[Hidden-tech] CPU & RAM upgrade for PC?

[Jeff Brand]

Andrew,

"It depends" - of course, but it's a worthwhile exercise.

I'd start by figuring out which motherboard you have. You're looking for 
socket type and RAM type, but knowing the manufacturer and model will 
help. If you already have the fastest CPU that it supports, then by the 
time you invest in a new motherboard to support a new CPU and required 
RAM, you might need a bigger power supply and you've effectively just 
built a new computer.

RAM is one of the easier upgrades, also dependent on the motherboard.

If it's a single core CPU then you may find that A) you're at the max 
CPU, and B) parts are hard to find and therefore more expensive than 
they should be. At that point I'd consider a replacement. You can still 
go the DIY route and assemble your own, though.

On 9/11/2014 1:36 PM, Andrew Bellak wrote:
>     ** Be sure to fill out the survey/skills inventory in the member's area.
>     ** If you did, we all thank you.
>
>
> I got the DIY bug and am considering trying to speed up an older PC.
>
> I'm hoping y'all can coach me on doing it or just investing in a new PC.
>
> I have an eMachines with 3 GB RAM and a 1.8 GHz AMD Athlon processor
> running Windows 7 64 bit premium.
>
> Can I just but a new CPU and RAM and plug them in?
>
> Thanks
> Andrew
>