The document provides information about various hardware components of a computer system, including RAM, hard drives, graphics systems, and installing/upgrading these components. RAM is temporary memory that improves performance when more is installed. Hard drives store long-term data, and upgrading to a larger or solid state drive can speed up a computer. Graphics systems handle visual output, and a dedicated graphics card provides better performance for gaming and video editing than integrated graphics. Installing or upgrading RAM, graphics cards, and hard drives involves opening the computer case, inserting/connecting the new component, and ensuring proper installation through software.

1. Hardware refers to all of the physical parts of a computer system. For a typical desktop computer
this comprises the main system unit, a display screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a router/modem (for
connection to the Internet), and usually a printer. Speakers, a webcam and an external hard disk
for back-up storage are often also included. Many of these items are integrated into a single unit
on a laptop or other form of mobile computer
This option isn’t as easy or cheap, but we have to mention it anyway. If you can open up your
laptop, you can replace its internal drive with a larger drive — or insert a second internal drive,
in the off chance that your laptop has a second drive bay. Upgrading your laptop is often
possible, but it’s definitely more work than quickly plugging in an external storage device!
RAM
RAM -- or "random access memory" -- is the temporary storage space that a computer loads
software applications and user data into when it is running. All current RAM technologies are
"volatile", which means that everything held in RAM is lost when a computer's power is
removed. To a large extent, the more RAM a computer has the faster and more effectively it will
operate. Computers with little RAM have to keep moving data to and from their hard disks in
order to keep running. This tends to make them not just slow in general, but more annoyingly
intermittently sluggish.
The above all said, those hoping to speed up thier PC by installing more RAM need to note that
any PC with a 32 bit operating system can only access a maximum of 4GB of RAM. Add more,
and the PC simply will not recognise it. In practice this that means the vast majority of PCs in
use and being sold today cannot benefit from more than 4GB of RAM -- and this includes many
PCs running Windows 7 (which is very widely sold in its 32 rather than 64 bit format to
maximise compatabilty with older software and perhipherals).]
RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), as detailed on the storage page. Just
how much RAM a computer needs depends on the software it is required to run effectively. A
computer running Windows XP will usually function quite happily with 1GB of RAM, whereas
twice this amount (ie 2GB) is the realistic minimum for computers running Windows 7.
HARD DRIVE
Hard disk drives are the high capacity storage devices inside a computer from which software
and user data are loaded. Like most other modern storage devices, the capacity of the one or
more internal hard disks inside a computer is measured in gigabytes (GB), as detailed on the
storage page. Today 40GB is an absolute minimum hard drive size for a new computer running
Windows 7, with a far larger capacity being recommended in any situation where more than
office software is going to be installed. Where a computer will frequently be used to edit video, a
second internal hard disk dedicated only to video storage is highly recommended for stable

2. operation. Indeed, for professional video editing using a program like Premiere Pro CS5, Adobe
now recommend that a PC has at least three internal hard disks (one for the operating system and
programs, one for video project files, and one for video media). This is also not advice to be
lightly ignored if you want your computer to actually work!
Most computers are configured to use a proportion of a computer's internal hard disk to store
temporary files. Such a "swap file" enables the computer to operate effectively, and means that
some free hard disk space always needs to be available for a computer to run properly. However,
providing that a hard disk is large enough to store the required software and user data without
getting beyond about 80 per cent full, hard disk capacity will have no impact on overall system
performance. However, what does impact significantly on overall system performance is the
speed of a computer's main internal hard disk. This is simply because the longer it takes to read
software and data from the disk, and to access temporary files, the slower the computer will run.
Two key factors determine the speed of traditional, spinning hard disks. The first is the rotational
velocity of the physical disk itself. This can currently be 4200, 5400, 7200, 10000 or 15000 rpm
(revolutions per minute). The faster the disk spins, the quicker data can be read from or written
to it, hence the faster the disk the better (although faster disks consumer more power, make more
noise, and generate more heat). Most desktop hard disks run at either 5400 or 7200 rpm, whilst
most laptop hard disks run at 4200 or 5400. However, upgrading to a 10000 or 15000 rpm disk --
such as a Velociraptor from Western Digital -- can prove one of the most cost-effective upgrades
for increasing the performance and responsiveness of a desktop computer.
