Should I Buy a New Computer or Upgrade My Old One?
Should I Buy a New Computer
or Upgrade My Old One?
- What Do I Need?
- Where Should I Get It From?
- How Can I Upgrade?
What Do I
Need?
The first questions are, how much is enough?
(Apologies to Macintosh and UNIX people - I am limiting this to IBM-PC types at this time.)
Processor:
Let's start with the CPU. As with the other questions, the answer will depend on what you intend to do
with the computer. For ordinary office applications, surfing the web, and basic computer games, a
Pentium class processor running at 120 MHz or above should prove adequate. Folks involved in 2D
graphics, cutting edge gaming, DTP, or the like should consider a Pentium or Pentium II class processor
that runs at 200 MHz or better and has an MMX instruction set.
Professionals that need to do 3D modeling, engineering modeling, or other power applications should
consider the fastest processor they can afford. The Pentium Pro is optimized for 32-bit applications and
doesn't do well with older 16-bit applications so it's best used with those power applications and for
network servers if MMX is not needed. The Pentium II is newer and I've not tested it enough to know it's
limits but it appears to run both 16-bit and power 32-bit applications well and has MMX for those that
need it.
Memory:
Memory is another area of concern. Most applications will run acceptably on a computer with 16 Mb of
RAM, but you will be happier with 32. If you're running more than one or two major applications or
multitasking many applications at once then 32Mb is necessary. Windows 95 can't effectively use more than 64 MB, so if you are running high-
end 32 bit software that can, you should consider running it under Windows NT or OS/2 Warp using a Pentium Pro or
Pentium II for maximum performance.
Disk Subsystem:
While most office computers will never even fill up a 2 GB drive, home users often have more demanding
needs. Many games will take away that disk space 50 MB at a time, and there is always space being taken
with graphics, swap files, temp files, sound files, clip-art and just plain junk. For the home user, 2 GB is
beginning to push the comfort limit and 4 GB would be a wiser choice.
If you need more storage than that, consider installing a SCSI adapter that will allow you to chain up to 7
or 14 devices. SCSI allows faster disk access and less CPU resources than IDE for a performance boost.
You'll find more types of devices can be used with SCSI like Scanners and faster Tape Drives in addition
to Hard Drives, Removable Drives, CD-ROMs, DVD, Optical, etc. Note that SCSI drives are more
expensive than IDE, however.
Don't forget about incorporating a backup technology to your disk subsystem. You can get removable
drives, optical technologies, or tape drives depending on your needs. If you will be exchanging lots of
information with other computers you might want to get the same type for all by using an external SCSI
device. Then you only need to put a SCSI controller card in each computer and can swap the external drive
between them.
Stay away from parallel port devices. They are limited by the speed of a parallel port, which can be 20
times slower than SCSI, and you may have problems connecting several devices to one parallel port.
Modem:
There's a problem here that won't go away until a world-wide standard is set. Unless you need a 56Kbps
modem just get a 33.6Kbps for now. All 33.6Kbps modems should follow the standard but there is
currently NO standard for 56Kbps modems. Most telephone lines can't go that fast anyway
and the Federal Government currently limits your speed on those that can and it's
only in one direction as uploading is at the lower standard speeds (28.8Kbps or 33.6Kbps.) There are
other options but none is universal at this time so if you have a special requirement talk with your
consultant.
Sound, Video and CD-
ROM:
This is the area that is the hardest to do an absolute recommendation on. There are so many variables that
the best advice is to talk with me (or another consultant) about your needs. Forget "Computer Salesmen",
they won't have the answers you need.
Video:
Generally, get a video card that is widely supported like the Matrox Millennium series for every-day use.
The newer 3D cards are for the gamers and CAD people to figure out as they are in a constant state of flux
and different applications support different cards. Don't settle for a monitor less than 15" (measured
diagonally) and get the largest and best you can afford. These are your eyes folks. Personally I
would opt for a 17" for general use and a 19-20-21" if you do a lot of graphic-intensive work.
CD-ROM:
Again, this will depend on the type of CD-ROMs you will be using. Most applications (and Operating
Systems) today come on CD-ROM so don't skip this item. If you are going to run a lot of multimedia
CD-ROMs then you probably don't need over a 6X or 8X speed drive. Most multimedia CD-ROMs are
recorded at 4X so there's no advantage to a faster drive. If you're running applications off a CD-ROM
then get the fastest that the applications can support. Some applications won't run properly if the drive is
too fast.
Sound:
For general use get a 16-bit Sound Blaster with a Wave table. Stay away from clones as some of them are
not recognized by all applications that expect a real Sound Blaster. Those of you with special
requirements, such as MIDI, Voice Operated/Dictation, Screen Reader, Voice Mail, etc., need to talk with
a consultant.
Where Should I
Get It From?
Local Dealer:
This is your best bet if you are a newcomer and you can find a dealer who actually will take the
time to talk with you about your needs. Look for one who offers a money-back-if-not-satisfied guarantee
and has classes in the areas of computing you are interested in. Try to stay away from the big discount
stores with household appliances and electronics all under one roof. You'll seldom find knowledgeable
salespeople and they have an interest in selling you "whats in stock."
Mail-Order:
There are two vendors that consistently have rated at or near the top both with Consumer's Reports and the
computer magazines: Dell Computer and Micron Electronics . They will custom-configure a system for you and
offer optional on-site service and extended warranties along with a money-back policy and leasing options
for you business types.
