Can’t afford a new computer as memory prices spike? Here’s how to speed up the one you have

As the prices of memory and components soar, affording a new computer is becoming more and more challenging for some people. Average computer prices are expected to increase by as much as 20% before year’s end. That’s forcing many computer owners to make do with what they have. But if your desktop or laptop is feeling sluggish, it doesn’t mean it’s obsolete. A few fairly easy steps could give you a speed boost that may not equal that of a new machine running the latest hardware, but will still feel like a notable leap from what you experience today. Here’s how to tune up your machine for a lot less than you’d pay for a new device. Clean things up The older your laptop or PC is, the better the chances it has accumulated a layer of dust inside the case. (That’s even more likely if you have pets.) That dust acts like a blanket on the components and heat sinks, which can trigger thermal throttling in a device. That in turn slows down the CPU and/or GPU, resulting in lag or reduced performance. Use compressed air to blow out the dust from your computer’s case, if you use a desktop. Be sure to hold any fans in place when cleaning them to avoid damage to the fan motor. If you’re cleaning…