Sometimes your computer just cannot keep up with the usage habits you have developed. The hardware eventually outpaces the software that is being developed for the current market. We can upgrade computer parts or the whole computer at very reasonable prices.

Computer Processors. 
Your CPU or Central Processing Unit will either be INTEL or AMD. We keep a robust inventory of used Processors. If you are looking for cutting edge speed and performance we can order new processors for you as needed. We prefer AMD processors for most system builds because it’s simply more affordable than INTEL. We build and install both AMD and INTEL platforms.

RAM Memory
There are many types of RAM Memory. DDR1 SDRAM, DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4. Broken down into subcategories as well.
DDR  stands for Double Data Rate. DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 memory modules will not work in DDR1-equipped motherboards, and vice versa. We stock a large inventory of used RAM modules. Mostly DDR2, and DDR3.

DDR1 comes in speeds of: 1600, 2100, 2400 and is rarely used anymore but we do stock used DDR 1 GB sticks.

DDR2 comes in speeds of: 4200, 5300, 6400. We stock used DDR2 RAM in 1GB and 2GB sticks.

DDR3 comes in speeds: 8500, 10600, 12800. We stock new and used DDR3 RAM in 1GB, 2GB, 4GB and 8GB sticks.

DDR4 comes in speeds: 17000, 19200, 21300. We do not stock this RAM currently, but we will as it comes into wider use.

Additionally it is helpful to understand that difference between Registered and Non-registered RAM.

Registered (often referred to as “buffered”) memory uses a technology that is often paired with, but not directly related to, ECC RAM. Registered memory has a “register” that resides between the RAM and the system’s memory controller which lessens the load that is placed on the memory controller itself. REgistered RAM is usually used in server motherboard architecture.

Non registered RAM is generally used for all non-server architecture. When buying RAM for a standard workstation computer it’s important to make sure you don’t buy Registered RAM, because usually it will not work in standard workstation motherboards.

Video Cards
We carry a robust selection of used video cards. Video cards are also categorized by their expansion slot.
ISA (REALLY OLD – 1980’s) – We can dig one of these up (maybe) if really needed. But that would be an extraordinary need.
PCI Slots (fading from existence) – We still have these in inventory.
AGP (Advanced Graphics Port – no longer manufactured) – We still have a few of these for hardcore XP users which is about the era for these cards.
PCI-Express Slots (In Current Usage). We have basic to average PCI-Express cards in our inventory.

PCI Express and PCI Express x16 are current technology.
PCI Express x16 2.0, 2.1, and 3.0 – There are three versions of this slot, but they’re backwards compatible, so a modern PCI Express 3.0 graphics card will work in a motherboard with a PCI Express x16 2.0 slot.

Technology for Video Cards and Motherboards continues to advance.
Current GDDR Memory Speeds are GDDR3, GDDR4, GDDR5
GDDR3 – is a type of DDR SDRAM specialized for graphics processing units (GPUs) offering less access latency and greater device bandwidths.
GDDR4 – The major advances of GDDR4 include a lower voltage requirement of 1.5V (or up to 1.9V if overclocking). fixed burst length of 8 bits with GDDR4 as opposed to 4 with GDDR3. This allows the RAM to run at half the core frequency while offering the same memory bandwidth as GDDR3.
GDDR5 – a modern type of synchronous graphics random-access memory (SGRAM) with a high bandwidth (“double data rate”) interface designed for use in graphics cards, game consoles, and high-performance computation.

Solid State Drives 
Upgrading your old Hard Drive to a Solid State Drive is probably the most effective way to dramatically increase your computer’s speed and performance.  A Solid State Drive is approximately 5 to 15 times faster than your existing Hard Disk Drive.

A Solid State Drive (SSD) has no moving parts which decreases the probability of failure. However, when a normal Hard Disk Drive breaks internally, or the electronics stop functioning, your options are limited to a clean room facility and a huge data recovery bill. That’s no good.

When a Solid State Drive comes to the end of it’s life, in most cases you can still read the data from the SSD, unless the SSD was electrically shocked and the chips on the board are fried…in such a case nothing can help you whether it’s HDD or SSD. Check out this helpful comparison chart to see the advantages of Solid State Technology.

Tri City Computers serves Prescott Valley, Prescott, Chino Valley and Dewey-Humboldt. (928) 775-3000