What can be upgraded in a laptop. Modernization of old components. Installing a Hard Drive

Laptops are not as easy to upgrade as desktop PCs. The matter is aggravated by the fact that modern laptops are becoming increasingly difficult to upgrade - the user is only able to update the RAM and solid-state drive in the laptop.

In general, it is a bad idea to buy a laptop with plans for its further modernization.

PCs vs Laptops

If you had to, or just open the case, then you know just a few screws and get easy access to everything hardware. The installed components are located on connectors and can be easily replaced. Even if you buy assembled system unit, you can always replace everything that is installed there. Some manufacturers may try to make upgrading system units more difficult, but even so, upgrading it is easier than an average laptop.

. You can't build your own laptop - i.e. you don't decide what configuration is needed, you buy a laptop from the manufacturer, and choose only those configurations that the company provides. A modern ultrabooks or MacBook Apple, are becoming thinner and lighter, and they are fundamentally not designed to be upgraded by the user.

Difficulties in upgrading a laptop

The main difficulties of upgrading a laptop:

Case: Many laptops come from the factory with non-disassembled cases. Glue is used instead of screws
Even if your laptop is disassembled, it is not so easy to get to the processor, for example. You may need to remove the keyboard, unscrew quite a few screws, etc.
Components are soldered: Most devices come with components soldered. You can’t just replace it; this requires at least special equipment, and preferably also a lot of experience. You can accidentally kill someone with completely unskilled actions. And the update will turn into a tragic repair
Warranty: Even if you can open your laptop and replace some of the components, most laptop manufacturers claim that doing so will void the warranty. Then, if a malfunction is discovered, even not related to the upgrade, the seller will see that you hid the case and will most likely refuse warranty service, and you will have to pay for repairs.

Possible upgrade

Many laptops allow you to upgrade the following items. It is especially easy to replace on older laptops (approximately 4 years or more ago)

RAM: If your laptop motherboard has free RAM slots, you can easily buy another stick. If there are no slots, you can remove the old strips and insert more capacious ones. The main thing is to know exactly what type of RAM you have ()
Replacing HDD with SSD: If your laptop has a mechanical hard drive, you can try upgrading it to a solid-state one
Replace the optical drive with an SSD: Another option is to replace the laptop's CD, DVD, or Blu-Ray drive with a solid-state drive. In this case, you need to select a disk enclosure to fit into the drive bay

It is possible to replace the CPU and GPU on some laptops, but it will be expensive and difficult (I would download it in a tedious way). Compatibility needs to be taken into account here. Also various processors and graphics cards generate varying amounts of heat, so your new components may generate too much heat and the cooling system may not be able to cope.

Conclusion

Don't buy a laptop with plans to upgrade. Like “Well, the RAM is a little low, but I can always add more” or “I’ll install a solid state drive to speed it up.” Check in advance and you can replace anything without the help of specialists.

Instead of buying a new laptop, you can upgrade your old one: a competent upgrade will save money and make your laptop almost as fast as the latest generation laptops.

After removing the bottom cover of the laptop, all its components become accessible. In some models, there are several small covers with icons that will help you understand which device you will have access to.

Large memory capacity, high performance, fast work in wireless networks - to get all this, you don’t have to buy new laptop. Replacing several laptop components will help you avoid buying a new and expensive one. Serious laptop upgrade, especially relatively older models, are produced without problems, since almost all the main components for them (processor, hard drive, RAM, wireless communication module) are commercially available. The motherboard specification imposes certain restrictions. The processor can only be selected from the socket that your motherboard belongs to. The main requirement for RAM modules and hard drive is compatibility with the motherboard, so before you start choosing components for your laptop, find the technical specifications of your model on the Internet (for example, on the manufacturer’s website or Yandex.Market), or install the FinalWire program on your laptop, which will help get information about laptop hardware. In the vast majority of cases, it will not be possible to update the video card, since it is integrated into motherboard.

Before disassemble laptop, you should understand which components of the laptop cause its poor performance.

RAM

If your laptop slows down Only in cases where many programs are running at the same time, or when opening large files, does it clearly lack RAM. As a result, the operating system is forced to continuously save data on the hard drive, which is subsequently read from it. All this greatly slows down the computer. It is recommended to increase the amount of memory if your Windows XP laptop has less than 1 GB of RAM installed. If we are talking about Vista or “Seven” OS, it would be wiser to install at least 2-3 GB. Using 4 GB or more makes sense only in cases where you have a 64-bit version of the OS installed.

