How to Buy a Computer

Every customer desires reliability, speed and a fair price; but one size does not fit every business. There is no "best" system; "it" would be too little computer for one client's purposes and too much for another. These guidelines are furnished to assist you in determining the specifications for the upgrade or system replacement your business is considering. Quality computer parts and workmanship are essential to the smooth performance of any size system. To examine the standards of PC Technical, click on Upgrades and Custom Computers When you have selected your specifications below, take a look at our Price lists.

Processors:

Intel and AMD both make high quality processors. Speed and price are the variables. An Intel dual core 1.6 ghz or a AMD Athlon 64 3500+ (2.2 ghz) or faster meets the needs of most PC Technical Service customers. For applications limited to word processing and a few spreadsheets, an Intel Celeron 1.6 ghz processor may be sufficient. An Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 ghz or faster may be worth the expense if you are using your computer for artwork, Cad work or just want performance. For larger networks needing a file server, consider the Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 ghz (or faster.) If your are running a program server with a large program, data base or SQL you will want the Xeon or multiple Xeon processors.

Backup Systems:

Tape backups, external hard drives and DVDRWs are the three reliable choices. While DVDRWs are more convenient, you can get much more on a tape or an external hard drive. If you have a network or wish to back up your whole machine, a tape backup or external hard drive is suggested even though it is more expensive. The less expensive DVDRWs work very well as a means of storing your valuable data.

Cases:

If you are purchasing a new system, select a well ventilated case. A mid tower case with good air flow over the processor is usually sufficient. An inexpensive mini tower may not have adequate ventilation. Poorly ventilated cases are the cause of many premature system failures. PC Technical Service also recommends you purchase a well-made metal case rather than the less expensive plastic ones. The plastic cases bend too easily when they are moved thus damaging internal parts.

Motherboards:

A good motherboard will have a current chipset. PC Technical suggests Asus and Intel motherboards. A system containing a high quality motherboard is faster than the same system with a cheap motherboard. The most expensive motherboard is not needed, but cheap ones cause the early death of many computers. Inexpensive motherboards often have older chipsets that will not work well with the current hardware. To maximize the productivity and reliability of your current equipment, PC Technical Service will upgrade your existing system by adding memory and replacing motherboards and/or hard drives.

Hard Drives:

Since modern programs take up large quantities of space, PC Technical Service recommends a capacity of 120 gig or larger. For example, Windows XP installations take more than 1.6 gigs, while Vista can take 8 gigs or more.. Many programs require even more. Since space is not expensive, we recommend your hard drive exceed your needs. When PC Technical Service replaces hard drives, the older drive will be cloned so that all of your data is on the newer, faster and larger drive. If the old drive is worth using, our technician will re-install it as a slave. If your old drive is in warranty, we will send it in on your behalf. PC Technical is able to obtain replacements for most major brands.

Monitors & Video Cards:

Since the price of monitors is low, purchase at least a 19-inch monitor. While on board video may be adequate, a video card with 256 megs of memory is suggested as the cost of memory is also reduced. If your applications place a demand on your video, consider 512 megs of video memory.

Sound Cards:

In systems designed for a business environment, sound is usually a minor consideration. The sound cards that come integrated into the motherboard are usually adequate.