Speeding up the PC? Adding a solid state drive/more memory?

[Urbanrodeo]

I purchased this PC as one of my first big outlays for my architect business. I thought a Core i7 processor and 8gb RAM with dedicated graphics card would be sufficient for CAD and Photoshop. I was super wrong. I love HP products and have a 2012 Core i5 ultrabook with SD drive which kicks the arse off this one. I also have an HP Designjet T120 so have thrown a lot of money their way.

I appreciate I have bought a PC without a solid state drive but the lag time is reminiscent of running windows 95 back in 1997 - just totally unacceptable.

Now my rant is over I want to try and find out if I can fit a solid state drive and transfer the operating system over to it. I'm pretty sure I can add another 8 GB of RAM too which should help but I can't handle this hard disc scratching away like mad any time I'm trying to open a sodding PDF.

Pretty sure others have asked the same Q but can't be arsed spending time to find it - suggestions appreciated.

Most frustrated, D

EDIT:

To update incase anyone else has a similar issue:

PC Model: PAVILION 24-R077NA ALL-IN-ONE

I am upgrading the stock 8GB RAM to 32GB RAM (Maximum) and adding in a new 512GB Solid state drive. I'm hoping this will show a marked difference in operating speeds which at present I find very slow. I'm fitting this over the next couple of days.

This post here allowed me to accurately identify the model of my computer as well as find compatible spares and upgrades. It also contains a link to show you how to access the internals of your PC 

[DGroves · Accepted solution]

yes you can replace any mech drive with a ssd (even your AIO) using a 2.5 sized SATA/AHCI compatable SSD that uses the standart SATA data cable/power connections

and if your doing cad/photoshop you do need more ram 32gb if possible

and here's a pro tip, open photoshop last, due to it appon starting looking for and grabbing all available free ram if you open it first and then other apps, the OS will have to page running programs to the drive which causes a massive slowdown

i can't be more specific, since you have not provided the full model number of your system and this line has many, many diffrent model configurations

note:

systems that have a existing M.2  socket on the motherboard for a ssd need to determine if the slot is for SATA or NVME and "M" or "B" keyed

[Urbanrodeo]

Thanks so much for the info. After looking in to things a bit more, the actual spec of the PC is 24-R077NA

I have the recollection that I can upgrade the existing 8GB Ram to a max of 16 though the crucial website suggests the max is 32gb which would be great - though I need to confirm that. SSD drives have come down in price over the last few years so I think that will speed things up quite a bit...  and thanks for the photoshop tip. My frustration mainly lies in not having a solid state drive and being used to one - quick start up time and access to programs and files is so much better.

Many thanks for your reply,

D