Today on sale you can find RAM modules of DDR1, DDR2 and DDR3 standards (although the first type is much less common), operating at different clock frequencies. The CPU-Z utility will help you determine the type and characteristics of the installed RAM, and will also tell you how many modules are located under the case cover. Maximum performance you will get if you have two identical RAM modules installed with the same timings (CAS Latency), now in stores it is easy to find such kits, 2 modules of 1 GB or 2 modules of 2 GB.

Hard drive

If your laptop takes more than two to three minutes to boot into the OS, first you should review the installed programs and remove unnecessary ones from the startup list, which will help you free program CCleaner or free PC Decrapifier utility. If this doesn't help, the problem may be with the hard drive itself. Budget laptops for the mass market are often equipped with rather slow HDDs. The maximum increase in operating speed - even greater than when replacing the central processor or RAM - can be achieved by installing a solid-state drive. True, buying an SSD cannot yet be called a budget solution, but now you can already find quite affordable models costing about 3,000 rubles. (for example, OCZ company), but when using an SDD disk, do not forget to optimize the OS: disable or transfer swap files to another disk, turn off defragmentation, indexing and other services (for this you can use the SSD Tweaker program).

compromise between high speed operation of an SSD drive and the high capacity of a classic HDD is hybrid drive Seagate Momentus XT. However, if your laptop was manufactured in 2006-2007 or even earlier, then most likely it is equipped with an IDE interface for connecting a hard drive, which can be found out for sure using the same Everest utility. Hard drives with an IDE interface are quite rare on sale today, and their maximum capacity is 320 GB. In addition, their cost per gigabyte is almost twice as much as that of models with a SATA interface.

CPU

The fact that the laptop processor is outdated is indicated to the user by delays during system operation and when playing high-definition video files. Before deciding on replacing the processor in a laptop, You should find out on the official website of Intel or AMD the type of socket (processor socket), as well as the maximum power consumption level of your CPU. These parameters of the new processor must be identical to those of the old component.

Also note that if we are only talking about slow HD video playback on an old laptop, then a simpler alternative would be to equip it with a Broadcom Crystal HD hardware decoder, which is installed in a free Mini slot PCI Express and deals exclusively with hardware acceleration of high-definition video playback. You can purchase it on the eBay online auction for prices starting from $40 (1,120 rubles), but this method is not suitable for owners of laptops produced before 2008.

Wi-Fi module

If you are tired of the slowness of your laptop in wireless network, should replace Wi-fi module. It is also recommended to replace this component for security reasons, since the chip released a long time ago, instead of the current WPA2 encryption algorithm, only supports WPA or outdated WEP. The maximum increase in connection speed and communication range will be ensured by installing a WLAN module of the modern 802.11n standard. As a rule, for a mobile computer manufactured in 2006–2007 and older, you will need a Mini PCI module, and for newer laptops, a Mini PCI Express module. In the latter case, I recommend the Intel 6200 or the three-antenna version of the Intel 6300.

Blu-ray drive

To install a Blu-ray drive, your laptop must have enough powerful processor, level not lower than Core 2 Duo. This is the main, but not the only condition - the screen resolution must be at least 1280x720 pixels. It makes sense to install this type drive also if the laptop is equipped with an HDMI connector for connecting to a TV. The cost of a Bluray drive in the Slim Line form factor today is about 4,000 rubles, but this will be of interest to enthusiasts who want to save money on buying a Bluray player for their LCD or plasma TV.

Battery

Replacing the battery in a laptop is not difficult, just type your laptop model and the word “battery” into a search engine and you will find it in stores as an analogue original battery, and the battery increased capacity. Over time, laptop batteries inevitably lose their capacity, reducing the time battery life. New battery may cost 3500 rubles. and higher, especially for older models.

Selecting components for upgrading a laptop

RAM, hard drives and Blu-ray drives for laptops are standard hardware that can be purchased at almost any computer store. However, keep in mind that components of outdated standards are much more expensive than modern components. Therefore, it hardly makes sense to purchase a new hard drive if your laptop is equipped with an IDE interface. Today, a 320GB model with this legacy connector costs more than a 750GB SATA drive.

