Wondering which desktop computer to buy can seem quite daunting if you don’t know much about computers. Even if you do know quite a lot, they’re always changing rapidly, so it’s good to know what the market currently has in store for you. Continue reading so that you can find out quite a bit more about desktop computers.
If you are going to be doing some upgrades to your desktop computer be sure to ground yourself before you begin working on your computer. A simple jolt of static electricity can be more than enough to fry your motherboard. If you do not ground yourself, you will be putting your whole system at risk.
Take an audit of your uses for a desktop computer before buying one. This is important so that you can really understand how much power you really need. More power means more money. If super powerful desktop won’t be of any real use to you, why shell out the additional funds?
Make sure the desktop will fit into the space you intend it for. It’s a good idea to measure the space, horizontal and vertical that you have available for your desktop computer and compare it against the dimensions of the computer that you’d like to purchase. While some have smaller profiles, others take a great deal of space. Know exactly what will fit into the space you want to put it.
When choosing a desktop computer take into consideration what you will be using it for. If you will simply be using it for web access and word processing, then you can afford to go cheaper. If you will be gaming you’ll want a graphics card, and more RAM. The task you’ll be using it for will be important in deciding your price point.
If you do photo or video work, you’ll want a desktop computer with at least four cores. Called quad-core, this desktop will give you a lot of multitasking ability. Your computer won’t stutter when you have multiple big programs open. This will save you a lot of frustration during your work sessions.
For the best deal when buying a new desktop computer, shop during and after back to school time or just before Christmas. These are the times when computer companies offer great deals on many of their best selling computers. Computer companies will also offer bundles of desktops and printers that can save you extra money.
If you want to save money on your desktop computer, look into buying a refurbished model. These computers are ones that have been fixed at the factory and are often offered at a steep discount. These are usually offered by the computer brands on their own websites, so take a look before you buy a new computer.
In order to do transfers of large video files, you will need a writable optical DVD drive. Frequently, less expensive computers that include only a CD drive are insufficient for multimedia files. You will require space that you can get from a DVD. It is a little more expensive, but it ends up saving money and headache.
Back up your desktop computer from time to time. Unfortunately, computers do crash and can take all of the data on the hard drive with them. Many times that data is important and it can be devastating to lose things like pictures, papers, or anything that you store on your computer.
When shopping for a computer, don’t assume that a system new to you is actually new. Many of the greatest deals are refurbished systems, which is openly acknowledged. However, sales clerks will often say that these were just systems sitting on display shelves or bought and quickly returned. In some cases, these systems are as old as a decade and just came back from a business lease.
Don’t forget to consider used computers when shopping. These are often purchased from the current owner directly as opposed to in a store. You can find them on classified sites and they can be bought for a steal. When you don’t need the latest, greatest machine, this is an affordable alternative.
When buying a used computer, be sure to take it apart to check all of its components. Look at the ports, the case and the boards inside to see if anything obvious is wrong. Don’t know what to look for? Check out Google Images before you go to the seller.
A cheap sub $300 desktop may sound great, but do your homework before buying. Are the specs good enough for your needs? Often these entry-level machines are underpowered. Is the case made to be durable? You’ll often see cheaper desktops with poor quality plastics and hinges. The $300 may sound nice, but really you are buying something that may only last a year.
You should most definitely be paying attention to which processor is included in your machine. Intel for instance still makes its old processors as well as it’s new Core i5 and Core i7 processors, all of which can be found in new desktops. Be sure to look for the latter two processors or their equivalents so that you have a computer that will operate successfully for you on all levels.
Figuring out what computer to get is an important decision. Desktop computers have changed so much, and you want the best options for what you’re willing to pay. Use the advice that has been discussed in this article to help gear you up for that computer purchase you’re about to make.