How You Can Extend Your Computers Life

Any computer between two years and three years old is a good candidate for upgrades. If your computer is over three years old its not worth sticking a bunch of upgrades in. You can get a new computer pretty cheaply so spending a lot is not worth it. Some upgrades you can make for very little money are highlighted in this article.

Memory

Most computers, about two years old or less, can be upgraded to 2 GB. Memory prices have come down a lot you can get a 1 GB stick for about $69. The prices will vary some depending on the manufacturer and retailer. If your computer has 512 MB you can get another 512 MB for about $35-40 a stick.

Hard drive

If you need more space hard rives have really dropped in price. For example you can get 250 GB Western Digital for less than $68.00. This would make a good primary replacement drive or a great secondary to hold all your files and music. You don't have to have a ton of money to make upgrades but you don't want to have to put any money into a computer that is behind the times.

Video card

If your going to spend $200 or more for a great video card than you need to make sure that your power supply can support it. If it doesn't and you want to do the upgrade anyway than count on purchasing a bigger wattage power supply. Usually 450W can handle most anything. 500W or better if you have a little extra cash to spread around. Pricewatch is a good place to make comparisons when purchasing computer components.

Accessories

Another upgrade you can make is to purchase accessories like printers, cameras, MP3 Players, etc. Just shop around a little for the accessory and price you are looking for. Accessory prices can really vary so make sure you compare against the features you are looking for.

CD

If your looking for a CD Rom with more flexibility and more features you can purchase a good primary or secondary drive for watching DVD's and burning music CD's. What you purchase is entirely up to you and your specific needs. CD Rom's are not expensive even ones with all the bells and whistles. The only exception would be external drives.

You can bring new life to your computer by making some inexpensive upgrades. If you buy a new computer few years later you can remove some of the upgrades and add them to your new computer. The choice is yours.