The same can be said about RAM modules: 1 GB of DDR1 standard today is more expensive than 4 GB of memory of the current DDR3 standard. The situation is more complicated with the possibility of purchasing a central processor: in stores, as a rule, you can only find modern models. Nevertheless, you can still find processors from previous years on the Internet and in markets, for example Core 2 Duo/Quad. Products of even more advanced age (meaning WLAN modules and single core processors) you will have to buy used ones, but their price, as a rule, turns out to be quite affordable.

Replacing components of an old laptop

To work, you will need a Phillips screwdriver, thermal paste and some alcohol. Location components by example Samsung laptop P10 shown in photo. The simplest upgrade procedure is to replace RAM modules: unscrew the bottom cover of the laptop and remove the module from the slot, pressing the latches on both sides and sliding the component to the side opposite the slot. Installing a new memory module is quite simple: you need to insert it into the slot, press it against the laptop body and secure the latches.

If you bought a new hard drive or SSD drive, you should immediately purchase one for it. separate building with USB connector. Install the new drive into this case and connect it to the laptop. Using an imaging program such as Acronis True Image, Paragon Drive Copy, or any other data archiving program, transfer the contents of the old drive to the new one. After this, you can replace the drive and start the laptop with your operating system And complete package installed programs.

Before you begin replacing the processor, you should update the BIOS to the latest latest version firmware, which is available for download on the manufacturer’s website. Otherwise, if the motherboard cannot recognize the new CPU, the computer simply will not start. Don’t forget to buy another tube of thermal paste along with the processor (domestic, proven KPT-8). You can remove the processor itself by turning the fixing screw counterclockwise (see photo). Clean the layer of thermal conductive paste, removing any residue with alcohol or glass cleaner if necessary. Now you can install new processor and, having applied new thermal paste to its surface, mount the cooler.

At replacing the WLAN module You should check how many antennas there are in the old component of your laptop. One antenna allows communication with a data transfer rate of no more than 150 Mbit/s, two - 300 Mbit/s. To operate at 450 Mbps, you need the latest wireless module connected to three antennas. To replace the old module, remove the antenna plugs from it, press both holders outward, then pull the module up and carefully remove it. When inserting a new module, align it with the guides and connect the antennas. The Blu-ray drive easily replaces your laptop's old optical drive. To do this, unscrew the screws securing the drive at the bottom of the case and remove it. There is a holder at the back of the drive that must be removed from the old component and screwed onto the new one. In most cases, you can remove the old optical device by first pulling out the tray. front panel and move it to the new drive. Then slide it into place, tighten the screws, and you're done.

Installing RAM

Small RAM slots. RAM modules for laptops have the SO-DIMM form factor - they are half the size of conventional modules for desktop PCs.

The procedure for replacing modules: to remove the old memory module, you must press the latches on both sides. The new one must be inserted into the slot and pressed until it clicks.

Installing a Hard Drive

Extraction. When the bottom cover is open, unscrew the screws securing the hard drive chassis and disconnect the cable (most often, a plastic clip is used to secure the cable, which must be lifted up).

Install the new drive in the chassis of the old one and mount it in the old location.

CPU replacement

The processor is secured with a screw. The central processor in a laptop is mounted differently than a similar component in desktop computer. Here, to dismantle it, you will need to unscrew a special screw.

Replacing thermal paste. It is necessary to evenly distribute a thin layer of thermal paste over the entire surface of the chip for better heat transfer between the processor and the radiator of its cooler.

Replacing an old Wi-Fi module with a WLAN

WLAN module. A Mini PCI Express expansion card with an 802.11n WLAN module can have three connectors for connecting antennas (on the left).

Installing a Wi-Fi module. Like the RAM stick, the WLAN module must first be inserted into the guides and then a downward force must be applied.

Blu-ray drive

Removing the old DVD drive. After unscrewing the fastening screw, the optical drive is easily removed from the laptop case.

You need to install the holder and front panel on the new drive before you begin mounting the DVD or Blu-Ray drive into the mobile computer case.

Sooner or later, all things become obsolete. And laptops are no exception, quite the opposite, mobile technologies are developing rapidly, and as a result, new things are replacing the old. But what about owners of laptops whose performance has begun to be inferior to more modern models? Buying a new mobile PC?.. This material contains a number of instructions and tips for upgrading laptops and, we hope, will help improve the performance of your mobile system.

