The time has come when you want to upgrade your computer. You can upgrade your computer, depending on its age, without buying a new PC. Instead, purchase a new motherboard. Read this elearn more.
Instructions
1. Determine what your computer can support. Some computers are not very big, which necessitates getting a smaller motherboard. There are 4sizes of motherboards you can buy, and these are the classifications and dimensions according to Microsoft: ATX, 30.5 cm by 24.4 cm; microATX, 24.4 cm by 24.4 cm; flexATX, 22.9 mm by 19.1 cm; and Mini-ITX, 17 cm by 17 cm. The microATX motherboard can fit in most computers and replace even full-sized flexATX motherboard.
2. Replace the power supply if your computer is older--Pentium or 386 or 486 based--so that the pins of the power supply will match those of the new motherboard. You may decide to buy a new computer instead.
3. Decide what you need your computer to do. Do you want a screaming machine, or one that will work well for you for several years before you have to consider upgrading again? Do you prefer one manufacturer over another? The two big names in motherboards are Intel Pentium 4 and AMD AthlonXP. Do you need a lot of PCI slots? Do you need USB? How about AGP? Familiarize yourself with the many aspects of computer design before you buy a motherboard.
4. Buy a new CPU that will match the socket of the motherboard. Buying a CPU and motherboard from the same manufacturer is often the best choice.
5. Acquire memory that is compatible to your CPU and motherboard. Make certain you buy enough memory to handle what you ask of your computer. As Charlie Russell of Microsoft wrote, "buy as much memory as you can afford". Consider having the vendor install the memory for you and have the motherboard, CPU and memory tested together to make certain they work well together.
6. Buy your motherboards either at local computer stores or online. Online may be less expensive, but you may lose the option of asking a sales representative for advice.
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