How to Speed Up an Old Laptop: RAM Upgrades & SSD Swaps at 1PC

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Is your laptop painfully slow? Before you consider replacing it, there are two key upgrades that can breathe new life into your aging machine—RAM upgrades and switching from a hard drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD). At 1PC in Bellingham, WA, we specialize in electronics repair and upgrades to help you get the most out of your devices.

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Why Is Your Laptop Slow?

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Older laptops tend to slow down over time due to outdated hardware, lack of sufficient memory, and slow mechanical hard drives. The two most effective ways to boost performance are:

-Upgrading RAM (Memory) – Allows your laptop to handle more tasks at once without lag.
-Replacing an HDD with an SSD – Speeds up boot times, program launches, and overall system responsiveness.

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1. Upgrade Your Laptop’s RAM for Better Multitasking

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RAM (Random Access Memory) determines how well your laptop handles multiple applications. If your laptop struggles to run basic programs or slows down when multiple tabs are open, a RAM upgrade could solve the problem.

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Signs You Need a RAM Upgrade:

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✅ Slow performance when switching between applications
✅ High RAM usage in Task Manager or frequent freezing
✅ Your laptop only has 4GB of RAM (most modern systems need AT LEAST 8GB, frankly 16GB is often necessary)

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How We Upgrade RAM at 1PC

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-We check your laptop’s compatibility to determine the maximum RAM it supports.
-We install high-quality memory modules to ensure reliability and performance.
-We test the laptop post-upgrade to confirm the speed improvement.

Typically, RAM upgrades cost $40 for labor, plus the cost of the RAM which can range from $15 to $50 depending on the specification necessary for the laptop.

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2. Swap Your Hard Drive for an SSD for Lightning-Fast Speeds

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Traditional hard drives (HDDs) have moving parts that make them significantly slower than modern solid-state drives (SSDs). Upgrading to an SSD can make an old laptop feel brand new.

Benefits of an SSD Upgrade:
🚀 Faster Boot Times – Laptops with SSDs boot in seconds, compared to minutes with an HDD.
🚀 Speedier File Access – Load programs and files almost instantly.
🚀 Better Battery Life – SSDs are more power-efficient than HDDs.
🚀 More Durable – No moving parts mean they are less likely to fail.

How We Upgrade to SSDs at 1PC

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We clone your existing hard drive to an SSD, keeping all your files and settings intact.
If needed, we perform a fresh Windows installation for a clean, optimized experience.
We check for firmware updates and ensure the SSD is properly configured for maximum performance.

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Why Choose 1PC for Laptop Upgrades in Bellingham?

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At 1PC, we are a local family-owned business providing expert electronics repair and upgrades with fast turnaround times and affordable pricing. Whether you're upgrading a personal laptop or refreshing business devices, we ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.

If you're a DIY guru and would like to replace your SSD by yourself, our current pricing for SSDs is:

-256GB - $10

-512GB - $35

-1TB - $55

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A clone typically takes 1 hour. Our in-house hourly rate is $80. Usually the cost to clone an HDD to an SSD is $80 plus the cost of the drive.

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🔧 Our Other Services Include:
✔️ RAM and SSD Upgrades
✔️ Laptop and Desktop Repair & Optimization
✔️ Data Backup & Transfers
✔️ Computer Recycling & Responsible E-Waste Disposal

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Revive Your Laptop Today!

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Don’t let a slow laptop hold you back. A simple RAM or SSD upgrade can make a world of difference. If you're in Bellingham, WA, bring your laptop to 1PC and let us help you speed it up.

📍 Visit us at 3550 Meridian St Suite 2, Bellingham, WA 98225 or contact us at (360) 912-9884 today to schedule your upgrade!

To find us, turn onto W Orchard Dr, turn at the Orchard Business Park sign. We are in the second building on the right! We are just south of the freeway off of Meridian.

We are open Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm.

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