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 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 greater, 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 fast pace, buying a superior computer can help you save money in the future because you will (to some extent) meet future demands for software. 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 games 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, don’t consider AMD processors to be weak. It’s just a situation at the moment; 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) so that processors that enable fast multitasking via (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 best, you can find dual core processors at lower prices but generally lacking in performance. Refurbished or used computers can be good options for a low budget.

If you’re passionate about gaming, remember that even if a quad-core processor sounds great, a dual-core is definitely enough for most users. At this time, few applications require quad-core processors and you will certainly 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 your computer, it won’t work without it, so it comes pre-installed. However, at any time a new memory module can be added which will increase the capacity and speed of operations.

Motherboard

A motherboard should be purchased with the future in mind and, of course, based on the facilities it offers. The second generation SATA connectors (which reached a transfer speed of 3 Gb/sec), the integrated HD sound and even the dual graphics card (SLI or CrossFire) can help a lot in the present and in the future.

A highly appreciated motherboard is the 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 would 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 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 spec 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, integrated cards 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 suits your system. Or, if you have a computer, try to find a system that has a PCI Express x16 slot for graphics card. Although there are still motherboards that use the AGP and PCI slots, they are a thing of the past.

HDD

The size of the hard disk has increased tremendously 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 larger the better.

Most hard drives today are Serial ATA and have 7200 rpm; gamers will certainly appreciate Western Digital’s 150 GB 10,000 RPM Raptor X hard drive.

Display

It doesn’t matter what it looks like, but what it does. Some things to consider when buying a monitor: Optimum 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 ray tube problem but you have to cover 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″ one.


All computers need an optical drive. Optical drives are very different and can have multiple options. In contrast, a new system will have less of a built-in DVD-ROM (read discs but not write); but most systems have a multi-format dual-layer DVD-RW (read and write/rewrite CD/DVD). Look for DVD drives that can write 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 have Blu-ray Disc and HD DVD drives. But the price is quite high (three or more of a DVD-RW).

USB drives are growing in popularity and today rival DVDs for the advantage of mobility and increased lifespan.

network card

 

Today, the Internet is part of our daily lives. Any new computer has 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 will 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 damp set of quality speakers too.

The new systems offer sound quality 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 current trend is to use a wireless keyboard and mouse, but there are still many systems that use the USB ports. The keyboard can be simple with just basic functions or a real machine with lots of buttons worthy of Star Trek. Today the best known is optics (uses a small camera to detect movement and provide much better movement).

Operating System: Linux, XP or Vista?

For those of you who aren’t even considering using a Linux-based operating system, I advise you to think again. Yes, there are plenty of 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 built especially for it, drivers have been written for the components, 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 forward in terms of security features that include more and better than XP. It’s great as a design, 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 an extra minute and read the following tips:

Look at the warranty and support offered: most problems occur (if they appear) in the first year, so one year of warranty should be enough. Also better.

Don’t buy additional software if you don’t need it. Buy the computer’s operating system (if you’ve gone with Windows), a suite of office applications, 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 may not help much.

Buy a little more than the minimum you set to use the computer as long as possible. Even if it seems like a 160GB hard drive is enough, eventually you’ll need a bigger hard drive. Make a list yourself with the minimum configuration and then add the additional “ingredients”.

Check the connectors on the monitor. If your video card has DVI output, then the monitor must have DVI input.

If you don’t need, please don’t buy. Good salespeople know that they can lure you in with all sorts of components made to turn heads. Don’t buy if you don’t need them right away. 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 tight, you may be able to find good refurbished systems at a good price.