Experiment - 37 :- System Upgrade for Performance Enhancement (Motherboard, Memory, and CPU)

 

System Upgrade for Performance Enhancement (Motherboard, Memory, and CPU)

Objective:

To evaluate the performance of a system after upgrading its motherboard, memory (RAM), and CPU. The experiment will measure the performance before and after the upgrade using benchmarking tools.

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Materials:

1. Old System Configuration:

   • Motherboard: Old model with an outdated chipset (e.g., Intel B250 or AMD A320).
   • CPU: Intel Core i5-7400 or AMD Ryzen 5 2400G (4-core processors).
   • Memory (RAM): 8 GB DDR4 (single-channel).
   • Storage: 500 GB HDD or 240 GB SSD.
   • OS: Windows 10, with standard updates.

2. Upgraded System Components:

   • Motherboard: Newer model with support for high-speed RAM and latest generation processors (e.g., Intel Z590 or AMD B550).
   • CPU: Upgraded to a more powerful processor (e.g., Intel Core i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 9 7900X).
   • Memory (RAM): 16 GB or 32 GB DDR4 (dual-channel, higher frequency).
   • Storage: Optional, but upgrading to a larger SSD (e.g., 1 TB SSD) can further improve performance.
   • OS: Windows 11 (updated).

3. Benchmarking Software:

   • PassMark PerformanceTest
   • Cinebench R23 (for CPU performance)
   • Geekbench (for overall performance)
   • CrystalDiskMark (for storage performance)
   • MemTest86 (for memory stability testing)

4. Tools for Setup:

   • Screwdriver set for disassembling and assembling components.
   • Thermal paste (for CPU installation).
   • Anti-static wristband.

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Procedure:

1. Initial System Assessment (Before Upgrade):

• System Specifications: Record the details of the old system (Motherboard model, CPU model, Memory capacity and speed, OS version).
• Benchmarking: Run the benchmark tests (PassMark, Cinebench, Geekbench) to measure CPU, memory, disk, and overall system performance. Note down the scores.
• Temperature & Stability Check: Run a stress test (e.g., Prime95) and record CPU temperature and stability.
• Monitor Boot Time: Track the time it takes to boot the system from the moment you press the power button to the desktop.

2. System Upgrade (Motherboard, CPU, and Memory):

• Shut down the PC and disconnect all cables.
• Disassemble the old components:
  • Remove the case cover.
  • Disconnect and remove the old RAM, CPU, and motherboard.
• Install the new components:
  • Install the new CPU into the new motherboard socket.
  • Apply thermal paste to the CPU and attach the CPU cooler.
  • Install the new RAM in the correct slots (preferably in dual-channel mode).
  • Install the new motherboard into the case and connect all cables (power, storage, peripherals).
  • Install the necessary drivers for the motherboard and other components.
• Reinstall the Operating System: If necessary, clean install Windows 11 or update the existing OS to ensure compatibility with the new hardware.

3. Post-Upgrade Assessment:

• Reinstall Software & Drivers: Ensure that all necessary drivers for the motherboard, CPU, RAM, and storage are installed.
• Benchmarking: Run the same benchmarks (PassMark, Cinebench, Geekbench) and compare the results with pre-upgrade scores.
• Stress Test: Perform stability tests to check the reliability of the system after the upgrade (using Prime95, FurMark, or similar stress-testing tools). Monitor CPU and RAM temperatures.
• Monitor Boot Time: Measure how long it takes for the upgraded system to boot.

4. Performance Comparison:

• CPU Performance: Compare the performance improvements in CPU-bound tests (Cinebench R23, Geekbench).
• Memory Performance: Measure improvements in RAM performance with PassMark or a similar test, and note the difference in multitasking or responsiveness.
• System Performance: Assess the overall system performance and responsiveness in real-world tasks (e.g., web browsing, gaming, video editing, etc.).
• Disk Performance: If upgrading storage, measure the read/write speeds before and after the upgrade using CrystalDiskMark.
• Thermal & Power Consumption: Monitor the system’s power usage and temperature before and after the upgrade under load (e.g., gaming or heavy multitasking).

5. Analysis:

• Compare the pre-upgrade and post-upgrade results.
• Identify which component (CPU, RAM, or motherboard) had the most significant impact on performance.
• Discuss the improvements in CPU, memory, and overall system responsiveness.
• Analyze if the new motherboard offers additional features (e.g., PCIe 4.0 support, faster RAM speeds) that contribute to overall system performance.