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May 18 '00 (Updated Jun 02 '00)
Personally, I know a good machine can really make a big difference (performance-wise, capabilities, etc.) Also, if you like to play games such as ROMs, (Read Only Memory) would like to burn CDs, use ActiveX or 3D technology in the web sites you view, you don't want to have slow choppy speed.
Welcome to Updated V.2 of SaLT's Purchasing Guide
Hold in mind, as you read this dissertation, I will be discussing the most high-technological parts available. They may not suit to your specific needs, yet for over $2000 you will want the strongest and the most advanced parts money can bring you. So, as you read this, many may say that such powerful parts aren't key, but they are if you are willing to pay over two thousand dollars for your desktop PC.
If you are seriously into buying a new computer and you seek the highest quality, (you can't even buy parts this strong) I highly suggest a Hewlett Packard machine. Although some computers may seem like a good idea if they are more expensive, don't be fooled:
http://www.urban-computer.com/urbancorp/sony.html
Though Sony is a respected brand, their best features aren't making desktop computers. Such manufacturers may try to rip you off by using such big words or larger prices, so I am here to explain them to you in detail.
I. «¤ Processor and RAM ¤»
A. Processors
- Another feature you might want to consider is the Processor speed.
1. «« A Processor is a piece of hardware that determines how fast the machine is going to work, while compromising with the RAM. Usually measures in MHz (Megahertz) or GHz (Gigahertz, 1000 MHz), pricing varies depending on power, brand, and type. ««
a. For example, if you have a lot of fast RAM, but you're running on a i486 machine, your computer will still run extremely slow, even if it has a vast RAM on it. This is because it can't handle such power, and that's why it is imperative that the core of your computer be as strong as possible.
b. The best processor out is a Pentium III processor, which is extremely fast, and run around the price of $200 - $350 for the chip alone. Intel's processors started out with the 8086, following the release of the i286, i386, after that was the i486, then the Pentium, Pentium w/ MMX, pII, and lastly, the pIII.
c. As for agility goes, I Highly Recommend the Pentium III with at least 450 MHz, as this will prove for an extremely rapid machine.
B. RAM (Random Access Memory)
- When you're looking for a great computer, (if you're paying over $2000 you should try to find the best pieces available) you should look at how much RAM they have.
1. »» RAM (Random Access Memory) is computer hardware which helps to preserve the agility in which your computer can sustain, mostly while programs are in use. Decent pricing would include similarly $.99 - $1.09 per MB (Megabyte). »»
a. The better machines will contain similarly towards 128+ MB. With the release of Windows 2000 last February, RAM requirements have excelled as this newer Operating System is incapable of running well on anything less than 128 MB of RAM.
b. If you are knowledgeable of hardware, you should know how to install RAM onto your machine, thus triggering it to its maximum potential. Many machines compose of 128 Megabytes of RAM, though there are few cases which contain up to or beyond 1 GB (Gigabyte, 1000 MB) of such memory. These machines are virtually unstoppable in our Common Era.
c. Have you ever pondered why a program runs slower than normal or iExplorer is taking so long to load a page? Yes, the iExplorer could be a result of a slow Internet connection, but it could also be in due cause of your PC lacking adequate RAM.
d. RAM comes in all different types, such as: SIMM, DIMM, Fast Page, EDO, PC100, and PC133. Which type you should purchase is dependent on which motherboard you buy, which is determined by the specific processor you would like to use.
- Seek time refers to the time a program or device takes to locate a particular piece of data.
e. For disk drives, the terms seek time and access time are often used interchangeably. The speed of your RAM is also a great factor in the speed of your system. Then again, quality is better than quantity.
II. «¤ Motherboard and Hard Drive ¤»
A. Motherboards
1. «« A motherboard can be defined as the physical arrangement in a computer that contains the computer's normal components and circuitry. This is also where the RAM is installed, and what determines how many MB the system is able to endeavor. Pricing ranges $50.00+ »»
a. I tend to compare the motherboard as the "spine" of the hardware, as it determines many of the parts it can take. For example, the amount of RAM a computer can take is dependant upon the motherboard. Also, depending on your motherboard, it determines which processor you are able to use.
b. The motherboard, or main board, also contains the crystal in which regulates the CPU clock speed, and has the ports for the floppy drive and the RAM. There are several different slots on the main board, which I will discuss here. These slots are VESA, ISA, PCI, and AGP.
b-a. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) refers to a consortium of monitor and video adapter manufacturers with an ambition to standardize video protocols. VESA has developed a family of video standards that offer greater resolution and more colors than VGA. These are often referred to as Super VGA.
