Most people buy a computer to browse the Internet, send/receive mail, and occasionally work with text files or other documents. Today even the “poorest” computer can do that without problems and at very low prices. If this is all you need and you are unpretentious then any computer will do.
But if your requirements are higher, you want to edit multimedia files, images, you need databases, you want to play the latest games… you have to think about a next-generation computer. Even if technology is advancing at a rapid pace, purchasing a superior computer can help you save money in the future because it will cope (to some extent) with future software demands. Perhaps one of the most active segments in the computer sales market is the PC gaming segment, for computer games. Crazy users spend hundreds of dollars on latest generation graphics cards and processors, not only dual core but also quad core for maximum performance. Don’t be fooled, playing a game is not just a hobby, it’s a passion for those who give you the money. The gaming industry is worth billions a year.
But enough for now… let’s talk about computer components and see what you need to know when you want to buy a computer:
Processor
Like I said, using a computer for applications like the Internet, emails, and documents doesn’t require a working computer. But if you want more, then the processor can do what you want.
At this point, the battle for the processor market is between Intel and AMD, two American companies. In many tests, Intel Core 2 Duo has proven to be better than AMD rivals like AMD Athlon 64 X2. However, do not consider that AMD processors are weak. It’s just a momentary situation; not just once AMD was ahead of Intel. Anyway, in this case, Intel is ahead of AMD, even both processors are dual-core (dual-core: two independent processors connected in one circuit on the same silicon board) for processors that allow for fast multitasking. through (multiple operations performed at the same time) with good performance for gaming and multimedia.
In case you still want a dual-core processor but don’t have enough money for one of the better ones, you can find dual-core processors at lower prices but generally lower in performance. Refurbished or used computers can be good options for a low budget.
If you’re a gamer, remember that even if a quad-core processor sounds great, a dual-core processor is definitely enough for most users. At this moment there are few applications that need quad-core processors and you will surely not take advantage of their full capacity.
Memory
Computer memory (an electronic component that holds information and instructions so they can be accessed quickly by the processor) is measured in capacity. If more memory is installed in your computer, applications will run smoother and the system will perform better. Memory is an essential component of the computer, without it it will not work, so it comes pre-installed. However, at any time a new memory module can be added which will increase capacity and speed of operations.
Motherboard
A motherboard should be bought with the future in mind and, of course, depending on the facilities it offers. Second-generation SATA connectors (which have reached a transfer rate of 3 Gb/sec), integrated high-definition sound, and even dual graphics (SLI or CrossFire) can help a lot now and in the future.
A highly appreciated motherboard is Intel “Skulltrail”. Its configuration is: Dual-socket LGA 771 for processors that support Penryn chips on 45nm technology and also supports four PCI Express 1.1 x16 slots, two PCI 2.3 slots, six SATA 3.0 ports and two eSATA ports.
BUT before you buy a motherboard, consider all the components you’d like to buy, choose your desired configuration, and then go shopping
computer case
A good computer case could improve your day when you want to upgrade. It should allow you to add almost any type of new component, it should be easy to open and allow you to move components around, and everything should be properly vented.
If you plan to keep your computer for a longer period of time, leave room in the computer case for future components. Leave free slots for memory, one for another sound card, etc.
The most common cases are the ATX format. The ATX specification not only tells you where you should connect the plugs on the back of the case, it also shows you which source to use.
You can find different shapes and formats like MicroATX, NLX, BTX (the new format seems to replace ATX, mainly supported by Intel).
Video card (graphics card)
The video card is responsible for generating all images on the monitor and can be pre-installed on the motherboard or purchased separately. Its main feature is power. Integrated graphics card generally uses system memory to operate while dedicated video cards use their own dedicated memory. For the vast majority of users, integrated motherboards are advanced enough, however, if you want to run games, graphics, and other multimedia programs, a dedicated video card is recommended.
If you already have a computer, before you go shopping, find out what type of card fits your system. Or, if you have a computer, try to find a system that has a PCI Express x16 slot for your graphics card. Although there are still motherboards that use the AGP and PCI slots, they are a thing of the past.
