Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:49:41 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:49:41 PM
Computer Buying Basics
In this thread I will instruct you on what to look for before buying computer parts to make sure your system will work properly and run well. I will also answer questions people may have that I did not cover. Note that some of my suggestions may be out of preference, so you may have a different idea of what you want in your computer.
Where to buy:
Go to //www.Newegg.com. Definitely the best online computer parts store by far, with a great navigation system, trustworthy rating structure, good discounts, combo deals, good support, and they provide the forms for manufacturer mail-in rebates.
Alternatives could be //www.TigerDirect.com, and then //www.Amazon.com. Of course, if you think you found a good computer parts websites, please post a link so I can add it to the list.
Website List:
//www.Newegg.com (US)
//www.Scan.co.uk (UK/EU)
//www.TigerDirect.com
//www.Amazon.com
Index:
Cases (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501249)
Power Supplies (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501250)
Motherboard (mobo) (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501251)
Processor (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501251)
Hard Drives (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501253)
RAM (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501254)
Graphics Cards (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501255)
In this thread I will instruct you on what to look for before buying computer parts to make sure your system will work properly and run well. I will also answer questions people may have that I did not cover. Note that some of my suggestions may be out of preference, so you may have a different idea of what you want in your computer.
Where to buy:
Go to //www.Newegg.com. Definitely the best online computer parts store by far, with a great navigation system, trustworthy rating structure, good discounts, combo deals, good support, and they provide the forms for manufacturer mail-in rebates.
Alternatives could be //www.TigerDirect.com, and then //www.Amazon.com. Of course, if you think you found a good computer parts websites, please post a link so I can add it to the list.
Website List:
//www.Newegg.com (US)
//www.Scan.co.uk (UK/EU)
//www.TigerDirect.com
//www.Amazon.com
Index:
Cases (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501249)
Power Supplies (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501250)
Motherboard (mobo) (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501251)
Processor (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501251)
Hard Drives (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501253)
RAM (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501254)
Graphics Cards (http://www.clockcrew.cc/talk/showpost.php?p=1501255)
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:49:50 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:49:50 PM
Cases
There are a few different factors that come into buying a case: size, motherboard (mobo) type, placement/orientation of power supply, hard drives, and disc readers, and cooling capacity like fans, openness, and if it has liquid cooling. We will look at each item on this list in order.
Size:
There are a number of different sizes, but there we will go over 3 general types, as shown in comparison below.
(https://clockcrew.net/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.myfrogbag.com%2Fbwdehj%2FcomputerTowers1.png&hash=54ef31bf9495ee9e6a88a567a5f570ca8a3b87c1)
ATX Full Tower:
This is a huge tower, make sure you have enough space for it where ever you are putting it. It will have space for everything you want and more, and often comes with a good number of fans and maybe even allow a liquid cooling system. It will also hold nearly any type of motherboard. Of course its also the most expensive.
ATX Mid Tower:
This is the average size, it will fit the standard mobo and provide adequate space and cooling for a normal computer. Good for budget and typical gaming.
Micro ATX Tower:
This one will only fit the micro ATX mobos. This is not ideal for anything other than browsing the internet and typing papers. Good for people who don't want to spend a lot on a computer and don't need it to do much.
Motherboard Type:
Each tower typically will be made to hold specific types of motherboards (we will go over ATX and micro ATX). The ATX Full Tower and Mid Towers will hold generally any mobo you'll need. The Micro ATX Towers will only fit a micro ATX mobo.
Anatomy:
How you want the inside to be like is up to you.
--Power supplies will generally be located at the back top or bottom of the case, I prefer the bottom because power supplies generally have a fan on the top.
--The motherboard will essentially always go on the right side of the case.
--Disc drives will be in the top front, the number of slots depends on the case size (Full tower could have 3 or more, mid tower will have usually 3 or less).
--The number of hard drives also depends on the tower, and Full towers will generally have more. Some tower will have the hard drives facing to the side of the tower while other may have the pointing down, or facing the front. I would suggest getting towers with hard drives facing the front because it will give more room for the wires.
Cooling:
Cooling is a big factor, especially if you have a lot of parts if you use it for gaming. Full towers will usually have more and bigger fans, good choice for gaming, and some will allow liquid cooling (but you don't need that unless you are getting a super computer). Mid Towers will do a pretty good job for cooling, but might decrease performance if you're trying to game. Generally, the hotter your system the slower it will go and the higher risk of damaging it. Micro Towers should be fine for anything a micro ATX mobo could use.