How to upgrade a laptop

Preliminary work: Changing the hard drive and memory

Feeling the need to upgrade their own laptop, any user will have to choose from three options:

sell your existing computer and buy a more modern one;
contact specialists;
do modernization with your own hands.

Each of these paths has certain advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of the first path are obvious. In this case, the user receives a new fully balanced modern system, manufacturer's warranty and positive emotions. Among the disadvantages, first of all, it is worth noting that this path is the most expensive, even taking into account the proceeds from the sale of the old computer. Also, we must not forget that you will have to transfer all documents and re-create the working environment, including a lot of small, but already familiar utilities. It is very likely that you will also need to update your accessories, such as a bag, maybe a mouse, or a power adapter for the car. In a word, such a radical path will not suit every user, especially since transferring work files, again, may require the help of specialists.

The second path, apparently, may turn out to be the most attractive for the majority, since it will eliminate the need to independently research possible modernization methods and search for the necessary components and tools. All that is required from the user is to formulate a list of his requirements as completely as possible, and then, after listening to the specialist’s verdict, choose the best option for himself from those proposed. This path will require less costs than the first, will, in most cases, allow you to maintain the familiar working environment, and makes it possible to demand correction of possible shortcomings from the contractor. The main disadvantages of this path are that you will have to completely trust the experience of a specialist, and, in addition, it is not always possible to find new components suitable for a somewhat outdated system.

The third path is the most interesting and the most dangerous. This path can only be recommended to those users who are familiar with any technology, or at least have minimal skills in working with electronics. Self-upgrade allows you to flexibly plan the stages of modernization and carry out the improvement gradually. The disadvantages include the need to at least somewhat understand the principles of constructing laptops, the characteristics of components, their compatibility, and the risk of damage to the “filling” of the device due to unqualified intervention.

In fairness, it is worth noting another path of modernization. This path is to acquire external devices with common USB and PCMCIA interfaces. This path is the simplest and most convenient. If the system lacks any communication interface, for example BlueTooth, Wi-Fi, or an analog modem, it is enough to buy a module in PC-card or USB dongle format. But this approach has its limitations, requiring the availability of free ports and creating additional inconvenience when storing and transporting peripherals. However, sometimes this path turns out to be the only possible one. For example, if a laptop does not have an adapter for reading flash cards in SD, MMC, CF or MS format, there is no other way than using an external adapter; fortunately, finding one with both a USB interface and in PCMCIA format will not be a problem.

Preliminary work

Well, if the user feels the strength to fight the “miracle of enemy technology”, and the capabilities of the fourth path are clearly not enough for him, in this article he may find some tips that will help in the upgrade. It’s worth starting here with setting the task, since a clear understanding of the goals will save you from unnecessary manipulations during work and will make it possible to consciously approach the selection of the necessary components. In fact, there are very few ways to improve the system available to owners of almost any mobile computer. This is an increase in the amount of RAM, an increase in the volume disk system, replacing the processor with a more productive one, installing some additional devices with a miniPCI interface, replacing the graphics adapter. The latter, in the overwhelming majority of cases, is impossible without almost complete disassembly computer, if at all possible, since most often the video adapter is integrated into the chipset or soldered on the motherboard. That is why the improvement of the video subsystem will not be considered here.

Having understood what the system lacks, you should, using any test package, evaluate the system configuration in detail. This will determine which link will become the leading one during work. Here are some examples: from technical specifications installed memory It depends on whether you can simply add another memory module to the existing one, or whether replacement modules will be required; the characteristics of the chipset determine which “maximum” processor can be installed.

Having decided on the configuration, you need to take care of the workplace. You will need several screwdrivers with straight and Phillips slots of different sizes; special wet wipes for cleaning equipment will not hurt. Be sure to take care of protection from static electricity (wear a special antistatic bracelet). Here you can even put exclamation mark, it’s hard to believe how fatal a seemingly very small discharge of “static” can be for modern microcircuits. Concluding the description of the workplace, we can recall that manufacturers of complex equipment like to use screws with a TORX slot, reminiscent of a six-pointed asterisk. As a rule, such a slot is used in places where, in the opinion of the manufacturer, access by non-specialists is undesirable. However, if the need arises to remove such a screw, a flat-blade screwdriver will often help. suitable size, and if not, then you can find the necessary screwdrivers in almost any place where components for computers or radio components are sold.

