Ok, so if you are like me, you can't just go out and buy a desktop computer. You absolutely HAVE to customize it to your standards, and even then it isn't good enough. You go online, and buy new parts, whether it be a new processor, graphics card, extra RAM, a fan, or practically anything that you can replace in a computer. Just last week, I realized that I spent over $300 on new computer hardware, and everything but the motherboard was replaced. I did this of course, accidentally, and didn't realize that I was pretty much buying a new computer... so now, as I type on my new keyboard (another one of those accessories that you buy JUST because they look really really cool), I'm debating whether or not that spending spree was a smart one. Regardless of my mishaps and what not, if you are going to go out and buy a new part, or software, there are a few CRUCIAL things to keep in mind:

The most frequently replaced/upgraded thing in a computer is RAM, I can bet money on this.

RAM is very inexpensive (assuming you don't need the super-duper hardcore video game/editing software RAM), so a lot of people buy it as a way to speed it their computers. If you do go ahead and buy RAM, be sure that the RAM is the same type of RAM that you already have installed on your computer, or at least that your motherboard supports it. Being an idiot, I bought RAM one time without checking what type (DDR2, DDR 800, DDR3...etc) it was, and what type my motherboard supported. Guess what happenned? The RAM came, and it didn't fit. I was pretty upset, because I had been waiting for a while for it, but I learned from that mistake, and believe me, when that sort of thing happens once, it never happens again. So please, for your sake, be sure that your motherboard supports the type of RAM that you are buying, it really is disappointing when it comes in the mail, and you open it, and nothing works out. (Plus, then you have to send it back, and pay for shipping, and worry, and blah blah blah. Its annoying).

Other than RAM, another frequently replaced thing in a Desktop is the Graphics card.

People, often when buying computers, don't consider everything they will be doing on it for the next 3 or 4 years. If you go out and buy a $1000 computer now, I guarantee you that next year, that same model (assuming you can find it) will be sold for at least $300 less.

Gamers constantly find themselves with a computer that cannot handle the latest in what gaming has to offer. They go online, and spend upwards of $200 on a new graphics card. Believe me, I've been there too, double check, heck, triple check, that absolutely ALL of the specifications of the graphics card are comply-able with your motherboard. I order a graphics card (same order as the RAM), and, as the RAM, it doesn't fit. Because I didn't bother to check all of the specs of the graphics card.

You can see a pattern can't you? Whether you are buying that new Quad-Core processor, or just extra RAM for your computer, make sure that your computer, the way it is now, will support the upgrade. It takes only a few seconds, just click on "specifications" on which ever item you are buying, and make sure that the ports are equivalent to the available ports on your motherboard, and the power connectors are the same.

Anyways, good luck, and be sure to double check everything. It may seem like an annoyance now, but it saves you a hell of a lot time, and stress later.

Learn more about this author, George Rakushkin.
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