If you have the right information, then you can get a lot out of a desktop computer. If this is something you’re interested in, this article is here to help. Use what you’re about to learn so you can get all the experience you need to work with desktop computers.
Building your own computer can save a lot of money, while at the same time producing a system that is twice as powerful as you would get if you bought it from a manufacturer. Building your own computer saves time, money, and cuts out the middle man. Start building your own today!
Measure how much space you have in the area you plan to locate your desktop computer. Desktops have large variations in size. Don’t buy a desktop that is too large to fit in its designated space. Know exactly what will fit into the space you want to put it.
If you want to save money when purchasing a desktop computer, consider buying a refurbished model. You can look at the websites of major computer manufacturers such as HP or Dell, where you will find great deals on computers that have been returned to the company, fixed and sold at a discount rate.
If you like playing games online and want to buy a gaming computer, you need to remember some things. Your new system should have 4GB of memory at the very least, a video card that will offer what you need and a display that offers a higher resolution. You will also need special controllers and keyboards to boost the experience.
Which processor you need depends on what you want to do with your computer. If you aren’t sure, then you are likely better off with something cheaper and less powerful, such as an i3 or i5. If you are playing video games, go for something bigger like an i7 instead.
If you really want to save money on a new computer, check out refurbished models or open box systems. These can typically be had at deep discounts or even fractions of the retail price of a new one. Do check out what kind of warranty and certification they come with. Ideally, you want a refurbished system that has been checked out twice.
When looking for a computer system, keep an eye out for what kind of graphics chipset it has. Cheaper systems tend to have video cards that are called on-board, or integrated. This means it is actually part of the motherboard. You are going to get far better video quality and gaming from a dedicated video card that is attached in a slot.
If you can, opt for a desktop that has peripheral connectivity at the front of the case. Many computers today have at least two USB ports available in the front. This can save you a lot of problems when you go to plugging things in, especially if your desktop is hidden away from view.
Set a timeframe for when you want to buy a computer instead of choosing one specific day you intend to make the purchase. If you give yourself a window of three or four weeks, you have time to keep an eye on flash sales, discounts and even new refurbished listings on websites for maximum savings.
Consider how you want to use the computer. Do you need it for working at home, or is it going to be a family computer? If you are buying the computer for family use, consider what the needs of your other family members are. You will need to know these things when shopping for your computer.
Find out if the desktop computer you want has included programs. You need to know what they are. You need to know if it has a word processor or spreadsheet program that you will use. This is important to many for their work. Also, find out if the software included are full versions or demos. The demos expire after 30 or 90 days, which require you to buy the full versions yourself.
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.
When buying a new computer, consider which way your drives point. If you can’t open them fully because there is a monitor, wall or other obstacle in the way, you’ll find your computer does nothing but frustrate you. The same goes for usb or headphone ports, or the power switch.
What software will come on the computer you are considering? It is a much better option to get what you need right off the bat than to have to purchase and install it yourself. Look for the basics, such as Windows and Microsoft Office, at the very least in the offer.
Hard drives come in two types, and you have options within each of these types. The standard most people know is HDD, but the newer version is the SSD. The cost of an SSD is higher, but it is much faster.
Now that you’ve taken some time out to work with learning about desktop computers, you should know where to begin. Just take some time and be a little patient as you go along. You may want to print out this article so you can use it while you work on learning desktop computers.