- VGA (Video Graphics Array) is a graphics system for computers developed by IBM. They have become a main factor of PCs. In text mode, VGA systems provide a resolution of 720 x 400 pixels. In graphics mode, the resolution is either 640 x 480 (with 16 colors) or 320 x 200 (with 256 colors).
b-b. ISA (Industry Standard Archietecture) is an older version of Intel and Microsoft's a new ISA specification, which is now known as the Plug and Play cards. Plug and Play ISA makes it much more convenient, allowing an alternative for users to configure expansion boards without the use of toying with the jumpers and DIP switches.
b-c. PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)is a local bus standard created by Intel. Many modern computers include a PCI bus in addition to an ISA expansion bus. Many analysts believe that PCI will eventually supplant ISA. PCI is also being used on newer Macintosh models.
b-d. AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) is a new interface created by Intel. AGP is based on PCI, but designed especially for the throughput demands of 3-D textures. Rather than using the PCI bus for graphics data, AGP introduces a dedicated point-to-point channel so that the graphics controller can access main memory. The AGP channel is 32 bits wide and runs at 66 MHz. AGP allows 3-D graphics to be recorded in main memory rather than video.
c. Main boards may vary, though you will want one that supports which processor you want to use. If ordering online, the specific motherboard usually has a description, which warns you whether or not your processor can be endured. Though, if you're a new buyer, I suggest you go to a hardware store and ask people who are working there whether the specific board is right for you.
d. Despite all this, some online descriptions will not warn you how much RAM a board can have, as I realized this after ordering hardware off of AccessMicro.com. Once again, if you're a new buyer of hardware, I suggest you go to your local computer hardware store and ask around. Don't be too enthusiastic, though, as they may try to guide you toward their wallets.
B. Hard Drive
- Another feature you might want to look at is Hard Drive Space.
1. «« Hard Drive Space can be defined as how many certain-sized files your computer can hold. These are usually referred to in GB (Gigabytes, 1000 Megabytes). Good pricing consists nearly $.01 - $.013 cents per Megabyte. ««
a. A while ago, a Hewlett Packard machine I was interested in contained 32 GB of Hard Drive space. Though that was genuinely large, though spare parts are made much larger than they once were. Technology is constantly changing, as I have come to realize that the DiamondMax Plus 40 is much more impressive as a part alone, roughly containing a maximum of 40.9 GB. The pricing for this part falls between $248.95 and $299.33, depending on its distributor.
b. 40.9 GB (Gigabytes) is a vast hard drive. The average desktop today might have approximately 12 GB - 19 GB of hard drive space, unless you built your own computer or it was custom built for you. The more space on your computer you have, the more area you have for storage.
c. Hard Drives also come in many different speeds. For example, a hard drive in which you may want to purchase has 4800 RPM, while another has 7200. 7200 is quite fast, and will serve you well. A relatively good price to spend on a hard drive is approximately $200, though you may want to buy multiple hard drives instead. For example, two 20 GB hard drives may run faster than one 40 GB hard drive. Always remember, large isn't necessarily better.
III. «« SCSI and CD-Roms »»
A. SCSI
1. «« SCSI, pronounced "scuzzy", (Small Computer Serial Interface) can be defined as standard, electronic interfaces that allow personal computers to communicate with peripheral hardware such as CD-ROMs, zip drives, scanners, printers, and so on (basically any removable hardware that will not affect the computer's overall performance). Pricing varies. »»
a. A good SCSI card is key, and as much necessary as many of the other components which make up your Dream PC. Since much of your external hardware's connection speed is dependant upon a good SCSI interface, you may want to purchase one that may last you a while. For example, a good SCSI card will cost you about $200, as you should buy a Ultra Wide SCSI 2 interface, since they're the fastest.
b. SCSI cards are used to replace the IDE which already come on the motherboard. As a result, you can't really compare them to anything. Though you can run your machine without SCSI, it's not recommended.
B. CD-Roms
- If you would like to copy or make your own CDs, then I suggest you start looking at a computer with CD-RW technology or CD-R technology. Since these often can be slower at reading than a normal CD-ROM, I highly suggest that you consider buying a CD-ROM as well.
1. «« A CD-RW can be defined as CD-ReWritable. (That's where the RW is from). You can use a CD-RW to rewrite special kinds of CDs. A bargain? Pricing ranges $170.00+ ««
a. If you want the most recent technology, I suggest going with the CD-RW, although the CD-R isn't much different, though it keeps your wallet fatter. A CD-RW has all the same features of a CD-ROM, with a few very convenient/important features. With a CD-RW you can rewrite only special types of blanks. Those special types cost approximately $12 - $15 each. With a CD-RW you can record onto normal blank CDs, but you can't rewrite them.
b. These are handy if you want to store Mp3s, ROMs, and much more without the use of your personal hard drive. Their detriment would be their lack of speed, as they are not the wonder drug as far as CD-ROMs go, though some people tend to disagree. I recommend that you purchase both a CD-ROM and an extra bonus such as this, since spin rate on a CD-ROM is much faster in speed.
2. «« A CD-R can be defined as CD-Recordable. You can use a CD-R to record onto a normal CD, but once the CD is used you cannot use it again such as you could with a floppy disk. Pricing ranges similar to $140.00+ »»
a. A CD-R has all the capabilities of a CD-ROM, and you can record onto normal blank CDs. It's good for copying music, copying CD-based games, etc. This is highly recommended if you're strapped for cash but you want that custom-built computer with reliable parts.
b. Unlike CD-Rewritables (RW), these are much more inexpensive to purchase, as the blanks they use are less expensive as well (running from about $1.00 per blank disc). Much like its rival, the spin rate is much slower than that of a CD-ROM. If purchasing a CD-R, I highly suggest that you purchase a CD-ROM with it.
