How to Upgrade a Computer System

By TS Jordan

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Performing your own computer upgrades will enable you to extend the useful life of your PC while saving money when compared to making a full system repurchase every two to three years. The most efficient, simplest-to-perform and greatest "bang for your buck" computer upgrades are upgrading the system RAM and the video card as well as adding an additional hard drive.

Step 1

Turn off the computer and disconnect it from the wall.

Step 2

Remove the case screws on the back of the machine and remove the side panel.

Step 3

Insert the new RAM into the RAM slots located near the processor fan on the top of the motherboard. Press down until the chip(s) click into place.

Step 4

Screw the new hard drive into the drive bay underneath your current drive. Connect an IDE cable to the data port and a molex power cable to the power port.

Step 5

Unscrew your current graphics card from the PCI-E slot on the bottom half of the motherboard. Insert the new card in its place and screw it into position.

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