There are a few different factors that come into buying a case: size, motherboard (mobo) type, placement/orientation of power supply, hard drives, and disc readers, and cooling capacity like fans, openness, and if it has liquid cooling. We will look at each item on this list in order.
Size:
There are a number of different sizes, but there we will go over 3 general types, as shown in comparison below.
(https://clockcrew.net/talk/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffiles.myfrogbag.com%2Fbwdehj%2FcomputerTowers1.png&hash=54ef31bf9495ee9e6a88a567a5f570ca8a3b87c1)
ATX Full Tower:
This is a huge tower, make sure you have enough space for it where ever you are putting it. It will have space for everything you want and more, and often comes with a good number of fans and maybe even allow a liquid cooling system. It will also hold nearly any type of motherboard. Of course its also the most expensive.
ATX Mid Tower:
This is the average size, it will fit the standard mobo and provide adequate space and cooling for a normal computer. Good for budget and typical gaming.
Micro ATX Tower:
This one will only fit the micro ATX mobos. This is not ideal for anything other than browsing the internet and typing papers. Good for people who don't want to spend a lot on a computer and don't need it to do much.
Motherboard Type:
Each tower typically will be made to hold specific types of motherboards (we will go over ATX and micro ATX). The ATX Full Tower and Mid Towers will hold generally any mobo you'll need. The Micro ATX Towers will only fit a micro ATX mobo.
Anatomy:
How you want the inside to be like is up to you.
--Power supplies will generally be located at the back top or bottom of the case, I prefer the bottom because power supplies generally have a fan on the top.
--The motherboard will essentially always go on the right side of the case.
--Disc drives will be in the top front, the number of slots depends on the case size (Full tower could have 3 or more, mid tower will have usually 3 or less).
--The number of hard drives also depends on the tower, and Full towers will generally have more. Some tower will have the hard drives facing to the side of the tower while other may have the pointing down, or facing the front. I would suggest getting towers with hard drives facing the front because it will give more room for the wires.
Cooling:
Cooling is a big factor, especially if you have a lot of parts if you use it for gaming. Full towers will usually have more and bigger fans, good choice for gaming, and some will allow liquid cooling (but you don't need that unless you are getting a super computer). Mid Towers will do a pretty good job for cooling, but might decrease performance if you're trying to game. Generally, the hotter your system the slower it will go and the higher risk of damaging it. Micro Towers should be fine for anything a micro ATX mobo could use.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:00 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:00 PM
Power Supply
The main thing you want to look for when buying a power supply is the wattage how many cables you want. Some may have other features but you usually won't need everything. The general ranges I suggest are 400W, 500-600W, and 700W+.
400W
This is a good wattage for a system with low specs. It should be used with an average processor, RAM, and no graphics card. Supplies with this amount should have an adequate number of cables for anything on a normal ATX and micro ATX board. This power supply will not leave much room for expansion.
500-600W
This wattage will be good for a single med/high end graphics card. Good for the average gaming system and a good overall processor. You may be able to push in a second (SLI/Crossfire) graphics card without a problem.
700W+
This is the range for a big gaming system. It can carry a high end processor, high end SLI/Crossfire graphics cards and all the RAM and hard drives you'll want.
The main thing you want to look for when buying a power supply is the wattage how many cables you want. Some may have other features but you usually won't need everything. The general ranges I suggest are 400W, 500-600W, and 700W+.
400W
This is a good wattage for a system with low specs. It should be used with an average processor, RAM, and no graphics card. Supplies with this amount should have an adequate number of cables for anything on a normal ATX and micro ATX board. This power supply will not leave much room for expansion.
500-600W
This wattage will be good for a single med/high end graphics card. Good for the average gaming system and a good overall processor. You may be able to push in a second (SLI/Crossfire) graphics card without a problem.