When starting to disassemble a laptop, even if it's just a few covers, you need to turn off the device and disconnect the battery from the case. This precaution will avoid electrical damage due to screws falling inside or accidental contact with a metal tool of conductive structural elements. Almost all fastening elements of the laptop case are marked in one way or another. In addition to simple arrows pointing to screws, there are often marks indicating your “area of responsibility”: keyboard, hard drive, case panel, and so on. It is advisable to either mark the screws to be unscrewed or put them side by side on the table, so that later it is clear where each screw is intended. The presence of “extra” screws after assembling the device is unacceptable.

Changing the hard drive and memory

The simplest thing is to replace the device’s hard drive, which is most often covered with a cover held in place by one or two screws and/or mounted on a special slide that makes it easier to remove the drive from the case. All you need to do is: extract old disk, insert the new one into the slide and secure it with screws, install the hard drive in the compartment, connect it to the connector, applying a little force. The vast majority used in laptops hard drives has a U-ATA interface and a 2.5-inch form factor. Since this has long been a standard, compatibility problems are almost completely eliminated. You can first (if necessary) transfer existing system from the old disk to the new one. This operation is carried out on any standard computer Using a specialized utility, the disks are connected one by one or simultaneously via an adapter to the PATA interface of the desktop.

To access the processor you must first dismantle
cooling system

Working with RAM is a little more difficult. The number of available slots for memory modules may differ, but they themselves are now quite standard, so geometrically any SO-DIMM can be installed in the slot. However, do not forget about compatibility. Installing a DDR II module into a system that only supports DDR memory is absolutely pointless. As well as trying to make the memory work in dual-channel mode by adding to the existing module a different volume from the first one. Moreover, when installing a new module “in pair” with an existing one, it is advisable to find a new one with the parameters as close as possible to the first one, ideally from the same manufacturer. If there is a need to replace an already installed module, but it cannot be found under the plug on the bottom surface of the device, dismantling the keyboard will most often help. After unscrewing the screws securing the keyboard, it is important not to forget about the flexible cable with which it is connected to the system board. Removing and removing the module is more than simple. It is enough to move to the sides one latch on each side of the module, and under the pressure of the spring-loaded contacts it moves slightly out of the fixation plane. Now the module can be easily removed completely. The reverse operation is just as simple. The key on the bottom side will not allow you to install the bar on the wrong side. To fix, the module is placed in the connector at a slight angle (about 30 - 40 degrees), after which it is fixed by gently pressing it. Under no circumstances should you use excessive force when replacing memory sticks, as this may damage them. If light efforts do not lead to the desired result, you should check that the module is installed correctly.

The “heart” of a beauty...

Let's move on to the processor. Although its frequency is not the most important indicator, an increase clock frequency can significantly improve performance in some applications. The processor is usually accessed from the top side, which means it is necessary to remove the keyboard and then the cooling system. To do this, use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws securing the cooler and carefully remove the wire (by slightly pulling up the parts protruding on the sides of the plug) connecting the fan to the motherboard. After the work has been done, you can safely remove the cooler from its seat, being careful not to damage the thin radiator grille of the air duct tube. Then the air tube is removed, for which you first need to unscrew the four fastening screws. After removing all components of the cooling system, the socket for installing the central processor is free. “Pull out” the old processor after removing the radiator is a piece of cake. On the visible part of the connector, turn the metal “circle” with thread from the “Closed” position to the “Open” position. It is most convenient to use a flat-head screwdriver by inserting it into the recess and turning the wheel counterclockwise. Now you can remove the processor. Installing a new one is done in reverse order.

The configuration of the “legs” of the chip will not allow you to place the processor on the wrong side. But it is best to focus on CPU was placed in the hands in such a way that the small triangle marked on the diagram from the side of the legs will coincide with the lower left corner of the connector during installation. So, carefully “put” the processor into the socket and secure it. As before, installing the processor should go without the slightest effort. After placing the processor in place, you should secure it by turning the latch to its original position. Before returning the radiator to its place, it is very important to remove any remaining old thermal paste from it, and carefully apply a thin, uniform layer of new one to avoid overheating of the main element of any computer due to poor thermal contact. You should take care of the availability of pasta in advance. Often a packet of paste is applied to the processor. Replacing the processor ends with the return of all previously removed structural elements to their place.

