Computer upgrade tips and tricks

Computer Upgrade Checklist: Tips and Tricks

Computer Upgrade Checklist:

  • Upgrade your RAM & Storage

  • Replace HDD with a SSD

  • Add or Upgrade a GPU

  • CPU Upgrade

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When you’re in the market for a new laptop or desktop PC for your small business, the latest advances in computer technology can sometimes be bewildering. By understanding how PC components affect performance and your productivity at work, you can learn how to maximize the power of your PC purchase while also maximizing your budget.

Keep reading our computer upgrade guide to learn how to upgrade your PC to boost performance and productivity.1 2

Upgrade Your RAM

There are many PC upgrades you can make, but the first and simplest step to increased performance is to upgrade RAM (random access memory). RAM is short-term memory that holds information the computer is using to run current tasks. The more RAM your computer has, the faster it can operate.

For basic tasks such as browsing the web or using spreadsheets, your employees may not need a lot of RAM. But if they need to run multiple software applications at once, or frequently use resource-hungry programs such as video editing or artificial intelligence (AI) applications, adding RAM can greatly increase computer performance. If your business computers are slowing to a near-halt when using resource-intensive apps, look for new PCs with more RAM that can handle your employees’ workloads.

Upgrade Your Storage

Performing a storage upgrade is another way to improve PC performance. In addition to short-term data storage in RAM, computers also have storage for long-term data such as software applications, your operating systems, and files. More storage space allows computers to hold more data, and to launch and run software applications more efficiently. This reduces downtime and makes your business more productive. There are several Intel® memory options to suit your storage needs.

Replace HDD with SSD

The amount of storage isn’t the only factor when trying to achieve improved performance. The type of storage matters, too. When shopping for new PCs, consider upgrading to solid state drives (SSD) over hard disk drives (HDD) to enhance reliability, speed, and performance.

When considering SSD vs. HDD, it’s helpful to understand how they work. An HDD has an arm with several "heads" that move across the disk to read and write data, similar to how a record player’s needle moves across a record. SSDs store data in integrated circuits so they have no moving parts.

Because an HDD’s disk must spin each time data is retrieved, HDDs are slower than SSDs. Their moving parts also make them vulnerable to mechanical problems, so they’re typically less reliable than SSDs. If you’re considering a computer upgrade, switching to a PC with Intel® Optane™ Memory H10 with Solid State Storage can help improve computer responsiveness when launching applications.

Add or Upgrade a GPU

A GPU (graphics processing unit), also called a graphics card, is especially important for employees using graphics-related applications for video editing, high-resolution photo editing, illustration, or video game design.

Originally designed for graphics-related tasks, GPUs have evolved to handle a wide variety of workloads, including artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning tasks. If AI, deep learning, or graphics apps are important to your business, you may want to upgrade your GPU.

Upgrading to a PC with a better GPU will improve the accuracy of colors and the sharpness of images. You can either add a separate, or discrete, GPU or install a processor with a GPU built in. For example, the latest Intel® Core™ processors leverage an all new CPU core architecture, the latest Intel® Iris® Plus graphics engine, and built-in AI instructions to deliver optimized performance.

Learn more about CPU vs. GPU ›

CPU Upgrade

Many employees’ jobs require multitasking and keeping several software applications running at one time. Others necessitate the use of data-intensive applications, such as video editing or graphic design, that demand lots of computing power. You can speed up these tasks considerably by upgrading to a PC with a faster central processing unit (CPU).

The CPU sends directions to the computer and provides the processing power needed to execute those directions. The faster a PC’s processor is, the more quickly it can execute tasks.

Because RAM and processors work together, making sure you get a CPU upgrade when you buy a new computer can also help you get the most from your upgraded RAM.

Learn more about the role of RAM vs. processor ›

There are a variety of Intel® processors that can help boost your computers’ performance to meet your business needs better. For example, thin and light PCs with the latest Intel® Core™ processor offer long-lasting performance while on the go, ultra-fast connectivity, and innovative built-in AI that learns how you work so it can process your computing needs proactively while running intense programs like analytics, graphics editing, and more.

And Now You're Up to Speed

Shopping for new PCs is the perfect time to consider which PC upgrades will carry you and your employees into the future. With the ability to run multiple programs and powerful software without slow-downs or freezes, your employees will be less frustrated and more productive, helping your business to be more competitive.