700W+
This is the range for a big gaming system. It can carry a high end processor, high end SLI/Crossfire graphics cards and all the RAM and hard drives you'll want.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:06 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:06 PM
Motherboard
The motherboard is probably the most complicated piece of hardware you'll need to get in terms of cross referencing to make sure the parts will work properly when you add them. Contrary to what some people may think, all RAM won't work with all mobos, that goes for processors and graphics cards, along with other cards you may want (ie sound card, tuner, etc). I will also basically only talk about Intel mobos because I do not know much about AMD mobos. There are specific factors you need to check on before you should buy a mobo: Size, Socket Type, FSB, RAM Standard/Slots, Expansion Slots, and Input/Output ports.
Size
I will only go over ATX and Micro ATX boards. Normal ATX size boards will have everything you'll need and have a wide range of prices depending on what it will support. Micro ATX will of course be cheaper, but also much more limited in capacity, mostly in expansion slots. Make sure your board will fit in your case.
Socket Type
For socket type, you basically just want to worry if its LGA 775 because thats basically the standard Intel processor socket type. Just make sure your processor and motherboard use LGA 775 socket type.
FSB
This number you also must match with your processor. Normally, a mobo will support a range, but some may only allow low or high. A higher FSB essentially means a faster processor, and so your mobo should be able to utilize it. The 3 most common FSB (an ones you should use) are 1066 (average), 1333, and 1600.
PATA and SATA
PATA and SATA are used for connecting hard drives and CD/DVD/BluRay reader and burnersto your motherboard. PATA is the old connection and some disc drives and hard drives can still use them. However, you want to look for SATA now. Make sure there are enough SATA ports to handle all your disc dives and hard drives, and any hard drives you might want to purchase in the future. Don't forget to check if your hard drives and disc drives can use one or the other or both before deciding on a mobo.
RAM Standard
Another thing you need to watch for is the RAM/ Memory Standard. Basically, don't get any mobos that support less than 800. When getting RAM, you should look at its speed, and just like the FSB, you need to match the memory standard of the mobo with the speed of the RAM. You should use 800, 1000/1066, and 1200.
Note, you need to also make sure it is DDR2 (DDR is old RAM and DDR3 is super fast RAM). You should only need to worry about DDR2 unless you are making a super computer.
Expansion Slots
There are a few different types of expansion slots you need to look out for. There is AGP, PCI, PCI Express/2.0 x16. Each slot is different and used for different things, the greatest difference though is the speed each slot.
-AGP is the old connections, don't buy anything related to it if you're making a serious computer.
-PCI slots are the normal all purpose slot. These are the ones you use for sound cards, tuner cards, any non-graphics card basically. Most mobos will have at least 2.
-PCI Express x16 is for graphics cards, however this is the old version. You can still get a few cards for this slot but all the new cards use Express 2.0. I will go over the x16 in the next slot.
-PCI Express 2.0 x16 is the newest and fastest slot for a normal mobo. This is what you use for your graphics card. You can often get more than one on your motherboard allowing dual/triple graphics cards. Sometimes you may see x8 or x4, don't worry, the card will still work. The x16 x8 x4 denote speed, x16 being the fastest. Usually, when you use one graphics card it will be x16, then they will have a second slot that is x8 (less expensive than x16).
Input/Output port
Usually you wont have to worry about this since the standard motherboard will usually come with whatever you will need, but here is a checklist you should use just in case:
-PS/2 ports: These are ports for mouse and keyboard, the green and blue slots. Make sure you have these if you have the green/blue cords for your mouse and keyboard.
-USB: You should try to have a good number of USB slots since nowadays every input device is using them, printers, keyboards, mice, external hard drives. Make sure to check if your keyboard/mouse are PS/2 or USB, because if its USB try to find one with more USB rather than PS/2.
-Audio Ports: Just make sure the mobo has some and an audio chipset under the Onboard Audio section. If it doesn't that means it cannot play sound on its own. consider buying a soundcard, or looking for a different mobo.
Also make sure it has some kind of monitor out put (like D-sub) incease you are not buying a graphics card. And don't forget to check that it has a LAN connection (it looks similar to a phone connector but isn't) and if you care if it goes to 100 or 1000Mbps (which won't really matter unless you are connected to many other computers).
The motherboard is probably the most complicated piece of hardware you'll need to get in terms of cross referencing to make sure the parts will work properly when you add them. Contrary to what some people may think, all RAM won't work with all mobos, that goes for processors and graphics cards, along with other cards you may want (ie sound card, tuner, etc). I will also basically only talk about Intel mobos because I do not know much about AMD mobos. There are specific factors you need to check on before you should buy a mobo: Size, Socket Type, FSB, RAM Standard/Slots, Expansion Slots, and Input/Output ports.