The second key factor that determines performance of a traditional, internal hard disk is the
interface used to connect it to the computer's motherboard. Three types of interface exist:SATA,
which is the most modern and now pretty much the norm on new PCs; IDE (also known as
UDMA), which is a slower and older form of interface, and finally SCSI, which is happens to be
the oldest but in it most modern variant is still the fastest disk interface standard. This said, SCSI
is now all but redundant in desktop computing since the introduction of SATA, as SATA
provides a fairly high speed interface at much lower cost and complexity than SCSI.
The above points all noted, for users seeking ultimate performance, there is now the option of
installing a computer's operating system, programs and data on a solid state drive (SSD), rather
than a traditional, spinning hard disk. SSDs are far faster and more energy efficient than
traditional, spinning hard disks, which in time they will largely replace.
GRAPHICS SYSTEM
A computer's graphics system determines how well it can work with visual output. Graphics
systems can either be integrated into a computer's motherboard, or plugged into the motherboard
as a separate "video card". Graphics systems integrated into the motherboard (also known as
"onboard graphics") are now quite powerful, and sufficient for handling the requirements of

3. most software applications aside from games playing, 3D modelling, and some forms of video
editing.
Any form of modern computer graphics system can now display high-resolution colour images
on a standard-sized display screen (ie any monitor up to about 19" in size). What the more
sophisticated graphics cards now determine is how well a computer can handle the playback of
high definition video, as well as the speed and quality at which 3D scenes (including games!) can
be rendered. Another key feature of separate graphics cards is that most of them now allow more
than one display screen to be connected to a computer. Others also permit the recording of video.
In effect, modern graphics cards have become dedicated computers in their own right, with their
own processor chips and RAM dedicated to video decoding and 3D rendering. Hardly
surprisingly, when it comes to final performance, the more RAM and the faster and more
sophisticated the processor available on a graphics card the better. This said, top-end graphics
cards can cost up to a few thousand dollars or pounds.
As a basic rule, unless a computer is going to be used to handle 3D graphics or to undertake a
significant volume of video editing or recording, today there is little point in opting for anything
other than onboard graphics (not least because separate graphics cards consume quite a lot of
electricity and create quite a lot of heat and noise). Adding a new graphics card to a computer
with onboard graphics is also a very easy upgrade if required in the future.
Graphics cards connect to what is known as either a "PCI Express" or an "AGP" slot on a
computer's motherboard. PCI Express is the more powerful and modern standard, with the best
graphics cards requiring the use of two PCI Express slots. A PC being upgraded from onboard
graphics sometimes also requires an upgraded power supply if it is to continue to run in a stable
fashion.
Research the brand or type of memory chip
The amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) in your PC may or may not be the machine’s
major bottleneck. But it will likely speed things up, and it’s easier to install than an SSD, which
requires you to move your operating system and other files.
But you have to know not only what kind of RAM your PC can take, but also how much of it.To
find out if you need more RAM, right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. Click the
Performance tab: In the lower-left corner, you’ll see how much RAM is in use. If, under
normal use, the Available option is less than 25 percent of the total, an upgrade may do you some
good.
Another consideration: determining the most effective RAM module arrangement for your PC’s
available memory slots. Most PCs have an even number of RAM slots—two or four, for
instance—which are assigned singly or in pairs to one of multiple memory channels. Slot
arrangements differ, so read your motherboard's manual. For maximum performance, split pairs

4. of DIMMs across slots that use different memory channels. If you're on a budget, this means
you'll get better performance out of, say, two 4GB DIMMS than a single 8GB DIMM. Then
again, the real-life performance gain is minimal, and you're limiting your ability to increase
memory in the future.
