What s the Best Computer Upgrade?

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Let's assume you'd like your PC to be faster. I know I would. But when it comes to upgrades, it's hard to know whether you should add RAM, get a new hard drive or graphics board, or just bite the bullet and buy a whole new computer. Fortunately, PCWorld Labs ran a series of tests to help make the decision easier. We took two PCs--a three-year-old Polywell with a 3.4GHz Pentium D processor and a one-year old Dell with a 2.8ï¾­GHz Core i7 CPU--and swapped in new components one at a time to see what effect each change would have. The results, reported in "Hardware Speed Boosts for Your PC," spell out what you can expect from each upgrade, and even put a dollar figure on what each percentage point of improvement will cost you. If you're not satisfied with the performance of your current PC, then it would be worth your while to see what selective upgrades can do for you. --Editorial Director Steve Fox Top Stories Hardware Speed Boosts for Your PC Which hardware upgrades do the most cost-effective job of turbocharging your PC? We ran tests on various combinations of upgrades to find out. Inside Intel's Next-Gen Processors Here's how the new Core i5 and i7 'Sandy Bridge' chips--which bake graphics hardware into the CPU--are redefining PC performance. Apple iPad 2 an Evolutionary Upgrade That Maintains Apple's Tablet Lead New tablet solidifies Apple's lead over its Android competitors. The introduction of new media-oriented apps makes the iPad a more capable PC replacement. For more tablet news and reviews visit PCWorld.com. News Gmail Lesson: Don't Use Stats to Minimize Angry Users Google kept its users pretty well informed during the latest outage -- but please, guys, don't try to hide behind percentages. Google Yanks 50+ Infected Apps From Android Market Google has pulled more than 50 malware-infected apps from its Android Market, but hasn't yet triggered automatic uninstalls of those programs from users' phones. Apple's iPad 2: A Visual Tour The iPad 2 is almost here. Get an eyes-on look at Apple's newest tablet. For the latest reports, visit our News page . PCW Business Center How to Put Gaming to Work for Your Business Mobile phones are now the gaming device of choice, and games can work for you and your customers. Visit the PCW Business Center. Blogs The iPad 2: What Wasn't Said We now know a lot about Apple's iPad 2...but here's what wasn't said at Wednesday's press event in San Francisco. Google Gmail Snafu Lesson: Back Up, Back Up, Back Up We show you how to easily back up your vital information from Gmail, Facebook, Twitter, and other cloud-based services. Will Amazon's Kindle Be Free By November? Although it seems unlikely, several bloggers point out that if the Amazon Kindle's price declines continue, the device could possibly cost nothing by the end of 2011. For the latest news and opinion, visit our Blogs page . Reviews Top 10 Color Laser Multifunction Printers These efficient workhorses combine color laser printing, scanning, copying, and, frequently, faxing. Lenovo ThinkPad X120e: A Superfast Business Netbook This is not an ultraportable, though Lenovo refers to it as such; rather, it's one of the best netbooks ever. Compare prices on netbooks. For more reviews, visit PCWorld.com. How-To Digitize Your Analog Life Rip your records, transfer your tapes, scan your photos, and move your home movies onto your hard drive. We've collected some easy ways to convert vinyl, film, and other analog media into high-quality digital files. How to Buy a Tablet A flurry of tablets are already out there, with many more on the way. We tell you what to consider--before you buy. For more tips, visit PCWorld.com. Videos Hands On with the iPad 2 Apple CEO Steve Jobs emerged from medical leave today to officially announce the iPad 2. At the end of the announcement, Macworld Editorial Director Jason Snell had a chance to play with the device for the first time. For more videos, visit PCWorld.com. Downloads TrueCrypt This free, open-source encryption program lets you place files and folders in "safes" of any size. For more free and trial software, visit PCWorld.com. PC World Community Gmail Backup Methods Join the discussion. Visit the PC World Community Free Trial of Trend Micro Internet Security Pro Download Free 30-Day trial of full version , includes all security features of the regular product. Learn more. Advertisement No matter what you do, your hard drive is going to fail! Start protecting your digital life for FREE with 5GB of IDrive Online Backup - secure, fast and simple online