The easy solution to the problem is to buy an inexpensive USB hub. The USB standard
supports up to 127 devices, and USB hubs are a part of the standard. A hub typically has
four new ports, but may have many more. You plug the hub into your computer, and then
plug your devices (or other hubs) into the hub. By chaining hubs together, you can build up
dozens of available USB ports on a single computer. Hubs can be powered or unpowered.
As we learn on how USB Ports Work, the USB standard allows for devices to draw their
power from their USB connection (all USB cables contain two wires -- for +5 volts and
ground). A high-power device like a printer or scanner will have its own power supply, but
low-power devices like mice and digital cameras get their power from the bus. The power
(up to 500 milliamps at 5 volts) comes from the computer. If you have lots of self-powered
devices (like printers and scanners), then your hub does not need to be powered -- none of
the devices connecting to the hub need additional power, so the computer can handle it.
This looks like it is going to be a big upgrade and possibly expensive. Personally, I also store
movies, media, etc. on an external 1TB drive and it has been a really valuable purchase. I
believe that a USB to eSata converter cable should do the trick. One of these cables is
available on Amazon for $30.18. As far as the need for multiple USB ports, this can be fixed
with a USB Hub. This item can be purchased on Amazon for $9.99. Depending on whether
Bob's USB ports are 2.0 or 3.0, a 3.0 hub is backwards compatible and could also be used for
previous generations. A printer most likely only requires a 2.0 USB port anyways. EVGA
GeForce 6200 512 MB DDR2 PCI 2.1 VGA/DVI-I/S-Video Graphics Card on Amazon should do
the trick as far as being one of the fastest and best compatible graphics card with a PCI
express video slot. This card is approximately 175.00 and would be a descent choice. If you a
more high end, expensive option, then you could go with the Raedon R9 290X for $688.88 on
Amazon. This would be a huge upgrade to many things including the type/availability of
newer ports. Instead of VGA and DVI you could have HDMI and Display port which would get
rid of another adapter if Bob does a monitor upgrade in the future. The approximate total
cost for the upgrade to Bob's PC will be around 729.05 for the more expensive/better
options. With the cheaper graphics card it could be done for about $215.17. If Bob was in a
tight financial position then I could see him going ahead and doing this upgrade with a
option to start saving for a new PC in the future. I would tell Bob that this upgrade can be
done but in the future a new computer would be an amazing feeling! Also, if Bob doesn't
already have the external hard drive, he could get this one, Glyph Studio S1000 1TB External
Hard Drive (7200RPM, USB 3, FW800 or eSATA) $149.95.
Most AAA gaming titles will require much more RAM than Bob has. If he is going to this
upgrade his RAM sticks along with the motherboard potentially, I would absolutely
recommend a new PC at this point.
