Tips for choosing the components of a PC to assemble
Buying a new computer is a big problem (if you want the best at the lowest possible cost).
We are far from the decline of PC (even if someone tries to do it yourself) because this electronic device is not just to surf the Internet or play like a tablet, but also to work, to write and create.
The importance of the computer comes from the fact that even people not particularly adept at technology often find themselves in front of a computer for several hours a day.
The purchase of the pieces of a computer can make a difference to its performance and, especially in the long run, to get that feeling of having a machine that is already old.
But how to know which parts buy (in the case of a computer assembled) or by what hardware components must be made (in the case of pre-assembled pc of the malls)?
Since we do not have things to ask the clerk on duty or the owner of a shop, you can follow this guide to choosing sides "hardware" best of a computer to assemble.
1) The heart of the computer: the processor or CPU
Until a few years ago, they were all Intel or AMD processors and not much choice, but today the models are many and varied.
Clearly, the more you spend and buy a powerful processor, the computer will have more high performance and speed.
Multicore processors are those that have multiple CPUs of which we must add the power expressed in GHz.
E ', however, also important to verify the performance of single core because some programs are not optimized to take advantage of two or more cpu and exploit one.
The Dual-core PCs are still good for basic, low-end gaming platforms and office computers.
Today, the best choice is a Quad-core, now convenient from the economic point of view.
To guide the choice of buying the processor there are two excellent sites that do analysis of technical comparison, updated, really precise:
PassMark and Anandtech have the charts on the basis of performance.
Some CPU models may not be for sale in Italy to get an idea but I do not think there is any better.
2) The bones of the PC motherboard
If you buy a pre-assembled computer brand such as shopping malls, you can not choose the motherboard.
It must be said that the motherboards have almost no impact on overall performance.
The best ones are acknowledged for features such as the BIOS controls the fan speed, ease for overclocking and slots to mount multiple video cards.
Some recent motherboards use a new BIOS called UEFI (Universal Extensible Firmware Interface), although only a few more technical users may need it.
If you want to take the easy way out, you can take the motherboard with more positive reviews or at least take a modern recently manufactured so that it can support any future updates.
3) The short-term memory: RAM
The RAM of the computer is where lies the short-term memory, which is emptied when you turn off your PC (while the hard disk is the long-term memory).
The RAM, in a new computer, has almost no impact on the performance because it is a part hardware rather standardized.
It is true that more is better, but the advantage to overcome that is needed is minimal.
Most people can buy 4 GB of RAM for a home PC or 8-16GB to create a super game console or a workstation.
Note that 32-bit Windows does not support 8 GB of RAM then be wasted.
The most common standard today is RAM DDR3-1333, but this may change in the future.
If you're building or upgrading a computer, the model of RAM to buy is determined by the motherboard, so just read the data sheet to find out what you need.
You should also install two separate cards RAM (2GB +2 GB), with the same amount of memory and speed.
The use of RAM modules with different sizes can reduce overall memory performance.
4) The long memory - The hard drive
The hard drive is important and taken retailers are huge capacity drives, 1 Terabyte or more.
The best solution today, however, is as hard disk will choose a solid state drive SSD, much faster, with no mechanical parts but more expensive.
The ideal is to buy both: a more limited capacity SSD (100GB) to install the system and programs and a 1TB hard drive internal or external to save all the files.
If your budget is limited, choose the hard drive as fast as you can allow us, at least 7,200 RPM.
5) The graphics card for gaming:
When you buy a PC with the Intel chip, it may be that there is the integrated graphics card and AMD is the same.
The truth is that when the video card is integrated, the computer can not be used for video games and advanced graphics programs.
An integrated graphics card can be used to play in the same way that a butter knife is used to cut a steak, you can do it, but it will not be your own convenience.
Video cards are like processors that are used to increase the performance of video games.
You can compare the various models on the site Passmark, Tomshardware and Anandtech.
Who really cares about the video card and going to do a pc video games, should then read the reviews for the various models.
The video card is one of the most commercial of a computer so it can be very expensive, with manufacturers to develop more and better pieces in the trenches.
6) The skin of the computer: The Case
The case is the frame or inside the casing that holds all the pieces assembled on the motherboard.
The higher price may depend mostly aesthetics and a particular design.
The important thing to look into the case is that it has taken all necessary, that has USB ports front and back, comfortable grip for microphone and headphones, and above all with USB 3.0.
The USB 3.0 should also be supported by the motherboard.
7) Cooling system
All processors and computer housings are equipped with cooling fans.
Usually, however, are a bit 'too cheap.
If you want a silent pc that is not too hot, it would be wise to make sure the fans are of good quality.
Expensive options (over 50 Euro) are necessary for the fans of the processor only if you want to overclock.
The cooling water is available, but not cheap and, above all, do not garatisce better performance than air cooling.
8) Power Supply
Power is another component that you do not choose and given that came with the motherboard.
In DIY is important to purchase a quality depending on the price.
You make your choice, on the site there is a nice article on Toms Hardware Italian that summarizes everything you need to know.
In general, there are two important things to keep in mind when buying a new computer or any piece of hardware.
Whatever you buy today, you will definitely surpassed by a new product in a year, will surely be overcome by the average of the pc after 3 years and will be obsolete after 5.
When selecting the pieces of a computer you have to consider what you need today without thinking about tomorrow.
The second rule is to keep your computer balanced.
If you buy a PC with a processor underpowered, needless to buy a high-end graphics card or install 8 GB of RAM.
If you have a small monitor, there is no need to buy a graphics card powerful enough to handle higher resolutions.
Another important thing to consider then is that if you buy a PC assembled by choosing certain parts today, there is nothing in a few months or a year of change without having to buy back some of everything.
As seen, you can easily change RAM, power supply and hard drives without big technical capabilities and the same goes for the video card.
The argument is complex and there are an infinite number of combinations to explore and exceptions to consider.
20/10/2012
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Translated via software
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Source:
Italian version of CercaGeometra.it