Tips on Buying a New Desktop PC
Buying a new computer can be mind-boggling -- and though they've fallen in price, it's still a high-ticket item. There are so many models out there, and so many things to consider: from hard drives, to optical drives; video cards to sound cards; and monitors to external connectors. The best choice for you depends entirely on your needs.
For starters, this quick questionnaire to help determine which computer is best for you, considering usage, applications, and budget. Or visit PC World, where you can find a breakdown of this year’s top-rated PCs, based on power, features, reliability, and value.
Follow these top tips to find a PC that has the hardware and capacity you need, without reconfiguring your finances:
1. Back to basics - CD and DVD burners, sophisticated video and sound cards, and other fancy additions can really short-circuit your savings. Oftentimes, if a product is not a big seller, the manufacturer will add it to a package deal in order to get rid of it. At the same time, it may not be cost efficient to upgrade older, lower-end models. Upgrades and add-ons don’t just fall into place; you may have to pay a technician to install them, and that’s not cheap! The moral: avoid the bells and whistles, but make sure that the basics you buy are easily upgradeable.
2. Remember memory – One of the most important things to consider when buying a new computer is RAM memory. If you don’t get enough, your system won’t run optimally. Not all memory is created equal. The higher the amount of RAM, the smoother your system will run, but the type of memory can also make a big difference in both performance and ability to upgrade the system in the future.
3. Process this - For processors (CPUs) there are two basic choices to make: brand and speed. Oftentimes the marketing information about the CPU will only list its speed rating. This can be tricky, since one processor running at a particular speed may not run as well as a different model from the same manufacturer. Check out this list of categories to consider in order to figure out a processor’s actual functionality.
BONUS HINT: PC World gave top ticket to the Alienware Aurora 5500…
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