Best Ways to Upgrade Your PC this Holiday Season
PC maintenance is an often-overlooked part of tech ownership. When was the last time you gave your computer a little TLC? From lagging speeds and overheating fans to glitchy software from security risks, neglecting your computer can bring some seriously unwanted consequences.
Computer gaming and video chats with family are often high priorities during the holiday season, so now is a great time to upgrade your machine.
These upgrades are simple to do on your own and offer the benefits of improved productivity and performance. Which one will be at the top of your wishlist?
Memory (RAM) Upgrade
Random-access memory (RAM) is a necessary component for frustration-free computing. It's the memory closest to the application you're using; it temporarily stores data while you game or create. You need it to launch applications, switch between apps, and get a responsive experience from your PC.
If you don't have enough RAM, your programs could slow down, freeze, or even crash. Computer games become jittery, leaving you behind the competition. Luckily, there's an easy fix for RAM deficiencies. Adding RAM is one of the most common DIY computer upgrades and can offer near-instant results for a sluggish PC.
RAM Recommendations
How much RAM do you need? We recommend at least 16GB for gaming and using multiple applications at once.
If your PC is a few years old, you may decide to treat yourself to a new system with sufficient RAM. The HP Envy Laptop 17t-cw100 comes equipped with 16GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM, has just the right amount to handle all your favorite applications with ease, and can be customized further if needed.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 5 125H (up to 4.5 GHz, 18 MB L3 cache, 14 cores, 18 threads)
- Intel® Arc™ Graphics
- 16 GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB)
- 512 GB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD
For users who prefer a 2-in-1 experience, the HP Envy x360 2-in-1 Laptop offers 16GB of memory in a versatile convertible form factor, perfect for both productivity and entertainment.
Storage Upgrade
What do you think of when you hear the term "computer storage?" If it's the old hard drives of the last decade, it may be time to upgrade your storage style.
Hard disk drives (HDD) work like a spinning record. They have to start up and get up to speed each time you turn on your PC. Because they move, they always make at least some noise, and they can wear out from all that motion – or even break!
A newer solid-state drive (SSD) doesn't spin. It's a chip-based storage device similar to a flash or thumb drive. It's much smaller than an HDD, so laptops made with this technology can often be more compact. With faster boot times, quicker application launches, and longer battery life, SSD just makes sense for someone hoping to boost their productivity this holiday season.
Storage Recommendations
Migrating from HDD to SSD with a desktop can be quite a chore; laptops are even less accessible since opening a laptop case is a pro-only task. The best way to make the smart swap from HDD to SSD is to upgrade your entire PC.
The HP OmniStudio X All-in-One 27-cs0070t Desktop PC offers an excellent all-around solution with 16GB memory and 1TB SSD storage, giving you plenty of speed and space for all your applications and files.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 155H (up to 4.8 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 24 MB L3 cache, 16 cores, 22 threads)
- Intel® Arc™ Graphics
- 16 GB DDR5-5600 MT/s memory
- 1 TB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD storage
- 27" diagonal FHD touch display
With a spacious 27-inch touchscreen display and powerful Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 processor, this all-in-one PC provides an excellent balance of performance and convenience. You'll enjoy faster boot times, quick application launches, and snappy system responsiveness thanks to the 1TB SSD. The system also features AI-powered wellness features, like screen distance and screen time reminders, to help maintain your well-being during extended computing sessions.
For those with more modest space requirements, the HP All-in-One 24-cr0025m PC offers 512GB SSD storage in a compact 23.8-inch form factor.
Graphics Card Update
Video games require more computing power than ever before, with even simple platformers benefiting from a graphics card or graphic processing unit (GPU) upgrade. This component works to render graphics quickly, so you can edit videos without lag. The right component ensures you don't see shadows or pixelated objects during the intense parts of your gaming session.
You only have to look at the requirements for the top-selling games and creative apps to see that an outdated graphics card just won't cut it anymore.
Graphics Recommendations
Consider upgrading your graphics rather than being left out when new titles are released. Upgrading one yourself isn't impossible, but you'll need to know your computer specs before you buy. Ask yourself these questions:
- How much memory do my favorite games require?
- Is it compatible with my computer's motherboard?
- How much power does the new GPU use? Does my PC offer enough?
- Is there enough room in my computer case for this graphics option?
- Do I want a discrete GPU? Or should I get one integrated into my CPU?
It can take some time to figure out just the right graphics card for your PC. If you want to skip the guesswork altogether, it may be time to swap out your computer for a gaming PC. Most models advertised as gaming machines have adequate graphics support, so you can get started right out of the box.
The OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop GT22-3000t PC with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 delivers exceptional gaming performance with 32GB of dedicated GDDR7 memory.
- Windows 11 Home
- Intel® Core™ Ultra9 285K (up to 5.70 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology, 36 MB cache, 24 cores, 24 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5090 (32 GB GDDR7 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 64GB DDR5-5600 MT/s (1) XMP RGB Heatsink (4 x 16 GB)
For those seeking alternative graphics options, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop is also available with the NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 5080 (16 GB GDDR7), RTX™ 5070 Ti (16 GB GDDR7), or RTX™ 4080 SUPER (16 GB GDDR6X) dedicated graphics cards.
