This desktop computer buying guide will educate you about what to look for when buying your next desktop, on a component by component basis. Desktops are highly customizable so most consumers will able to make the best decision after learning about the parts and then going to a manufacturer’s website or retailer, opposed to narrowing in on a specific model. Today’s computer makers–the Dell’s, Lenovo’s, and HP’s of the world–are extremely competitive with one another so if you have your facts straight, choosing a computer will be easy and fun. After that it’s just about looking for the best price.
Monitor
The monitor is your window to what is happening with your computer. A bigger monitor will be better for media watching and gaming, plus will allow for multitasking. A big monitor isn't mandatory, but it's one of the reasons why you get a desktop.
Recommended:
24-inch LCD display
Minimum:
22-inch LCD display
Operating System
Your operating system is the foundation of your computer's software and something that is being utilized when your computer is on. It's the single most important decision in choosing your computer.
Recommended:
Windows 7 Professional, or alternative OS depending on your needs.
Minimum:
Windows 7 Home Premium
Optical Drive
The drive in your computer that plays optical discs... you know, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray. Useful for playing video, backing up files, and mandatory for installing some software titles.
Recommended:
Single DVD burner, unless if you want Blu-ray
Minimum:
Single DVD burner
Memory
Computer memory, or RAM, is important for system performance and helps when operating demanding software. This isn't the same thing as a hard drive!
Recommended:
6GB DDR3
Minimum:
4GB DDR3
Hard Drive
Your desktop computer's hard drive is where all your data is stored. You can have different sized hard drives as well as more than one drive within the computer.
Recommended:
1TB 7200RPM
Minimum:
500GB 7200RPM
Video Card
The video card is the part of the computer that enables graphics, including games and video. Normal desktop operations (word processing, email, etc.) don't require much graphics power but gaming and HD video requires much more.
Recommended:
ATI Radeon HD 5850
Minimum:
ATI Radeon HD 4650
CPU
The CPU, or processor, is the brain of the computer. It's the primary factor in determining the power of the system.
Recommended:
Core i7 920
Minimum:
AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition
