This doesn't detract from the fact that an SSD and fresh install is the single biggest improvement you can do to an old PC
Except that is not true. Way back in the day when operating systems were installed from floppy or optical disks, a fresh install did typically improve performance. But today, with the OS constantly being updated through WU, it is not. In fact, it is typically a cop-out to suggest a fresh install as part of a repair action, unless all other options have been exhausted first.
A fresh install should always be a last resort option for many reasons. (1) It often does not fix the problem. (2) It destroys any evidence of the problem. (3) It sets you back months or even years in critical security updates. (4) Unless backups are made, you lose your installed programs and personal files. (5) Quite often, the problem is a bad driver which is then re-installed after the fresh install, putting you right back in the same leaky boat. And (6) even if it fixes the problem, you don't learn the cause in order to prevent/avoid recurrence of the problem.
So it is always best to clean the drive(s) of clutter and attempt normal repair actions, first - to include ensuring the OS is current. Then if none of that helps, consider a OS repair. If still no good, then a fresh install.
The biggest improvement you can do to an old PC is, by far - depending on your starting point - adding more RAM. A SSD is certainly beneficial, but only affects tasks that require disk access. Once your OS and program are loaded into RAM, the drive's performance is inconsequential - especially with lots of RAM installed.
Not sure you really need more than 8GB RAM
In
general, I would agree with you on this, Andy. 8GB for most users is more than enough and often considered the sweet spot. But we are not talking generalities. In the OP's
specific scenario, adding RAM is still, IMO, the best use of their money.
Why?
There already is a SSHD in there for better than average disk performance. SSHDs typically have larger buffers than conventional HDs, and of course, being solid state, that buffer is much faster than conventional buffer memory.
Adding RAM is less expensive than upgrading the CPU and will give that existing CPU a much bigger operating environment to crunch data in. That's a good thing. And it allows the CPU to keep
much more,
higher priority data in memory too. That's a very good thing too.
Also, with more, higher priority data already in RAM, that means the CPU and OS will not need to shuffle as much data, near as often, into and out of the PF on the slow (by comparison) drive. We must remember, the CPU and RAM still operate at much higher speeds than even a fast SSD.
All the suggestions will help performance. But we must not lose sight of the fact this computer belongs to and is being used by a
charity organization. So what is the best use of that money?
I have to go back to my original concerns in my first reply above - is it even economically feasible (or wise?) to upgrade this "old" computer at all? Especially for a charity computer to be used for office type tasks? I not certain it is.