Laptops today have gotten to the point where they are almost as powerful as desktop PC’s. Many users don’t even find it necessary to own a desktop because their laptop does everything they need. If you’re thinking of abandoning your desktop computer or simply want to maximize the performance of your notebook, there are a few upgrades you can perform that are not only cost-effective, but also very simple.
Upgrade #1: More RAM
Traditionally, laptops come pre-installed with either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. This is usually enough memory to allow you to complete simple tasks like surfing the web, checking your email, or shopping on the Newegg.com website. However, if you’re a multi-tasker or use memory-intensive applications like Adobe Creative Suite or Final Cut Pro, installing more RAM will make your laptop perform much faster.
By upgrading to 8GB or – if your laptop allows it — 16GB of RAM, you’ll notice a huge difference in the amount of time it takes to load applications and switch between open programs. You’ll also be able to leave multiple applications open on your computer without slowing down its performance. This is the easiest, cheapest, and first upgrade you should add to your laptop.
One of the most popular and trusted brands of memory for sale on Newegg.com is G.Skill. Check out our G.SKILL store and take advantage of our low prices and free shipping!
Upgrade #2: Extra Battery
One of the biggest complaints from laptop-users is the battery life of their notebook. A simple solution to this problem that is often overlooked is carrying an extra battery in your notebook bag. There is no reason to have your computer die on you when you’re in the middle of writing an important document or playing your favorite video game. Carry an extra battery and never worry about it again!
With an extra battery in your arsenal, you’ll never have to think about charging your laptop or finding an electrical outlet. Visit Newegg’s Battery & Power Finder and find the right battery for your notebook in four easy steps.
Upgrade #3: External Hard Drive
A full hard drive will slow down your computer more than anything else. It’s also very easy to forget about hard drive space and save a bunch of files on your laptop. A simple solution to maximize your laptop’s performance is to invest in an external hard drive. By saving your files on a separate drive from your computer, you’ll be able to use your laptop’s valuable resources on more important things – like performance.
An external hard drive also comes in handy for backing up your data. If you ever accidently drop your laptop, the first thing that will break is going to be the hard drive. Years of hard work and personal information can all be lost in the blink of an eye! Don’t let it happen to you.
Newegg.com has a huge selection of refurbished hard drives and external enclosures available in many different sizes. Make the wise decision to save your files externally and regularly backup your information in order to maximize your laptop’s performance and obtain peace of mind.
Upgrade #4: SSD
This is the ultimate upgrade for your laptop – it’s also the most expensive. The reason SSD drives are so costly is because they are far superior to regular HDD’s. Because they have no moving parts and rely solely on flash memory, your computer will be extremely fast. Another positive aspect of SSD’s is that they are more likely to survive a nasty fall, unlike regular hard drives that will usually break on impact.
The size of your SSD should depend largely on how many applications you plan to install on your system. Although you can save files on an SSD, it’s a better idea to save them on a separate hard drive and allocate all of your SSD’s resources to running applications since SSDs have smaller capacities than mechanical hard drives due to a higher cost per gigabyte. This will ensure that your computer is always ready to go as soon as you turn it on.
If you’d like to learn more about SSD drives and which one is best for you, head on over to our SSD Learning Center. If you’re ready to buy an SSD drive, subscribe to the Newegg Newsletter where we will let you know about our Daily Deals and help you find a bargain.
