Every two or three years I decide to update my computer. This is not a spontaneous decision, as I plan to run my builds around this time frame, choosing components such as RAM. in RAM processor, and graphics card so that your computer can run the best games and applications (although not necessarily at peak performance).

After all, the cost of buying a brand new computer is prohibitive for many, and as long as you understand the principles of hardware matching (this is basically a case of estimating statistics like Top Trumps) and you have no problems screwing, plugging, clicking, slotting, and fixing your computer together, then a good build with the right hardware is a good choice.

This certainly explains why the PC components business remains active while PC sales have fallen.

However, like a full desktop, a new PC build can be expensive. The best way to minimize cost by focusing on the most suitable components is to upgrade the device rather than starting from scratch. A variety of savings options are available for anyone building a new computer or upgrading an existing device.

Look for sales and open positions

Perhaps the most obvious upgrade for a cheap PC is to keep an eye on sales. Bundles are often reduced, while typically expensive components may be given a one-day short-term discount for promotional purposes.

However, if you’re looking for sales, don’t expect to get exactly what you’re looking for (unless you’re lucky). Rather play the long game. Be patient, buy when the item you are looking at is at the right price and don’t rush to upgrade.

When buying, also look for discounts (also known as «cashback»). This is an opportunity to make a purchase at the stated price, while receiving a percentage of the price as a discount. Remember, though, that these offers require you to jump over some administrative hassles to get the money, but if it proves good savings, then it’s definitely worth doing.

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Original Equipment Manufacturer Parts

Another way to reduce retrofit costs is to buy OEM parts rather than fully packaged parts with driver discs and printed instructions.

OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) wholesale most of their inventory to suppliers, and to keep costs down, they are not packaged for retail – there are no boxes, drivers, etc. (although of course drivers and manuals can be downloaded). from the manufacturer’s website).

By adopting this approach, vendors can lower prices for RAM, graphics cards, processors and even motherboards, and some of that reduction is passed on to the customer.

Reusing components from an old PC

Another extremely wise tactic is to improve only what you need. This means you shouldn’t spend your hard-earned funds on a new keyboard, mouse/trackball, new monitor, or even a new tower unless absolutely necessary.

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Likewise, you can avoid reusing old storage devices (such as a hard drive used as storage rather than installing games or apps), power supplies (if they fit new motherboards, drives, and graphics cards). ), card readers, or USB hubs on the chassis.

Cables can be reused too, though try not to rely on old or damaged cables. Plug connectors and kinks in the cable can cause data/power transmission problems. Indeed, it might be worth updating the PC’s internal cables as part of an upgrade. Sound cards and monitors should also be considered for reuse if that means you can divert funds to more important upgrades.

Avoid unnecessary storage/features

You can reduce the cost of your upgrade by removing unused or unnecessary features. For example, you probably don’t need a floppy drive anymore, and you probably gave it up years ago. Moreover, do you need an optical drive? If you’re building a slot machine and shopping exclusively online, the answer is probably no (and if you really need an optical drive, a USB device might be more suitable if it’s only used occasionally and can be used after you updated).

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Also, lighting, displays, and fan controls can be considered unnecessary in most cases, as can towers/cases with excessive bays. If you are not planning to run a web hosting business on your PC, then you should reduce the unused space on an upgraded computer.

Sell ​​your old gear to raise funds

There are many reasons why other people might want to purchase your old computer’s components and hardware — so why not give them the opportunity? For example, a Media Center PC doesn’t need the latest cutting-edge components (a $35 Raspberry Pi is more than adequate!), while anyone building a computer for their kids probably won’t cost much for a Core i7 processor.

cheap pc upgrades

Selling old and unused equipment on eBay might be something you do after paying for an upgrade, but it can be a worthwhile option, especially if you take good care of your equipment, keep it clean, dust free, and — importantly — keep boxes and instructions. Listing boxed items on eBay produces much better results than simply listing an item with a photo taken when removed from your computer.

Conclusion

Basically, there is no reason why your next computer upgrade should cost more than you can afford if you follow these guidelines. Naturally, you will need to set and stick to a budget, and you can afford some leeway, but the idea is really to focus on what you really need, make good use of existing components, and sell the ones you don’t need. by keeping an eye on the prices of your upgrades and looking for sales and discounts.

Good luck!

Image credit: money on laptop via Shutterstock, laptop with open CD-DVD drive via Shutterstock, computer power supply via Shutterstock

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