A universal truth for every piece of electronics is they don’t last forever. Technology moves quickly. A computer bought in 2008 is trumped by a newer version in 2009. So when the inevitable occurs and it’s time for a computer change, what do you do? Many people automatically think they must buy a brand-new system, but few consider the possibility of upgrading the one they have. The following questions are an attempt to guide into making the choice that’s right for both you and your machine.
- How old is your system? If you’re working with something made before the 21st century, you may be out of luck in terms of upgrading. The problem with old machines is the inability of the motherboard to hold much of anything. You need at least 512 MB of RAM to perform basic computer functions, and some computers only have room for 256 MB of RAM. You can always save your old tower structure, but you’re better off buying a new computer.
- How much are you willing to spend? These days, buying a new computer doesn’t have to put a dent into your savings account. You can find great systems for less than $500. But it’s also possible that upgrading your current system could cost even less. For example, if all you really need is a new hard drive, buying an entirely new system is foolish. New hard drives with plenty of space can cost as little as $100. If the amount of upgrades your computer needs exceeds $500, though, it would make more sense financially to buy new.
- What are your computer abilities like? The question whether to upgrade your current computer or buy a completely new one really comes down to whether or not you’d be able to install your upgrades. If you can’t, and you don’t have a technological friend, you may be left without a choice.