3. «« A CD-ROM can be defined as CD-Read Only Memory. Meaning that you can only copy files from the CD to your computer, but not from your computer to the CD. Pricing ranges from $30.00+ »»
a. Although a CD-ROM is old technology, they are a must when purchasing a computer. Though I don't suggest you buy only a CD-R, I do recommend that buy a CD-ROM and either a CD-R or CD-RW, putting them both on your machine.
b. CD-ROMs have the capability to only read CDs, you can't copy onto a CD, rewrite a CD, or anything besides just looking/coping files from them onto your computer. Their total spin rate, generally, is excellent.
IV. Internet Hardware and Connection
- A good modem can help you improve that choppy, slow Internet connection, although dial-up modems are becoming obsolete.
A. DSL
1. «« DSL can be defined as Digital Subscriber Line (DSL). It runs 50 times faster than a dial-up 56K modem. For example, your dial-up modem may run at 56K, but a DSL modem will run at 2800K. »»
a. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is the newest in dial-up technology. You can either have a line installed in your house, or you can use your old telephone line. Although you may use your old telephone line to connect, it doesn't tie up your phone line.
2. Confused? Phone lines contain two different signals. One is used to talk to your everyday friends, and the other can be used for DSL. So, as you're connected to the Internet via your phone line, you can pick up your phone and talk to your friends and family while you're online. If you would like free DSL, there is a new service (http://www.freedsl.com) that offers free DSL. If you refer ten people you get a free DSL modem.
B. Cable Modems
1. »» Cable Modems can be defined as a modem that uses the Cable lines that run around your neighborhood to increase bandwidth. Around the same speed as DSL, but if a lot of people (in your cable area) have Cable Modems your speed is decreased. »»
a. Cable Modems are somewhat new in the online world. They are about as fast as DSL, and the speed is determined to how many people in your cable area have cable modems. They are extremely fast, though. Call your local Cable Company and ask them how you can get a cable modem.
C. Dial-up Modems
1. «« A Dial-Up Modem can be defined as dialing a local access number to connect to the World Wide Web. Dial-Up modems can often be slow and choppy. »»
a. Dial-Up Modems often come with new computers (preferably 56K), so people think that they're getting a good deal, but in reality they're not. Dial-Up modems are old technology, but if you're getting free Internet access I can understand.
2. Companies such as (http://www.netzero.net) and(http://www.altavista.com) give out free Internet access, but is it really worth it to have an annoying ad bar on your screen? There is a free Internet Access company that offers free Internet access without any annoying ad bars (http://www.worldspy.com).
V. Other
- Also, some keyboards come with an Internet-Ready Keyboard, which can be very nice.
A. Monitors
- Monitors also come in all shapes and sizes. The average monitor has a resolution of 600x800.
1. «« Resolution can be defined as the amount of pixels (richness) used in a picture. If you computer has a resolution of 640 x 480, a picture would appear bigger, because there are less pixels to it and the picture won't seem as "clean". »»
a. Monitors can come in all resolutions and richness. There really aren't any monitors that are "greater" than others, it all depends on your tastes. If you like having bigger icons, I might go with an 1024 x 768 pixel monitor, though you can always adjust it to your preferences.
b. If you like smaller icons and want to be able to fit more objects on your screen (your desktop or the Internet), I suggest going with a 1600 x 1200 pixel monitor.
B. Mouse
a. A mouse is also important. The only "down" side of a mouse is that they break too easily. If you are willing to pay around $60 - $70 for a mouse that won't break very easily (high quality)
b. I suggest going with Microsoft's new "Laser Mouse." Instead, of using a ball, it uses lasers to determine where on the screen your mouse is. It doesn't break easily, and can also impress your friends.
c. Ball-based mice are okay, if you don't want to spend $60 - $70 on a mouse. If you get one of these, make sure to get an "Wheel" mouse, which is a mouse with a little wheel in the middle of the buttons. You turn the wheel to scroll down web pages easily. Very convenient and very practical.
«« Conclusion »»
1. Processor ¬ pIII
2. RAM ¬ (Budget) 128MB » (No Budget) 256MB+
3. Motherboard ¬ Anything that supports parts you plan on purchasing.
4. Hard Drive ¬ (Budget) 20 GB - 40GB » (No Budget) 40 GB+
5. SCSI ¬ Ultra Wide SCSI 2 Interface.
6. CD System ¬ (Budget) CD-ROM » (No Budget) CD-ROM and CD-RW/CD-R
7. Modem ¬ (Budget) Dial-up » (No Budget) DSL/Cable
8. Monitor ¬ Varies depending on your preferences.
9. Mouse ¬ (Budget) Wheel Mouse » (No Budget) Laser Mouse.
If you conclude to put these ingredients together, you have just build your dream machine.
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