PanicShoppers - Five Important Things To Look For In A PC

Five Important Things To Look For In A PC

Are you new to buying computers? Well, we've put together a little hardware review for you so that you can shop smarter.

1: CPU - the Brain

A CPU.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer component that does all the instruction, logic and mathematical processing in a computer. A CPU speed is measured in hertz. The higher the number of megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz) the faster the processor. Nowadays, CPUs can range in speeds from 1.2GHz to 3.0GHz. It's important to choose a CPU with enough speed, as more complex programs and applications will require more CPU speed to smoothly process all the required information.

2: System Memory (RAM) - Temporary Quick-Load Data Storage

2 GB of RAM.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the computer component that stores temporary data so that the CPU can access information in any order. RAM size is measured in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB). Nowadays RAM on computers can come with 512MB to 4GB of RAM installed on the system. Generally speaking, having 2GB of system memory is optimal to run most software that is out today.

3: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - Long Term Data Storage

A hard drive.

Hard disk drive (HDD) is a device that stores digital data on to rapidly rotating platters that are magnetically charged as data is stored on them. Information stored on a HDD is measured in Gigabytes (GB) and Terabytes (TB). In comparison a compact disc (CD-rom) can store 700 megabytes (MB) of data, which can also be measured as 0.7 gigabytes (GB). All software that is sold will show how much HDD space is needed to run the specific software.

Hard disk space is necessary in order to store your media files and files generated by your computer operating platform and software. Unless you plan to store several full-length movies or other digitally "bulky" items on your hard drive, you will not need more than 120 GB, the standard amount released on most new PCs.

4: GPU - Graphics Card

A GPU.

A Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) is the computer component that provides video output to a display device such as a monitor. Generally speaking, a GPU is used to accelerate software that is visually intensive, like 3D games or artistic design applications. The GPU is necessary to take the load of the CPU for higher-level processing.

Most users who look into purchasing a GPU or graphics card are generally looking to boost performance of a computer when running 3D games. NVIDIA and ATI are the 2 different companies that manufacture GPUs, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Graphics cards are split into 3 categories; the budget, mainstream and enthusiast cards.

A budget graphics card would be an entry level GPU, providing the minimum in graphical performance when running 3D games. It is the least expensive in terms of price. The mainstream GPUs are produced for the masses. These cards provide a good balance between performance and price, with some providing a little more performance without paying a premium. These generally cost $100 - $250. For example, take a look at the BFG GeForce 7950 GT. The enthusiast GPUs are generally designed for the users who use a computer with gaming in mind. Prices can range from $300-$700.

5: LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) - Screen

An LCD display.

A LCD is used to view information that the computer outputs. The important thing to look out for when choosing a suitable LCD is the resolution, size, and refresh rate of a LCD. Resolution is the amount of pixels or data that can fit in a specific screen size. The higher the resolution on a display, the more you can see. In practical terms, increasing resolution means decreasing the size of all on-screen items, making it easier to show more data. Since there are more pixels (aka dots of color), it is possible to draw more items with the pixels.

It is important to choose an adequate size LCD if you are planning on working with 1680x1050 or higher resolution. If you do not have an adequate size LCD, using higher resolutions will mean that text and graphics may not be clearly displayed or extend off-screen. The LCD’s refresh rate is very important for users who are planning on watching movies and playing games. The faster the refresh rates the clearer fast moving video and images will be displayed on the LCD.

All software that is sold will have minimum and preferred hardware requirements on the box that dictate the CPU specifications necessary to run that specific software. The 5 pieces of hardware discussed in this article will be included among these specifications. It is important to assess how much you are willing to spend, and to what purpose you intend on using the computer. If you simply want to surf the Internet and use a word processor, you will not need very high specifications; if you intend on gaming or doing any programming and design work in the future, then you should purchase higher capacity items. Choose accordingly so you will neither be lacking or excessive with the specifications, and spending in your optimal price range on your next computer purchase.

- Norman, Resident Tech Reviewer

Look for its companion article soon: "PanicShopper Builds A Great PC... for Cheap!"

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