The last year introduced more people than ever before to the concept of working from home. That has led to many folks using their home computers more frequently and sometimes in new ways. In some cases, this may be pushing your computer past the comfort level of its current configuration in speed, memory, etc. If that home computer happens to be a PC, you might be wondering how you can make some smart upgrades that would optimize your computer’s performance and make your life a bit easier or more productive.

Upgrade your Memory

Upgrading your PC’s memory is often one of the quickest and easiest ways to boost performance. Memory is generally affordable, and most PCs make it fairly easy to upgrade yourself, after buying a new memory module or two. You can also upgrade the memory in many laptops fairly easily as well. However, it is important to verify not only which memory module will work with your hardware, but also whether you have empty slots for more memory. So, a little homework is both required and well worth the effort.

Add a Better Graphics Card

If you already play video games on your computer, then the idea of an amped-up graphics card is right up your alley. However, it’s surprising how many programs perform better with a more powerful graphics card. So, this isn’t just about increasing the refresh rate when you play Fortnite. Most store-bought PCs and laptops come with fairly limited graphics cards. They can be pricey and a good way to keep the base price of the PC down is to include a lower performing graphics card. But, like memory, upgrading your graphics card can be relatively straightforward. 

A couple of key things to note about upgrading your graphics card. 

• Higher-quality graphics cards can be expensive. So, try to get an idea of how much performance you need and then look for a card that hits the mark for you. Upgraded graphics cars can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $1,000. 
• Make sure your computer can handle the card you want to buy. High-performing graphics cards can be larger, need more power, and have various other hardware requirements in order for them to function in your computer. So, make sure the card you want to buy will actually work, once you install it into your computer.

Upgrade your Hard Drive

This starts to get a bit more technically complicated, but upgrading your hard drive can be a great way to optimize your computer performance. The need for a batter hard drive can come up when you are literally running out of space on your current hard drive or when you simply want faster performance.

If you are going to the trouble of increasing your hard drive capacity, then it’s worth it to upgrade the speed as well (and vice versa). You may also want to look at the different types of hard drives (the standard ‘spinning disk’ vs. a solid-state drive). 

Add a New Processor

Upgrading your computer’s processor can be both pricey and tricky, so this might be one where you hire a professional to handle the actual upgrade unless you are fairly tech savvy.  But, before you head off in search of that new processor, you definitely need to do a bit of research. A new processor doesn’t always deliver what you expect when it comes to enhanced performance. Run some benchmark tests on your current computer to evaluate how the processor performs and compare that to new options. If you don’t actually see a huge performance difference from a newer processor, then don’t bother making the switch.