cpugeniusmv
April 30th, 2003, 03:11 PM
Hardware Upgrades
The purpose of this tutorial is to tell you how to perform various upgrades to your computer. We'll start with the most common:
Memory
Memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory) can really speed up your computer. It is used for storing the things you are currently working on. So if you run a lot of programs at the same time, you may benefit greatly from a memory upgrade.
Purchase Memory: It is important that you get the same "kind" of memory; otherwise your computer will not work. For instance, if you currently have SDRAM, you need SDRAM. If you have DDR, then you need DDR. Getting the same speed isn't really that important, however if you get faster memory than you already have then it will only run at the speed of the slowest module. Another factor is how much more memory you want to buy. My opinion on this: the more, the better. When you run out of physical memory, it starts using the hard drive for memory and that is VERY slow. Also, make sure that the amount of memory you get is supported by your motherboard AND your operating system. Consult appropriate websites/manuals for this information.
Now, you're probably thinking, "Okay, yeah...how do I find all this stuff out?" Well, here you go: Aida32 (http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php). This utility will tell you everything you need to know about your computer...and then some more! In Aida32, notice the tree on the left...Click on the plus sign next to "Computer," and select "DMI." In the top frame on the left, click on the plus sign next to "Memory Modules". Select each of the items (which represent the slots for memory) under that individually and notice what it says next to "Installed Size." If there is a number there, then you have a stick of memory installed in that slot. If it says "Not Installed" then you can install memory in that slot.
Next, go to the left frame again, and expand the "Motherboard" item. Select the "SPD" item. Now, in the right frame, look for two values labeled "Memory Type" and "Memory Speed." That is what you need to know in order to buy another stick of memory. For example: If Memory Type is "DDR SDRAM" and Memory Speed is "PC2700" then you need a stick of however many Megabytes of PC2700 DDR SDRAM.
Install Memory: After you have purchased your memory, it's now time to install it. Open up your case, and look for where the memory is installed, the slots are usually long, thin, and have little clips on either side. Once you have located an empty slot next to the slot already taken by your current memory, open the clips, and look for the 'slits' in the new stick of memory. Align those with the 'keyed' slot. Once they are aligned, apply gentle pressure until the stick is inserted into the slot, and both clips have shut.
Congratulations, the hard part is over. Now, power on your system. If it boots, GOOD! That means you haven't messed anything up! Boot into windows, and open the System Control Panel to make sure that it is showing the correct amount of memory. If it didn't boot, try switching the memory slots. If you're still having problems, consult a computer-savvy friend.
Hard Disks/CD-ROM Drives
Hard Disks and CD-ROM Drives are similar in that they use IDE to connect to your computer. Because of this similarity, they are installed the same way. Most motherboards have 2 IDE Channels, and you can have up to 2 devices per channel. This means that you can have up to 4 IDE devices without getting another IDE expansion card. The installation of these devices is quite straight-forward. Each IDE Channel has a cable running from it, the cable has three connectors: 1 for the motherboard, and 2 for devices. In order to install a new device, you need to have one of those connectors available.
The first thing I would do, is look at the jumper settings on the back of the drive that is already on the cable you are going to put the device on. There is usually a sticker with the key for the jumpers on the drive somewhere. It is probably set to master, if not...set it to master. Next, set the jumper for the second device to Slave. Connect the IDE connector to the new drive. Connect the appropriate power cable to the device. Now, you're done. Power on your machine, and if any drivers are needed you should install them now.
Processor (CPU)
The processor is the brain of your computer, upgrading it can provide a significant performance jump, especially if you do a lot of video editing, or other CPU intensive processes. Before you begin, make certain that your motherboard supports the new processor. Consult the manufacturer or manual. When upgrading the CPU, it would probably be a good idea to get a new heatsink/fan combo, check the manufacturer's website for lists of recommended combos. After they arrive, the installation is pretty straightforward. For socket based processors, make sure the fan is unplugged from the motherboard, lift the handle next to the 'CPU platform' and carefully lift it out of the socket. Put the new chip in, apply some thermal grease to the top of the processor, set on the heatsink fan...latch it down, lower the lever. You're done! Power it up, and enjoy the speed.
Motherboard and/or Case
When choosing a motherboard and/or case make sure you get components that support one another. The motherboard needs a case that it will fit into, take this into consideration. The processor must be supported by the motherboard; the memory must be supported by the motherboard. Most everything else will work with most motherboards. When changing either the case or the motherboard, the best advice I have for you is to draw a picture. Look at how everything is connected to everything, and recreate that with the new component.
Add-In Cards (AGP/PCI)
Video cards often are AGP cards, and go into a slot on your motherboard that is usually brown and made especially for a graphics card. Network cards, sound cards, and other various add-in cards are PCI cards which go in slots that are usually a white-ish color. The installation of these cards is the same: Remove the plate on the back of the case where the card will rest, line the card up with the slot (The slot is keyed, be sure that you align the slots on the card with the keys in the slot on the motherboard.), and apply gentle pressure until it goes in. Screw it in to the case via the back panel, and you're done.
Power Supply
The power supply can be a very worthwhile upgrade. If you have 4 hard drives, and a few other CD devices in your machine along with your smokin' processor...you're gonna need a hefty power supply. For most top of the line systems, 400 watts will be enough. Keep in mind that you should get a power supply that fits inside your case, consult documentation on these sizes. After purchasing, the installation is similar to that of the motherboard. Take the old one out, put the new one in, and make sure everything that needs power has power. If something doesn't work, you missed a connector.
Well, this was quite a job! I hope that this tutorial will help you to make the best of your computer, if you have any comments or questions please post them! I'd be happy to help you out!
