Buying / Selecting Computer Components

This is the step takes the most time and consideration. Which parts do I buy? Which are best?

There are many good places to buy computer parts. You can go to a computer retail store in your area. Although they often provide good warranties, you will pay a little more than you would in other places. Sometimes, a lot more.

Case - There are two types of cases, Desktop and Tower. Desktop cases are short and fat (Which can fit under your monitor nicely.) And towers are tall and slim which are usually placed under the desk. Decided which one will fit in to your environment best.

There are two different forms of computer cases. AT and ATX. you need to find out which one you need. AT form cases are used for older computers, Pentium 1 and before. And ATX form cases are used for newer systems such as Pentium 2, 3, 4 and AMD Athlon etc.

Motherboard - The motherboard is the central component in the system. If you want to upgrade your processor / Memory / Video card, you can only upgrade if your motherboard supports it. It is always worth planning a head, So buy the best motherboard you can afford.

Before you select a motherboard consider the following. What processor you want to use with it. What memory does it support. Has it got an AGP slot?? An AGP slot is used for special 3DFX graphic cards. What other expansion slots does it have?? You will need a minimum of 3 PCI slots.

Hard drives run at special speeds. 33mhz, 66mhz, 100mhz and 133mhz, Check if the motherboard supports the speed of your hard disk. If your hard drive runs at 100mhz and your motherboard only goes up to 66mhz, then your hard disk will still run but not at its fastest speed.

Motherboards come in two different forms. AT and ATX, Make sure this form matches the form of your case. Make sure you get a manual with your motherboard, This manual will tell you how to configure your motherboard.

Processor - There are many different processors out but these are the main ones.

Pentium 4 / AMD-Athlon- This processor is the most expensive but the fastest around. This processor is used in systems which need performance such as performance gaming / servers / Web designing. Current fastest processor speed is 3200mhz 3.2ghz

Celeron / AMD-Duron - These processors are a lot cheaper than the Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon. Usually used in mid user systems, such as word processing / surfing the net / e-mail / gaming.

Cirix - Cheapest processors on the market. But are miles behind in performance of Pentiums and AMDs.

You will need to decide on what processor you need, Also make sure your motherboard supports it. Always make sure you buy a heatsink and fan to keep the processor cool. Warning, If your fan is not good enough for your processor, then your processor is very likely to overheat and crash your computer. And in the long run damage your processor.

Memory - Memory is a big part of your machine, Check what your motherboard can take. Buy the fastest memory your motherboard will take. Buy at least 128mb, this is the bear minimum for these days. I would recommend 256mb.

CD-ROM/DVD : Every computer needs a CD-ROM to load software. There are a few different types of CD-ROM. You can buy one that can write data to a CD-ROM. You can also buy a CD-ROM which supports DVD. Check what speed the CD-ROM is. Usual speed is 52x.

Hard Drive- When selecting a hard drive there are two things to consider, how big is the capacity of the disk and how fast does it run. A 20gig drive will be more than enough for most users. Make sure the speed of the hard drive is supported on your motherboard, If it is not supported then the hard drive will not run at its fastest speed, Consider a motherboard upgrade.

Video Card - There are loads of different video cards on the market, when selecting consider these points. Does it fix into an AGP or a PCI slot in your motherboard?? AGP is a special video slot, so buy a video card with an AGP form, Also check your motherboard has an AGP slot. How much memory does the card have? And how fast does it run?? I would recommend getting a video card with at least 32mb of memory.

Sound Card - Just about every computer has sound, I would not recommend spending a lot of money on a sound unless you want your computer to support sur-round sound. Check what slot the card plugs into and if your motherboard has one free.

Keyboard & Mouse - There is no need for much info here. But beware there are two types of connections for a keyboard and mice they are PS/2 and USB, Make sure your motherboard has available connections.

Article http://www.computing-fo rums.com/computer/buying-the-components-21.htm

Jason Barrett www.computing-forums.com

---

DVD Recorders: Getting Started

IMO, these sd work 'like a VCR' as far as... Read More

How to Solve Multiple Paper Loading Problem in HP5L and HP6L Laser Printer

Have you ever encountered before the problem of having multiple... Read More

Used Laptop Computer: Your Quick Purchase Inspection Guide ? Part 4

Used laptop computers are everywhere these days. How can you... Read More

Small Computers

Today, small form factor computers demolish the myth that bigger... Read More

Protecting Your Computer From Power Surges, Data Loss, Viruses, And Spyware

Protecting Against A Power Surge:Your computer is an expensive investment;... Read More

Using System Restore to Save Yourself from Formatting Your Hard Drive

It is the most annoying thing when one day you... Read More

DVD Media

DVD is an optical disc storage media format that can... Read More

The Printer Cartridge Wars: Generic or Remanufactured Cartridges Right for You?

OverviewAs "generic", "remanufactured", and "new compatible" inkjet printer cartridges and... Read More

The Merging of Humans and Computers

Soon the human brain will be completely interfaced with the... Read More

To Upgrade or Not?

To upgrade or not? That is the question. At least,... Read More

The Printer Cartridge Review

Years ago computers were huge and their accompanying printers were... Read More

Digital Cameras, Media, and Card Readers

With the dropping prices on digital cameras and digital media... Read More

Upgrading, Adding or Removing a Video Card, Sound Card, or Other AGP/PCI Card

For Video cards - Most PC video cards these days... Read More

Getting A Great Refurbished Laptop

Are you sick of all the high priced notebooks out... Read More

Introduction to Dedicated Servers

A dedicated server is a single computer on a web-hosting... Read More

What to Do Once You Are Infected with Spyware, Ad-ware or Viruses

What to do once your PC is infected with spyware,... Read More

A Guide to Refurbished Laptops

Computing freedom, independence, and mobility don't have to come with... Read More

USB Key Drives - Useful Tool

There are many different names for these drives, just so... Read More

Getting to Know Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers were born in the 1980s, replacing the popular... Read More

The Importance Of Current Sense Resistor In Switch Mode Power Supply

Current sense resistor is usually located in the switch mode... Read More

JunxionBox -- WiFi Access Everywhere

Now you can more easily access the Internet wherever mobile... Read More

Adding USB 2.0

The process of adding USB 2.0 ports took no time... Read More

Laptop Security -Where?d My Laptop Go?

Laptops are lovely. They are convenient, mobile, powerful and prestigious.... Read More

A Review of Samsung Laser Toners

Samsung laser toner is just as popular as its Hewlett-Packard... Read More

Heliodisplay --Computer Video With No Screen

Science-Fiction meets reality with this new video display technology.The Heliodisplay... Read More

Adding Serial Ports to a Computer with Only USB Ports

So you bought a new computer but you don't have... Read More

Review of Logitech Computer Speakers

When it comes to computer speaker systems, you have a... Read More

Getting A New Laptop At A Great Price

With all the wheeling and dealing that seems to take... Read More

Getting The Proper Laptop Screen Size

Are you sick of viewing everything on that small screen... Read More

How To Buy The Perfect Student Laptop

If you are like most student's, money isn't exactly growing... Read More

Rear Projection TV Facts - Understanding the Pros & Cons of Rear Projection in the Home Theater

Rear Projection Television - An Affordable OptionA great deal of... Read More

LCD Vs. CRT

When buying a new computer, or upgrading your monitor, you... Read More

When Good Color Goes Bad...

Even with the popularity of digital technology, and the availability... Read More