Chapter 19Upgrading and Expanding

Your PC

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Getting Started

• In this Chapter, you will learn:− If you can upgrade the processor in your PC− If adding RAM will improve your PC’s

performance− What to do if you run out of disk space− How to add and upgrade external devices− About Hardware: Your PC’s expansion bus

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Can I upgrade the processor in my PC?

• Expanding your PC usually means adding components• Upgrading typically means replacing a component

– You typically can upgrade your microprocessor– Make sure it fits into the CPU socket– Make sure it is cost effective

• Spending $75 to $300 won’t dramatically boost speed• State-of-the-art processors are expensive, about $1000• Replacing the microprocessor rarely produces the performance

equivalent to a new computer because it is only one factor

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Can I upgrade the processor in my PC?

Microprocessor

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Will adding RAM improve my PC’s performance?

• Adding RAM can increase processing efficiency by providing fast-access space for programs and data– Today’s PCs typically have at least 1 GB of RAM– 1 GB of memory costs less that $100 U.S.– Find out the current RAM capacity and specifications– Work with a reputable store

• Factors– Speed: memory access time– Capacity: amount of data that can be held– Package: type of memory module– Type: most likely a type of DRAM (dynamic RAM)

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What if I run out of disk space?

• If you run out of disk space, remove files– Clean out unused and unneeded files– Empty the recycle bin– Delete temporary internet files– Move large graphic, music, or video files to a CD or DVD– Uninstall unused software programs

• Consider adding a hard disk drive– External drives are affordable and easy to use– With a desktop computer, you can add an internal drive

• Check for a drive bay, which is a shelf to attach drive• Make sure computer is off and unplugged for safety

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What if I run out of disk space?

Using Disk Cleanup

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How do I add and upgrade external devices?

• Input, output, and storage devices connected to a computer are sometimes referred to as peripheral devices– Most connect to USB port– Your computer automatically recognizes the new device

• Add a USB hub to turn one port into multiple hubs– Bus-powered hub draws power from the computer– Self-powered hub has an external power supply

• Wireless USB operates by transmitting data between wireless transceivers

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How do I add and upgrade external devices?

USB Hub

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Hardware: Your PC’s expansion bus

• Expansion bus is an electronic pathway that moves information between your microprocessor and RAM and stretches to various ports and slots– Produces a port when it leads to a connection point that

can be accessed outside the system unit• Expansion slot provides a connection point for

internal devices such as memory and graphics cards– Made to accept expansion cards containing circuitry for a

device, such as a modem, network card, or graphics card– Most common use of expansion slots is to upgrade the

graphics card

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Hardware: Your PC’s expansion bus

Expansion bus

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Hardware: Your PC’s expansion bus

• Desktop PC system boards include several types of expansion slots– AGP (accelerated graphics port): primarily used for

graphics cards– PCI (peripheral component interconnect): offers fast

transfer speeds for a variety of cards– PCI Express (PCI-E): designed to replace PCI and AGP cards,

especially for devices that require lightning-fast data transfers

– ISA (industry standard architecture) slots: older technology no longer included on most system boards

• Know which slots are available on your computer

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Upgrade, reuse, recycle, or landfill?

• What do you think?– If you did not have a computer, would you accept

any free computer as long as it ran some basic software?

– Do you think that your current school or business would accept a donation of 100 5-year old computers?

– Do you believe that computer companies should take more responsibility for recycling the products they make?

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Chapter Summary

• You should now:− Know if you can upgrade the processor in your

PC− Know if adding RAM will improve your PC’s

performance− Know what to do if you run out of disk space− Know how to add and upgrade external

devices− Understand your PC’s expansion bus