This article will run through each of these factors to help avoid the many pitfalls one may encounter in when you buy a PC.
Some sample desktop computer systems
Intended use
What is going to use the computer? This is one of the key considerations when purchasing this desktop system. The objective is to obtain a system that fits your computing needs. If you use your computer for business or professional purposes, you may wish to factor of stability and support in its decision to purchase the service. On the other hand, if you want to use the system at home, you want a more comprehensive PC that can handle multimedia applications, easy web browsing.
Budget
Certainly you need to consider your budget for purchase of the PC. Low-budget end systems will save you a lot of money and they are suitable for the majority of home users. Systems high-end with the latest Intel Pentium 4 or Athlon 64 processors will cost more and will be more convenient for those who want to play the latest 3D games or do heavy video or graphics editing.
Features of the system
OK, here is where is complicated. A typical desktop that PC has so many components, is difficult to decide which system is good or bad. We are talking about a plethora of set of components of memory, video cards, sound cards, optical drives, and so on.
Here is a stab to the most essential PC components and what to look for:
CPU
The CPU is the brain of the system - so it is a key consideration when buying this PC. The oldest chips like Intel Celeron and Pentium 3 Intel chips are now starting to become obsolete. If you want the system to last for some time, go for the new processors like the Intel Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon 64.
Memory
System memory is also very important: can never get enough. Normally, search at least 512 MB of memory on your desktop that you want to buy. Anything less while posed a problem for business applications or graphics.
Motherboards
If you are going to buy the system the shelf of suppliers such as HP, Dell, or eMachines, the motherboard brand generally will not be a problem. In fact, most PC manufacturers do not publish the type of motherboard used in their desks. The motherboard brand is of utmost importance if you are building your own PC.
Hard disk drives
My advice to you here - get as much hard drive space as you can afford. A typical hard drive by today's standards would be around 80 GB at least. If you do a lot of downloading off the Internet, or edit videos or has a large collection of MP3 files, it would be better with at least one 160 GB hard drive.
Optical drives
A CD-ROM drive is now a standard feature on all computers. Make sure that you are getting at least a 40 X CD-ROM read speed. An additional consideration these days would be that if you want to ability of reading and writing: many computers now come with CD-RW drives. DVD-ROM units are also being included in desktop computers. Even better, some come with DVD-RW drives that will save you the cost of buying an independent DVD recorder later.
Monitors
I guess that the key consideration here is whether you want a LCD or CRT screen. My opinion is to go at least a 17-inch monitor if you want a CRT display, and shows at least one 15-inch LCD monitor. Good marks here are: NEC, Samsung and ViewSonic.
Graphics
Computer systems come with any video integrated in the motherboard, or a physical video card. If you play a lot of games, especially the 3D like Half-Life 2, it should not depend on integrated video. Make sure that the system has a physical video card with at least AGP 8 X 256 MB of video memory.
Sound
Once again, it is common for the teams that come with sound integrated on the motherboard these days. However, if you're a team audio buff, go for a sound card independent of third parties as the Audigy Creative sound card.
Ports
The USB ports are almost standard features in desktop systems today. In fact, you may wish to check that the system comes with support for the latest USB 2.0 specification. Even better if it comes with FireWire ports (which are essential for capturing video and editing).
Operating system
Operating system
The majority of computer systems these days are supplied with Windows XP Home Edition, which is suitable for home users. Business users should seek Windows XP Professional or Windows 2000 Professional to be included in the package.
Technical support
Guarantee and After sale support sessions are a primary consideration especially does not have any experience in solution of problems of equipment. Most basic guarantee periods last a year or two and are sufficient for the average user. Do not go for a period of extended warranty without reading the small print. Most of the time, do not need too long warranty periods as the reasonable duration of the team will be approximately 4 to 5 years at most.
Recommended desktop computers
Now let's take a look at some of the systems of desktop computer that would recommend to a potential buyer. Note that the systems below do not include to a computer monitor.
EMachines W3052
It's a dynamic desktop. It runs on an AMD Sempron 2 GHz processor with 512 MB of RAM and a hard disk of 120 GB, eMachines W3052 is a top seller. Also comes with a reader of multimedia cards, compatibility with LAN, a unit of DVD +/-RW and a pre-installed copy of Windows XP Home Edition. Really incredible value at an affordable price.
Your desktop computer eMachines W3052
Gateway 552GE
Another great value for the monetary system. Gateway 552GE comes with an Intel Pentium 4 3.2 GHz drive DVD +/-RW, built in audio / video and compatibility with LAN, as well as Windows XP Home Edition to round out the package.
Gateway 552GE desktop
Hewlett Packard Pavilion a1130n
The Hewlett Packard Pavilion a1130n is a spectacular machine and without doubt my choice, if he has enough money in cash:) Comes with a CPU 2.2 GHz AMD Athlon 64, massive 1 GB of RAM and a 250 GB hard drive. Includes a unit of DVD +/-RW, built in support for audio / video, Firewire, as well as a LAN adapter. A really powerful machine.
The Hewlett Packard Pavilion a1130n desktop computer
Conclusion
In summary, buy a good desktop PC is a matter of doing your research and duties taking into account each of the above factors. If possible, go to the Web site of the manufacturer of the deepest source of material (read the small print too). Good luck!
Gary Hendricks runs a site of the hobby in the construction of equipment. Visit their Web site at Construction-tu-own-world for tips and tricks on assembling a PC, as well as buying good hardware components.
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