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UPGRADE vs. NOT UPGRADE vs. BUY NEW:
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ITEM
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MINIMUM
|
SUGG-ESTED
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TODAY’S TYPICAL
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UPGRADE OPTIONS
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PARTS COST
|
TIME CHARGE
|
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PROCESSOR (This dictates the primary speed of your
computer.)
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500 MHz for 98, 2000Pro
Or
1GHz for XP
Or
3GHz for Vista
|
3 GHz or
better
|
3 GHz to 6 GHz Single Core or Dual Core
|
(1)
Pentium-500 w/ 128 MB runs OK with WIN98SE, ME, 200PRO, just add RAM.
(2) If
you have a Pentium system board, replace CPU chip to the highest speed of
your existing system board.
(3) New
system board & CPU.
|
(1) RAM
(2) CPU
(3) CPU + sys board
|
(1) $30
or
(2) $45 or
(3) $90
|
|
RAM
memory
|
256MB
|
1GB for
XP, 2GB for Vista
|
1GB, 2GB, 4GB
|
Add
memory to 512MB or 1GB
|
PC133 more expensive than DDR1 or DDR2
|
$25
|
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HARD
DRIVE To store data, photo, songs, etc.
|
10GB
|
80GB
|
80, 160, 300, 500 GB
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Replace
the existing hard drive with new one. Do not add 2nd hard drive:- (1) Drive
management slows down to manage and cache 2 hard drives. (2) One drive may be
blocked from cooling and fails sooner than usual. (3) Harder to keep track
of files on two drives than one.
|
Hard drive
|
$60
|
|
CD-ROM,
DVD, CDRW (BURNER), DVDRW (BURNER)
|
CD ROM drive
|
ANY ROM
|
DVD-CDRW Combo, DVDRW
|
Keep what
you have and replace when it breaks. Add what you need.
|
$40 for CDROM to $65 for DVDRW
|
$30
|
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Dial up MODEM
or Ethernet port or Wireless
|
56K / Ethernet / wireless G
|
DSL or
Cable Modem
|
Ethernet wired or Wireless
|
For
Internet use, you need Ethernet for DSL/cable modem varies by where you
live. Wireless of common. A DSL or Cable connection can be shared by more
than one PC
|
Dial up Modem or Ethernet
|
$30
|
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WINDOWS
(Required)
|
98/XP
|
XP
|
XP / Vista
|
Upgrade an
older PC to XP or Vista can start a land slide of needing additional
hardware (RAM, hard drive, processor, etc.).
|
$135 for XP/Vista or $225 for XP Pro/Premium
|
$Call
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Notes:
1. If your computer needs more than three upgrade items
above, you are a good candidate for a whole new system. Money spent on your old
computer will not increase its value proportionally. Sell it and take the loss
now, apply the proceeds towards a new system. If you cannot sell it, give it
to your relative, friend, neighbor, employee, co-worker, boss, enemy, etc. The
effect on them from your generosity is fun to watch.
2. If Internet access is your primary use, a
2GHz computer with 512 MB and high speed connection performs well. If
you are running out of hard drive space, then upgrade or purchase new system.
3. A 3 GHz PC is about 3 times faster than a 1GHz
PC, not 20% or 50%. The difference is day and night, especially under
WINDOWS XP & Vista.
4. We recommend no less than 1GB RAM for XP and no
less than 2GB for Vista.
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