Technology changes all of the time at a fast pace, and computers are no exception to the rule. Whether you want to simply be able to surf the internet or you want to be able to play the latest video games this desktop computer buying guide will introduce you to the basics of buying a desktop computer.
CPU or Processor
The CPU (central processing unit), aka the processor is essentially the brains of the any computer. The performance of the CPU is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), and determines how fast the computer performs tasks that it is given to process.
The type of CPU, motherboard and memory that is used will largely determine the performance of the computer. In this section, we will be talking about the CPU.
The two major makers of CPU chips are Intel and AMD, however there are others. Here is a brief rundown of the CPUs that are available at the moment.
Budget CPUs
Intel Celeron and AMD Duron CPUs are found in the lower priced computers and are good if what you will doing most is simple things that do not require much of the processor such as bookkeeping. The AMD Duron CPU was phased out in 2002, so you may not find any new systems with this chip. The Intel Celeron CPU can still be found sold in lower end computers, although it is also being fazed out.
Mid level CPUs
Most of todays newer desktop PCs use a Pentium 4 CPU. The AMD AthlongXP CPUs are a little bit less expensive than their Pentium 4 counterparts.
Top of the line CPUs
The Intel Prescott and the AMD Athlon 64 represent are the CPUs in the higher end desktop computers. The Intel Prescott will replace the Pentium 4, while the AMD Athlon 64 is the first 64 bit CPU for Windows desktop computers. The Athlon 64 also has support for current 32 bit applications and operating systems.
These are top of the line CPUs for personal desktop computers. If you will be gaming or running resource extensive programs such as CAD, this is the way to go.
Motherboard or Mainboard
All of the devices that connect to the computer, connect to it through the motherboard, either directly or indirectly. It determines how all of the devices will communicate with each other.
Unless you are assembling a computer on your own, the motherboard will already come matched with the CPU. Most motherboards today come with sound, video and networking cards built in, so you will not need to buy these separately. However, if you intend to use the computer for gaming, in most cases you will need to buy a separate, better (more expensive) video card.
All new computers will come with USB 2.0 ports. USB 2.0 ports are becoming the standard method through which peripherals such digital cameras, printers, scanners, etc. communicate with the computer. You must decide how many you will want and make sure that the motherboard has enough. Most motherboards will have four USB 2.0 ports.
Digital video cameras and camcorders also commonly use Firewire, which depending on the version, can be faster that a USB 2.0 port.
Monitors
There are two types of monitors, Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and Cathode Ray Tube (CRT). Whether a monitor comes with the computer or not, it is important to check the size of the screen (they range from 14 to 21 inches wide diagonally), and the optimum resolution that can be attained, such 1024 by 768.
LCD monitors have a flat screen, take up less space, are lighter in weight and are a lot easier on the eyes compared to a CRT monitor. LCD monitors however, are more expensive and some may not be suited to gaming because some are more limited with regard to the resolutions that they can portray. Also, an LCD's screen can loose some of its individual pixels over time. Be sure to look at the warranty carefully, most manufacturers will not cover this until a certain number of pixels have been lost.
CRT monitors will come with almost all of the lower priced computers. They look and feel like a TV, large, heavy and bulky. They are however really reliable and less expensive than LCD monitors.
Memory or RAM
The speed and amount of memory that you choose is one the major factors that will determine the overall performance of the computer. If you have too little memory, the computer will not be able to perform several tasks at once and will be very slow. In the worst case scenario, it will freeze or crash.
RAM comes in different types and speeds, and has to be compatible with the motherboard. The more memory, the better. Buy a computer with at least 256MB of memory.
Hard Drives
Hard drives are the permanent storage area for a computer. Bargain priced computers sold today will have 40GB of storage space available while the higher priced desktop computers will have 200GB to 250GB of storage space.
If you plan to use the computer to do tasks such word processing and surfing the internet, 40GB should be more than enough.
Floppy Disk Drives
Most computers today will come with a floppy drive, although they are not as common. If you will need a floppy disk drive and the computer does not come with one, you can buy one that connects externally.
Optical Drives
Most lower priced desktop computers will come with a CD-RW burner though some will include only a CD-R drive only. Higher priced desktop computers will come equipped with a CD-RW and a DVD-RW drive or a combination of both.
Keyboards and Mice
If all that you want is a standard keyboard and mouse, they can be really inexpensive, just a few dollars each. If you are looking want either to be wireless, you will pay a little more.
Desktop Computer Cases
You may want to change the computer case to give it a different look, to able to add extra USB ports or sound plugs, or to be able to add more fans to keep the CPU cool if you plan to play games on the computer.
Software
If you are planning on using the computer to do any office work, you will office software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) included. You can add this software on your own, but doing so can get expensive.
Discuss this in our Forum
About the Author:
Jose Valdez is the owner/webmaster of www.AGuideToStartingABusiness.com