Let's add mobility

Installing a module into a miniPCI port is extremely simple. This interface, as a rule, is free if there are no radio interfaces in the system, and is most often used for a Wi-Fi module. An alternative to the latter is the BlueTooth module. In both cases, installation is carried out in the same way as RAM strips. The module is also placed in the connector with the key aligned at a slight angle and is secured with a light press. The only difference is that, after installing the module, you need to connect one or two wires leading to the antenna to it. They are connected by connecting a small plug to the micro connector on the board and pressing until a characteristic click is heard. All that remains is to return the plugs and install the drivers in the operating system.

The described actions will help to significantly extend the life of almost any mobile computer, but they are not exhaustive. For example, you can replace a regular CD drive with a writer, or, say, a CD/DVD-RW combo drive. The operating principles are the same. If the drive is in a replaceable module, just carefully open the cartridge and replace one drive with another. If the drive is permanently installed in the case, you can usually remove it by removing two or three screws and replacing the front panel of the drive. The main thing here, in order to avoid problems, is not to forget to check the compliance of the display elements and controls of both devices.

Resume

Upgrading a laptop on your own is not too burdensome and very exciting. It requires a clear understanding of the goal, self-confidence, “straight” hands and, of course, a laptop. Undoubtedly, there are no comprehensive instructions here, and there cannot be any in such a publication, but the general approach and basic principles have been defined, and this is already a lot. Perhaps this article will help some of the readers decide on the future fate of their pet, which means that the work was not in vain.

The capabilities of laptops are limited by their electrical parameters. Powerful iron consumes a lot of energy and produces a lot of heat. Relatively modest batteries and compact enclosures do not allow installation powerful battery And effective system cooling. As a result, the performance of laptops becomes insufficient faster than that of PCs. If a desktop of the current generation is able to cope with new heavy games and programs for several years, then a laptop a year after purchase may not be able to handle new applications with a sufficient level of comfort from use.

In such a situation, the natural question becomes how to improve the performance of a laptop. A simple way to solve the problem is software method. Disabling unnecessary applications from startup, cleaning the system, deleting unused programs - you can increase the speed of the device. But they only reveal the potential of the hardware. It is not possible to significantly increase the performance of a laptop using this method.

The way out of this situation is to upgrade your laptop. Replacing components with more efficient ones allows you to increase the speed of the device, opening up new possibilities for it. Unfortunately, the design mobile computers has its own limitations that do not allow changing all internal components, but an upgrade is possible.

Is it possible to improve the processor on a laptop?

The central processor is the main part of the computer, on which the overall level of performance depends. If the old CPU is not capable enough, it needs to be replaced. In a PC, this operation is not difficult: you need to remove the cooling, remove the old chip, install a faster model in its place, lubricate it with thermal paste and return the cooler to its place. There are a number of nuances in laptops.

To save internal space, reduce the thickness of the device, simplify production and reduce prices, engineers resort to installing the processor using the BGA (ball grid array) method. In this case, the chip is soldered onto the board using small tin balls and its dismantling (without sophisticated equipment) is impossible. If your laptop has an Intel Atom processor, it most likely cannot be replaced.

The processor with BGA contacts is soldered on the board and cannot be replaced

It’s another matter if the CPU is installed in a socket - a special multi-pin connector. In this case, removing the old processor and installing a new one is no more difficult than in a PC. At Lenovo, you don’t even need to disassemble the laptop to do this: just remove the bottom cover and unscrew the cooling system.

When replacing a processor, it is worth considering the socket type and CPU generation. You need to choose a replacement so that both the connector and the architecture of the old and new chips match. Even if the purchased CPU has an identical socket, the motherboard may not recognize it if such a processor model did not yet exist at the time the laptop was created. To clarify the compatibility of the laptop and the selected “update,” you should contact the technical support of the computer manufacturer, consult with specialists in the service center or on a thematic forum.

Processor socket on laptop board

Finding a new CPU may be difficult: laptop processors are less common on the market than desktop processors.

Is it possible to improve the video card on a laptop?

