, the motherboard |
| Video Card Upgrade | | | | can be upgraded as technology advances. |
| A video card upgrade makes it possible to play all | | | | In addition to eliminating the need to buy a new |
| of the great games that are currently available on | | | | computer, a motherboard upgrade also makes it |
| the market. In fact, some games are so | | | | easier to upgrade other components on your |
| advanced that they won't play at all without a | | | | computer. This is because purchasing a |
| very powerful video card. | | | | motherboard ensures receiving the most up to |
| But it can be tough choosing the right video card | | | | date technology, which is then compatible with |
| since there are literally dozens available. It is very | | | | other upgrade components. |
| important to first take a look at the motherboard | | | | Upgrading the motherboard, however, requires |
| to determine what type of video cards are | | | | serious advanced planning and reading of your |
| supported by the system, you can also check | | | | computer manual. If you don't do this correctly, |
| your computer manual on the types of video | | | | your computer will be nothing more than a huge |
| cards your system will support. The best video | | | | paperweight. If finished correctly, however, the |
| cards are the ones that transfer data the fastest. | | | | computer will remain on the cutting edge of |
| In order from the fastest to slowest cards are | | | | current technology. |