computer buying tips

The desktop computer is not what is once was thanks to the increased popularity of laptops, but it is still a mainstay of personal computing. The value and power offered by a desktop system, as well as the versatility and upgradeability is still unrivaled, making it a great choice for anyone who doesn’t have to move their computer around very often. Today’s desktops come in an incredible assortment of sizes, prices, and performance levels so there is one out there for every buyer.

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 (CD / DVD / Blu-ray) 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