Replacing the video processor in a laptop may be of interest not only to those who are interested in computer games. Programs that use multi-threaded computing and GPGPU functions load not only the CPU, but also the GPU. Improve performance by replacing the video card with a more powerful one. As with the processor, this feature is not supported by all laptop models. Atom-based devices cannot be upgraded. The graphics accelerator update is also not available for models with a built-in video card that do not have an expansion slot on the board.

A laptop video card soldered on a board cannot be improved

IN budget laptops The graphics chip is often installed separately from the CPU, but also using the BGA method. It is theoretically possible to change it, but you will have to spend money on the services of a specialist with professional soldering equipment.

If the graphics processor is removable, you can also change it to a more powerful one yourself. You just need to find a newer, connector-compatible video card on sale. Laptops use the MXM connector, which is much smaller than full-size PCI-E, but belongs to the same data transfer standard. There are two generations of this interface, each of which contains several standard sizes of contact groups. They are only partially compatible with each other. Within the same generation, you can install smaller modules in a larger slot, but not vice versa. Different generations are not compatible with each other.

Removable laptop video card can be replaced

The luckiest ones are the owners of budget versions of laptops belonging to the middle category. In such laptops, manufacturers use the same versions of the motherboard, but to reduce cost they install inexpensive processors with built-in video and leave the slot for discrete graphics empty.

How to improve laptop performance in other ways

In addition to replacing the central and GPUs, there are other methods to improve the performance of your laptop. They are often easier and cheaper than replacing the CPU and GPU.

Adding RAM

With the advent of larger memory chips on sale and the transition to 64-bit operating systems, software developers began to pay less attention to RAM consumption. Even simple Opera or Chrome, with a large number of open tabs, can consume more than 2 GB. 3 or 4 GB of RAM installed in a laptop becomes insufficient even for simple tasks.

Fortunately, SO-DIMM memory boards used in laptops can be freely purchased at electronics stores. Replacing old sticks with more spacious ones allows you to speed up your laptop PC.

You can increase the amount of RAM in your laptop

Such an upgrade is not possible in some inexpensive netbooks, where the chips are directly soldered to the motherboard. But there are relatively few such models on the market, so this problem is insignificant for 95% of users.

Replacing the hard drive

Another way to improve laptop performance is to replace the drive. Laptop hard drives are subject to mechanical stress when moved and used on trips. They negatively affect the condition of mechanical structural elements, lead to the appearance of bad sectors, slowing down the speed of the hard drive. A motion sensor built into the drive is triggered by small vibrations and triggers the head parking mechanism. This also helps reduce the speed of the computer (when driving in public transport or while using a laptop placed on your knees).

Replacing the hard drive with an SSD will speed up your laptop

To avoid this, you can replace your hard drive with a solid state drive (read about it). Owners of laptops with an installed CD/DVD drive (which is most likely rarely used or not needed) can save money by installing an SSD as the main drive and replacing the DVD drive with a capacious hard drive (there are special adapters for this).

A special adapter allows you to install an HDD or SSD in place of a DVD drive

Conclusion

You can improve your laptop by replacing the processor, video card, hard drive and RAM. This option is not available to owners budget devices, where components are installed by BGA soldering and for owners of old laptops. In the first case, nothing can be done in practice, in the second, you will have to look for on hand (new or used) parts that have long been discontinued.

When upgrading, you should carefully study the characteristics of the laptop, familiarize yourself with the types of connectors that it is equipped with. motherboard, and a list of supported processors. When planning a budget for improving a laptop, you need to take into account that components will cost more than their counterparts for desktop PCs.

Complais carries out laptop upgrades as well as computer upgrades. We can speed up and improve old computers and laptops at minimal cost.

Almost all laptops and computers have the possibility of modernization (upgrade). Determine the purpose and components of modernizing a laptop or computer, and we will implement your wishes in hardware for minimal money, taking into account old parts.

The advantages of modernizing or upgrading laptops and computers with us:

We’ll tell you what will really increase productivity;
all parts are in stock;
there is trade-in (selling a new one taking into account the old one);
qualified managers will choose best option, and experienced craftsmen will professionally install and configure;
extensive experience (more than 20 years), guarantee on every detail;
When replacing the processor, we will update the motherboard BIOS for free.

