Buying Guide for Desktops
Buying Guide: recommendations and tips for your new desktop
UPDATE: You can check latest guidance following this link: tips and advice for buying a new desktop computer.
Long ago we did not do a new edition of our special shopping guide: desktop computers, and what better time than now that they have settled all the news we saw in the last CES.
As we have done in the past, today we will also recommend to you what components to buy for your new computer. Of course we will focus on the so-called cloned devices, those that we can customize any component to our free will. However, this can also serve as special reference to purchase a desktop computer brand, but that will not be our priority.
So we started this first and only entry.
What do we need?
Leaving aside the use that each will give you, a number of components that are essential:
• Motherboard.
• microprocessor
• Graphics card.
• RAM memory.
• Hard drive.
• Tower
Although additionally can add others, such as a card reader or additional ventilation. Let’s focus on what can be more complex, pushing almost trivial decisions such as choosing a DVD recorder or the aforementioned card reader.
Processors for your desktop computer
As always, we will meet the two main competitors, Intel and AMD.
The latest solutions from Intel Core i are divided into three ranges arranged following increasing power:
• Intel Core i3
• Intel Core i5
• Intel Core i7
The most interesting and striking is that some models include integrated GPU manufactured at 32 nanometers, which no AMD processor today.
Prices are also quite interesting and not too expensive. It is true that these figures are somewhat higher than those of many models of AMD, but personally I have to pay 100 euros for a Intel Core i3 530 (the base model) is not excessive.
While the Intel Core i3 is a good solution for users who are more powerful than what a power looking for something basic but acceptable, the Intel Core i5 are located one step above the i3. Are much more powerful and are generally intended for users that give your computer use in both games and everyday tasks. If you play occasionally, or even if you gamer themselves, a Core i5 can be an interesting solution.
And finally, the Intel Core i7 processors are now more powerful on the market today, and there are some models that cost a few hundred euros. From my point of view are the perfect solution for users who want the most powerful computer on the market, even if it means having to pay a huge amount of money.
At AMD, things are much calmer. We have the following two lines, also ordered from lowest to highest potential:
• AMD Athlon II
• AMD Phenom II
While we must recognize that the most powerful of the Phenom II does not reach the best Core i7, it is true that AMD processors are very good quality / price. In fact, in almost all the ranges we will find that yield AMD like Intel equivalent but have a lower price.
To give some examples, the Athlon II dual-core 240 sells for about 50 euros, while the Phenom II 545 there costs about 75 euros. They are cheaper models of both ranges.
However, AMD is cheap does not mean you have little power. Some models like the Phenom II 950 are very competent in performance, at the height of the more powerful Core i5 models for more affordable prices.
Does AMD or Intel? The classic simple unanswered question …
It depends. It depends on what use you are going to give. I would divide the possible uses three basic categories:
• For a casual user who does not want the computer just to use it from time to time. Then an AMD Athlon II in their basic versions will be more than enough. If we have a slightly larger budget, a Core i3 is more complete and we have to keep in mind that he does not need to buy an additional graphics, as included in the GPU.
• For a more advanced user, who wants to use both basic uses (office or web, for example) and certain video games, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Phenom II are the options. Depending on our budget model will choose a higher or lower, but around 150 or 200 euros can be a good price to pay.
• For very advanced or expert users things are much clearer. Intel Core i7 in any version will yield enough to have the power to run any application seamlessly.
However, we must bear in mind that the processor is only one component of the entire computer. For example, if you want a powerful computer will not help buy the more expensive Core i7 if after accompanying an Intel integrated graphics or NVidia GeForce 4 MX200 one. It is important that it is necessary that all equipment is balanced in all aspects, whether the range is.
Graphics Card
In contrast to the choice of the microprocessor, where the two big manufacturers are faced, at par, in the choice of the graphics card market is much more distant.
While waiting for the new NVidia GPUs, it is best to go for an ATi 5000 Series. The particular model depends on what you need:
• ATI 5870 or higher for pure gamers. However, its price is about 350 euros for this model, which can rise to over 500 if we choose the 5970. The good thing is that we ensure a truly brutal performance.
• ATi 5770 for users who want power but not at any price. It is from my point of view a chart with a price / performance ratio excellent as it costs about 150 euros and has a very good performance, prepared for almost any game at full quality.
• ATi 5450 or 5570 for less demanding users. Although it is possible to be good enough to stay somewhat short in certain setups or equipment. Now, are almost given away, as they can be bought for 46 and 70 euros respectively. Despite the price are very comprehensive and recommended for power users who do not look at a graph, if not functionality.
Although the choice of a dedicated graphics card in modern times is a thing only for ATI, it should be considered quite a novelty recently emerged: the integrated GPUs on Intel.
While not offering the high performance of dedicated solutions, these GPUs are an excellent choice for users who do not seek power. For example, all those who want a computer just for surfing the Internet, watch movies (including HD content, HD) and little else. Than for games. The bad thing is that somehow compel us to buy an Intel processor, but even if it is a bit more expensive than AMD‘s model it is possible to be worth spending more on the CPU and then save on the graphics card.
For everything else, ATi 5000 Series are, today, the best choice for your new graphics card.
Motherboard
While there are dozens of different models of motherboards, most of them are the same or very similar. There are few changes affecting little or nothing to the final performance.
A much bigger problem with the choice of motherboard is to choose the CPU, which we mentioned above. Once we are clear that a lot bounded set of compatible motherboards, since now only one or two chipsets supported by each processor. They are:
• AM3 for AMD Athlon II and Phenom II
• Intel X58, Intel Core i7 Processor 900 Series.
