In addition to the fact that there are countless computer stores themselves, in addition, in the stores themselves, the choice of both ready-made computers and individual components for them is simply incredible. For an uninitiated user, it will be unclear what is responsible for what and what to choose. Often, people focus on prices, the number of gigabytes, gigahertz, cores, or simply listen to what sales managers tell them.
I, in turn, in this field, as they say, “ate the dog” and know not only what goes together with what, but also about more serious and important details, without knowledge of which one can make gross mistakes. In this post, I will briefly try to talk about some of the details of choosing system components and will give 3 examples of the configuration of gaming computers that you can order and assemble, both independently and in a store.
The first thing to consider when choosing a gaming computer is that you should never buy them ready-made! Those people who are involved in the selection of components in no way want to select the appropriate components for a gaming computer; moreover, ready-made PCs themselves, as a rule, cost much more than the computer you chose yourself, or rather its components, for subsequent assembly, and even taking into account that some stores charge money for assembly, all the same, the kit you choose will be more powerful and cheaper than ready-made analogues. That's why we forget about ready-made solutions and move on to the selection of components.
When choosing components for a gaming PC, you need to consider the following factors:
1) And most importantly! The performance of a computer and its individual components cannot be measured by comparison with other models based on the amount of memory in gigabytes, or based on frequencies, number of cores, etc. Real performance is measured in terms of specific programs, in real tests that are carried out on popular, authoritative publications dedicated to computers and components. You can easily find information on individual components by typing a query into Google, like - " Intel Review i5-4590k", or for example, "GTX980Ti review". In order to verify the veracity of the information, go to 3-4 different reviews at once and check the information, if it roughly matches everywhere, then everything is correct.
2) Intel processors almost always turn out to be more powerful than AMD processors in games, and it doesn’t matter at all that the same Intel i3 has only 2 physical cores, and the same AMD FX-8300 has as many as 8, and even more so frequency But the point is that Intel processors have dramatically higher performance per core and this performance gives them an advantage over AMD processors in games, because games are rather reluctant to optimize for multi-threading (multi-core). Therefore, when choosing a processor, you need to focus on real tests in real games, and not on synthetic tests such as SuperPi. The most optimal processor for games is almost any intel i5 with a frequency above 3.2 GHz, and if you need more performance, then pay attention to processors with the letter “K” at the end, such processors can be overclocked, which adds performance and sometimes very much ! Also, it is worth maintaining a balance between the processor and the video card, it is completely useless to install an intel i5 in combination with, say, a GTX750Ti, but also, it would be too illogical to install an i3 and a GTX980Ti, it will not be enough. It should be remembered that the processor should not cost more than the video card!
3) The video card is the main component of a gaming computer, based on this component you need to build gaming computer and the power of a video card is not measured in gigabytes, or simply in megahertz; in fact, there is no power measurement at all. There are individual indicators, such as the amount of memory, which is not so important if you have over 3 gigabytes on a video card from 15,000 rubles, or from 2 gigabytes on cheaper cards, or frequency GPU, which may vary between different models, the same product (the same chip model, say GTX970, can be produced by a dozen companies and each video card will be different), etc. Also, it is worth considering that there are reference and non-reference designs, what does this mean? Reference design is the standard design provided by the manufacturer for this video card model; reference design video cards heat up and make more noise, so purchasing them is not recommended. Non-reference design video cards heat up less and make less noise, as they have the best system cooling, with several large and quiet fans, and sometimes they have a different component base, which allows them to be overclocked more efficiently, so I recommend purchasing video cards only of a non-reference design.
4) Volume and frequency of RAM - in fact, the amount of RAM for games is only 8 gigabytes, in fact you don’t need more, and frequencies don’t play a special role, so the best choice is 2 memory sticks of 4 gigabytes each with a frequency of 1600 MHz, preferably Samsung Original, or HYNIX Original. Planks without the word "Original" are fakes on these chips and are of worse quality.
5) Hard drive and SSD - for most games you only need an acceptable one HDD, For example Western Digital Black and no positive reaction from SSD installation, will not be used in games, but installing the same SSD allows the system itself to work much faster and speeds up the loading of games.