Software Optimization & OS Update
There are few things more frustrating than getting a notification that your PC will have to shut down to install updates. Yet, if you keep postponing these important updates, you could be putting your computer at risk. Keeping your operating system and essential drivers up-to-date not only helps performance but also gets you access to security patches and fixes for known software problems.
If you don't have your computer set up to install important Windows updates automatically, you can easily set it up. Go to System Settings on your Windows PC, then check if you're due for an update. You'll see your last update, what was included, and options for future updates.
You can also boost performance by cleaning up your programs. Go to your Start button, then Settings. Select Apps, then Installed Apps. You can see what programs you have on your computer and uninstall anything you haven't used in a while.
Operating System Recommendations
If your PC is really buggy, an operating system wipe or reinstallation may be in order. You'll need to make a backup disk, document your OS license, and take some precautions so you don't lose all your data.
However, if your computer is several years old, it might be more cost-effective to upgrade to a new system that comes with Windows 11, which offers improved performance, enhanced security features, and better support for modern hardware.
All HP computers now come with Windows 11, providing a fresh, modern interface and new features designed to enhance productivity and gaming. Whether you choose a laptop like the HP Envy Laptop 17t-cw100 or a desktop like the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop, you'll get a clean Windows 11 installation with all the latest updates, including Copilot integration for AI-assisted computing.
Cooling System Enhancement
If you've noticed a lot of heat coming from your computer, noisy fans, or performance issues, you could be experiencing inadequate cooling. This commonly happens with PCs used for gaming and high-processing tasks such as photo editing, 3D illustration, data science tasks, and even using too many browser tabs at one time.
Ignoring this problem won't make it go away. In fact, it could put your computer at risk of crashing for good. Adding some cooling features may help it overcome these strenuous sessions and make your PC last longer.
Cooling Recommendations
Options available include air coolers, such as fans. You can find them in the products you buy, such as high-performance GPUs and CPUs, or you can buy them separately and install them in different positions within your PC case. They take up some room, so you'll want to be strategic about where you put them.
Another choice is a liquid cooling system. It uses coolant-filled tubes, similar to those in your refrigerator, as well as water blocks and a radiator. The temperature is monitored through software, and adjustments to the cooling levels can be made while gaming or using high-performance programs. This system also uses fans, though, so it's essentially a hybrid approach.
Which cooling option should you choose? It may depend on your personal preference and your budget. Air cooling fans are more affordable than a liquid cooling system, but they can be noisy and take up a lot of space in your case. The fans need to be cleaned periodically to avoid dust build-up, and they do wear out after some time.
A liquid cooler doesn't have as many motors and fan parts to care for, and it's much quieter. If you are a serious gamer and want extra assurance that your device can keep up with your demands, you may find the extra cost worthwhile. It's also a space-saver that looks much sleeker than a PC filled with fans.
The OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop GT16-0066m PC features an efficient cooling system with a 120 mm 4-heatpipe aRGB air cooler and multiple case fans, ensuring your components stay cool even during intense gaming sessions.
- Windows 11 Home
- AMD Ryzen™ 7 8700G (up to 5.1 GHz max boost clock, 16 MB L3 cache, 8 cores, 16 threads)
- NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4060 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated)
- Kingston FURY 16 GB DDR5-6000 MT/s EXPO™ RGB Heatsink (2 x 8 GB)
For those seeking the ultimate in cooling technology, the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop includes the innovative OMEN Cryo Chamber™, a patented cooling system that places the radiator in a separate chamber at the top of the case. This design allows the system to draw in cooler ambient air rather than the warm air inside the main PC compartment, resulting in lower temperatures and better performance.
Which Holiday Upgrade is Best for You?
'Tis the season for gifts, and it may be the perfect opportunity to gift yourself a better PC experience. Many of the ideas on this list are simple upgrades that you can do yourself. If you find yourself needing to do two or more, however, it might be time to trade up with a completely new PC.
New HP computers come with:
- The latest operating system (Windows 11)
- Modern CPU technology from AMD and Intel
- Your choice of RAM, storage, and cooling features
- Customization options to match your exact needs
With many HP computers being fully customizable, you can be assured your next desktop or laptop has everything you want to make the holidays brighter and your gaming sessions more productive and fun!
Don't forget to treat yourself to quality peripherals too. The HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 - Wireless Gaming Mouse can enhance your gaming experience to new levels.
Whether you choose to upgrade individual components or opt for a completely new system like the OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop, the OMEN 35L Gaming Desktop GT16-0075t PC, or the HP Envy Laptop 17t-cw100, investing in your computing experience this holiday season will pay dividends in improved performance and enjoyment throughout the year.
Explore HP's complete range of desktop computers and laptops to find the perfect upgrade for your needs and budget.
