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Computer Buying Guide

Processor
Also known as the CPU (central processing unit), the processor is where the computer does most of its work. It's also one of the keys to overall performance. The faster the processor's clock speed, which is measured in MHz (megahertz) or GHz (gigahertz), the faster it can execute instructions, though many other factors also affect overall performance. There are several different types of processors, all available in a range of clock speeds. Budget systems rely on the AMD Athlon XPs and Intel Pentium 4 or the Intel Celeron. The AMD Athlon XP delivers the best bang for the buck, though it can't quite keep pace with the higher-end, faster Intel Pentium 4s. The PowerPC G5 is rapidly replacing the G4 on Apple Macs. For the best value, pick a clock speed one or two notches below the fastest available. I recommend some one who can afford higher priced processor buy AMD Athlon XP 3200+ since it was a 64 bit processor. For others, a Intel P4 3.6Ghz processor with HT technology is more than enough.

Memory
This term refers to RAM (random-access memory), where PCs store software programs and data that's currently in use. Measured in megabytes (MB), the more memory you have, the more applications and files you can work on at once. In order of increasing speed, the most common types of RAM are: SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM), DDR (double data rate) SDRAM, and RDRAM (Rambus dynamic RAM). To further confuse matters, each memory type is available at different speeds, for example, PC133 SDRAM runs at 133MHz. Systems with DDR SDRAM can offer nearly the same performance as those with RDRAM at a lower price. Regardless of the type of RAM you want, I recommend that you get at least 256MB RAM that runs on 400mhz speed.

Cache
The cache, another type of high-speed memory, works to enhance the processor's performance by temporarily storing instructions and data. Generally, the larger the cache, which is measured in kilobytes, the better the performance. The processor you select has a fixed amount of cache--you can't choose this feature. High-performance processors include larger caches. For example, the Athlon XP has 384K, and the latest P4s have 512K.

Front-side bus
Don't let the funny name fool you. This important component is essential to speedy PC performance. In essence, the bus is a pathway over which data travels between various internal system components. The front-side bus (FSB) is the segment of the system bus that carries data between RAM and the CPU; it generally has the greatest effect on overall benchmark performance. A system with high-performance processors and other components should also have a fast front-side bus. The budget Athlon XP, for example, is paired with a 266MHz or 333MHz FSB, while the faster Pentium 4 uses either a 533MHz or 800MHz system bus. In practice, the FSB will be an issue with only hard-core applications, such as digital video. Since it may be important to some users, getting a system with 800mhz FSB speed is essential.

Hard drive
This essential PC component provides you with space to store programs and files indefinitely--or at least for the life of the drive. But hard drive capacity, measured in gigabytes (GB), is only one measure of drive quality. The speed at which the disk rotates, or its revolutions per minute (rpm), indicates how quickly the drive can access stored programs and files. Most users will want a 7,200rpm, UltraATA/133 drive, though budget systems usually come with a 5,400rpm model. (UltraATA is the interface that connects the drive to the rest of the PC.) As for drive size, even entry-level systems now come with hard drives that start around 20GB, but in the age of MP3s, digital photography, and home movies, I recommend at least a 60GB or 80GB hard drive. For users who wish to edit DVD or Videos, a 200GB harddisk will suite them right.

Optical drive
This term refers to CD and DVD drives in all of their various permutations. Both drive types read data on discs in a variety of formats, and some drives can also record data, images, music, or video to CDs and/or DVDs. A drive's speed ratings indicate how quickly it can perform these read and write tasks. Though you can still find bargain-basement systems with only a CD-ROM drive, I suggest that you spend the extra money (the price depends on the computer vendor and the model) for both a CD-RW (rewritable) and a DVD-ROM drive. That way, you can create both music and data CDs and view DVD movies. Our recommendation? Get a 48X/24X/48X (write, rewrite, and read speeds, respectively) CD-RW and a 24X (read speed) DVD-ROM drive. If you're living on the bleeding edge, you can purchase a recordable DVD drive that can store up to 4.7GB of data on a disc, but beware: many of these drives create DVDs in formats that other drives and DVD players cannot read.

Monitor
In conjunction with the video card, the monitor determines the size of your desktop work space and the quality of the image. A traditional CRT (cathode-ray tube) monitor takes up more space but costs less than an LCD, or flat-panel, monitor of the same size. An LCD is compact and consumes less energy than a CRT, but a CRT produces more accurate colors (important for professional graphics work) and better handles moving images. We'd recommend that price-conscious consumers look for either a midpriced 19-inch CRT or a 15-inch LCD with an analog interface. If your budget allows, though, you'll likely never regret having a digital 17- or 19-inch LCD unless your work (or play) involves extremely fast-moving graphics.

Graphics processing
Together with your monitor, the graphics processor determines the size of your desktop work space and the quality of the image. The overall video capabilities also determine how well your PC runs games. Some budget and mainstream systems integrate video processing into their chipsets, borrowing system memory, which slows performance. For better performance, you can buy a separate graphics card with its own memory (it fits right into a motherboard's AGP expansion slot). Buy a system with either 64MB or 128MB of DDR (double data rate) video memory for best performance or more if you play computer games. Companies such as Nvidia and ATI currently produce most high-end video cards--the Nvidia GeForce4 MX and the ATI Radeon 7500 are solid, midrange options. But if you love computer games, you'll want the latest and greatest Radeon 9700 or GeForce4 Ti cards. If you're considering buying a PC without a separate graphics card and want to use that system for gaming, make sure that the computer has an AGP expansion slot so that you can upgrade later. But if you're on a tight budget and don't need gaming capabilities, a system with integrated graphics should do just fine--just make sure that you get a PC with plenty of system memory.