Size
I will only go over ATX and Micro ATX boards. Normal ATX size boards will have everything you'll need and have a wide range of prices depending on what it will support. Micro ATX will of course be cheaper, but also much more limited in capacity, mostly in expansion slots. Make sure your board will fit in your case.
Socket Type
For socket type, you basically just want to worry if its LGA 775 because thats basically the standard Intel processor socket type. Just make sure your processor and motherboard use LGA 775 socket type.
FSB
This number you also must match with your processor. Normally, a mobo will support a range, but some may only allow low or high. A higher FSB essentially means a faster processor, and so your mobo should be able to utilize it. The 3 most common FSB (an ones you should use) are 1066 (average), 1333, and 1600.
PATA and SATA
PATA and SATA are used for connecting hard drives and CD/DVD/BluRay reader and burnersto your motherboard. PATA is the old connection and some disc drives and hard drives can still use them. However, you want to look for SATA now. Make sure there are enough SATA ports to handle all your disc dives and hard drives, and any hard drives you might want to purchase in the future. Don't forget to check if your hard drives and disc drives can use one or the other or both before deciding on a mobo.
RAM Standard
Another thing you need to watch for is the RAM/ Memory Standard. Basically, don't get any mobos that support less than 800. When getting RAM, you should look at its speed, and just like the FSB, you need to match the memory standard of the mobo with the speed of the RAM. You should use 800, 1000/1066, and 1200.
Note, you need to also make sure it is DDR2 (DDR is old RAM and DDR3 is super fast RAM). You should only need to worry about DDR2 unless you are making a super computer.
Expansion Slots
There are a few different types of expansion slots you need to look out for. There is AGP, PCI, PCI Express/2.0 x16. Each slot is different and used for different things, the greatest difference though is the speed each slot.
-AGP is the old connections, don't buy anything related to it if you're making a serious computer.
-PCI slots are the normal all purpose slot. These are the ones you use for sound cards, tuner cards, any non-graphics card basically. Most mobos will have at least 2.
-PCI Express x16 is for graphics cards, however this is the old version. You can still get a few cards for this slot but all the new cards use Express 2.0. I will go over the x16 in the next slot.
-PCI Express 2.0 x16 is the newest and fastest slot for a normal mobo. This is what you use for your graphics card. You can often get more than one on your motherboard allowing dual/triple graphics cards. Sometimes you may see x8 or x4, don't worry, the card will still work. The x16 x8 x4 denote speed, x16 being the fastest. Usually, when you use one graphics card it will be x16, then they will have a second slot that is x8 (less expensive than x16).
Input/Output port
Usually you wont have to worry about this since the standard motherboard will usually come with whatever you will need, but here is a checklist you should use just in case:
-PS/2 ports: These are ports for mouse and keyboard, the green and blue slots. Make sure you have these if you have the green/blue cords for your mouse and keyboard.
-USB: You should try to have a good number of USB slots since nowadays every input device is using them, printers, keyboards, mice, external hard drives. Make sure to check if your keyboard/mouse are PS/2 or USB, because if its USB try to find one with more USB rather than PS/2.
-Audio Ports: Just make sure the mobo has some and an audio chipset under the Onboard Audio section. If it doesn't that means it cannot play sound on its own. consider buying a soundcard, or looking for a different mobo.
Also make sure it has some kind of monitor out put (like D-sub) incease you are not buying a graphics card. And don't forget to check that it has a LAN connection (it looks similar to a phone connector but isn't) and if you care if it goes to 100 or 1000Mbps (which won't really matter unless you are connected to many other computers).
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:12 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:12 PM
Processor
Also known as CPU's, arguably the most important part of your computer to decide on. The processor IS your computer. You should look for a few different things in a processor and here I will explain what they mean.
Socket Type
Very important, this is how you will know if the processor will fit into a mobo. Most Intel chips wll be 775, so just make sure you cross check your mobo. AMD uses a completely different standard in chip connections, so you'll have to match up the AMD brand sizes instead of the Intel standards.
FSB
Another important factor. Usually a higher FSB will mean a faster processor, just make sure that your mobo supports the FSB the chip uses. It is usually 1333 or 1066MHz, though you can get 800, they are usually going to be much slower.