HDD
Hard drive size has increased enormously in the last 12 months, reaching the current size from 160 Gb to 1 terabit (1000 Gb). If you plan to store large amounts of data, the bigger the better.
Most hard drives today are Serial ATA and are 7200rpm; gamers will certainly appreciate Western Digital’s 150GB 10,000 RPM Raptor X Hard Drive.
Monitor
It doesn’t matter how it looks, but what it does. Some things to keep in mind when buying a monitor: Optimal resolution (at least 1024×768). For higher resolutions you need a better video card. Remember this when you want to get a 30-inch monitor. Remember the distance to the monitor. It’s not the old cathode tube problem, but you have to take in the whole screen with your eyes when working on the computer, otherwise your eyes will get tired very soon (and health problems could also appear).
Most people use 17″ or 19″ monitors. Another option would be a 22″ monitor, especially since the price difference is relatively small compared to the 19″.
All computers need an optical drive. Optical drives are very different and can have multiple options. Unlike that, a new system will have less than one DVD-ROM built in (read discs but not write); but most systems have a multi-format double layer DVD-RW (CD/DVD read and write/rewrite). Look for DVD drives that can write dual-layer DVDs and offer the LightScribe Direct Disc option for labeling (you can burn a disc with a label).
The highest quality range of computers have Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD drives. But the price is quite high (three or more for a DVD-RW).
USB devices are growing in popularity and today rival DVDs with the advantage of mobility and increased lifespan.
network card
Today, the Internet is part of our daily lives. Any new computer comes with a built-in internal network card. If you want something else, try a router or gateway.
sound card
In the office, the integrated sound card is probably more than enough. At home, you’ll probably want surround sound which will require a high-performance sound card. The prices are not high so there will be no problem finding and buying. Don’t forget that for quality sound you need a quality wet set of speakers too.
The new systems offer sound quality because they already have integrated sound cards with outputs of 7.1, 24-bit (32-bit internal processing) and 192 kHz sound.
keyboard and mouse
The current trend is to use a wireless keyboard and mouse, but there are still many systems that use USB ports. The keyboard can be simple with just basic functions or a real machine with lots of Star Trek-worthy buttons. Today the best known is optics (it uses a small camera to detect movement and provide much better movement).
Operating System: Linux, XP or Vista?
For those who are not even considering using a Linux-based operating system, I advise you to think again. Yes, there are many options for developing on Linux, but the same is true for Windows as well. The Linux interface has become comparable to that of Windows (for example, try the Ubuntu distribution at ubuntu.com).
Windows XP is the best selling operating system. Most of the applications were specially built for it, drivers for the components have been written, etc. If you can, use Windows XP, but it will be on sale soon. But don’t forget to update it often. Being the most purchased system, it is also the most attacked. And it has its own problems, some even serious. Remember to buy an antivirus, spyware and use a firewall.
Windows Vista is a step up in terms of security features that include more and better than XP. It’s great as a layout, but it’s also very resource intensive. Unfortunately for Microsoft, Vista, which was supposed to replace XP, failed to make its users happy.
So are you ready to buy a computer? Before you go shopping, take one more minute and read the following tips:
Look at the warranty and support offered: most problems occur (if they appear) in the first year, so a year of warranty should be enough. Also, better.
Don’t buy additional software if you don’t need it. Purchase the computer’s operating system (if you went with Windows), an office suite, and an antivirus (a free antivirus you can find online. AVG or Avast are good options).
Look at the number of connectors. The more the better, you will use them over time.
Buy what you need. Promotions are interesting but they may not help much.
Buy a little more than the minimum you set to use the computer as long as possible. Even if a 160 GB hard drive seems to be enough, you will eventually need a larger hard drive. Make yourself a list with the minimal settings, and then add the additional “ingredients”.
Check the monitor connectors. If your video card has DVI output, then your monitor must have DVI input.
If you don’t need, please don’t buy. Good salespeople know they can lure you in with all sorts of attention-grabbing components. Don’t buy if you don’t need them immediately. For a few months when you need them, the product will be half price.
I hope I have helped. And don’t forget it. If your budget is low, you might be able to find good refurbished systems at a good price.
