Lab Rats! Episode 91: Update your PC for Performance –

Show Notes - Episode 91

SERIES: Lab Rats

EPISODE #: 91

RELEASE DATE: September 24, 2007

TITLE: Update your PC for Performance

RUN TIME: 21:24:68

HOSTS: Andy Walker and Sean Carruthers

STUDIO DIRECTOR: Gary Marriott

EDITOR: Sean Carruthers

SOURCE: www.labrats.tv/episodes/ep91.html

NOTES:

Performance Upgrades:

RAM [AKA Memory]

Stands for Random Access Memory

For a detailed step by step instructions visit Cyberwalker: How to Add RAM

To figure out how much RAM you currently have installed: (1) Right-click on My Computer (2) Click Properties (3) Your RAM with be listed under Memory (RAM) portion of the window

To find out what type RAM is purchase check out Crucial. Try their System Scanner which will scan your system with your permission and figure your current RAM and how much your system is capable of handling.

At Crucial, you pay for the brand and convenience. You can find lower prices if you shop around.

GPU [AKA Video Card]

Stands for Graphics Processor Unit

The minimum for Microsoft Windows Vista is 128 MB of video memory. The recommended video memory for Microsoft Windows Vista is either 256 MB or 512 MB.

If you currently have a integrated video memory on your motherboard you will notice the most performance boost from this upgrade. Since integrated video memory share the main system memory.

Hard Drive

Look for faster spin speeds, such as 7200 RPM and 10,000 RPM drive units

Please note if you upgrade your notebook hard drive from a 5400 RPM to a 7200 RPM you will see a decreased battery life

- Another way to supplement your current hard drive capacity is to purchase a external hard drive.

- Sean typically does not recommend upgrading your CPU [Computer Processing Unit].

- Check out more about Andy's poster at http://www.zoomtechtv.wordpress.com/.

- If you're on Facebook don't forget to join the Biff and Boo Fan Club.

- Watch the 365 Days of Lab Rat at: http://www.tinyurl.com/2jp77e.

- Cyberwalker's Radio Show at http://www.cyberwalker.com/topic/49 .

- See Andy's guest appearances on the Lab with Leo at http://www.andywalker.com/labwithleo.html.

- Be sure to check out Andy's new DVD, Getting Started with Windows Vista, on sale now!

- Little Geeks Organization - Little Geeks is a philanthropic organization that collects, refurbishes and re-distributes donated home computers to children in need.