Cores, GHz, Cache
The number of cores today is also important. You should try to get at least a dual core and if possible a quad core because of processor potential. The theoretical out put of the processor is the GHz times the number of cores.
GHz is essentially how fast the processor is. The average is between 2 and 2.66 more most chip types. A really good computer will have 2.8 or higher.
Cache is a small piece of memory just for the processor. Usually more cache denotes a better chip. Some processors even have more than one.
Also known as CPU's, arguably the most important part of your computer to decide on. The processor IS your computer. You should look for a few different things in a processor and here I will explain what they mean.
Socket Type
Very important, this is how you will know if the processor will fit into a mobo. Most Intel chips wll be 775, so just make sure you cross check your mobo. AMD uses a completely different standard in chip connections, so you'll have to match up the AMD brand sizes instead of the Intel standards.
FSB
Another important factor. Usually a higher FSB will mean a faster processor, just make sure that your mobo supports the FSB the chip uses. It is usually 1333 or 1066MHz, though you can get 800, they are usually going to be much slower.
Cores, GHz, Cache
The number of cores today is also important. You should try to get at least a dual core and if possible a quad core because of processor potential. The theoretical out put of the processor is the GHz times the number of cores.
GHz is essentially how fast the processor is. The average is between 2 and 2.66 more most chip types. A really good computer will have 2.8 or higher.
Cache is a small piece of memory just for the processor. Usually more cache denotes a better chip. Some processors even have more than one.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:19 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:19 PM
Hard Drives
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:36 PM
Post by: RomanClock on January 19, 2009, 06:50:36 PM
RAM
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Sombra on January 19, 2009, 07:01:56 PM
Post by: Sombra on January 19, 2009, 07:01:56 PM
Another good site for looking for computer parts, or just tech stuff in general:
http://www.slickdeals.net/
I've seen some amazing deals on there in the past, just check it every week or so for some good links.
http://www.slickdeals.net/
I've seen some amazing deals on there in the past, just check it every week or so for some good links.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: joliet_jane on January 31, 2009, 03:32:16 PM
Post by: joliet_jane on January 31, 2009, 03:32:16 PM
That was fantastic
I'd like to add that choosing cheap/value parts is a bad idea when it comes to boards and power supplies. I've learned the hard way that you can't afford to save money on those.
Used parts? That depends. My experiences have been good. All my HDs were used.
I'd like to add that choosing cheap/value parts is a bad idea when it comes to boards and power supplies. I've learned the hard way that you can't afford to save money on those.
Used parts? That depends. My experiences have been good. All my HDs were used.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Safe___Clock on January 31, 2009, 03:33:45 PM
Post by: Safe___Clock on January 31, 2009, 03:33:45 PM
Might want to note, for Uk/Europe parts go to //www.scan.co.uk
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Flounderpa on March 10, 2009, 11:58:28 PM
Post by: Flounderpa on March 10, 2009, 11:58:28 PM
some options for mobile devices would be nice ( I want a new laptop)
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Heliopios on March 11, 2009, 12:32:34 AM
Post by: Heliopios on March 11, 2009, 12:32:34 AM
Waiting for graphics card section.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on March 11, 2009, 01:57:13 AM
Post by: RomanClock on March 11, 2009, 01:57:13 AM
Quote from: HazardClock;1539044some options for mobile devices would be nice ( I want a new laptop)
Laptops are different, I don't know how to build one, and I don't think you actually can like you can a desktop. It would be more of a review process, might as well just google it.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: GodClock on March 11, 2009, 02:59:26 AM
Post by: GodClock on March 11, 2009, 02:59:26 AM
ez mode pc buying:
go to newegg
start with a motherboard
pick items that have also been purchased with motherboard
follow items to find more items
choose case that can fit everything
= new pc
go to newegg
start with a motherboard
pick items that have also been purchased with motherboard
follow items to find more items
choose case that can fit everything
= new pc
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Flounderpa on March 11, 2009, 08:08:04 PM
Post by: Flounderpa on March 11, 2009, 08:08:04 PM
Quote from: RomanClock;1539097Laptops are different, I don't know how to build one, and I don't think you actually can like you can a desktop. It would be more of a review process, might as well just google it.the only thing I know it's that the Ram is actually different from your actual desktop, It is more like a Square instead of a bar, and of course is more expensive
