Desktop Computer Packages

how difficult is it to install computer hardware?

i'm wanting to make some alterations to my PC (like expanding my RAM and replacing my video card). i have seen and read quite a bit of information on how to uninstall/install the hardware and it doesn't seem too taxing. are jobs like that easy enough for me to handle?

Public Comments

1. Yes, there is really nothing to it as long as you know a bit of knowledge as there are different kinds and speeds of ram, and different card slots for the video cards such as PCI, PCI-Express, AGP...but as long as you've read up you should be fine, if your not sure just ask.
2. They are easy! Just remember when installing anything to clear any static electricity by touching your hands to the metal sides of the computer. Do the upgrades 1 at a time, just to make sure that the upgrades will work, boot up your computer after installing the hardware, one by one. This may seem a bit aggravating but, trust me, it's best to do it this way!
3. As long as you are careful yes then you can easily change the hard ware. Whenever you change ram, you need push the pins down where the memory it and remove the stick. gently press it in, and never force anything into place if it doesn't want to. Make sure its facing the right direction and so on. Same with the video card.
4. well working with computer hardware can be very easy and fun, if you know what youre doing. If u know any experts i would have them be there to guide u what to do and look over your shoulder. Then u know what to do for the next time and say to all your friends that you opened up your pc lol. But it is kind of easy yet very risky, especially what ure talking about, if you don't have experience under your belt.
5. This would depend on your knowledge of computers, and generally your computer. On most desktop computers it is pretty straight forward, you just pop it in or out, and your all set. However make sure you read up on compatibility's (If you haven't) and also ensure you do things properly (grounded PC, static bracelet all that stuff...) All in all it shouldn't be TOO difficulty. P.S - Make sure if its a newer PC that opening the case won't void your warranty, if you have one of course
6. go for tutorials at how does it work...look that up for the URL. its more or less easy, one piece of advice I can give you..make sure you discharge any static electricity prior to reaching into the tower, or you could fry a few essential things. I wear a metal bracelet and touch that before reaching in.
7. Yes,it is fairly easy.I'm a novice also and I just installed 2GB of memory to my new PC.Now I can easily work multiple programs and run scans without any problem.Just make sure to seat the memory firmly in place,you'll know when it clicks just right.Don't touch anything your not supposed to,and watch out for static elec.Clean your fan and any dust while your case is open.If you have difficulty,always refer to the manufacturer's instruction.Good luck.
8. The actual physical installation of the hardware is the easy part. Invest in a wrist ground and basic tools (preferably non-magnetic). The other aspect is researching the equipment. The core component being the motherboard, this determines what type of other devices will work in it. Such as memory type/speeds, cpu sockets, type and number of disk drives, video card types, and so on. Also being able to troubleshoot errors and decipher beep codes. The more components you have/add, or using power hungry devices (ie video cards), you may need to replace the power supply also. Budget, getting the best performance usually will become costly. Implementing RAID, using the fastest CPU the board can handle, RAM with lowest timings, overclocking capability etc... Compatibility, is the device supported by the operating system? Will the feature be used? Such as getting a video card that supports directx 10, but you have windows xp. DirectX 10 is supported by vista, and there arent too many games that use directx 10. It'll work, but the feature wont be used. Do some research and dont let a salesman sell you something you dont need. Or buy from online retailers such as newegg.
9. Yes it's very easy once you know a little bit about hardwares for computer, but after you've put a new hardware into it for example: Graphics card, lan card, sound card, you have to install the previous drivers for your old ones, this might cause conflicts in your system....
10. Ok I'm not advertising this company. They have a tool that will help you find the kind and type of ram you can use for your motherboard. Its up to you what company you buy your ram from. http://www.crucial.com/ Video cards well i guess you get what you pay for on them. Yes changing them 2 items are easy enough for normal people like us to change.