Laptops can be used for many years if maintained properly and with appropriate upgrades. Instead of buying a new one, you can completely refresh your old laptop with a few simple but effective upgrades below.
Upgrade RAM for smooth tasks
RAM is temporary memory that helps the machine process tasks. If you find your device running slowly, opening multiple tabs is jerky or stunted when handling heavy software, the cause may be a lack of RAM.
Most used laptops can be upgraded to at least 8GB - a suitable level for general users. For those who are graphic designers, gamers or video editors, upgrading to 16GB or 32GB will make a big difference. Installing RAM is usually quite easy, you just need to refer to the instructions according to the device and make sure to buy the right compatible RAM.
switch from HDD to SSD for comprehensive acceleration
If your laptop still uses a hardtop (HDD), switching to a SSD will significantly improve the software's startup and response speed. The SSD is not only faster but also lighter, more battery-efficient and durable.
You can choose to reinstall the operating system on SSDs or copy all data from the old drive to the new drive using dedicated software. Even though your laptop only supports SATA standards (lower speed than NVMe), the acceleration efficiency is still significant.
Replace the battery or use a suitable backup charger
Laptop batteries after a few years often have a significant decrease in performance. Replacing the battery will help you restore the ability to work mobile. If you can't find genuine batteries, you can still choose replacement models from reputable brands with good reviews.
In addition, a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) backup charger is also a convenient solution. Choose a backup charger with a capacity of 30W or more and a capacity of about 20,000mAh to effectively charge the laptop.
Increase graphics performance using eGPU (externalGPU)
If you need to improve your graphics performance to play games, edit videos, or work with design software, using an external detachable GPU (eGPU) is an effective solution, especially when you don't want to invest in a new computer.
eGPU works by connecting a separate graphics card to a laptop via a Thunderbolt or USB-C port that supports high-speed data transmission. When combined properly, eGPU significantly improves graphics processing capabilities compared to GPUs built into the device.
Although performance can be slightly reduced due to indirect connectivity, with powerful graphics cards, you can still get a smoother experience in heavy tasks. In the current market, eGPU shell sets also have increasingly affordable prices, suitable for individual and semi-professional users.
