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Digissential

GPU/CPU Upgrade (Labour)

Serving Stellenbosch & surrounds • Transparent pricing • POPIA-aligned

gpu-cpu-upgrade — Digissential

What’s included

  • Anti-static handling and correct fitment
  • PSU and cooling headroom checks; BIOS sanity
  • Driver clean and install (DDU option)
  • Brief stress and thermals validation

Details

TL;DR: We fit your new GPU or CPU the right way, check power and temps, and make sure games and apps run smooth.
Local: Popular with SU students and Technopark teams who want more speed without buying a whole new PC.

Symptoms we help with

  • Games stutter or crash; low FPS vs what you expected
  • CPU sits at 100% and the fan screams
  • New GPU shows “not enough power” or black screens
  • PC shuts off under load or reboots mid-match
  • Temps jump fast after a DIY swap

How we do it (at a glance)

  1. Quick check: case space, PSU headroom, BIOS version
  2. Fit the part: seat CPU/GPU, apply fresh paste, tidy cables
  3. Update: BIOS (if needed) and clean driver install (DDU option for GPUs)
  4. Test: POST, Windows load, short stress and temp check
  5. Handover: simple notes, next best upgrade (if any), and care tips

Plain words. No tech jargon.

Time & cost in Stellenbosch

  • Labour (standard): R400 for a GPU or CPU fit with short tests
  • DDU + extended stress tier: R550 (clean driver pass + longer load test)
  • Extras: New cooler brackets, tricky cases, or BIOS work may add time (we’ll confirm first)
  • Turnaround: Often same day if no extra parts are needed

Do-nots (save parts and cash)

  • Don’t run a hungry GPU on a tiny, old PSU
  • Don’t force a CPU cooler—check standoffs and height
  • Don’t peel SSD/GPU thermal labels that act as heatsinks
  • Don’t forget the 8-pin/12-pin GPU cables or bend adapters too tight

When to stop DIY & call us

  • PC won’t power on after the swap
  • Smell of burnt plastic or a small “pop”
  • GPU fans spin but no display
  • BIOS can’t see the new CPU or temps spike at idle

Real stories around town

  • SU first-year (Huis Marais): Swapped to a used GPU; games crashed. We did DDU, checked PSU rails, and set a better fan curve. Smooth after.
  • Welgevonden family PC: CPU upgrade for photo edits. Fresh paste and a better cooler dropped temps by 15°C. Quieter too.
  • Technopark CAD box: New GPU sagging and hot. We added a support, improved cables, and temps fell under load.

Simple tips

  • Aim the budget at the part that helps your goal (GPU for games; CPU/RAM for edits)
  • Keep the case off carpet and clear the front mesh for airflow
  • Set a calm fan curve so boost holds steady without noise
  • Use a small UPS for the router and PC to ride out load-shedding

What to bring

  • The PC and power cable (for desktops) or the laptop + charger
  • The new GPU or CPU (and cooler, if changing)
  • Any boxes/brackets that came with the part

Good to pair with

POPIA-aware handling • CPA-aligned warranties • Lawful e-waste routing on request (with data-wipe certificate)