Upgrades and SSD migration
Disk replacement, more memory and a full system transfer, without reinstalling your programs.
A five year old computer usually has no problem with its processor, only with its disk. Moving from a hard disk to an SSD cuts boot time from two minutes to about fifteen seconds, and costs far less than a new machine.
SATA SSD or NVMe
Computers older than seven or eight years mostly have SATA ports only, so the choice is simple: a 2.5 inch SATA SSD. Newer desktops and laptops often have an M.2 slot, but that slot may take SATA, NVMe or both kinds of drive. It looks the same either way, so we check the motherboard documentation before ordering anything. On laptops we also check the physical length of the slot, because M.2 drives come in 2242, 2260 and 2280 lengths.
In everyday use the difference is smaller than the numbers on the box suggest. SATA tops out at around 550 MB/s and NVMe is several times faster, yet the system, the browser and office programs start practically the same on both. NVMe is noticeable with large video files and projects that are loaded over and over.
Memory: how much and how
- 8 GB is the floor today for Windows 11 and a browser with several tabs
- 16 GB covers office work, photos and light video editing
- two matching modules run in dual channel mode, which makes a clear difference on machines with integrated graphics
- on many recent laptops the memory is soldered to the board and cannot be added to
What we recommend
If the machine has a hard disk, the SSD comes first and memory second. We clone the existing system onto the new drive, check partition alignment and make sure AHCI mode is enabled in the BIOS, because without it an SSD runs slower than it can. The old disk stays untouched until you confirm everything is in place on the new one.
We do not recommend an upgrade when the processor does not support Windows 11 and the computer is used for work. That money is better spent on a new machine, and the old one can have a second life at home or running Linux.
Common questions
Do I have to reinstall my programs?
No. Cloning carries over the whole system with its programs, licences and settings, so after the disk swap the computer looks exactly as before, only faster.
Is it worth upgrading a laptop?
It depends on the model. Before suggesting anything we check whether the disk can be swapped and memory added. On a laptop with soldered memory, only the disk is left.
How much does an upgrade cost?
It depends on the drives and memory the board accepts. After an inspection you get a quote covering parts and labour, and the decision is yours.