Upgrading a computer? Best hardware upgrades. Steps to install. How PC hardware & OS optimize their performance. Learn here and also follow the links to a series of articles detailing main computer components.
Updating PC and OS
In this article I am going to explain the steps I went through to update my PC. This may offer some practical ideas on how to do your own computer upgrade. While most people will say “just buy a new one”. For this project I wanted to save some money, perhaps enough to buy a little more than my budget would have allowed, if I had taken their advice. I also purchased an OS upgrade for Windows 8 for the low price of $39 in late February 2013 and thought I could take my time on the upgrade, only to discover later that I had until the end of that month to use it or loose it. I did manage to install the Windows 8 upgrade on time to add its features to my computer upgrade.
First of all I had to decide on a CPU. Intel is priced a little more than AMD. After doing research. See article on AMD Phenom II. I chose the AMD Phenom II CPU. Although AMD made a newer model CPU, this one is a true Quad-core covering my requirements.
The next step was the Motherboard. According to my computer needs and budget for this upgrade, my primary option was a major name brand which was “dead on arrival” (it happened twice, luckily under manufacturers & store warranty). To avoid or minimize statistically the possibility of another DOA motherboard I settled on Gigabyte 970A-D3. A brand that I have used before and performs well. See article on Motherboard reviews.
My first choice for Motherboards had everything built in , including IDE and floppy interface and was compatible with my old power supply 4 pin CPU power connector, my existing hard drive, CDROM and Memory…
Let’s review the features of this Gigabyte 970A-D3. To my surprise, there was no PATA interface or Floppy interface and Serial Port. Because all of this was obsolete. My memory wouldn’t fit and I needed a six pin connector for the CPU power. (although adapters are available, I chose to upgrade my power supply to higher wattage).
On the plus side. This MOBO has 6 SATA 3.0 ports with RAID built in, 12 USB ports, Slots for dual Graphics cards. Two USB 3 ports , Increase Power for the USB Ports. High Def Audio. Wow! I was impressed. However I had to purchase a new hard drive (the old one was PATA). I also bought a new DVD-RW and Memory. Now, I may have to go “out of budget” if I find the need to add to this computer upgrade an SSD (Solid State Drive). See my article on Hard Drives and Solid State Drives.
All my new computer components were demanding a newer case. That problem was solved when my wife bought a Thermaltake case last year, for this build (See how long an upgrade takes after you are actually ready to do it? 🙂 The case has a SATA dock on top. But be aware most cases don’t come with power supplies and if they do, they are low end. See article on Power supplies.
Installing The Computer Components Upgrades
Upgrading computer hardware. Motherboard installation: I first installed the motherboard. Taking care to install the back panel cover for the connections, the little tabs on the plate are for grounding and go outside of the connections. This was very straightforward with just a few standoffs to install. TIP 1:Prior to installing the MOBO, I installed all the components on the board. CPU Heat Sink ( I bought a large heat-pipe with a 120mm Fan.) and Memory. With the MOBO on the box that it came in, I plugged in the power supply and Video card. Then plugged the ON/OFF switch in the case to the MOBO. Power on to see if it powers up. TIP 2: If you left the memory or video off, that’s okay as long as you get the beeps. (If the speaker is on board or you connected one. ) This way you know it works and you can now install it in the case. I then installed the CD-Rom/DVD Burner and HDD. (SATA of course).
Installing additional fans for the PC Upgrade. Now is a good time to install extra fans. 120mm are a good size and the new one are quiet. They don’t sound like and airplane taking off. Most new MOBO automatically adjust the fan speed to the Temperature. Time to power up.
Installing the Operating System (OS).TIP 3: Make sure the OS in on a Stick or CD/DVD in installed. This way it will boot to the OS Installer. In my case a did a clean install with my Windows 8 update CD and It wasn’t until It was completely done that I was informed by the OS that I cannot validate. So I wiped the disk and installed XP with the service packs then did the upgrade 4 hours to download additional updates from Microsoft. I have since discovered a registry patch that will allow you to validate a clean install (it only works for legit copies of windows 8). See This article.
Graphics card installation. I used a Nvidia GeForce 8600 GT that I had and also bought a EVGA GeForce 210 1024 MB DDR3 PCI Express 2.0 DVI/HDMI/VGA Graphics Card, 01G-P3-1312-LR. I connected a total of 4 monitors and 1 TV. I later took the TV off for lack of room on my desk. (Of course, there is a vast array of high performance Graphics Cards for serious Gaming & Media professionals available in the market). To complete this project my next step is to buy a mount for 4 monitors. I also want to add more RAM, a SSD and Water Cooling. See sample display below.
All in all not a bad upgrade. Just remember to check compatability of your components before buying the parts. I blew my budget, (just a little bit), but now I am thinking of my next machine build.