To find out what you’ve got and what you need, use the Crucial System Scanner. When you
download and run the scanner program, it will display its results in your browser. Those results
will tell you how many slots you have, how many are empty, and what’s in the ones that aren’t.
The results will also tell you what type you need to buy, but you won’t find that information
where you would expect it.
Steps to Install the Memory
RAM
To see the biggest increase in performance, increase the amount of RAM in an older computer. A
good sign you could benefit from more RAM is if your computer slows down a lot when you try
to use several programs simultaneously.
Put in as much RAM as the computer will support. Keep in mind that a 32-bit operating system
can only handle 4 GB of RAM.
1. Open the case (you may need a screwdriver for this step).
2. Open the latches on either side of the RAM bay. True, some of Asus's new motherboards
have open able latches only on one side of the RAM bay, but the principle is the same.
3. Push the memory down firmly but carefully until it clicks into place, and the latches on both
sides of the RAM bay secure the stick in place.
4. Close up the case.
5. Boot up the PC. If the PC does not boot up, turn it off and repeat steps 1-6. First-time builders
are often too gentle when inserting the memory into the slots.
6. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select Properties from the pop-up menu to verify
that the computer recognizes the RAM you've just installed.
Graphics card
Because graphics processing uses RAM, a graphics card upgrade may improve overall
performance. If you work with a lot of digital video, you can probably benefit from adding RAM
and/or changing from an integrated or "on-board" graphics card to a dedicated graphics card.
Be sure that your motherboard can support the new card you are installing.
Installing a graphics card is a straightforward process that requires three things: a new graphics
card, your computer, and a Phillips-head screw driver. Be sure to turn off your PC and unplug it
from the wall before you begin.
1> Start by removing the side of your computer's case, then locate and remove your current
graphics card. Some PCs will not have a graphics card installed. Instead, you need to locate the

5. PCI-E x16 slot closest to the heat sink of your processor. This will either be the first or second
expansion slot on your motherboard.
2> Make sure that there are no loose wires blocking your access to this slot. If you’re replacing
an existing graphics card, unplug any cables connected to it, remove the screw from its retention
bracket, and then remove the card. Most motherboards also have a small plastic latch on the end
of the PCI-E slot that locks the graphics card in place. Make sure you toggle this latch to unlock
your old graphics card so you can remove it.
3> You can now install your new graphics card into the open and unobstructed PCI-E x16 slot.
Firmly insert the card into the slot, then push down the plastic lock on the end of the PCI-E slot
to hold it in place. Next, use a screw to secure the graphic card's metal retention bracket to your
PC's case. You can reuse the same screw(s) that held the cover bracket or your former graphics
card in place.
4> Most gaming-level graphics cards require additional power connectors. If yours does, make
sure you connect those PCI-E power cables. Your graphics card will not function correctly
without properly supplied power. In fact, if you don’t connect those PCI-E power cables your PC
may be unable to boot.
Wrapping up
With your graphics card secured and powered up, finish the job by sliding your case's side panel
back into position and plugging your display cable into your new graphics card. Turn on your
computer.
Now it’s time to take care of the software side of upgrading your graphics card.
If your new graphics card is the same brand as your old card, this process is simple. Just go to the
manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver package for you operating system. Keep
in mind that graphics drivers are quite large, generally about 300MB in size, and it make take
some time for them to download depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Install the
driver, restart your computer, and now you're ready to enjoy the buttery-smooth framerates your
new graphics card will no doubt deliver.
If you’re switching manufacturers (from Intel to AMD, from AMD to Nvidia, or vice-versa),
uninstall your old graphics driver and restart your computer before installing the driver for your
new graphics card. If you don’t uninstall the old driver it may conflict with the new driver.
Done! That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now that your new graphics card is installed, you're ready to
take on the latest games with your upgraded PC
Hard drive
If you're running out of storage space, you can upgrade to a bigger hard drive with more storage
capacity.
