Modern programs are becoming more and more demanding on the characteristics of personal computers. You can improve the performance of your PC yourself by replacing some of the elements.
CPU
You should start upgrading your computer from the central processor. The performance of the PC as a whole directly depends on this device. Check the specifications of your computer motherboard to select the right CPU. To do this, visit the motherboard manufacturer's website and find out which socket is used in your model. On some sites you can also find a list of processor models that match the board you are using.
Choose the best fit for your new CPU. It is important to note that even relatively old motherboards can support 4-core processors. Replace the CPU by following all recommendations in this procedure.
RAM
After replacing the central processor, start analyzing the RAM. Check the maximum amount of RAM the motherboard can handle. Be sure to find out the available memory frequency. For most everyday tasks, it will be better to install 4 Gb of memory with the maximum operating frequency than using 6-8 Gb with low rates. You can determine the characteristics of the RAM using the Speccy program.
If your computer already has boards with the best characteristics, add the required number of similar RAM modules. Many motherboards support dual channel operation. Paired slots are usually colored the same. If you are using absolutely identical RAM modules, insert them into paired slots. This will increase the performance of the RAM by 10-15%.
HDD
The main characteristic of a hard disk is its spindle rotation speed. Replacing a 5200 rpm drive with a 7200 drive will not significantly improve the speed of your computer. Consider using an SSD for big performance gains. Connect it together with your old hard drive. Install the operating system to an SSD. Do not use this type of storage device for file storage. For this, a familiar HDD is much better suited.
Video card
To improve performance in games and "heavy" graphics programs, you should think about replacing the video card. Modern video adapters are connected to the PCI (PCI-express) slot. Before purchasing a new device, check if you need additional power. The power of the power supply unit must be above 450 watts for high-quality operation of high-performance video cards.