NOVEMBER 2020 PCWorld 105Q:
How do you decide when
it’s time to upgrade your
PC versus replacing it
altogether?
Most PC builders (we included) operate
on a gradual shift toward new systems. When
assembling a brand-new system, we buy the
best hardware we can at the time. Then we
extend the machine’s usefulness for as long as
possible, be it through upgrading select
pieces or overclocking parts. Finally, wereplace the whole system when it no longer
can keep up with tasks thrown at it, and we
can’t stretch it any further.
Note: This approach applies equally to
pre-built systems. However, with a pre-built
system, you may find it more difficult to make
upgrades—some vendors use custom parts
that don’t easily accommodate changes.
That line between choosing an upgrade
and a full replacement generally depends on
two things: how far below the mark the PCIMAGE: THOMAS RYANWhen should you replace your PC?
The choice between piecemeal upgrades versus a wholesale replacement boils down
to your current and near-future needs. BY ALAINA YEEHere’s How
HOW TO BUILD, MAINTAIN,
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