If your computer is slow, upgrading to a faster hard drive may improve overall performance:

6. In traditional drives, the faster the drive spins, the faster data can be read and written. So
upgrading from a drive that spins at 5,400 rotations per minute (rpm) to a 7,200-rpm drive may
speed up your computer's performance.
A solid-state drive (SSD) is another option. SSDs don't spin, so their speed isn't measured in
rpms. But they are significantly faster and (because they have no moving parts) less prone to
mechanical problems than traditional drives.
If your old drive is still functional, consider adding a drive instead of removing and replacing the
older one. Most desktop computer motherboards can handle up to four hard drives, including the
optical drive.
Completely replacing a hard drive will involve some additional steps, since you need to transfer
all your files from the old drive to the new one, as well as reinstalling the operating system and
all the software.
Following are the steps to install hard drive
Power down the computer. Shut off the power supply in the back. Even if you can access the
inside where it stands, you need to unplug the computer. Otherwise, unplug the computer and
place it somewhere that allows you to get inside.
Remove the case panels. You may need a Phillips head screwdriver, but most newer computers
have thumbscrews. You will need to remove both sides so that you can screw the hard drive in
on both sides.
Ensure that you do not have any static electricity. Touch a metal object (other than your
computer), such as a doorknob, to discharge any existing static electricity that you may have.
Make sure you are grounded. If your computer is still plugged in (but the power supply is
switched off), you can ground yourself by touching any metal part of the case. Otherwise, make
sure that you are grounded before starting to work on the inside of the computer. This will
prevent electrostatic shock from damaging the components of your computer.
Remove the old drive (if applicable). If you are removing an old hard drive, make sure all of the
cables are disconnected from both the motherboard and the power supply. Unscrew all the
screws on both sides of the hard drive, and then slide it out of the housing.
You may need to remove more cables or cards in order to access the hard drives in a tight case.
Insert your new drive. Remove it from the antistatic packaging and slide it into an open space in
the hard drive housing. The drive should slide directly in, and the holes on the side of the drive
should line up to the screw guides on the housing.
If you can, use a slot that has some space around it. This will improve airflow and lead to a
cooler system, but is not a critical concern.

7. Connect a SATA hard drive to the motherboard. Newer hard drives will use SATA cables, which
are thin and resemble USB cables. Use a SATA cable to connect the hard drive to the
motherboard. SATA cables can be connected in either direction.
If you are connecting your primary hard drive, the SATA cable should be plugged into the first
SATA channel. This may be labeled SATA0 or SATA1. Refer to your motherboard
documentation for detailed information for your motherboard.
Secondary drives should be connected to the next available SATA channel.
Connect a PATA (IDE) hard drive to the motherboard. IDE drives are older model hard drives
that can be identified by the long rows of pins on the back. IDE Drives are connected via an IDE
cable, which is wide and flat. The cable is usually gray in color.
The blue end of the cable plugs into the motherboard. The black connector plugs into your
primary (Master) drive, while the black connector plugs into the secondary (Slave) drive if
applicable.
Set the jumper for your primary drive to Master. The jumper diagram should be printed onto the
hard drive. If you are installing a secondary drive but it is the only drive connected to the cable,
it should be set to Master as well.
Connect the power supply to the hard drive. Most newer power supplies have SATA power
connectors, though older power supplies typically only have Molex (4 pin) connectors. If this is
the case, and you are installing a SATA drive, you will need a Molex-to-SATA adapter. IDE
drives will use the Molex connector.
Make sure that all of your connections are secure. Ensure that none of the cables can come
undone by wiggling them a little bit.
Close up your computer. Replace the case sides and reconnect your cables if you had to move the
case to work on the inside. Turn the power supply back on and then turn your computer on.[1]
Finish the installation. Once you’ve got everything connected and the computer turned back on,
you’ll need to finish the installation of the hard drive from your computer. If you are replacing
your primary drive, you’ll have to reinstall your operating system. If you are adding a new drive,
you'll need to format the drive before you can use it.
