Speed up your PC with an SSD and more RAM
Before you replace a slow computer, try the two upgrades that deliver the biggest real-world speed boost for the least money: a solid-state drive and more memory. Here’s how to choose the right ones.
SSD: SATA vs NVMe
Swapping a mechanical hard drive for an SSD is the single biggest speed upgrade you can make — boot times and app loads drop dramatically. A 2.5" SATA SSD suits almost any laptop or desktop. If your machine has an M.2 slot, an NVMe SSD is several times faster again. Check which your PC supports (many take both) and pick 500GB–1TB for a comfortable amount of space.
RAM: how much and which type
More memory helps with multitasking, lots of browser tabs and heavier apps. 8GB is a minimum, 16GB is the comfortable default, and 32GB benefits creators and power users. Match the type your motherboard supports — DDR4 or DDR5 — and, where possible, install matched pairs to run in dual channel for a bit more performance.
Check compatibility first
Before buying, confirm your drive interface (SATA vs NVMe/M.2), the RAM type and speed your board supports, and how many free slots you have. Laptops often limit you to one or two RAM slots and a single drive bay. If you’re unsure, tell us your PC make and model and we’ll point you to compatible parts.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best upgrade for a slow PC?
Fitting an SSD and adding more RAM give the biggest real-world speed boost on an older machine, usually for very little money.
SATA or NVMe SSD?
A SATA SSD fits almost any PC and is a huge upgrade over a hard drive. An NVMe (M.2) SSD is several times faster again if your machine has the slot for it.
How do I know which RAM to buy?
Match your motherboard’s type (DDR4 or DDR5) and supported speed, and check how many free slots you have. Tell us your PC model and we can confirm compatible memory.