Those who are dealing with an old PC with at least 4-5 years on their shoulders, should consider proceeding with some hardware updates . Instead of changing the whole computer, it might be convenient to change only one or two internal components (including the operating system), so as to give it a new life and prevent it from becoming too old to still find compatible components out there. In this guide we see how to enhance the old PC by indicating the most decisive and important improvements, both on the hardware and software side, so as to resurrect any computer making it fast even with the most recent programs. The expense is certainly lower than the purchase of a completely new computer and can bring incredible performance increases, especially for some components such as RAM and hard disk. Obviously not all components can be updated: on laptops for example we can only change the hard disk and RAM in a simple way, while on fixed computers there is much more flexibility from this point of view.
Article Index
- RAM memory
- SSD
- Reinstall operating system
- Change the Monitor
- Backup
RAM memory
RAM is a very important component, since it temporarily stores all the programs and processes that we open on the computer, including the operating system components. The more RAM we have, the more programs we can open at the same time, as well as providing space for heavier programs. The bare minimum nowadays is 8 GB, but we recommend that you immediately focus on 16 GB or more of RAM so that you can continue using your computer for at least another 4 years. For computers we can choose between DDR3 RAM (older) and DDR4 RAM (newer and better performing), plus there is a difference in shape between RAM for fixed PC (DIMM) and RAM optimized for laptops (soDIMM ).
To learn more, we recommend reading our guide -> Computer RAM types: DDR, shape and speed .
If we have to increase the RAM memory , it is better to change all the existing RAM banks, so as to be able to benefit from new and faster components: we avoid simply adding RAM modules to the existing ones, we run the risk of exploiting the new memories to a slower than expected and suffer in the future from problems with the old modules.
Below we can find some of the best RAM banks to choose from.
For fixed PCs
- Patriot Viper 3 Black DDR3 16GB Kit (82 €)
- Kingston HyperX Fury 16 GB DDR-III Memory Kit (€ 91)
- Ballistix Sport LT 16 GB memory Kit (8 GB x2), DDR4 (101 €)
- Corsair Vengeance LPX Memorie 16 GB (2 X 8 GB), DDR4 (€ 112)
For laptops
- QUMOX 16GB (2X 8GB) DDR3 soDIMM (68 €)
- Crucial 16 GB Memory Kit (8 GBx2) DDR3L (87 €)
- Ballistix Sport LT 16 GB Memory Kit (8 GB x 2), DDR4 (98 €)
- Corsair Vengeance Performance 16GB, 2x8GB, DDR4 RAM Memory Kit (€ 103)
SSD
Laptop hard drives wear easily and can slow down even the most powerful and newest computers. In this regard, we recommend always installing an SSD, to be placed next to the existing hard disk.SSDs are much faster, so they will significantly improve PC performance both at startup and when we open heavier programs. The minimum capacity that we recommend to consider for a modern SSD is 500 GB, although the prices of 1 TB drives are falling sharply. These drives are fine on both fixed and portable, since they use SATA as a connection and are available in the 2.5-inch format.
The best SSDs we can buy right now are:
- Crucial MX500 Internal SSD, 500 GB (66 €)
- SanDisk 500GB Ultra 3D SSD (73 €)
- Samsung SSD 860 EVO, 500 GB (79 €)
- Samsung 860 PRO SSD memory, 512 GB (134 €)
To learn more about the SSD topic, we refer you to reading our guide -> Best SSD disks to buy to make your PC go as fast as a tablet .
If, on the other hand, we want to transfer the operating system from the hard disk to the SSD without losing the programs and data, we advise you to read the guide present here -> Transfer Windows to another PC or disk, without reinstalling and losing data .
READ ALSO: Improve the PC by changing a piece and upgrading the hardware
Reinstall operating system
Reinstalling Windows is always considered the last way, but in some cases, only after trying them all and certainly after replacing the RAM and adding the SSD, it may be necessary to format and reinstall . On Windows 10 it has become very simple to return the operating system as new, in a few simple clicks: press the WIN + I keys on the keyboard and, in the window that will open, go to the Update and security -> Restore menu.
To start the system recovery, click on Start, just under the Reset your PC section and follow the steps recommended by the system. We can also choose to keep all our personal files: in this way we will lose the installed programs and Windows customizations, but we will have all the personal files kept and ready to be used after the recovery of Windows.
READ ALSO: Improve Windows PC performance
If instead we want to use the classic Windows disk, we invite you to read our dedicated guide -> Format and install Windows from scratch, to have a clean and new PC .
If you want to go into the steps to restore on modern laptops, please read the guide here -> Factory reset on PC and laptops (Acer, Asus, HP, Dell, Lenovo, Toshiba etc.) .
Change the Monitor
This may not seem like an essential update, but in the end it really matters a lot. A new monitor returns the pleasure of being at the computer, the eyes get tired less and everything is seen better and clearer. Even if the computer is the same, what used to be old and slow can be transformed, only as a sensation, into something new and more beautiful to use. In terms of performance, nothing will change, but above all an older person will really enjoy the benefits, also in terms of health. We can choose a modern monitor by reading our dedicated guide -> Best PC monitors to buy between 100 and 200 Euros .Backup
Making a regular backup will allow you to restore your PC to a date when the system did not present any problems and was still fast and snappy. Obviously, a second hard disk is required for backup, such as the hard disk that we used as a secondary after placing the SSD.The guides that we recommend you to read on the subject are Backup user folders to save personal data in Windows and Backup of installed programs and settings on Windows, so as to be sure that you can always save all the personal data and programs used.
If the old PC is still not satisfactory, before throwing it away and changing it, I recommend reading the article on things to do with the old computer: how to recycle it, revalue it and convert it .
READ ALSO: Update your PC: Parts to replace or add to your computer