To reinstall Windows, follow the guide that matches your operating system:
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8
Solution

8. Hardware refers to all of the physical parts of a computer system. For a typical desktop computer
this comprises the main system unit, a display screen, a keyboard, a mouse, a router/modem (for
connection to the Internet), and usually a printer. Speakers, a webcam and an external hard disk
for back-up storage are often also included. Many of these items are integrated into a single unit
on a laptop or other form of mobile computer
This option isn’t as easy or cheap, but we have to mention it anyway. If you can open up your
laptop, you can replace its internal drive with a larger drive — or insert a second internal drive,
in the off chance that your laptop has a second drive bay. Upgrading your laptop is often
possible, but it’s definitely more work than quickly plugging in an external storage device!
RAM
RAM -- or "random access memory" -- is the temporary storage space that a computer loads
software applications and user data into when it is running. All current RAM technologies are
"volatile", which means that everything held in RAM is lost when a computer's power is
removed. To a large extent, the more RAM a computer has the faster and more effectively it will
operate. Computers with little RAM have to keep moving data to and from their hard disks in
order to keep running. This tends to make them not just slow in general, but more annoyingly
intermittently sluggish.
The above all said, those hoping to speed up thier PC by installing more RAM need to note that
any PC with a 32 bit operating system can only access a maximum of 4GB of RAM. Add more,
and the PC simply will not recognise it. In practice this that means the vast majority of PCs in
use and being sold today cannot benefit from more than 4GB of RAM -- and this includes many
PCs running Windows 7 (which is very widely sold in its 32 rather than 64 bit format to
maximise compatabilty with older software and perhipherals).]
RAM is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB), as detailed on the storage page. Just
how much RAM a computer needs depends on the software it is required to run effectively. A
computer running Windows XP will usually function quite happily with 1GB of RAM, whereas
twice this amount (ie 2GB) is the realistic minimum for computers running Windows 7.
HARD DRIVE
Hard disk drives are the high capacity storage devices inside a computer from which software
and user data are loaded. Like most other modern storage devices, the capacity of the one or
more internal hard disks inside a computer is measured in gigabytes (GB), as detailed on the
storage page. Today 40GB is an absolute minimum hard drive size for a new computer running
Windows 7, with a far larger capacity being recommended in any situation where more than
office software is going to be installed. Where a computer will frequently be used to edit video, a
second internal hard disk dedicated only to video storage is highly recommended for stable

9. operation. Indeed, for professional video editing using a program like Premiere Pro CS5, Adobe
now recommend that a PC has at least three internal hard disks (one for the operating system and
programs, one for video project files, and one for video media). This is also not advice to be
lightly ignored if you want your computer to actually work!
Most computers are configured to use a proportion of a computer's internal hard disk to store
temporary files. Such a "swap file" enables the computer to operate effectively, and means that
some free hard disk space always needs to be available for a computer to run properly. However,
providing that a hard disk is large enough to store the required software and user data without
getting beyond about 80 per cent full, hard disk capacity will have no impact on overall system
performance. However, what does impact significantly on overall system performance is the
speed of a computer's main internal hard disk. This is simply because the longer it takes to read
software and data from the disk, and to access temporary files, the slower the computer will run.
Two key factors determine the speed of traditional, spinning hard disks. The first is the rotational
velocity of the physical disk itself. This can currently be 4200, 5400, 7200, 10000 or 15000 rpm
(revolutions per minute). The faster the disk spins, the quicker data can be read from or written
to it, hence the faster the disk the better (although faster disks consumer more power, make more
noise, and generate more heat). Most desktop hard disks run at either 5400 or 7200 rpm, whilst
most laptop hard disks run at 4200 or 5400. However, upgrading to a 10000 or 15000 rpm disk --
such as a Velociraptor from Western Digital -- can prove one of the most cost-effective upgrades
for increasing the performance and responsiveness of a desktop computer.
