Computer Running Slow? Upgrade or Replace

At some point you have been bogged down with a slow computer, one that doesnt quite respond like it used to. With the low costs of new computers, you have a difficult decision, should I upgrade or should I just replace.

There are all kinds of new computers out there, from the hottest PCs for the gamer in your house that might cost $6,000 or more, to the bargain PC that you can buy for around $300. Your wallet can determine how much you can spend on a new PC.

But, with a modest budget of around $30-250, you can get the most common computer upgrades, memory, video cards, monitors, or processors.

One very good tip is to always stay a generation or two behind the leading edge. For instance right now (April 2007) a GE Force 8800 GTX costs around $550-700. Which is fine if you must have the best equipment? But, you can purchase a GE Force 7900 which is only six months older for around $150. The cheaper version will almost always be more bang for the buck.

Computer processors seem to follow these same guidelines, by buying an older processor you can usually buy a great processor for about a third of the price of the best one on the market. Usually in the $200-300 range finds the best deals on processors. What youll find is that you get almost as much power as the top of the line at a fraction of the price.

One smart choice is a cost effective memory upgrade. It usually costs around $100-200 and can make a huge difference in your computing experience. Its usually the best upgrade dollar for dollar that you can do.

You can usually upgrade most computers at least once cost effectively. By adding just a little better hardware, you can extend the life of your computer a few years and improve your computer experience. Moving to a brand new computer can be quite a large change, with whole new sets of software to get used to which is why most people resist moving to a new computer.

In most cases however, even one good upgrade can keep a computer useful for 2-3 more years, even if you cant upgrade again. And that means the computer you buy today could last you a good 5-10 years with good upgrade choices.

Computer Users that need more power, to play games or create videos will probably be better off getting a new system about every three years. That seems to be about the time frame that computing power doubles and prices fall in line.

There are multiple ways to move your data from one computer to the next, with the most popular being USB Hard Drives, or backups on CDs/DVDs. Make sure if you move to a new computer you find as much of your data as you can to move to the new computer to make the transition easier.

Some of the best deals on computer hardware can be found in your Sunday circulars. Oftentimes with rebates, you can get hardware much cheaper than what it normally costs. Of course you actually have to mail in the rebates, even I dont always remember to do that.

Overall, the decision whether to upgrade or replace comes down to cost effectiveness if you can put in a small upgrade for under a few hundred bucks and it makes your computer last just a few short years longer, that is probably the right decision. But, over time it just doesnt make as much sense when even the mid to low priced systems are more effective than your current computer could ever be with all the upgrades. Good Luck with your decision.

Article Source: http://www.rightbiz.com

David Smith provides on site computer repairs throughout the Jacksonville, Florida area. For more information about his services, or other helpful articles on all things computer related, please visit his Jacksonville Computer Repair website.

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