Audio processor
Together with the speakers, the audio processor determines a system's ability to reproduce audiophile-quality music, realistic game sound effects, and surround sound for DVD movies. As with graphics, a computer can provide sound processing via an integrated chipset or a separate card in an expansion slot. The latter option generally offers better sound quality and more features, as well as better performance. For the best value, look for a system that has integrated audio with Dolby 5.1 decoding built in or a Creative Sound Blaster Live Value 5.1 card. For the best audio performance, look at the high-end sound cards from Creative Labs Sound Blaster line.

Speakers
In conjunction with the audio processor, the speakers determine a system's ability to reproduce audiophile-quality music, realistic game sound effects, and surround sound for DVD movies. Audiophiles will agonize over signal-to-noise, watts, and decibels. But all you really need to know is that the price and number of components in your speaker set are reasonable indicators of quality. I recommend a 2.1 (two speakers and one subwoofer) system for general computing, but gamers and home-theater buffs will want a 5.1-piece system for true surround sound.

Modem
Your modem lets you access e-mail, the Internet, or a network over a standard phone line. A 56K V.90 modem is standard fare on nearly every new PC nowadays. ( V.90 is the name of the standard technology for transmitting data at speeds up to 56 kilobits per second.)

Network adapter
To send e-mail, access the Internet, or communicate over a local network at faster speeds--up to 10 or 100 megabits per second (Mbps) depending on the type of network--you'll need a network adapter. Even for a home system, a network adapter has become a must if you want cable or DSL Internet access. Budget systems may include a network adapter on the motherboard, but most systems have a separate expansion card called a NIC (network interface card). Either way, look for an adapter that supports both 10Mbps and 100Mbps speeds.

USB port
These ports provide you with a standard method to connect peripherals, such as PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players, printers, scanners, keyboards, and mice, as well as some external drives to your system. A desktop should include at least two USB ports, but some have many more. Look for a system that has some of its USB ports conveniently located on the front panel or keyboard so that you can easily plug in a camera or an MP3 player. Most systems now ship with version 1.1 of the USB standard, which suits the current crop of peripherals. For room to grow, look for a system that supports the faster USB 2.0 standard.

FireWire port
Also referred to as IEEE 1394, as well as i.Link (by Sony), this port connects certain peripherals, such as digital camcorders and external hard drives, that need faster throughput than what USB 1.1 provides. Not everyone needs a FireWire connection today, but I strongly recommend it. If the system you choose doesn't include it, you can later add an expansion card for about $40.

PCI slot
This standard slot lets you equip your computer with cards, including some for networking and audio processing, that can expand your system's features. Depending on the configuration you choose, sound cards, network adapters, and other PCI cards can quickly use up your available expansion slots. If you plan to upgrade your system or add new features, look for a system with at least two open PCI slots.

AGP slot
Your graphics card uses this high-speed expansion slot to interpret and display 3D images. If your system has a separate graphics card, then it has an AGP (accelerated graphics port) slot. Since AGP has its own RAM, it won't slow down your system. All you really need to know is that if you ever plan to add a card to play 3D games, your system must include an AGP slot.

Operating system
If your PC is an orchestra, the operating system is the conductor. The operating system, or OS, performs basic tasks. For example, it recognizes your input, runs all other software programs, keeps tabs on files stored on your hard drive, and manages peripherals such as drives. You may end up choosing your PC by the operating system that it runs. The Apple OS--now in version X 10.2, a.k.a. Jaguar--has a smaller share of the market than Windows operating systems and offers fewer hardware and software choices but retains a loyal following with certain types of users, including design professionals and students. Microsoft Windows XP, which you can run on all other PCs with sufficient system resources, comes in home and business versions. If you're planning on connecting to a LAN or WAN (for business use), consider Windows XP Pro. If you're using your machine at home, the cheaper Home Edition will do the trick. You can purchase other OSs, such as Linux, but they aren't usually offered by PC vendors.

Software
In this case, software refers to the bundled software included on your new PC. At a minimum, you need a productivity suite, such as Microsoft Works, a version of Microsoft Office XP, or the Corel WordPerfect Suite. (If you're planning on using a spreadsheet or using your software for any kind of business projects, I suggest the latter two.) Some systems also include many more applications and utilities. Before you let these lists of software impress you, note that computer companies sometimes pad their list of bundled software with freely available, no-cost downloads, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader or an MP3 player, as well as applications included in the operating system, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer, Apple iTunes, or Apple iMovie.

Service and support
If something goes wrong with your system or you can't figure out how to use a particular feature, customer support should be your safety net. Sadly, although you can still find plenty of PC vendors that offer three-year warranties, one-year warranties are becoming the industry standard. Ask a manufacturer or seller about its policies regarding onsite service, turnaround time on repairs, and shipping and restocking fees. Look for systems that include 24/7, toll-free telephone support for the life of the system. You can generally upgrade the support options or warranty length for a fee--something I recommend for most users.

© 2004 by Lam Ri Hui. All rights reserved.