The second key factor that determines performance of a traditional, internal hard disk is the
interface used to connect it to the computer's motherboard. Three types of interface exist:SATA,
which is the most modern and now pretty much the norm on new PCs; IDE (also known as
UDMA), which is a slower and older form of interface, and finally SCSI, which is happens to be
the oldest but in it most modern variant is still the fastest disk interface standard. This said, SCSI
is now all but redundant in desktop computing since the introduction of SATA, as SATA
provides a fairly high speed interface at much lower cost and complexity than SCSI.
The above points all noted, for users seeking ultimate performance, there is now the option of
installing a computer's operating system, programs and data on a solid state drive (SSD), rather
than a traditional, spinning hard disk. SSDs are far faster and more energy efficient than
traditional, spinning hard disks, which in time they will largely replace.
GRAPHICS SYSTEM
A computer's graphics system determines how well it can work with visual output. Graphics
systems can either be integrated into a computer's motherboard, or plugged into the motherboard
as a separate "video card". Graphics systems integrated into the motherboard (also known as
"onboard graphics") are now quite powerful, and sufficient for handling the requirements of

10. most software applications aside from games playing, 3D modelling, and some forms of video
editing.
Any form of modern computer graphics system can now display high-resolution colour images
on a standard-sized display screen (ie any monitor up to about 19" in size). What the more
sophisticated graphics cards now determine is how well a computer can handle the playback of
high definition video, as well as the speed and quality at which 3D scenes (including games!) can
be rendered. Another key feature of separate graphics cards is that most of them now allow more
than one display screen to be connected to a computer. Others also permit the recording of video.
In effect, modern graphics cards have become dedicated computers in their own right, with their
own processor chips and RAM dedicated to video decoding and 3D rendering. Hardly
surprisingly, when it comes to final performance, the more RAM and the faster and more
sophisticated the processor available on a graphics card the better. This said, top-end graphics
cards can cost up to a few thousand dollars or pounds.
As a basic rule, unless a computer is going to be used to handle 3D graphics or to undertake a
significant volume of video editing or recording, today there is little point in opting for anything
other than onboard graphics (not least because separate graphics cards consume quite a lot of
electricity and create quite a lot of heat and noise). Adding a new graphics card to a computer
with onboard graphics is also a very easy upgrade if required in the future.
Graphics cards connect to what is known as either a "PCI Express" or an "AGP" slot on a
computer's motherboard. PCI Express is the more powerful and modern standard, with the best
graphics cards requiring the use of two PCI Express slots. A PC being upgraded from onboard
graphics sometimes also requires an upgraded power supply if it is to continue to run in a stable
fashion.
Research the brand or type of memory chip
The amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) in your PC may or may not be the machine’s
major bottleneck. But it will likely speed things up, and it’s easier to install than an SSD, which
requires you to move your operating system and other files.
But you have to know not only what kind of RAM your PC can take, but also how much of it.To
find out if you need more RAM, right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager. Click the
Performance tab: In the lower-left corner, you’ll see how much RAM is in use. If, under
normal use, the Available option is less than 25 percent of the total, an upgrade may do you some
good.
Another consideration: determining the most effective RAM module arrangement for your PC’s
available memory slots. Most PCs have an even number of RAM slots—two or four, for
instance—which are assigned singly or in pairs to one of multiple memory channels. Slot
arrangements differ, so read your motherboard's manual. For maximum performance, split pairs

11. of DIMMs across slots that use different memory channels. If you're on a budget, this means
you'll get better performance out of, say, two 4GB DIMMS than a single 8GB DIMM. Then
again, the real-life performance gain is minimal, and you're limiting your ability to increase
memory in the future.
To find out what you’ve got and what you need, use the Crucial System Scanner. When you
download and run the scanner program, it will display its results in your browser. Those results
will tell you how many slots you have, how many are empty, and what’s in the ones that aren’t.
