Buying guide: Desktop computers

Types of desktop PCs

The configuration of a computer – whether laptop or desktop; largely depends on the purpose for which it is used. The price of a computer in turn will depend on its configuration. Computers can be broadly classified into three types: low-end desktop computers, mid-level desktop computers, and high-end desktop computers. Before, we proceed further, it needs to be noted that this classification is very broad and may not always be apt. Another thing that needs to be noted is that almost all computers come with such elementary options as Internet connectivity, USB ports, and so on.

1. Low-end desktop computer: These types of computers are largely meant for those who intend to use their desktops for watching movies, listening to music, viewing images, surfing the Internet, checking mails and so on. While these computers can be used to play games, the latest gaming titles may not be supported. Most office computers fall under this category.

1. Mid-level desktop computers: Technically advanced than their low-end counterparts, the mid-level desktops offer more functionality with better performance. These constitute the most popular desktop computers in the market. These are well-balanced all-rounders, and often feature low- to mid-range graphics cards and better-performing components, to enable better gaming even on the latest titles.

1. High-end computers: These desktop computers are meant for enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, graphics artists, and the like. These are often very expensive and feature high-end graphics card, large-screen LCD monitors, multiple hard drives and DVD drives, etc.

Computer components and purchasing criteria

The first and foremost thing to do before you buy a computer is to decide between laptop PC and a desktop PC. Then comes the most important part, which is to decide on the preferred configuration of your computer. What’s inside the computer is way more important than how the computer looks. With desktops, the flexibility in selecting components of our choice is more than with the laptops. Read on to know more about the various components of a computer.

1. Processor (CPU): The heart of a computer, a processor is a rather tiny chip that does all the heavy work when it comes to the functioning of a computer. Right from the stage when a command is given to the request processing stage to the final output stage, processors play a critical role. Currently, Intel and AMD are two of the major processor makers in the market. Both offer single-core and multi-core processors (which are much faster), and both cater to all segments of the market. While the Intel CPU range stretches from the low-end Centrino Duo series processors to the mid-range Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core 13, and Core i5 series processors to the Core i7 series high-end processors. AMD, too, has a similar line-up.

1. Motherboard: The motherboard is the central circuit board on which the processor and some of the other components (such as RAM, graphics card, LAN card, etc.) are attached and which provides connectivity to the other components of the system (such as hard disk drive, optical media drive, etc.). Note that the processor you buy will be compatible with only some of the motherboards. Among the compatible options, it is recommended that you pick the motherboard that offers the maximum number of slots (and thus upgrade options) and that fits your budget.

1. RAM: RAM memory plays a very role in the smooth functioning of your PC by providing extra space needed to execute commands that require more space. Popular RAM modules include anything ranging from 1GB to up to 6GB. Another point to note here is the bus speed, which again is better if higher. When buying a RAM, do check whether the type of RAM (DDR2 or DDR3) is compatible with your motherboard. And remember, ‘More the RAM – Better the Performance’.

1. Hard disk drive: Hard drives provide you with the storage that you will need to store your data. The most popular hard drives today are SATA (Serial ATA) ones. These are reliable, and come in a range of capacities from 160 GB to more than 1.5 TB. Other hard drive types also exist including PATA (Parallel ATA) and SSD (Solid State Drive) drives. Beside the memory capacity, another thing to consider here is the rpm supported by the hard drive. With hard drives, higher the rpm, better the performance. Also, if you are assembling your own desktop, do remember to go for the hard drive type that is supported by rest of your system (especially, the motherboard and power supply).

1. Optical media drive: More popularly known as the CD/DVD drive, this handy device allows you to play and access the contents of CDs and DVDs. These can also be used to write data onto DVDs. Nowadays, dual-layer DVD and Blu-ray media players and writers are also available; these, however, are slightly expensive.

1. Power supply: An essential part of the computer, the power supply provides power to all the components of a computer. Choosing a power supply with high ratings is always preferable as it will easily handle upgrades that you may later go for in your desktop.

1. Cabinet: The cabinet houses the motherboard (along with the attached components), the power supply, and the hard disk and optical media drives.

1. Monitor: Also known as the display screen, the monitor is the TV-like device that displays the visual information and acts as a source of output for the processor. CRT monitors have gradually made way for high-definition (HD) LCD monitors that deliver visuals with unparalleled details.

1. Keyboard: This is the typewriter-like device used to enter alphanumeric command strings into the computer. While in most cases, a basic keyboard suffices, there are many fancy alternatives available including gaming keyboards, cordless keyboards, multimedia keyboards, and more. 

1. Mouse: The small pouch like device often found placed beside the computer is the mouse. It is used to navigate by means of an on-screen pointer, and usually comes with 2-3 buttons that have several basic functions. As with keyboards, there are many more fancy alternatives (to a basic mouse) available including gaming mouse and cordless mouse.

1. Speaker: Almost all computer systems feature a set a speakers to deliver sufficiently good sound. In higher-end PCs, 5.1-channel and 7.1-channel speaker systems are also common. For such high-end systems, however, a compatible sound card is a must.

1. Graphics card: A graphics card is an add-on card that contains a graphics processor. A graphics card’s sole purpose is to improve the visual performance of a desktop computer. Note, however, a graphics card needs a compatible slot to be attached. Further, graphics card are no longer the sole privilege of high-end systems. Nowadays, decent-performing graphics cards are also available relatively cheaply. In high-performance systems, one can also find multiple graphics cards.

1. Sound card: While almost all motherboards feature a built-in 5.1-channel sound card, audiophiles might want to have a look at a sound card, a special add-on card whose sole purpose is accurate sound reproduction.

1. Miscellaneous: In addition to the above rather essential components, there are a multitude of components and peripheral that can be attached to your computer. Examples include Bluetooth cards, Wi-Fi cards, high-performance LAN cards, memory card readers, etc. It is recommended that you have a look at all of these before deciding your final configuration.

Summary

1. A desktop computer is a non-mobile personal computer (PC) designed to be placed on desks.
2. The components that usually make up a desktop computer are the processor, motherboard, RAM, hard disk, optical media drive (CD/DVD drive), power supply, cabinet (the vertical box that houses the previously mentioned equipment), monitor (display screen), keyboard, mouse, and speakers. Depending upon the PC’s configuration, a desktop may also contain a graphics card, a sound card, a high-performance LAN card, multiple hard drives and optical drives.
3. Further, any desktop computer can be upgraded, given the hardware compatibility. You can either buy individual components to build the machine yourself or you can buy a branded computer.

Final word:

Also, do remember that your computer, no matter how advanced, will be outdated in a few years. This holds true for all computer types including laptop computers, and desktop computers. As such, do think twice before going in for a top-of-the-line product since the shelf-life of such systems is not more than that of a medium-level desktop PC.

Well, that’s about wraps it up for this guide. Just one last thing: it is recommended that you read up as much as you can before purchasing a new desktop PC; the Internet’s full of forums frequented by people who are experts in assembling computers. Don’t hesitate to take their advice.