The purpose of this tutorial is to tell you how to perform various upgrades to your computer. We'll start with the most common:
Memory
Memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory) can really speed up your computer. It is used for storing the things you are currently working on. So if you run a lot of programs at the same time, you may benefit greatly from a memory upgrade.
Purchase Memory: It is important that you get the same "kind" of memory; otherwise your computer will not work. For instance, if you currently have SDRAM, you need SDRAM. If you have DDR, then you need DDR. Getting the same speed isn't really that important, however if you get faster memory than you already have then it will only run at the speed of the slowest module. Another factor is how much more memory you want to buy. My opinion on this: the more, the better. When you run out of physical memory, it starts using the hard drive for memory and that is VERY slow. Also, make sure that the amount of memory you get is supported by your motherboard AND your operating system. Consult appropriate websites/manuals for this information.
Now, you're probably thinking, "Okay, yeah...how do I find all this stuff out?" Well, here you go: Aida32 (http://www.aida32.hu/aida32.php). This utility will tell you everything you need to know about your computer...and then some more! In Aida32, notice the tree on the left...Click on the plus sign next to "Computer," and select "DMI." In the top frame on the left, click on the plus sign next to "Memory Modules". Select each of the items (which represent the slots for memory) under that individually and notice what it says next to "Installed Size." If there is a number there, then you have a stick of memory installed in that slot. If it says "Not Installed" then you can install memory in that slot.
Next, go to the left frame again, and expand the "Motherboard" item. Select the "SPD" item. Now, in the right frame, look for two values labeled "Memory Type" and "Memory Speed." That is what you need to know in order to buy another stick of memory. For example: If Memory Type is "DDR SDRAM" and Memory Speed is "PC2700" then you need a stick of however many Megabytes of PC2700 DDR SDRAM.
Install Memory: After you have purchased your memory, it's now time to install it. Open up your case, and look for where the memory is installed, the slots are usually long, thin, and have little clips on either side. Once you have located an empty slot next to the slot already taken by your current memory, open the clips, and look for the 'slits' in the new stick of memory. Align those with the 'keyed' slot. Once they are aligned, apply gentle pressure until the stick is inserted into the slot, and both clips have shut.
Congratulations, the hard part is over. Now, power on your system. If it boots, GOOD! That means you haven't messed anything up! Boot into windows, and open the System Control Panel to make sure that it is showing the correct amount of memory. If it didn't boot, try switching the memory slots. If you're still having problems, consult a computer-savvy friend.
Hard Disks/CD-ROM Drives
Hard Disks and CD-ROM Drives are similar in that they use IDE to connect to your computer. Because of this similarity, they are installed the same way. Most motherboards have 2 IDE Channels, and you can have up to 2 devices per channel. This means that you can have up to 4 IDE devices without getting another IDE expansion card. The installation of these devices is quite straight-forward. Each IDE Channel has a cable running from it, the cable has three connectors: 1 for the motherboard, and 2 for devices. In order to install a new device, you need to have one of those connectors available.
The first thing I would do, is look at the jumper settings on the back of the drive that is already on the cable you are going to put the device on. There is usually a sticker with the key for the jumpers on the drive somewhere. It is probably set to master, if not...set it to master. Next, set the jumper for the second device to Slave. Connect the IDE connector to the new drive. Connect the appropriate power cable to the device. Now, you're done. Power on your machine, and if any drivers are needed you should install them now.
Processor (CPU)
The processor is the brain of your computer, upgrading it can provide a significant performance jump, especially if you do a lot of video editing, or other CPU intensive processes. Before you begin, make certain that your motherboard supports the new processor. Consult the manufacturer or manual. When upgrading the CPU, it would probably be a good idea to get a new heatsink/fan combo, check the manufacturer's website for lists of recommended combos. After they arrive, the installation is pretty straightforward. For socket based processors, make sure the fan is unplugged from the motherboard, lift the handle next to the 'CPU platform' and carefully lift it out of the socket. Put the new chip in, apply some thermal grease to the top of the processor, set on the heatsink fan...latch it down, lower the lever. You're done! Power it up, and enjoy the speed.
Motherboard and/or Case
When choosing a motherboard and/or case make sure you get components that support one another. The motherboard needs a case that it will fit into, take this into consideration. The processor must be supported by the motherboard; the memory must be supported by the motherboard. Most everything else will work with most motherboards. When changing either the case or the motherboard, the best advice I have for you is to draw a picture. Look at how everything is connected to everything, and recreate that with the new component.
Add-In Cards (AGP/PCI)
Video cards often are AGP cards, and go into a slot on your motherboard that is usually brown and made especially for a graphics card. Network cards, sound cards, and other various add-in cards are PCI cards which go in slots that are usually a white-ish color. The installation of these cards is the same: Remove the plate on the back of the case where the card will rest, line the card up with the slot (The slot is keyed, be sure that you align the slots on the card with the keys in the slot on the motherboard.), and apply gentle pressure until it goes in. Screw it in to the case via the back panel, and you're done.
Power Supply
The power supply can be a very worthwhile upgrade. If you have 4 hard drives, and a few other CD devices in your machine along with your smokin' processor...you're gonna need a hefty power supply. For most top of the line systems, 400 watts will be enough. Keep in mind that you should get a power supply that fits inside your case, consult documentation on these sizes. After purchasing, the installation is similar to that of the motherboard. Take the old one out, put the new one in, and make sure everything that needs power has power. If something doesn't work, you missed a connector.
Well, this was quite a job! I hope that this tutorial will help you to make the best of your computer, if you have any comments or questions please post them! I'd be happy to help you out!