6) motherboards- the biggest misconception is that expensive, cool motherboards give an increase in performance. This, alas, is not so! The motherboard is the link between the processor, memory, video card and other system components; in fact, the motherboard is the wires between the system components. But it’s also worth considering that motherboards may have functions that are important to you and you should choose a motherboard based on your needs. When choosing a motherboard, in addition to the obvious things, such as choosing a socket (processor connector) and checking compatibility with the selected processor, you need to look at the number of connectors you need - SATA for hard drives and drives, USB 2.0 and 3.0, etc. However, look at the availability of functions such as SLI, Crossfire, which allow you to install several video cards at the same time, but if you do not need such a function now, then it is better to refuse to buy such motherboards; you are overpaying huge sums for these functions. The best option, this is a motherboard costing 4-5 thousand rubles, ATX form factor with an 8-pin processor power connector and 4 connectors for memory modules, as well as 5-6 connectors for connecting audio devices.
7) Power Supplies - The biggest misconception about power supplies is that the more watts the better. Nothing like this! There will be no difference between a 65 and 1500 watt power supply for your system, if it is built on one processor and one video card. The power supply must be selected based on the system consumption. The most powerful video card cannot consume more than 350 watts, the processor, no more than 250 (rare copies, overclocked, without overclocking, powerful CPUs consume about 80-100 watts), everything else consumes about 70 watts. Therefore, for systems around 30,000 rubles, 500-550 watts is enough, for powerful PCs, with one video card, “for overclocking”, 650 watts, and for the rest, it depends on the number of video cards, but the rule is simple - +1 video card = +300 watts.
8) Do not forget about cooling systems; if the processor is overclocked, then you need to select a processor “cooler” based on tests, the most optimal option, for example Coolermaster S200. If the same processor does not race, then you can choose a simpler cooler, up to 500 rubles, based on reviews on the same Yandex market.
This is how the components are selected, and now I will give 3 examples of decent assemblies with a certain price category, these assemblies are intended only for games and do not meet certain requirements, but this does not mean that you cannot, say, do work on them, or rendering / audio processing. Also keep in mind that theoretically it is possible to select even more optimal components, but for this you need to look at the stores and the availability of certain components in them; these components were selected in one store, which delivers goods throughout Russia and has its representative offices in many cities. (prices are taken from one popular store, its name cannot be indicated according to the chip rules).
And so here are 3 configurations from me:
The configurations themselves with links to the store:
30.000R:
Processor (CPU) - AMD Athlon X4 860K Black Edition, OEM 4170r
CPU cooler - Cooler Master S200
Motherboard - ASUS A88XM-A 3340r
RAM - DIMM DDR3 1600Mhz 8GB Hynix Original 3750r
Video card - MSI R9 270 GAMING 2G, R9 270, 2048MB, GDDR5, Retail 9430r
Case - InWin IW-EAR007 500W4290r
Result - 30300 rub.
This configuration has a price of around 30,000 rubles and is intended to replace game consoles; on it you can play all modern and planned games at settings close to high. If you have the money, then it’s worth replacing the motherboard with an AM3+ with an AMD970 chipset, for example from MSI, and replacing the processor with an AMD FX-8300, it will cost about 3-3.5 thousand rubles, but it will be worth it.
55.000RUR, timecode on video 15:55:
Processor (CPU) - Intel Core i5-4590, OEM 13860r
CPU cooler - Cooler Master CP6-9HDSA-0L-GP 530r
Motherboard - ASUS B85M-G 3640r
Hard drive - 1TB, Seagate SV 35.5, ST1000VX000 RUR 3,750
Video card - Palit PA-GTX970 JetStream 4G, GTX 970, 4096MB, GDDR5, Retail 22170rub
Case - InWin IW-EAR007 4290rub
Result - 52310 rub.
The system unit designed for high and ultra settings in all modern games, like the previous system unit, it has exactly the same case, with a built-in 500-watt power supply, mATX motherboard, and the same 1TB hard drive. But this configuration is not intended for overclocking, at least the processor, and the power of the video card and processor allows you to play all games comfortably.
80.000R:
Processor (CPU) - Intel Core i5-4690K, OEM 16620r
CPU cooler - Cooler Master S200 940r
Motherboard - MSI Z97S SLI KRAIT EDITION 7520r
RAM - DIMM DDR3, 8GB (2x4GB), Kingston HyperX FURY blue, HX316C10FK2/8 3970rub
SSD - SSD 128GB, Plextor M6S, PX-128M6S 4500r
Hard drive - 1TB, Seagate SV 35.5, ST1000VX000 RUR 3,750
Video card - MSI GTX 980 GAMING 4G, GTX 980, 4096MB, GDDR5, Retail 33450rub
Case - Corsair Carbide Series SPEC-01, CC-9011050-WW 3790r
Power supply - ATX Corsair CX 750, CP-9020015-EU, 750W 5930r
Result - 80470rub
This system unit is at the cutting edge of technology. A motherboard with SLI support, an overclockable processor, a power supply and a case are designed to accommodate two video cards, and the existing video card is pre-top and provides consistently high FPS in all games. This configuration is intended for a narrow circle of people who crave high FPS and juicy pictures.
