The questions you need to ask to determine whether you simply need to upgrade components of your computer, or the entire computer itself.
Episode #9-13 released on November 11, 2018
When should you upgrade your computer? That is the question I shall be answering today, and I will be giving you two questions that you should be asking before you decide, and the knowledge required to know whether answering yes means you need a major overhaul, or just a minor upgrade.
Now, the two questions you have to ask before even thinking of upgrading your computer are:
Is your computer incapable of completing the task it was designed for?
Is your computer no longer compatible with the applications and tools you use it for because it no longer meets the minimum specifications?
Now, if you answered yes to the question that indicates that your computer is incapable of completing the task it was design for, then we need to figure out why.
Is it because your processor is too slow, or old?
Is it because you don't have enough RAM?
Do you need a better graphics card for your computer?
Is your hard drive too slow?
Does it lack the connections required to connect new hardware?
Chances are if you need a new processor or mainboard to have the proper connections, you might have to change the RAM at the same time.
If you don't have enough RAM, your hard drive is too slow, or your need a new graphics card, those upgrades do cost less than a new computer and depending the on the part can be used in a future computer build. Graphics cards and hard drives are typically compatible with any future computer build, whereas the RAM can be, but not necessarily. The reason RAM can be incompatible is that the connector is changed every time there is a major change or upgrade in RAM technology. Whereas the graphics connector and SATA drive connector remains the same, and backwards compatibility is maintained for those parts on mainboards.
As for the missing connectors on a mainboard, you can get an expansion card in many cases, but this depends on the technology and use scenario. If you are looking for Thunderbolt combability through a USB type-c expansion card that is as fast as an onboard mainboard connection, that is simply not possible, at least if you are looking for access for high bandwidth needs.
Now, if your computer is no longer compatible with applications because it no longer meets the minimum specifications, we need to analyze which parts would require a partial or full upgrade of your computer.
Do you need a better or new CPU?
Do you need more RAM?
Do you need a bigger hard drive?
Do you need a better or new graphics card?
If you need a better CPU than you currently have, and you can't upgrade to a better one from the same generation as you currently have, you would have to buy a new CPU, mainboard, and you might need new RAM.
If your computer's graphics card isn't meeting the minimum specifications, you can upgrade it easily. The same is true if you don't have enough RAM, or hard drive space. You can buy more RAM, or a bigger hard drive.
If you need a better or new graphics card, we need to analyze why first. There are two things we need to remember about graphics cards. The first is the amount of VRAM, and the second is the amount of processing power. Higher end graphics cards tend to have more VRAM and processing power. If you are looking for better image quality using a graphics card with more VRAM can help with that. If you need a graphics card with more processing power, then you need a higher end card, or at least one with enough processing power for your task. If you are wondering what you should get, you can look at the recommended specifications instead of the minimum specifications, and either get the card they ask or a better card, depending on your budget, and whether or not you wish to upgrade more or less frequently. Remember, you can always use the same graphics card in a new build, if need be.
Basically, as long as you don't need to change the mainboard or processor for any reason, you don't have to spend thousands of dollars buying a whole new computer. The only time you need to buy a new computer is when you can't upgrade the CPU within the same generation as it is, or when you need to get a newer mainboard to either get a better CPU, or acquire new technologies to either meet or surpass the minimum requirements or achieve the tasks you need your computer to complete, and this is true for gaming, programming, 3D modelling, etc.
Please keep in mind that your power supply may need to be upgraded if you buy a new graphics card, all depending on the power requirements of the graphics card, and whether or not you may need more wattage to power the card. An easy way to figure out if you need a new power supply with more wattage is this, do you need a power splitter to connect the graphics card? If so, buy a new power supply, because chances are the wattage of your power supply is too low, or your power supply is too old.
Host : Steve Smith | Music : | Editor : Steve Smith | Producer : Zed Axis Dot Net