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 05:28:05 PM
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 05:28:05 PM
Bumping because I want to know about Graphic Cards
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: screwdriver_clock on March 12, 2009, 05:40:03 PM
Post by: screwdriver_clock on March 12, 2009, 05:40:03 PM
Quote from: RomanClock;1539097Laptops are different, I don't know how to build one, and I don't think you actually can like you can a desktop. It would be more of a review process, might as well just google it.Generally you buy a barebones laptop with the screen, casing and a motherboard, then fill it in with RAM, video card, HDD, etc. Not too hard, just fitting it all into tighter spaces.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 06:03:46 PM
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 06:03:46 PM
Quote from: Matt;1540108Generally you buy a barebones laptop with the screen, casing and a motherboard, then fill it in with RAM, video card, HDD, etc. Not too hard, just fitting it all into tighter spaces.then how you deal with an integrated Graphic Card? (Factory Built of Course)
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on March 12, 2009, 07:00:43 PM
Post by: RomanClock on March 12, 2009, 07:00:43 PM
Quote from: HazardClock;1540130then how you deal with an integrated Graphic Card? (Factory Built of Course)
You can get discrete graphics cards. If its integrated you cant change it.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 07:23:18 PM
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 07:23:18 PM
Quote from: RomanClock;1540162You can get discrete graphics cards. If its integrated you cant change it.link please
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on March 12, 2009, 08:16:11 PM
Post by: RomanClock on March 12, 2009, 08:16:11 PM
Quote from: HazardClock;1540174link please
http://www.pcworld.com/article/148909/upgrading_your_laptops_graphics_card.html
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 11:25:34 PM
Post by: Flounderpa on March 12, 2009, 11:25:34 PM
Quote from: RomanClock;1540196http://www.pcworld.com/article/148909/upgrading_your_laptops_graphics_card.htmlwhere does that fit in here
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: CandleJack on March 12, 2009, 11:36:39 PM
Post by: CandleJack on March 12, 2009, 11:36:39 PM
if your gonna buy pre-made nothing under 1500 dollars
laptops are the exception. if your gonna get a desktop its best to build it yourself its relatively easy to do at that. it's cheaper to build a powerful pc than it is to buy pre-made, because they
over charge for decent hardware.
laptops are the exception. if your gonna get a desktop its best to build it yourself its relatively easy to do at that. it's cheaper to build a powerful pc than it is to buy pre-made, because they
over charge for decent hardware.
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RomanClock on June 09, 2009, 05:27:03 PM
Post by: RomanClock on June 09, 2009, 05:27:03 PM
bump
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: RabidClock on June 18, 2009, 05:15:55 PM
Post by: RabidClock on June 18, 2009, 05:15:55 PM
Should probably note that the bigger your power supply, the higher your electric bill is going to be regardless of utilization of it. Also making special note that should someone buying high speed memory should make sure the frequency is the same or higher on the processor and motherboard otherwise it will bottleneck. IE memory that's 1333, supported by a motherboard with a FSB of 1333, but the processor can only handle 800 will bottleneck at the processor.
This is a great guide so far, a little more information on the socket types would be useful, such as what the current Core2 Quads utilize and what can be expected other than LGA775
This is a great guide so far, a little more information on the socket types would be useful, such as what the current Core2 Quads utilize and what can be expected other than LGA775
Title: Computer Buying Basics
Post by: OpalClock on March 31, 2010, 10:28:31 AM
Post by: OpalClock on March 31, 2010, 10:28:31 AM
From my experience with GPUs, don't jump straight into a power sucking, problem-prone SLI or CROSSFIRE configuration with the biggest baddest hottest cards you can get.
Do research on the motherboard and learn if it is for NVIDIA SLI, ATI CROSSFIRE or neither. Also how many PCI-E slots it has and if they run full 16x-16x-4x or 16-8-8 etc.
I would recommend NVIDIA cards since I have had good experiences with them in my computer building and gaming time. But ATI currently has the market as fastest high end card.
Do research on the motherboard and learn if it is for NVIDIA SLI, ATI CROSSFIRE or neither. Also how many PCI-E slots it has and if they run full 16x-16x-4x or 16-8-8 etc.
I would recommend NVIDIA cards since I have had good experiences with them in my computer building and gaming time. But ATI currently has the market as fastest high end card.