Of course, not everything is selected ideally, but ideal selection can only be made for a specific person and his tasks.
That's all, I hope you found it interesting to read this ton of text and it will be useful to you. And remember - under no circumstances buy ready-made computers, they cost you more and work much worse. In the modern world, there are stores that will assemble and help you select components for the system!
Computer technology has firmly entered our lives. Any office or home cannot be imagined without a computer or laptop. Before going to the store, you should think about how to choose good computer for home, work and play, the purpose of purchasing a computer and the tasks it will perform. The goals can be completely different: working at home, in an office environment with Internet access, video conversion, photographic image processing and much more. It is necessary to determine the purpose of the purchase in order to select a high-tech device based on its essential parameters and features.
If a computer is chosen only for the home, with the help of it they are going to access the Internet, communicate on Skype and on social networks, watch movies, download video games, then its price can be inexpensive. About 300 dollars.
When purchasing an inexpensive device, you should remember: the cheapest modern computer will work much faster than a system unit that was released on the market three years ago and was especially cool at that time.
Computer for home use
If computer equipment is necessary for work, there is no need to rush. You need to collect as much information as possible, read the article on how to choose a good computer.
Bonuses and additional payments to a salesperson's salary often depend on the store's revenue. Therefore, he can sell something that is completely unnecessary at an inflated price. After studying the entire range of products presented, collecting reviews and comprehensive opinions, you will find the best computer for yourself.
There are a huge variety of system units on the computer market. They all have different power, performance, and system requirements.
The main characteristics that you should pay attention to when buying a computer:
- The amount of RAM (computer random access memory) provides data storage. Its minimum size is 4 GB (gigibytes), the maximum is 8 GB. If you are going to use, download and save a large amount of information, then the most suitable option would be 8 GB memory.
DDR3 RAM comparison table
- The most important properties of a processor are the type, frequency, and number of cores. The speed of a computer processor depends on the clock frequency. It denotes the number of operations performed by the system per second. The higher the frequency value, the faster the computer runs.
- There are two types of video cards for computers. Integrated – built into the motherboard. It cannot be changed. Computers with integrated video cards are only suitable for office use. Discrete is a separate card, installed in a special compartment on the motherboard. The video card is chosen in accordance with your needs. If you're a video game enthusiast, the card should be powerful. The price of a card directly depends on its power. Cards for gaming games are expensive.
- Motherboard. Its size doesn't matter. The main requirement for the board is its uninterrupted operation.
- HDD. The larger the size of your computer's hard drive, the more information you can store on your computer.
- What you need to pay attention to when choosing a system unit is the cooling system. If the cooling system malfunctions, this may cause a breakdown of the technical device.
Photo of the cooling process in the system unit
- Optical drive. Choose a drive that has the ability to record information in a larger number of formats. Write speed is also important.
- Number of connectors. If you use flash drives every day, charge your phone or camera through a computer, the number of connectors will matter.
- Operating system. It is possible to buy a computer with or without an already installed system. Please keep in mind that a computer without installed system, will cost less.
- Weight of the system unit. This option should be of interest to laptop buyers. When purchasing a stationary system unit, this information is not important.
- Choose a computer for gaming, home or work based on significant characteristics, with an acceptable price-quality ratio.
Gaming PC
The cost of computer models ranges from the cheapest copies, from 10,000 rubles, to sophisticated devices stuffed with everything possible, costing more than 60,000 rubles. The proposed review of computer equipment will answer the question: which computer is better to buy.
System unit based on Intel Core i5 and i7 processor:
- Not a cheap device for 50,000 rubles Intel Core i5-4670K.
Powerful gaming PC (AMD):
- Expensive processor 60,000 rubles Amd Athlon II X4 840.
System unit based on AMD up to 30,000 rubles:
- This option costs 30,000 rubles, the functionality corresponds to the cost. ProcessorAMD FX-6350.
System unit on Intel based Core i3:
- Intel Core i3-4130. The price of this device will be approximately 23,000 thousand rubles.
