Hardware Guides

How to Upgrade Your Gaming PC: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published: June 15, 2026 By: MyPcBenchmark Editorial Team

Planning Your PC Upgrade

Before buying new hardware, you must identify your system's bottlenecks. Use the MyPcBenchmark tool to see which of your components (CPU, GPU, or RAM) is below the recommended requirements of the games you want to play.

1. Upgrading the GPU (Easiest & Most Impactful)

Upgrading your graphics card gives the largest boost in gaming performance. To upgrade:

  1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) and clean old drivers.
  2. Power off your PC, unplug it, and open the side panel.
  3. Remove the PCIe power cables from the old card.
  4. Unscrew the GPU bracket, push down the PCIe slot latch, and pull the card out.
  5. Insert the new GPU, screw it in, connect the power cables, and install new drivers.

2. Upgrading RAM

Upgrading RAM is quick. Ensure you buy the correct type (DDR4 or DDR5) that fits your motherboard. For dual-channel performance, install the sticks in slots 2 and 4.

3. SSD Upgrade

Installing games on an NVMe M.2 SSD resolves asset load lag and loading screen delays. Clone your operating system to the new drive or use it as a dedicated game library disk.