The results will also tell you what type you need to buy, but you won’t find that information
where you would expect it.
Steps to Install the Memory
RAM
To see the biggest increase in performance, increase the amount of RAM in an older computer. A
good sign you could benefit from more RAM is if your computer slows down a lot when you try
to use several programs simultaneously.
Put in as much RAM as the computer will support. Keep in mind that a 32-bit operating system
can only handle 4 GB of RAM.
1. Open the case (you may need a screwdriver for this step).
2. Open the latches on either side of the RAM bay. True, some of Asus's new motherboards
have open able latches only on one side of the RAM bay, but the principle is the same.
3. Push the memory down firmly but carefully until it clicks into place, and the latches on both
sides of the RAM bay secure the stick in place.
4. Close up the case.
5. Boot up the PC. If the PC does not boot up, turn it off and repeat steps 1-6. First-time builders
are often too gentle when inserting the memory into the slots.
6. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select Properties from the pop-up menu to verify
that the computer recognizes the RAM you've just installed.
Graphics card
Because graphics processing uses RAM, a graphics card upgrade may improve overall
performance. If you work with a lot of digital video, you can probably benefit from adding RAM
and/or changing from an integrated or "on-board" graphics card to a dedicated graphics card.
Be sure that your motherboard can support the new card you are installing.
Installing a graphics card is a straightforward process that requires three things: a new graphics
card, your computer, and a Phillips-head screw driver. Be sure to turn off your PC and unplug it
from the wall before you begin.
1> Start by removing the side of your computer's case, then locate and remove your current
graphics card. Some PCs will not have a graphics card installed. Instead, you need to locate the

12. PCI-E x16 slot closest to the heat sink of your processor. This will either be the first or second
expansion slot on your motherboard.
2> Make sure that there are no loose wires blocking your access to this slot. If you’re replacing
an existing graphics card, unplug any cables connected to it, remove the screw from its retention
bracket, and then remove the card. Most motherboards also have a small plastic latch on the end
of the PCI-E slot that locks the graphics card in place. Make sure you toggle this latch to unlock
your old graphics card so you can remove it.
3> You can now install your new graphics card into the open and unobstructed PCI-E x16 slot.
Firmly insert the card into the slot, then push down the plastic lock on the end of the PCI-E slot
to hold it in place. Next, use a screw to secure the graphic card's metal retention bracket to your
PC's case. You can reuse the same screw(s) that held the cover bracket or your former graphics
card in place.
4> Most gaming-level graphics cards require additional power connectors. If yours does, make
sure you connect those PCI-E power cables. Your graphics card will not function correctly
without properly supplied power. In fact, if you don’t connect those PCI-E power cables your PC
may be unable to boot.
Wrapping up
With your graphics card secured and powered up, finish the job by sliding your case's side panel
back into position and plugging your display cable into your new graphics card. Turn on your
computer.
Now it’s time to take care of the software side of upgrading your graphics card.
If your new graphics card is the same brand as your old card, this process is simple. Just go to the
manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver package for you operating system. Keep
in mind that graphics drivers are quite large, generally about 300MB in size, and it make take
some time for them to download depending on the speed of your Internet connection. Install the
driver, restart your computer, and now you're ready to enjoy the buttery-smooth framerates your
new graphics card will no doubt deliver.
If you’re switching manufacturers (from Intel to AMD, from AMD to Nvidia, or vice-versa),
uninstall your old graphics driver and restart your computer before installing the driver for your
new graphics card. If you don’t uninstall the old driver it may conflict with the new driver.
Done! That wasn’t so bad, was it? Now that your new graphics card is installed, you're ready to
take on the latest games with your upgraded PC
Hard drive
If you're running out of storage space, you can upgrade to a bigger hard drive with more storage
capacity.
If your computer is slow, upgrading to a faster hard drive may improve overall performance:

13. In traditional drives, the faster the drive spins, the faster data can be read and written. So
upgrading from a drive that spins at 5,400 rotations per minute (rpm) to a 7,200-rpm drive may
speed up your computer's performance.
