Should You Buy a Cheap Desktop Computer or Should You Upgrade Instead?

Is your computer on its last legs? Would you like to get a new one but cannot afford it right now?

If you need to do something about your computer right away and buying a brand new top of the line computer is out of the question then you are left with two choices- you can either purchase a cheap desktop computer or you can upgrade the computer you already have.

Just wait a minute though!

Before you decide to get rid of your current computer you might want to take another look. You should realize that the average desktop has a lifespan that ranges anywhere from two to five years. How long a computer lasts has to do with a variety of factors including the type of system it is, modifications to the software that have been done and advances in terms of hardware components.

As time passes and your computer ages, you will notice that it works at a slower speed than it used to and the storage space for files has decreased. You may also discover that the latest software will not work on your computer. Before you decide to turn your computer in for a cheaper model you might want to clean up your computer software. If that still does not do the trick then another route you could take is an upgrade.

Upgrade or Replace?

In order to decide whether you should upgrade or replace your PC consider the costs involved with each. An upgrade is a good idea if it would cost you half the price of buying a new system.  Of course bear in mind that an upgrade will not last as long as if you replaced the system all together. You need to decide what is best for your particular situation.

If you decide to upgrade your desktop then the easiest thing to upgrade is the memory. It is also the most cost effective to do and as such is the first thing that most people think of. Keep in mind that the more memory your desktop has, the more information it will be able to process without having to use the virtual memory. In case you are not up on your computer jargon, virtual memory is the memory that the computer has above and beyond the RAM.  In order to keep your computer running efficiently virtual memory is swapped from the hard drive when it is needed.

Only you can decide if replacing your desktop system is worth the money or if upgrading it would be a better investment for you. Do what is best for you and your finances and do not be swayed or pressured by others into doing something else (like splurging on a brand new PC!).   

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