| Component: |
Description: |
Upgrade Value: |
Processor (CPU)  |
The processor performs most of the necessary calculations to run the computer's programs and operating system. |
A processor upgrade can significantly reduce the amount of time required to complete certain tasks. Programs that require numerous or complex calculations, such as video editing, will see the largest improvement with a processor upgrade. |
Memory (RAM)  |
Memory is used to store all active computer programs and files while the system is running. Information stored in memory, however, is lost when the computer loses power or is turned off. |
A memory upgrade allows the computer to run more programs simultaneously and reduces the number of times the system needs to access the hard drive. This helps increase system performance since the hard drive is several times slower at providing data to the processor than system memory. |
Hard Drive (HDD)  |
The hard drive serves as the long term storage medium for the computer's files and programs. It provides greater storage capacity than system memory and retains information even when the computer is turned off. |
A hard drive upgrade increases the computer's overall storage capacity and reduces the access time required to read and write files to the drive's disk. |
Video (GPU)  |
The graphics processing unit (GPU) renders all the images and video that appear on a computer's monitor. Programs that specialize in tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, image creation, and media encoding can use of the GPU to speed up image and video processing. |
Many computers sold today use graphics processors that are integrated into the motherboard and rely on system memory for storing video data. Upgrading to a discrete video solution, one that has its own memory cache and dedicated processor, can free up system resources and improve the overall response of the computer. Any programs that rely on the video card will also see a significant performance improvement. |
Motherboard  |
The motherboard is the central hub that connects all the different components of a computer together. |
A motherboard upgrade is typically required to take advantage of the latest technology in processors, memory, and various other components. |
Peripheral
 |
Peripheral connectors, such as USB and FireWire (IE1394), allow one to easily add devices to the computer. Printers, keyboards, mice, external hard drives all use some type of peripheral connection to communicate with the computer. |
Most computers come with a standard compliment of USB connections but omit new and faster connections that provide more performance and throughput for high bandwidth devices such as external hard drives. |
Optical Drive  |
The optical drive allows the computer to read or write data to CDs or DVDs. Optic drives are most commonly used as a cheap and convenient way to transfer or backup large amounts of data. |
Optical drive upgrades normally provide faster speeds when writing to CDs and DVDs. New drives can also write to the next generation of optical media which provides more storage capacity than CDs and DVDs. |
Network (NIC)  |
The network interface card (NIC) allows the computer to communicate with other computers across a local network and the internet. Network cards can either be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (WiFi). |
An upgraded networking card can provide many performance benefits when sharing files and applications across a local network. Upgrading the NIC to a faster networking standard can sometimes increase performance by a factor of ten. |
Sound (Audio)  |
The sound card handles all the audio processing required to play or record sound on the computer. |
Dedicated sound cards can provide higher audio quality than those typically found on most computer motherboards. |
Power Supply  |
The power supply regulates and conditions the electricity powering the computer before being sent to the various components of the system. |
Larger power supplies allow a computer to run high performance parts and multiple hard drives without adversely affecting system stability. |