backup for Windows and Mac. Most Popular Searches Android Tablet PC Antivirus Backup Firefox Product Reviews Symantec Norton AntiVirus 2011 90 Pros Good interface; Strong malware detection Cons Scan speeds lag behind top performers Read Complete Review » Top 10 Paid Antivirus Programs for 2011 » Top 5 Paid Antivirus for 2011 » Sony Alpha NEX-5 85 Pros Solid image quality; Accepts both SD/SDHC and Memory Stick cards; Innovative modes, including Sweep Panorama; HD movie recording with stereo audio; Compact design with DSLR capabilities; Excellent burst mode Cons No built-in flash; Proprietary accessory mount and new lens mount Read Complete Review » Top-Rated Compact Interchangeable-Lens Cameras » Best DSLRs and Interchangeable-Lens Cameras for Video » Top High-End Cameras » Sony Alpha SLT-A55 89 Pros Can autofocus while shooting video; Fast continuous shooting mode; Very good image quality; In-viewfinder level; Multi-shot noise reduction Cons No program shift; Electronic viewfinder only Read Complete Review » Best DSLRs and Interchangeable-Lens Cameras for Video » Get Big Savings When you Shop at PCWorld.com Shop online at PCWorld.com, where you can compare product information, read trusted reviews, and find the best prices on consumer electronics. Pavilion dv6-3210us Champagne Notebook Price: $539.95 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review IdeaPad U260 087633U Mocha Brown Notebook Price: $999.00 No User Ratings Yet Be the first to review Browse more Best Prices on Laptops, Notebook Accessories, Wireless Networking, Desktops Top News on PCWorld.com iPad 2 Launch: 5 Things You Need to Know Here's some information you'll need to be aware of if you're planing to buy the iPad 2 when it goes on sale on March 11. Share: IPad 2 Alternatives: The State of the Tablet Competition It's Apple's week with the iPad 2 launch, but that's not the only tablet out there. Here are your other choices. Share: Top Reviews on PCWorld.com Hands On with the iPad 2 Apple CEO Steve Jobs emerged from medical leave today to officially announce the iPad 2. At the end of the announcement, Macworld Editorial Director Jason Snell had a chance to play with the device for the first time. Share: Use TrueCrypt and Close Security Holes With Open Source Encryption Secure your data with powerful, free encryption program TrueCrypt. Share: Gadgets in Disguise for Your Desk A little camouflage can make ordinary things a lot more intriguing. We found eight interesting and useful gadgets that are not exactly what they appear to be. Share: CCleaner Gets Even Better With CCEnhancer Power up favorite system cleanup utility CCleaner with new capabilities. Share: Downloads: Editor's Collection PCWorld Reviewers' Favorite Files: February 2011The brevity of February couldn't keep our reviewers from finding some excellent software. Organizing did especially well, with tools for passwords, photos, and social media. Handy plug-ins helped with browsers and system utilities. SlimDrivers   8412 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under System Resources Tune-Up. Keep the drivers on your PC up to date. CCEnhancer   1873 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under System Resources Tune-Up. Power up favorite utility CCleaner with new capabilities. Google Calendar Chrome Extension   5385 Downloads  |  Free  |  Filed Under Browsers & Clients Use Google Calendar from any Web page while using Chrome. See (7) more PCWorld Reviewers' Favorite Files: February 2011 » Browse DownloadsAntivirus & Security • Design & Multimedia • Utilities • Games • Chat, Email, & the Web • Sponsored Downloads Photo Recovery GeniusRecover photos and video from media storage devices like digital cameras, hard drives, CD or DVD discs, mobile phones and most flash cards. Easy to use; just follow the step-by-step wizard to select the device/media and file types you'd like to recover, and get your photos or videos back in minutes. (Compatibility: Windows 98, XP, 2000, Vista and Windows 7) Use coupon code EOFS-R49D at checkout for a 5% discount. Driver Navigator - 1 Computer with Auto UpgradeUpdate your drivers with ease. Don't spend hours tracking down the latest audio, video, printer, etc. driver. Let Driver Navigator do it automatically. Driver Navigator will scan your computer and automatically detect and download virtually all drivers, including those for touch pads, wireless devices, even your mouse. Nothing could be easier and faster. (Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7) Use coupon code EASE-ACFP at checkout for a $29.95 discount!

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