What Should You Upgrade First in Your PC?
Start Here — Select Your Path
Quick Answer
For most users, upgrade your SSD first, then RAM, followed by GPU, and finally CPU. This order delivers the most noticeable performance improvements for everyday computing. Not sure? Check our RAM vs SSD comparison. For a step-by-step diagnosis, use our PC Upgrade Checklist.
The Correct PC Upgrade Order (For Most People)
1. Upgrade Storage (SSD) First
If you're still using a traditional hard drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is the single most impactful upgrade you can make. An SSD dramatically improves boot times, application loading, and overall system responsiveness.
You'll notice the difference immediately — your computer will feel like a completely new machine. This upgrade benefits everyone, from casual users to power users.
Learn more about SSD upgrades2. Upgrade RAM Next
After upgrading to an SSD, adding more RAM is the next best upgrade if you frequently run multiple applications, use browser tabs heavily, or work with large files. RAM upgrades help with multitasking and prevent slowdowns when your system runs out of memory.
However, if you already have 8GB or more and only do basic tasks, this upgrade may not be necessary yet.
Learn more about RAM upgrades3. Upgrade GPU Later
A graphics card (GPU) upgrade only makes sense if you're gaming, doing video editing, or running graphics-intensive applications. For general computing, web browsing, and office work, a GPU upgrade won't improve performance.
If you do need a GPU upgrade, make sure your power supply can handle it and that your CPU won't bottleneck the new card.
Learn more about GPU upgrades4. Upgrade CPU Last
CPU upgrades are typically the least cost-effective. Modern CPUs from the last 5-7 years are still very capable for most tasks. Unless you're doing heavy video rendering, 3D modeling, or running CPU-intensive simulations, you likely don't need a CPU upgrade.
Additionally, CPU upgrades often require a new motherboard and sometimes new RAM, making them expensive and complicated.
Learn more about CPU upgradesWhen the Upgrade Order Is Different
Gaming PCs
If you primarily game, priorities change entirely. You likely need to prioritize the GPU and CPU over other components.
View the Gaming Upgrade Priority Guide →Office PCs
For office work and productivity, stick to the standard order: SSD first, then RAM if needed. You likely don't need GPU or CPU upgrades at all.
Very Old PCs
If your PC is more than 8-10 years old, it might be more cost-effective to build or buy a new system rather than upgrade individual components. Older systems may have compatibility issues with modern parts.
Laptops
Most laptops only allow RAM and storage upgrades. Check your laptop's specifications before purchasing any components, as many modern laptops have soldered RAM and storage.
Common PC Upgrade Mistakes
- •Upgrading the CPU without checking if it's actually the bottleneck
- •Adding more RAM when you already have enough for your use case
- •Buying a powerful GPU without ensuring the power supply can handle it
- •Ignoring the SSD upgrade because it seems "too simple"
- •Not checking motherboard compatibility before buying new components
Quick PC Upgrade Questions
Should I upgrade RAM or SSD first?
Upgrade to an SSD first. It provides a more noticeable performance improvement for most users.
Read detailed comparisonIs upgrading GPU worth it?
Only if you game or do graphics-intensive work. For general use, a GPU upgrade won't improve performance.
Detailed GPU guideHow much RAM do I need?
8GB is sufficient for basic use, 16GB for multitasking and light content creation, and 32GB+ for heavy professional work.
Will upgrading CPU improve speed?
Not for most users. If your PC feels slow, it's usually the storage (HDD vs SSD) or insufficient RAM, not the CPU.