How to Upgrade a New Computer With an Old Computer

by TS Jordan, Demand Media

Obtaining an older computer can provide you with the perfect opportunity to strip it down for parts in order to upgrade your new computer. The most likely compatible parts that would prove useful for upgrade purposes are the system memory (RAM) from the old PC and the hard drive. This will provide you with increased multitasking ability and system storage at little to no cost.

Items you will need

Phillips screwdriver

Step 1

Remove the case screws on the back of the old and new computers. Slide off the side panel on both machines to expose their contents.

Step 2

Unlock the RAM from the old computer by moving the retaining levers and pulling the chips away from the motherboard. Insert the RAM into available RAM slots on the new computer and lock them into position with the levers.

Step 3

Disconnect the power and data cables from the back of the hard drive on the old computer.

Step 4

Remove the screws from the drive bay and pull it out of the machine.

Step 5

Move the old hard drive into the new computer. Using the screws, attach it into position under your new hard drive and connect power and data cables to the back of the drive.

References

PC Mech: Build your own PC

About the Author

TS Jordan is an Ohio licensed attorney living and practicing out of the Cleveland area. In addition to his Juris Doctorate, he holds a Bachelors' Degree in Information Systems. He has been writing professionally for less than a year.