Technocrat's Weblog

Sun, 21 Oct 2007

The Technocrat's Computer and Advice on Buying one

My Advice

Now let's take a look at what I've chosen for my computer and I'll tell you my reasoning for each component. However, before we get to that, be aware that there are many web pages that will help you choose the right computer. I have learned much from these pages and so can you. I recommend Tom's Hardware and Sharky Extreme. They are both excellent resources and you should consult them for more exacting detail than I provide.

Motherboard

While the choice of all components is important in building a good computer, the motherboard is surely the most important. When choosing a MB you should consider:

CPU

Computer retailers will always try to convince you that you need the latest and fastest chip currently on the market. It is no coincidence that the CPU he is trying to sell you is also the most expensive. Always buy your CPU lower than the latest model.

RAM

How much RAM do think you'll need? The minimum you should consider these days it 256MB. Doubling your RAM can give you greater performance than buying a new CPU.

Graphics Card

Probably the most competitive market in computer peripherals. Although there may seem like there is a lot of cards to choose from there is really only few major graphics chip makers. The makers then sell their chips to companies like ASUS and Guillemot who build the boards that you buy for your computer. The major players in graphics chip manufacturing are Matrox, NVIDIA, and ATI. These days NVIDIA is the only one them who sell their chips to board makers. The rest have their own manufacturing facilities.

When choosing a graphics card consider what your computer will be used for. If you are a big gamer then a high-end 3D card is for you. If you're just into surfing the web and word processing then a lower end card is what need. Personally, I do mostly word processing but, I like the occasional game as well. The reason I choose the NVIDIA chip over the others was more than just speed. Although, the NVIDIA is considered one of the fastest, it also has excellent Linux support. Something that was very important to me.

Monitor

The monitor is the part of the computer that gets the most attention. When ever you are working with your computer your are staring at the monitor. When you play a game you are staring at the monitor. You want a monitor that is not fuzzy and does not flicker. Size counts. Get the biggest one you can afford without sacrificing picture quality.

Network Cards and Switches

Most people do not require these things. However, if you are considering using cable or ADSL for your internet hook-up you may want to buy your own network card instead of what you provider will sell you. You could save a few dollars.

I plan on networking my old computer to my new one. With the hub I can give both boxes access to my cable/ADSL internet hook up as well as my printer.

Sound Card

There are other sound cards out there but the SB-Live is the most widely supported. Also, be sure to get the Value edition. It's cheaper and the only thing you'll miss are the gold contacts on the back.

Speakers

Any audiophile will tell you to listen to speakers before you buy. It's a very subjective thing.

Hard Drives

Hard drives are the main point of failure on a PC today. Buy hard drives that have the longest warranty.

Keyboard

Use what is comfortable to you.

Case

If you plan on keeping your computer for a long time then you're most likely planning on upgrading it at least once. If you are planning on working on your computer then get a large case. These tiny cases that your average PC comes in are very difficult to work in and don't offer a lot of room for expansion. Do yourself a favour and get a large case with lots of bays.

Printer

How many of you actually use colour on your printer? Could you live without it? If the answer is yes then stop buying inkjet printers. Laser printers are faster, more reliable, and cheaper to operate. That's right, cheaper. You pay more to buy a laser printer and the toner packs are expensive but you get a lot more pages from a toner pack than you would from the ink cartridge of an inkjet printer. Also, look around for re-manufactured toner packs, they cost a lot less than the brand new ones offered by your the company that made your printer and they last almost as long.

Operating System

If, by now, you don't know what Linux is then I suggest you come out of your fallout shelter. What OS you choice depends on what applications you'll be running.

I have a lot of experience in Windows (95, NT, 2000 and XP). What I can tell you from my experience is that no matter how fast the hardware is I'm still going to have bugs, bugs, and more bugs to slow down my work. Can someone please explain to me why I should have to reboot my box when the OS becomes unstable? Why should I just accept that? Why should you? There is an alternative to Windows and I suggest you try it.