Computer Show:
This is a choice if you have a knowledgeable friend, or know enough about computers yourself, to allow
you to make intelligent choices about the items offered. You'll need to make a list of exactly what you
want before hand. You usually wont get a return policy if you make a mistake and purchase the wrong
item. You can usually exchange defective items as long as you can either get to the dealer's store or the
next computer show he attends.
How Can I Upgrade?
This question involves more detail about the individual's specific upgrade path. It is typically something
like:
CPU/Motherboard:
Upgrading the CPU is the single biggest change you can make in your computer's performance.
Unfortunately this is also one of the most difficult upgrades to perform. Many system boards cannot
accept the chip that would logically be used to upgrade them. If you have a 486 or older system, you will
definitely need to upgrade the motherboard to install a Pentium class chip. Avoid any "overdrive" chips
that purport to be usable with a 486 system. They are costly, and perform poorly as upgrades.
Even if you have a slower Pentium, chances are the current system board will either not support the speed
of, or fully exploit the power of your new CPU. It may even be incompatible. Older boards don't
recognize MMX chips, the Pentium Pro, or the newer Pentium II for example. For this reason, a
motherboard upgrade is almost always performed at the same time as a CPU upgrade.
An additional consideration is memory. Older 486 and 386 motherboards use 30 pin SIMMs or SIPPs.
Some may even use proprietary memory upgrade boards no longer available. Even if your old
motherboard uses the newer 72 pin SIMMs, the speed of the existing memory may be too slow. While
Pentium systems can work with 70ns memory, they are happier with 60ns or faster.
The Curse of Packard
Bell:
Packard Bell and many other computer manufacturers cut costs by designing proprietary one-board
solutions that incorporate the video card onto the system board. These computers are not
upgradeable by
simply replacing the system board. For one thing it is the wrong size and shape! Once unsuspecting
consumers are faced with the need for an upgrade they find their options expensive and limited to those
provided by the original manufacturer (if any).
Fortunately there is a way out of Packard Hell! Besides a new motherboard and CPU, you will have to
purchase a new case and graphics card. The good news is that even an inexpensive graphics card will
probably still be an upgrade to the el-cheapo built-in video of the system! You can reuse the existing hard
disks, memory, sound card, keyboard, mouse, monitor and modem, and probably the CD-ROM. At that
point the rest of the computer is junk, but of course it always was!
Computers from Packard Bell, IBM, Aptiva, Gateway 2000, Compaq, NEC, AST, and some other
manufacturers are often of this proprietary type. All "slim-line" desktop systems also contain proprietary
motherboards due to the need to incorporate a short riser card for the expansion slots. This is because the
case isn't thick enough to accommodate vertically placed expansion cards.
In any case (no pun intended), getting away from these proprietary designs and into an industry standard
form factor is a good thing to do. It will enable you to economically upgrade your system for years to
come!
Memory:
Memory is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can make! Installation is a snap: just
power down, open up your case, pop 'em in, and you are in business!
If you are running with 8 or 16 Mb of RAM, you should consider upgrading to 32 Mb. Windows 95 really
appreciates the extra headroom. Determining what kind to buy is easy. Just determine what type and
technology you need for your system by checking the system or motherboard manual, and see if you have
any available SIMM or DIMM slots. If you're using 72 pin SIMMs remember you'll need to buy them in
pairs for a Pentium. If you are out of slots, you may have to replace smaller chips with larger ones.
Some new system boards have the new 128 pin DIMM. This packaging eliminates the need to pair up 72
pin SIMMs when used with Pentium chips. Many motherboards will allow the use of both types, but some
newer boards only accept the 128 pin DIMM. If you are buying a new motherboard, be sure to plan
accordingly.
Note that on some systems, the DIMM shares a "bank" with a pair of SIMMs, and you cannot use both at
once. Your system or motherboard manual should lay out the options.
If you will be buying all new memory with a new motherboard, consider buying a board that supports 128
pin DIMMs and the new SRAM technology. While SRAM is currently slightly more expensive than
DRAM or EDO technology, the enhanced performance will really pay off with the fast new Pentium class
chips we are using today. Note that some systems won't allow you to mix technology, it's either DRAM,
EDO or SRAM.
Disk Subsystem:
You can add as many as two hard disks to most basic system configurations that feature dual IDE
controllers. The original drive and the CD-ROM take up two connections, leaving two for additional
drives. If your current controller only supports two drives, you can add a secondary IDE controller in an
expansion slot.
If you need more storage, consider installing a SCSI adapter that will allow you to chain up to 7 or 14
devices. SCSI allows faster disk access and less CPU resources than IDE for a performance boost. You'll
find more types of devices can be used with SCSI, like Scanners and faster Tape Drives in addition to Hard
Drives, Removable Drives, CD-ROMs, DVD, Optical, etc.
Other Upgrades:
Other components are more easily upgraded. A new graphics card, monitor or modem, a faster CD-ROM,
or a cool new keyboard will certainly work well with what you have already, and provide enhanced
performance and functionality!
Prepared by Peter Conrad Cumminsky, consultant, ASEE, CET, Team OS/2 (707) 987-
9484
Visit my Computer Taming web site at http://webtaming.netfirms.com.shopm1/biz/taming/
(C) Copyright 1993-1997 peterconrad@hotmail.com.
