Remember Me
forgot your password?

Desktop PC Buyers Guide

Although laptop computers are now more popular than they have ever been, desktops are not going anywhere any time soon. The desktop PC is still the central hub for work and play for the vast majority of computer owners, and for anyone who is considering upgrading their computer, there has never been a better time. It is now possible to purchase a desktop PC that is more powerful, and costs less, than anything that was available before.

Buying a new desktop PC can be a confusing experience for a buyer who is not technically inclined. Different computer models can differ in price by hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, and apart from the physical design, they can easily become difficult to tell apart. However, there are certain key features that a buyer should look for in order to get the most from their money.

The primary factor that determines the speed of a desktop PC is its processor. Currently, Core 2 Duo processors, manufactured by Intel, are the fastest processors made. Less expensive computers are likely to include processors made by AMD, which are still quite powerful, but will not provide the best performance in applications such as games and image editing software.

In looking at the different desktop PC models that are available, you will discover that the graphics card included with the computer can make an enormous difference in its final price. Computers that are intended for gaming will have a discreet graphics card, and may even have more than one card, while less expensive computers will have a video card that is built into the motherboard. For web surfing and general office applications, a built-in video card is more than enough. However, anyone who enjoys computer games should spend the extra money on a desktop PC with a separate graphics card, which can increase game performance by as much as four times.

When buying a desktop PC for general office use, you will find that even the least expensive computer will provide more than enough power to suit your purpose. However, bear in mind that many of the prices displayed by computer manufacturers are for machines that do not include a monitor. If you do not already have a monitor that you are happy with, you will need to budget at least an extra $200 for the purchase.

If you will be using your PC desktop in an environment where noise will be a concern, many computer models are available that include all of the features of a full computer in an extremely small package, scarcely larger than a stack of CDs. These computers produce very little noise, and also have an impact on the environment by requiring less electricity to run.

Finally, before deciding on a desktop PC to purchase, check to see if your favorite computer manufacturer is running a sale. Frequently, computer companies have sales in an effort to reduce their stock levels. When this happens, it is possible to save as much as 50% or more on your purchase.

bloom media

Nasreen Haque

Rate this Article: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)
Print Email Re-Publish

Add new Comment



Captcha

  • Latest Computers Articles
  • More from bloom media

Features Used In Hard Drives

By: Nasreen Haque | 25/11/2009
The hard drive that a computer has is one of the most important things it can work with. It works to store saved data that can be read by a computer. There are things in hard drives that a user should check out. These go well beyond just how much space a hard drive can store.

Why Should You Go In For Stylish Protective LG env2 Skins?

By: BhratBrij | 25/11/2009
As long as you keep using your LG cell phone whether it is an LG VU, LG Venus, LG Shine or LG env2 -- you are going to have a study protective covering in the shape of a cast vinyl LG Venus skins, LG Shine skins, LG env2 skins and LG VU skins covering.

The Time For Buying a GPS System is Now

By: Jerbob Johnsen | 25/11/2009
Whether you are trying to decide on an auto GPS systems to window shop or purchase GPS autos system, you have definitely now have many choices compared to a few years ago. GPS auto navigation systems for vehicle use are becoming more and more all the rant and rage. Rental...

Dell Adamo XPS vs Sony Vaio X : Which laptop will you prefer?

By: Vinod | 25/11/2009
After the introduction of Apple’s MacBook Air in January, 2008, various companies like Dell and Sony Corp also joined the race to release light and thin notebooks to attract corporate as well as trendy people. Here, we compare Dell’s Adamo XPS and Sony’s Vaio X feature- by-feature.

Registry Fixes Keep Your Computer Running Fast

By: Carl Haugen | 25/11/2009
Registry fixes are a fact of life for Windows computers. The registry will gather errors during normal usage. Cleaning the registry on a regular basis is one of the maintenance tasks needed to keep a Windows computer in top condition. If you've never cleaned the registry on your Windows computer, the odds are good that you will find some errors in the registry even if the computer has no symptoms.

