Do you upgrade computers?

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Looking to get your computer upgraded at Micro Center? Yes, we do offer this service! Our store service teams can provide upgrade services for your laptop or desktop system whether it is a Windows or Mac OS based computer. Upgrade services will vary by device and what you're looking to get done.

Please check out the specific area in this article for your device and what we can typically do at any Micro Center service desk! If you have further questions feel free to stop by our service desk with your computer for upgrade assistance.

If you're curious about our repair services in general, please check out our repair information page at: https://www.microcenter.com/site/service/service.aspx

Desktop/All-in-one Desktop Computers

We are generally able to perform most upgrades on pre-built and custom-built desktop computers. Depending on the age of the desktop, things can vary but our in-store service associates will always be able to go over the options with you at our service desk.

An important note about upgrading the processor/motherboard on a desktop is that they must support each other. You can typically find this information by looking at the socket type of the processor and the sockets supported by the motherboard. As an example, an LGA 1200 processor will only work with an LGA 1200-supported motherboard.

If this is for an older system, any motherboard currently made for desktops only supports DDR4 RAM. If your computer's product key was stored in the motherboard, you may also need to purchase a new copy of Windows.

More information on our hardware installation services can be found at: https://www.microcenter.com/site/service/computer-hardware-installation.aspx

All-in-one desktop computer upgrades are generally limited to the HDD/SSD and RAM, unless they are soldered in which most cases we would not be able to facilitate an upgrade.

Windows-based Laptops

Laptops are generally limited to upgrading the HDD/SDD and RAM. Processor and video card upgrades are not available for Windows laptops.

Apple Computers

At Micro Center, we cannot install non-genuine Apple parts or upgrade with genuine Apple parts before an Apple product becomes vintage. If you are unsure of the age of your Apple computer, get the serial number of the computer and enter it on Apple's website: http://checkcoverage.apple.com This link will tell you the model of the computer, the age of the computer (Late 2009, Early 2015, Mid 2018, etc.) and if the computer is still under warranty from Apple.

Apple lists information on upgrading RAM in their iMac systems at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191 

Apple lists information on upgrading RAM in their MacBook pro systems at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201165

MacBook Air RAM is typically soldered to the motherboard and not able to be upgraded.

Vintage Apple Computers

With an Apple system, vintage means it is 5 years from it being manufactured, with these Apple systems, we can install and upgrade parts like HDD/SSDs and RAM with non-genuine Apple parts, but this still depends on the model of computer. Some Macs, even if they’re vintage, are non-upgradable due to their design. 

If you are unsure of the age of your Apple computer, get the serial number of the computer and enter it on Apple's website: http://checkcoverage.apple.com This link will tell you the model of the computer, the age of the computer (Late 2009, Early 2010, Mid 2013, etc.) and if the computer is still under warranty from Apple.

Apple lists information on upgrading RAM in their iMac systems at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191 

Apple lists information on upgrading RAM in their MacBook pro systems at: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201165

MacBook air models RAM is typically soldered and not able to be upgraded.