• H55 and H57 Intel, Intel Core i for 32-nanometer (those with the integrated GPU).
Perhaps a question might arise in the choice of H55 versus H57. Being quick and straightforward, the H57 is more powerful, but nothing too remarkable.
When choosing a motherboard I’d go in another direction. Some recommendations:
• Pick a brand you like, give you confidence.
• Consider the number of PCI-Express which has, if in the future want to add a graphic larger.
• All current plates are compatible with DDR3. Do not worry about it.
• USB 3.0 starts to hit the market. Slowly, but there are many boards that support it natively.
Hard Drive
The storage of a personal computer is something that is changing in recent years. The SSD storage is reaching the market and is beginning to be accessible to most users.
SSD have very good by more or less affordable prices, albeit with limited capacity. With little I mean 40 or 64 GB, more than enough to store the operating system but rather short in comparison with various teras that can reach traditional hard drives.
For if we return,an SSD for the operating system and traditional hard drives for mass storage is an ideal choice. If we can make a RAID of SSD for the operating system (two 64 GB drives, for example) plus another traditional hard disk RAID for the rest of the system (1 TB each) then we have a very fast and efficient storage to pace than ample. Of course, prepare your wallet, because the best and most affordable are the latest Kingston V + and go about 150 euros each for 64 GB.
Alternatively, less powerful but much more affordable is a combination of traditional hard drives in RAID. Completely ignoring the SSD to come down (even more) in price, is probably the best option in price / performance ratio, and maintain a huge capacity.
And finally, if you are looking for a cheap and affordable computer, ready for the most basic tasks (among which are included games) forget about good hard drives. Buy a traditional hard drive that fits your needs in terms of capacity, but please note that you may go for the same price to buy two half disks and mount the RAID capacity thus gaining some performance.
Currently manufacturers are already on the market traditional hard drives up to 2 TB of capacity, while the SSD models reach pointers in the 256 or 512 GB.
Memory RAM
This is a point that long I have it clear: the RAM have changed little or nothing, and between different manufacturers are quite similar, except for one small detail.
Of course there are better and worse memories. In the higher range to my I like the Corsair or Kingston HyperX. In itself midrange Kingston, Mushkin, or OCZ, to name a few.
The small detail of which I spoke earlier is that, at least from my experience, I do not recommend or RAM manufacturers crazy strangers. In a vast majority of cases have given me problems over time, and you better spend a little more in a name-brand memory than saving a few dollars in some of these nisu. In the long offsets, a lot.
Case Box
The box is usually a component that does not usually give it the importance it has. It is also true that there may be one of the most expensive out there.
If we have a tight budget then the tower has to go according to him. Some are very cheap and work like any other, but a good box guarantees a longer life. I speak of cases of upper-middle range, from 80 to 100 euros not including power supply.
I had not previously been supporters of the good boxes, but some time I think it is a fundamental component. It may not go for something good, but ruled out a case of poor quality. 50 or 60 euros spent in a more or less decent box (lower-middle-end, as little) is a good investment.
Now, if we are looking for a very cheap computer and we are limiting any component at the lowest price, then the box will be as cheap as possible. There are some 30 euros which are not bad, and will be a good solution. Just do anything you want something more powerful equipment then it is advisable to go for a higher quality housing, both for their finishes and manufacturing materials.
A key aspect to consider is that many of the towers of the market does not include power supply, which is necessary to purchase separately. It is also important to think about what kind of housing need, since there are very varied and, above all, of various sizes.
My favorite brands, Antec and Thermaltake. Lian-li has a lot of fame, but their boxes are, in my view, overly expensive compared to competing products.
Other components
Here are some basic guidelines for the selection of other minor components:
• Power supply: as with the case long ago was not in favor of good sources. But today and burned several sources behind me, choosing a good power supply is essential. Not a high or very high range, but for something decent and is not unknown brand. Flee the unbranded power, because one fine day when the computer starts with the source you’ll burn, and it is quite likely have to throw the whole computer away (as it happened to me on several occasions) . Indeed, the smell is unbearable burning source. My favorite brands, Antec, Xilence, Tacens or Corsair, but in general, any brand makes good products in this field.
• Ventilation: even now the components are not as hot as a few years ago, it is recommended that a good internal ventilation. A couple of additional fans to the box, if it does not include them, cost us about 15 or 20 euros each and will help maintain the life of our team for much longer. The downside is that the noise will also be increased, although fans are very good and virtually soundproof for very affordable prices.
• Soundproofing: as fans increase the noise emitted by the equipment, we can buy soundproofing panels for your computer. They tend to be affordable, but the bad guys do their job. You think if it really is so annoying noise from your computer, because in most cases we get used to it and no major problems.
• CPU coolers and graphic cards, but as I said earlier the current components are heated in excess (at least not as of old), if we want to do overclocking or demanding programs usually use for long periods of time, it is advisable to purchase a new heatsink for the CPU. Its price varies depending on the quality, but for 40 or 50 euros and there are things good and decent. My preferred brands, Zalman, Thermaltake and Noctua, especially the latter which is doing very well in recent years. As for graphics coolers, Zalman is truly wonderful.
Conclusions
This guide is intended as a small reference for all those you who are thinking of buying a new computer. It is the definitive guide, much less, if not a few general points to consider.
Each user is different, and why your computer needs to suit your needs. There is no definitive computer for any user, but it is true that you can give some general recommendations depending on what you need each one. That is precisely what we intend to contribute to this “little” shopping guide.
And so far has come. Of course, I infinitely appreciate the comments to be added in your own suggestions and recommendations.
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