Antivirus Pro 2010 Wants You To Waste Your Money

By: Carl Haugen | 25/11/2009
Many legitimate virus scanner software exists, but Antivirus Pro 2010 is not one of them. This program is a Trojan, and a fairly nasty one as well. Getting rid of Antivirus Pro 2010 is not easy. You cannot simply remove it from the Add/Remove Programs menu.

Total Security 2009 Can Mean Total Computer Destruction

By: Carl Haugen | 25/11/2009
Getting rid of Total Security 2009 should be high on your to do list if this monster of a program has somehow been installed on your computer. This Trojan will turn off your real Internet security programs, leaving your system open to more online attacks.

Registry Errors Aren't Your Fault: But You Can Fix Them Easily

By: Carl Haugen | 25/11/2009
Registry errors are a fairly common problem on Windows computers. The nature of the registry makes errors likely, despite the best efforts of developers to avoid them. While they can be frightening to a novice Windows user, they are usually pretty easy to resolve. Don't panic; just remember a couple of steps and your registry will be as good as new in no time.

Investing in a Hard Drive

By: bloom media | 07/09/2009 | Hardware
Investing in a hard drive requires some knowledge on the part of the customer and the installer. There are five basic criteria which define the efficiency and value of hard drives. They are:Rotational speed, Access time, Data Transfer Rate, Data storage size and Interface

Desktop PC Buyers Guide

By: bloom media | 07/09/2009 | Computers
Although laptop computers are now more popular than they have ever been, desktops are not going anywhere any time soon. The desktop PC is still the central hub for work and play for the vast majority of computer owners, and for anyone who is considering upgrading their computer, there has never been a better time. It is now possible to purchase a desktop PC that is more powerful, and costs less, than anything that was available before.

How to Approach a Kitchen Redesign

By: bloom media | 07/09/2009 | Kitchens
Remodeling your kitchen not only raises the value of your home, but the level of enjoyment you get out of your home. The kitchen truly is the heart of a home and choosing one that suits your needs is a big step towards creating a wonderful space to make memories with your family.

Getting Salon Insurance For Your Shop

By: bloom media | 29/07/2009 | Insurance
When making the decision to operate a beauty or tanning salon, it is important for potential owners to extensively research their options for securing salon insurance. Insurance is a necessity for salon owners to purchase, as it keeps the business protected financially in the event of a fire, accident, and customer or employee lawsuit.

Online Kitchen Planner

By: bloom media | 24/07/2009 | Kitchens
A properly built house will give a man the proper feng-shui needed to properly channel his creative energies into the correct outlets and facets, whereas a poorly built house will produce all sorts of weird aberrations and terrible fantasies. Therefore, when designing your kitchen or building a house, it is recommended by anyone regarded by medical professional as having a brain that you first use some sort of online kitchen planner to design your kitchen & home.

Shop Insurance Benefits

By: bloom media | 09/07/2009 | Insurance
Insurance is important for any business for coverage against possible eventualities such as loss, damage and liability. For shop owners, insurance provides protection that will allow them to maintain their business even in the face of such occurrences. Shop insurance benefits are tailored specifically to provide shop owners with peace of mind.

Buying Your First Laptop

By: bloom media | 25/06/2009 | Computers
When shopping for laptops, there are so many different things to consider that it can make the average person's head spin. Perhaps the most important (and hardest) decision you will make is whether to go with a PC or a Mac. If you are working in an office and are looking to integrate your laptop, this decision will be based largely on the format that your office runs.

Buying a Netbook

By: bloom media | 25/06/2009 | Hardware
Netbooks--small laptop computers that run an operating system--are a great purchase decision. They're incredibly portable, easy to use, and inexpensive. They can range in price from under $300 to just over $600, making them a great option for anyone on a budget. Netbooks used to be solely for Internet and email use because of their size and power, but today netbooks are becoming a more mainstream option for a variety of uses

Submit Your Articles Free: Signup
Article Categories




Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2008 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved. (0.13, 1, w2)