Tips for buying computers
Most people buy a computer to surf the Internet, send / receive mail, and occasionally work with text files or other documents. Today, even the “poorest” computer can do it without problems and at very low prices. If this is all you need and you are unpretentious, then any computer is useful.
But if your requirements are higher, you want to edit multimedia files, images, you need databases, you want to play the newest games … you have to think about a state-of-the-art computer. Even if technology is advancing at a rapid pace, acquiring a superior computer can help you save money in the future because you will face (for some time) future software demands. Perhaps one of the most active segments of the computer sales market is the PC gaming segment, for computer games. Crazy users spend hundreds of dollars on state-of-the-art processors and graphics cards, not just dual-core but quad-core for maximum performance. Don’t be fooled, playing a game is not just a hobby, a passion for those who give you the money. The games industry is worth billions annually.
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, the processor can do whatever you want.
At this point, the battle of the processor market is between Intel and AMD, two American companies. In many tests Intel Core 2 Duo has proven to be better than its AMD rivals like AMD Athlon 64 X2. However, do not consider that AMD processors are weak. It’s just a situation for now; not just once AMD was ahead of Intel. Anyway, in this case, Intel is against AMD, even both processors are dual-core (dual-core: two independent processors connected in a circuit on the same silicon board) so that the processors that allow fast multitasking function through (multiple operations performed at the same time) with good performance for games and multimedia.
In case you still want a dual-core processor but don’t have enough money for one of the best, you can find lower-priced dual-core processors but generally low in performance. Refurbished or used computers can be good options for a low budget.
If you are passionate about games, remember that even if a quad-core processor sounds great, a dual-core is definitely sufficient for most users. At this time, few applications require quad-core processors and you will certainly not be using their full capacity.
Memory
Computer memory (an electronic component that holds information and instructions so that the processor can access them quickly) is measured in capacity. If more memory is installed in your computer, applications will run easily and the system will perform better. Memory is an essential component of the computer, without it it will not function, which is why it comes pre-installed. However, a new memory module can be added at any time which will increase the capacity and speed of operations.
Motherboard
A motherboard should be bought with the future in mind and of course, based on the facilities it offers. The second generation SATA connectors (which achieved a transfer rate of 3 Gb / sec), the high definition sound on board and even the dual graphics card (SLI or CrossFire) can help a lot in the present and in the future.
A highly regarded motherboard is the Intel “Skulltrail”. Its configuration is: LGA 771 dual socket for processors that support Penryn chips in 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 would like to buy, choose your desired configuration, and then go shopping
Computer case
A good computer case could enhance your day when you want to do an upgrade. It should allow you to add almost any type of new component, it should be easy to open and allow you to move the components and everything should be well ventilated.
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 to 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 the images on the monitor and can be pre-installed on the motherboard or purchased separately. Its main characteristic is power. The integrated graphics card generally uses system memory to operate, while dedicated video cards use their own dedicated memory. For the vast majority of users, onboard boards 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 graphics card slot. Although there are still motherboards that use the AGP and PCI slots, they are now the past.
HDD
The size of the hard disk has increased enormously in the last 12 months, reaching the current size of 160 Gb to 1 terabite (1000 Gb). If you plan to store large amounts of data, the larger it is, the better.
Most of today’s hard drives are Serial ATA and have 7200 rpm; Gamers will certainly appreciate Western Digital’s 150GB 10,000rpm Raptor X hard drive.
Monitor
It doesn’t matter what it looks like, 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 is not the old cathode tube problem but you have to include 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. It is unlikely that a new system has incorporated less than one DVD-ROM (read discs but not write); But most systems have dual-layer DVD-RW multi-format (CD / DVD read and write / rewrite). Look for DVD drives that can burn double-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 has Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD drives. But the price is quite high (three or more for a DVD-RW).
USB devices are gaining popularity and today compete with DVDs thanks to the advantage of mobility and increased service life.
Network card
Today, the Internet is part of our daily life. Any new computer has an internal network card built in. 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 probably want surround sound that will require a working 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 quality sound because they already have integrated sound cards with 7.1 outputs, 24-bit (32-bit internal processing) and 192 kHz sound.
Keyboard and mouse
The trend today 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 the optical one (it uses a small camera to detect movement and provide much better movement).
Operating system: Linux, XP or Vista?
For those of you 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. The interface of Linux 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 built especially for it, drivers have been written for the components, and so on. If you can, use Windows XP, but it will be out soon. But don’t forget to update it frequently. 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 ahead in terms of security features, which include more and better than XP. It’s great as a design, but it’s also resource-intensive. Unfortunately for Microsoft, Vista, which was supposed to be a replacement for XP, failed in its goal of making 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) within the first year, so a one-year warranty should be sufficient. Also, better.
Don’t buy additional software if you don’t need it. Buy the computer’s operating system (if you decided on Windows), a suite of office applications, and an antivirus (free antivirus that you can find on the Internet. AVG or Avast are good options).
Look at the number of connectors. The more the better, you will use them in time.
Buy what you need. Promotions are cool but may not be of much help.
Buy a little more than the minimum you set to use the computer as long as possible. Even if a 160GB hard drive seems to be sufficient, you will need a larger hard drive over time. Make yourself a list of the minimal settings and then add the additional “ingredients.”
Check the monitor connectors. If your video card has a DVI output, then the monitor must have a DVI input.
If you don’t need it, please don’t buy. Good salespeople know that they can lure you in with all kinds of components made to get your attention. Don’t buy if you don’t need them right away. For a few months when you need them, the product will be at half price.
Hope it helped. And don’t forget it. If your budget is low, you can find good refurbished systems at a good price.