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Friday, February 16, 2007
Minor PC surgery helps prepare for Vista
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There may be few certainties in life, but there’s at least one in the computer world.
If you install a new Microsoft operating system on an existing computer, your PC will probably need more memory and a new video card.
That was true for Windows 98, Windows ME and Windows XP. And now it’s true for Vista.
Each upgrade has meant that PCs needed a horsepower boost just to operate with the same sort of speed and efficiency as the old operating system. Adding RAM and a better video card are the most efficient ways to get it.
I have several computers, but most would require so many upgrades that the cost-benefit ratio doesn’t work out. They’ll live happily in the XP world until they are given away or retired.
But upgrading makes sense for my newest machine, which boasts 1 gigabyte of RAM, a 3-gigahertz hyper-threading Intel processor and a 200-gigabyte hard disk. I can easily add the needed zip without damaging my retirement fund.
This computer has a video card with 128 megabytes of memory - perfectly fine for XP and within specs for Vista. But going to a card with 256 megabytes of RAM, or even 512 megabytes, will make a big difference. The 3-D graphics look of Vista’s Aero feature really gives the card a workout.
Besides, I play a few computer games and that’s always more fun with a better video card.
If you find yourself in the same situation, here’s how to procede.
To start searching for a new video card, hit the review section here. Scroll down a bit, find the Components heading, and click on the link called Graphics Cards.
You can search the reviews by price, manufacturer or Vista-readiness. Spend some time reading reviews.
I selected the ATI Radeon 1650 XT ($189 to $256) with 512 megabytes of memory. I’m not recommending the card; you need to select your own. But for me it’s a good compromise. It does a good job with gaming as well as normal applications. If gaming isn’t a priority with you, you won’t need to spend as much. You can find good cards with 256 megabytes of memory for $100 or less.
Next, consider your memory needs. The biggest challenge is buying the right kind. Two Web sites do an excellent job of helping on that. Go to either Kingston here or Crucial here and use the automated software.
You’ll find the memory you need for your computer brand and model. Then you can shop around and buy it wherever you like. You’ll also find out whether your computer requires memory to be installed in pairs. If so, you will need to buy two 512 megabyte chips to add 1 gigabyte of RAM.
If you’re happy with your PC’s performance using XP, you’ll need more to get the same performance with Vista. Let’s say you have 1 gigabyte of RAM. You’ll need 1.5 gigabytes to equal your performance and 2 gigabytes to better it. If you have 512 megabytes of RAM now, go to at least 1 gigabyte.
Installation is literally a snap, both in the case of video cards and memory. Even if you’ve never opened the case of your computer, you can do the job.
The most important rules are:
Make sure you touch the chassis of the machine to get rid of static electricity before touching the chips or graphics card. Winter’s dry air creates an especially dangerous time for static.
Read all the directions with the chips or card and then read them again. Then open the case and go through the process a third time mentally before actually starting.
Make sure you look at the diagrams that come with your memory (and your PC’s manual) to make sure you have the chips - really a tiny circuit board - oriented in the right direction.
I usually test things after an installation before closing the chassis. If something doesn’t work, I don’t have to go through the hassle of opening it again. But don’t run a computer for long periods with the case open.
If you’ve added memory and graphics cards before, you’ll zip through the process. If you’re trying it for the first time, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. But - and this is a serious qualification - there are some people who just know jobs like this aren’t for them.
There’s no shame in having this done at a repair shop. Some retailers also have service desks where you can have it done. You’ll still be able say you did it yourself. It’s just that the tool you used was a credit card.
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