subject: Buyers Guide to Desktop PCs [print this page] Here we'll try to give a quick synopsis of the most important features and considerations that should influence your buying decision. Let's begin with the basics. Before you start shopping for specific machines, think about what you'll be using your computer for. Will it be for the home office and work-related purposes, for leisure and recreation, or for a combination of the two?
The most important component any computer is the CPU, the Central Processing Unit. Whether you pick and AMD or an Intel model, there's more to CPU performance than just raw speed measure in Gigahertz. Things like L2 and L3 cache as well as whether it's dual or quad-core matter as well. Basically, you'll want at least an Intel Core2 Duo or AMD Athlon II processor, if not something faster. At present, it really makes sense to simply choose one of the newer Core i3, Core i5 or AMD Phenom chips. These processors will ensure that your PC remains relevant farther into the future as software demands on the underlying hardware increase with time. Ultimately, you want a machine that still feels moderately responsive in five years time.
The second most important part of the equation is the Random Access Memory, or RAM. The industry as a whole is moving rather quickly from DDR2 memory to DDR3, meaning that in a few years DDR2 will be all but a distant memory. For ease of upgrading later on, choose only DDR3 memory running at 1333 MHz or higher. It's fine if your PC only comes equipped with 4 GB of RAM, as you can easily add a few memory modules later. The final part of the equation when it comes to overall performance insofar as general computing tasks are concerned is the hard drive. Don't buy a computer with an HDD running at less than 7200 RPM. A slow hard disk can be a serious speed bottleneck when it comes to performance.
Finally, there's the matter of the Graphics Processing Unit or GPU. These processors aren't just important if you enjoy demanding video games and high-definition video playback. If you do any design work with Photoshop or video editing, a quality Graphics Card is a must. ATI is in many respects the clear-cut leader in the field, and they offer many different cards for all needs. As a general rule, anything from their Radeon series of GPUs will do for most tasks. Alternatively, Nvidia's GeForce series makes for a suitable substitute. As long as the GPU has at least 1 GB of dedicated memory, it should handle most anything you can throw at it.
Aside from these main points, the rest of your buying decision comes down to personal preference when it comes to brand and aesthetics. Some things are out of your control for the most part, like the motherboard for instance. You're not going to find prefabricated PCs that give you a choice. If you are lost as to where to begin, Dell computers are reliable and fairly inexpensive. On small detail that many often overlook is wireless connectivity, or the lack thereof on many desktops. This is easily rectified through USB memory stick adapters that can be plugged in for wireless access. A good USB headset, mouse and keyboard are also great additions and keep your desk from becoming too cluttered with miscellaneous wires. Just do your research before buying any PC, and you should be fine.
Buyers Guide to Desktop PCs
By: Paul Gallen
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