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Desktop PCs - A Short Overview of the Major Components and Purchasing Guide
When choosing a new book, one should consider the phrase, "Do not judge a book by its cover." The same is true when choosing the right desktop pc. It's not the latest look or brand that will determine the value of the computer, but what is under the hood that counts. This overview will examine the core components that make up a desktop pc and which models/brands offer the most bang for the buck.
One of the most important aspects one should consider when looking at a desktop pc's internal components is memory. Desktop PCs usually use a type of memory called DDR2. However, DDR3, which is an upgrade from DDR2, is slowly making its way to PCs. One should remember that the more memory a computer has, the better the computer's overall performance will be. A 4GB (gigabyte) memory is best for overall speed and performance, but 2GB memory is sufficient for basic, everyday computer use.
Within the middle-of-the-road processing units, one can find the best overall value. That is, these processors are not the fastest, but they offer the best price to performance ratio. Within this sub-category, one can find the AMD Phenom x4 9850 and Higher, and the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 and Higher.
As far as the top-of-the-line category is concerned, one may exercise a bit more caution. By and large, these processing units perform about 25-50% more efficiently than their lesser counterparts, but at a price premium of about double that of lower and middle-of-the-road processors. Some top-of-the-line processors include the Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775, the Intel Core 5 Extreme, and the Intel Core i7 Extreme 975. The Intel Core i7 Extreme 975 can be described as an advanced system and carries with it a high price tag. Thus, unless you're an extreme gamer or are heavy into graphics or video editing, this may not be the system for you.
Another crucial aspect one should consider when looking at a desktop pc's internal components is memory. Desktop PCs usually use a type of memory called DDR2. However, DDR3, which is an upgrade from DDR2, is slowly making its way to PCs. One should remember that the more memory a computer has, the better the computer's overall performance will be. A 4GB (gigabyte) memory is best for overall speed and performance, but 2GB memory is sufficient for basic, everyday computer use.
For anyone considering future upgrades, it is important to consider the different external ports that are available for future use with peripheral components to the computer. The computer should have at least a 6:1 ratio of USB 2.0 to FireWire ports.
If one wishes to focus on high-performance media such as DVD burning and rewriting, they should pay close attention to the desktop pc's optical drive. Multi-format DVD burners are superb for +R/RW and -R/RW formats. A speed of 16x is sufficient for DVD recording. Another media option that should come standard in the coming years is Blu-Ray, which provides use with high-definition videos. For anyone considering future upgrades, it is important to consider the different external ports that are available for use with peripheral components to the computer. The computer should have at least a 6:1 ratio of USB 2.0 to FireWire ports.
Lastly, a new package deal being offered is the All-In-One. This all-inclusive package offers a premium of features reasonably priced and pre-packaged with standard LCD Monitor in stow. The brands topping out in this category are the Apple iMac 20 inch ($1200), Lenovo Idea Centre A600 21.5 inch ($750), Sony VAIO VGC-LV250 24 inch ($1700), Dell Studio One 19 18.5 inch ($1000), MSI Wind Top AE1900 18.5 inch ($600).
About the Author Matthew Kerridge is an expert in electronic consumables. If you want further inforamtion about desktop PCs or are looking for a reputable desktop PC retailer please visit http://www.ebuyer.com
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