A solid-state drive (SSD) is another option. SSDs don't spin, so their speed isn't measured in
rpms. But they are significantly faster and (because they have no moving parts) less prone to
mechanical problems than traditional drives.
If your old drive is still functional, consider adding a drive instead of removing and replacing the
older one. Most desktop computer motherboards can handle up to four hard drives, including the
optical drive.
Completely replacing a hard drive will involve some additional steps, since you need to transfer
all your files from the old drive to the new one, as well as reinstalling the operating system and
all the software.
Following are the steps to install hard drive
Power down the computer. Shut off the power supply in the back. Even if you can access the
inside where it stands, you need to unplug the computer. Otherwise, unplug the computer and
place it somewhere that allows you to get inside.
Remove the case panels. You may need a Phillips head screwdriver, but most newer computers
have thumbscrews. You will need to remove both sides so that you can screw the hard drive in
on both sides.
Ensure that you do not have any static electricity. Touch a metal object (other than your
computer), such as a doorknob, to discharge any existing static electricity that you may have.
Make sure you are grounded. If your computer is still plugged in (but the power supply is
switched off), you can ground yourself by touching any metal part of the case. Otherwise, make
sure that you are grounded before starting to work on the inside of the computer. This will
prevent electrostatic shock from damaging the components of your computer.
Remove the old drive (if applicable). If you are removing an old hard drive, make sure all of the
cables are disconnected from both the motherboard and the power supply. Unscrew all the
screws on both sides of the hard drive, and then slide it out of the housing.
You may need to remove more cables or cards in order to access the hard drives in a tight case.
Insert your new drive. Remove it from the antistatic packaging and slide it into an open space in
the hard drive housing. The drive should slide directly in, and the holes on the side of the drive
should line up to the screw guides on the housing.
If you can, use a slot that has some space around it. This will improve airflow and lead to a
cooler system, but is not a critical concern.

14. Connect a SATA hard drive to the motherboard. Newer hard drives will use SATA cables, which
are thin and resemble USB cables. Use a SATA cable to connect the hard drive to the
motherboard. SATA cables can be connected in either direction.
If you are connecting your primary hard drive, the SATA cable should be plugged into the first
SATA channel. This may be labeled SATA0 or SATA1. Refer to your motherboard
documentation for detailed information for your motherboard.
Secondary drives should be connected to the next available SATA channel.
Connect a PATA (IDE) hard drive to the motherboard. IDE drives are older model hard drives
that can be identified by the long rows of pins on the back. IDE Drives are connected via an IDE
cable, which is wide and flat. The cable is usually gray in color.
The blue end of the cable plugs into the motherboard. The black connector plugs into your
primary (Master) drive, while the black connector plugs into the secondary (Slave) drive if
applicable.
Set the jumper for your primary drive to Master. The jumper diagram should be printed onto the
hard drive. If you are installing a secondary drive but it is the only drive connected to the cable,
it should be set to Master as well.
Connect the power supply to the hard drive. Most newer power supplies have SATA power
connectors, though older power supplies typically only have Molex (4 pin) connectors. If this is
the case, and you are installing a SATA drive, you will need a Molex-to-SATA adapter. IDE
drives will use the Molex connector.
Make sure that all of your connections are secure. Ensure that none of the cables can come
undone by wiggling them a little bit.
Close up your computer. Replace the case sides and reconnect your cables if you had to move the
case to work on the inside. Turn the power supply back on and then turn your computer on.[1]
Finish the installation. Once you’ve got everything connected and the computer turned back on,
you’ll need to finish the installation of the hard drive from your computer. If you are replacing
your primary drive, you’ll have to reinstall your operating system. If you are adding a new drive,
you'll need to format the drive before you can use it.
To reinstall Windows, follow the guide that matches your operating system:
Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 7
Windows 8