Upgrading any computer equipment can be tricky but if follow a few simple tips you can speed up that old desktop computer in no time.
The first thing you need to do before upgrading your computer is take some specifications. You will need the make and model of the motherboard. This the main part of a computer In which everything else attaches to. You will need to know:
The Processor
The Processor is the heart of the computer. It is most commonly known as the CPU. The motherboard documentation will tell you which processor it accepts. This is normally either Intel or AMD. Depending on the age of the processor will also determine its speed, size and other factors. You will also need to know what Front side bus (FSB) your processor accepts. The FSB is the speed your motherboard can run at. The processor on the other hand takes this speed and multiplies it depending on which processor you have bought. So for example say you have a motherboard that runs at either 100, 133, 200, or 266mhz the processor may actually run at 2.5 Ghz. The motherboard must therefore be able to support these speeds. For example's of which processors will fit your motherboard, this can be usually found in your motherboard documentation or online.
Installing a processor will all depend on the type you have bought. Some work on ZIF (zero insertion force) with a handle that must be placed safely into place, to grip the processor, while some need a special heat sink added to them because of the heat they generate. Trying to run these kind of processors (especially the AMD Duron or Athlon) without a heat sink in place, will more than likely damage the processor and your motherboard. Always read up on how to install the memory before inserting it. Most of the times there will be a marking on the motherboard and on the processor to show you the pins should be lined up.
The Memory
The memory of a computer also comes in various speeds and various models. Again your motherboard documentation should be able to explain which memory you should buy. These can come in different speeds. PC2100, PC2700 or even PC3200. These are called dimm's or dual-inline memory modules. The memory is vital for your computer and depending on the applications your going to use, vital for the overall system performance. Because of it's delicate nature, always be careful when handling chips. Do not handle it by the semi conductors or pins, always handle it from the top and gently apply pressure till it slots into place. There are usually snappers that will grasp one end of the memory. Just snap the other end into place.
Graphics Cards
Depending on the kind of motherboard you have, will depend on the graphics card you can install. This will either be the AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) Or PCI express. These work in the similar way to the memory apart from you will need to screw this to the outside of the chassis of your PC tower.
In summary, always read up before attempting any repairs of a PC yourself or get a computer repair center to do the repairs for you.
Neil Maycock writes articles on PC repair for Atlanta Repair Center
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