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The following computer buying tips by simply-thai.com computers, will assist you in making an informed and proper decision on your hardware requirements and the mistakes to avoid.
Copy (Restamped - Remarked) CPUs
Copy, or restamped, CPUs are sold in stores not only in Thailand, but in countries throughout the world. The term "copy" is a little misleading in this instance, in that genuine CPUs are, in fact, being used to perpetrate the scam. What's happened is that the CPU has been reconfigured to run at a higher speed and then restamped (relabelled - remarked) to reflect this higher speed. Consequently, that 3.0 GHz CPU you just purchased at an incredibly low price may, in fact, only be a 2.6 GHz processor which you bought at an incredibly inflated price. As an added bonus, overclocked CPUs can result in serious operating errors or, worse, complete system failures. To avoid this happening, shop only at stores with good reputations. And remember, you always get what you pay for.
Old Technology
Don't get talked into buying a new computer that uses old technology. Many stores make the mistake of overstocking certain items, or just want to be seen as the store with the lowest prices (at least to those without a great deal of technical knowledge) . A good example of this are stores that offer new systems with 370-pin (Socket 370) motherboards and Intel Celeron 1 CPUs. The new Celeron II processors require a Socket 478 motherboard — the same as required for a Pentium 4 CPU. Accordingly, and if purchasing a Celeron II system on a Socket 478 motherboard, the CPU can later be upgraded to a Pentium 4 model — without replacing the motherboard.
Motherboards (Mainboards)
A motherboard (mainboard) is the heart of a computer . Everything in the computer — the CPU, RAM, hard drive and graphics card — attaches to it. Insist on a quality, name-brand motherboard when purchasing a new computer system.
Microprocessors (CPUs)
With new software and games requiring ever-greater processing power, it is always best to buy the fastest computer you can afford so as to extend the "useful life" of the system. Alternatively, ensure that the motherboard in your new computer will accommodate the latest CPUs, thus allowing for upgrading to a faster CPU at a later date.
RAM
Random Access Memory is the short-term memory that your computer uses to store information you are using. Insist on quality, name-brand RAM when purchasing a new computer, in that cheap, generic RAM can cause untold problems (hangups, system errors, etc.) with any computer. As to the type of RAM you should look for, Simply-Thai.com computers and It's A Computer Shop recommend new systems that use DDR RAM, as RDRAM (Rambus), although slightly faster, is currently far too expensive and (in the opinion of many) not worth the extra cost. SDRAM is old technology — avoid new systems that offer this.
Hard Drives
Like a warehouse, the bigger the hard drive, the more information it can store. Serial ATA drives, or "SATA" for short, with an 8MB Cache Buffer, are the newest generation of hard drives. Always buy the biggest hard drive you can afford, particularly if you intend to store — or edit — digital video clips on your computer. You'll be surprised at how fast that extra space gets used up.
CD-ROMs and CD-RW-DVD-RW
Most software applications — including computer games — come on CD. Any computer you buy, therefore, will need, at a minimum, a CD-ROM player. If you intend to "burn" or write your own CDs or DVD's, you might want to consider a combination CD-ROM / CD-RW, CD-ROM / CD-RW / DVD-RW Writer.
Monitors
Flat panel monitors (LCD and Plasma) are here and, like the advent of CDs over vinyl records, are quickly relegating the old CRT (tube) monitors to their place in history. They are light, wall-mountable and — best of all — free up the desktop for badly needed workspace. For budget-conscious consumers, you might want to stick with a CRT monitor, but look for one with a low dot pitch (DPI). Your eyes will appreciate it.
Video Cards (Graphics Accelerators)
The latest generation of video cards are equipped with Digital Video Interface (DVI) connectors to accommodate both analog and digital monitors. Using a DVI connector and port, a digital signal that is sent to an analog monitor is converted into an analog signal. If the monitor is a digital monitor, such as a flat panel display, no conversion is necessary. If you think you might upgrade to a flat panel display at some later date, insist on a video card with a DVI-Out port.
Sound Cards
A poor quality sound card can result in difficult-to-detect system problems. If the motherboard in your new computer system is not equipped with an onboard sound chip, insist on a quality, name-brand card.
Summary
Follow these tips when buying a new computer system and you'll not only be saving yourself a great deal of money, but also a lot of downtime and headaches. And it's tough to put a price on that. |