Replacing the processor, video card (in games and 3D applications), increasing memory (if it is not enough), installing an SSD ( solid state hard disk). Each case is individual. For example, you increased the amount of memory by 2 times, but did not feel any gain in operating speed, because you previously had enough memory for applications, the amount of memory was not a bottleneck.

Computer upgrade

In a computer, as in a construction set, any part can be replaced by another, taking into account compatibility at all levels of interfacing - mechanical (in connectors, dimensions), electronic and software. A computer upgrade should be done by a specialist.

The main components of a computer that affect operating speed are the processor, memory, video card and hard drive, so an upgrade is primarily associated with replacing them. If necessary, change the power supply.

Upgrading your computer motherboard

When replacing the motherboard, the cost of upgrading a computer is close to that of building a new one. A complete computer upgrade is if you need to replace the motherboard, processor, memory, video card, and even the power supply. It is better to change the motherboard if a significant increase in performance is required. And this is support for faster processors, memory and other devices, for example, support for SATA3, USB3. .

Processor upgrade

Replacing a computer processor is only possible within the same socket (connector).

Sockets 478, 775, 1156, 1155, 1366, 2011, 1150, 1151 are designed for Intel processors, and 462, 754, 939, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2 are for AMD.
When replacing a computer's processor, you need to know which processors the motherboard supports. for an upgrade.

Upgrading the hard drive in a computer

Replacing a computer's hard drive is done to increase capacity and boot speed (new drives are faster than old ones). Computer disks use IDE (old, already worn out) and SATA2 and SATA3 (new) interfaces. If you need faster download speed, then you should. Here you can Cost of hard SATA drive 1Tb with installation 3500 rub. Price SSD Kingston 240Gb with installation 4500 rubles, 120Gb - 3500 rubles.

Upgrading your computer video card

The video card provides basic gaming performance, graphics programs. Its performance is determined by the graphics chip (the chip on which the card is made). Then comes the type of memory (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, DDR5), its bit capacity, and only lastly its volume. Here you can see and. For very old motherboards, only AGP cards are suitable, for modern ones - all PCI-E cards. For gaming computers choose video adapters with a faster accelerator and data capacity. When replacing a video card, you need to ensure that the power supply has enough power to operate it; if necessary, replace the power supply.

Increase memory

To upgrade your computer's memory, check its type - DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4. It can be easily identified by the shape of the chips and the key cutout in different places. Cost of memory upgrade: 2 Gb DDR2 800 1600 RUR; 4Gb DDR3 1600 1500 rub. Motherboards that support two types of memory can only install one type of memory module.

Replacing a computer's power supply

If you install a high-performance video card in your computer, it is worth upgrading the power supply to a more powerful one, preferably with a reserve. Basically, the power of the computer power supply is chosen based on the plus of the processor. When replacing a power supply, pay attention to the manufacturer, choose from trusted brands - Powerman (Inwin), Delta, Thermaltake, FSP, OCZ, etc. Here you can. Prices for replacement power supply: 450 W Inwin - 2000 rubles, 550 W Gembird - 2500 rubles.

If you want to know how you can upgrade your computer, fill out the application below.

Laptop upgrades

There are fewer options for upgrading a laptop than a PC. Upgrading laptops usually involves increasing the memory, hard drive, processor, and less often with replacing the drive, and very rarely, the video card. Replacing the motherboard, case and built-in video card with others in laptops is impossible. You can find out whether it is possible to upgrade a laptop of a particular model only from a specialist.

Upgrading a modular laptop video card

Recently, processors have been soldered into the motherboard. To upgrade the processor of a modern laptop, you need to resolder the processor. But this is already an expensive procedure - 4000 without the cost of the chip.

One way to determine the possibility of upgrading a laptop processor: look at what processors are available in similar laptop models. For example, in your Asus laptop The K73SV has an i3 processor, but there are models with i5 and i7. It turns out that replacing the processor is possible.

Some laptop models do not allow for processor replacement, because... it is soldered into the board. We can do it inexpensively.

Replacing the battery

When increasing the battery capacity, you need to take into account that only a certain type of battery is suitable for a specific model. Others will not fit in shape, size, connector, or voltage. The cost of high-capacity batteries is up to 5,000 rubles.

To find out the possibility of upgrading your laptop, write to us in the contact form. Indicate its characteristics: processor (for example, Celeron 430), hard drive, memory (what modules are installed), etc.