DIY tech upgrades to boost your slow PC’s performance

Have you ever tried cleaning up junk files or installing software that promises to speed up your PC, only to end up with the same sluggish performance? If so, it might be time to consider upgrading your system. A recent survey shows that 65% of PC users experience slow performance, and 32% believe it negatively impacts their productivity. Whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or professional, working on a slow PC can make multitasking a real challenge. Don’t worry—here are some practical tips to supercharge your PC and ensure it meets your performance needs.

Check Your Task Manager

One of the reasons your PC might be running slowly is that it’s handling too many apps, programs, or large files that exceed what its RAM, CPU, or disk drive can manage. To check, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete on your keyboard. In the Task Manager window, go to the Startup tab to view all the apps and programs that automatically launch when you start your PC. Disabling unnecessary ones is one of the quickest ways to speed up your system. Next, go to the Performance tab to monitor key system resources like RAM, CPU, and disk usage. If any of these resources are consistently over 80% in use, your computer is likely overloaded, causing sluggish performance. Consider freeing up storage space or adding more RAM or storage drives to improve your PC’s responsiveness.

Expand Your Storage

If your PC is running out of storage, it can feel like trying to work in a cluttered room—there’s simply no space to move freely, and everything slows down. Adding more storage will help speed things up by providing your system with more breathing room. Whether you're working with large files for presentations, documents, or videos, extra storage ensures smoother operation. An NVMe SSD (Solid State Drive) is a great option for boosting performance. For example, the WD Blue SN580 NVMe SSD PCIe Gen 4.0 offers speeds up to 4,150 MB/s (in 1TB and 2TB models) and features nCache™ 4.0 technology for faster file transfers. This type of storage is ideal for professionals and content creators who need quick access to files and seamless multitasking.

If you need more space, external hard drives (HDDs) or SSDs are budget-friendly options that can also help. They’re easy to set up with plug-and-play functionality—no hassle involved!

Add More RAM

For users who work with demanding applications like photo and video editing software or gaming, adding more RAM can dramatically improve performance. More RAM allows for faster boot times, quicker application launches, and smoother multitasking. If you’re a gamer or work with large video files, upgrading to 16-32 GB of RAM is recommended for uninterrupted gameplay and smoother editing workflows.

A faster computer means less waiting around for programs to load or screens to unfreeze. Simple upgrades like adding more RAM or installing an SSD can reduce load times and improve multitasking capabilities, letting you focus on your work without constant interruptions.

However, before upgrading, make sure to research your system’s requirements and select the right upgrades for your needs. With the right decisions, your PC will be back to performing at its best in no time.