Cheap Computers
Desktop computers have rapidly reduced both in size but also in price. The target price of the $1000 computer a couple years has now become $500. This means that computer manufacturers might take some shortcuts in order to hit their target price. By building your own desktop you will be assured that you have the best components for the best price.
By buying a desktop that is not the top of the line (lasts years model, for example) you can save a lot of money. Because computer technology is changing so fast, it is never a good move to buy anything that is the best in its category. For example, an Athlon 64 FX-55 costs around $850 currently. A slightly slower Athlon 64 3500+ costs around $275. So by choosing to go with a slightly slower CPU (the difference you will hardy notice) you can save plenty of money. The prices might have changed since I wrote this, but that does not matter. The point is, never go with the top of the line computer.
So even if you have a lot of money on hand and want to buy the best computer out there, remember that you are making a bad decision. By buying parts that are at least one step below the fastest one you can save tons of money, and see almost no difference in your computer performance. Saving money on the computer means you will have extra cash left over for other components, such as a bigger monitor or better speakers. Just a thing to remember!
The most common features that people look for when buying a desktop are:
CPU - This is the brain of your computer and you'll need one that's fast. For basic computing needs you can settle for a low to mid end CPU. Only for gaming and high performance tasks (such as video/audio editing) would you need the top of the line CPU.
Memory - The sweet zone for memory today is 512 mb. You can pass with 256 mb if you are a basic computer user, but if you want performance, try for 512 mb.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD) - For most users 80 GB will be plenty of storage for years to come. For people who like to download music and pictures, play games or create content, 160+ GB is a must.
Sound - This is a tricky component to choose. Most motherboards these days come with onboard sound which will be more than enough for most people. The only reason to get an add-on sound card is if you are in the audio business and need extra input/output or a audiophile/gamer who needs pinpoint audio reproduction.
Speakers - Similar to sound, if you are not a gamer or multimedia user, you probably don't need to invest in heavy duty 5.1 speakers. For the casual user, headphones or a cheap 2 speaker setup will do just fine.
Monitor - This is where you want to invest any leftover money you have. Since this is the single most used component you want to get something that is big enough for your work but also within your budget. If possible, get an LCD as they are brighter and easier on your eyes. They are also getting cheaper and similar to the price of CRTs.
Graphics - Only gamers need the top of the line graphics card. Onboard video or a cheap add on card will do most people just fine.
As computer prices have been falling like rocks and technology increasing at a record pace, buying a top of the line computer will become out-dated in a couple months. You want to identify your needs before searching for computers. We've identified a couple types of computers below to help you out in your search.
Quick specifications for each type of PC would be.
| CPU | AMD Athlon 2700 or Intel Celeron 2.6Ghz |
| MEMORY | 512MB of SDRAM (DDR266 and up) |
| HDD | 80GB / 7200 |
| SOUND | Integrated sound or Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 PCI for better performances. |
| SPEAKERS | Logitech X-530 6-Piece Speaker Syste |
| MONITOR | CRT - 17" |
| GRAPHICS | Nvidia FX 5200 128MB 128 bit |
More detailed specification for a budget PC.
| CPU | Athlon 64 4000 + |
| MEMORY | 1GB of SDRAM (DDR333 and up) |
| HDD | 160 GB and up |
| SOUND | Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS |
| SPEAKERS | Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital speaker system or good Headphones |
| MONITOR | At least a 19" CRT monitor |
| GRAPHICS | ATI Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB |
More detailed specification for a gaming PC.
| CPU | AMD Athlon 3000 |
| MEMORY | 1GB of SDRAM (DDR266 and up) |
| HDD | 160 GB and up |
| SOUND | Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS |
| SPEAKERS | Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital speaker system |
| MONITOR | 17" wide screen LCD/TV and up |
| GRAPHICS | ATI Radeon 9600 |
More detailed specification for a Home Theater PC.
| CPU | AMD Athlon 3000 |
| MEMORY | 512MB of SDRAM (DDR266 and up) |
| HDD | 80GB / 7200 |
| SOUND | Integrated sound or Creative Labs Sound Blaster Live! 5.1 PCI in the case of bad quality of integrated sound. |
| SPEAKERS | 2.1 Speaker Set |
| MONITOR | 17" LCD |
| GRAPHICS | Nvidia FX 5200 or Integrated |
More detailed specification for a Business PC.
| CPU | AMD Athlon 3000 |
| MEMORY | 1GB of SDRAM (DDR266 and up) |
| HDD | 160 GB and up |
| SOUND | Creative Labs Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS |
| SPEAKERS | Logitech Z-5500 5.1 Digital speaker system |
| MONITOR | At least a 19" CRT monitor or 17" LCD |
| GRAPHICS | ATI Radeon 9600 or ALL-IN-WONDER® 9800 PRO |
More detailed specification for a Multimedia PC.