Computer up to 15,000 rubles Intel:
- This option is not expensive, but good - Intel Celeron G1820.
Budget computer up to 15,000 rubles AMD:
- From the AMD series we can offer AMD A4-5300.
AMD series
When purchasing in a store, be sure to check that all documents for the computer, instructions, and receipt are available. Make sure you get a warranty.
Conclusion
Progress does not stand still. Technologies are developing rapidly. Therefore, when buying a super modern computer for a lot of money, produced, for example, this year, you need to be prepared that after a while it will no longer be as powerful and functional as the new models. We hope this article helped you learn how to choose the right computer.
Video review and advice from experts:
To choose a computer these days, you don’t need any special knowledge in this area. There are several ways to get your own electronic friend. The most common way is to come to a computer salon and buy a ready-made assembled computer. In modern electronics stores, salespeople will help you, who can also choose the optimal configuration for you. And the best way for experienced users is to select a configuration on our website without leaving home, using detailed descriptions.
Now we will help experienced users and offer configurations already selected by our specialists that will help you with your choice. You can view all ready-made configurations in the computers section.
Monoblocks from famous manufacturers electronics, you don’t need to think about component compatibility and assembly. Moreover, as a rule, the warranty period is 2-3 years and is carried out by branded service centers.
The following types of ready-made computers are presented on our website:
- Universal PCs
- PC for engineers
- PC for gamers
- PC for schoolchildren
- Office PCs
So that you do not make a mistake in your choice, we will help you figure out what a computer consists of:
- Case fans
- Memory modules
- Basket equipped hard drive
- Video card
- DVD drive
- CPU cooler
- Card reader
- Buttons and indicators
- Sound insulation layer
2. Power supply and housing.
Main purposes:
1. Formation of voltage received from the network to the required values.
2. Providing computer nodes with voltage direct current.
Additional functions
1. Provides voltage stabilization and protection against small interference present in the external AC network.
2. Since the device has a fan, during its operation it takes part in cooling the components that make up the system unit of your personal computer.
The power output from existing power supplies is highly dependent on the structure of the computer and ranges from fifty watts (platforms with small form factors) to 1800 watts (a large number of operating stations, gaming devices or entry-level servers).
High quality power supplies are usually made
well-known companies, but there are also pleasant exceptions. Like most high-quality products, they have a fairly high cost, sometimes comparable to the cost of the case due to the fact that they contain only high-quality elements, and as for their circuits, they are very competently configured and thought out by the manufacturers.
Prerequisites for selecting the required power supply
Power consumption
PSU power is a parameter that is usually determined individually for each individual computer, and the unit of measurement for this parameter is Watt. The total power depends on the amount of electricity consumed by each element of the operating system. To calculate the total power consumed by a computer, you will need to sum up the values consumed by all operating devices and add to the result a certain estimated amount of reserve, approximately 10 to 20 percent of the total power consumed. This operation will be required to ensure that the power supply you have chosen does not operate constantly at peak load. In order to correctly calculate the electricity consumed, special calculators are used.
Power supply connectors
The device must have the required number of connectors to connect all existing consumers in the system unit of your computer.
Of course, their number will be limited by the ability of the power supply to deliver sufficient power. In addition, the length of the cables to be laid from the installed power supply must be commensurate with the size of the case you choose.
Power supply weight
Before purchasing the power supply you are interested in, it is advisable to determine its weight and, in extreme cases, hold the device in your hands. This action will allow you to at least somehow evaluate its internal elements without opening the block. The large mass of the power supply indicates a lack of savings on internal components, including oversized radiators and transformers. The weight of the power supply depends on the dimensions, the thickness of the case walls, also on the number of chokes, the material used for the installed fans and radiators of the unit. As a rule, if in this device some radiators or coils will be missing, that is, when electrical diagram is simplified in its design, the weight of such a block will vary from 700 to 900 grams. Products of average quality weigh from 900 to 1200 grams; there are also heavier models.
Active Power Factor Correction PFC
In PD there are active and passive PFC. A simple elementary coil, that is, a choke, acts as a passive PFC, which spoils the parameters of the operating circuit. For the consumer, passive PFC does not provide any benefit. The active type PFC is a boost converter built between the capacitor and the diode bridge (rectifier) that produces a stabilized voltage across the internal capacitor, approximately 400 V. The active type PFC is powered by the unsmoothed rectified voltage, filters noise, and maintains current limits. in circuits, thereby forming a current diagram close to linear.
Efficiency
The efficiency of the device should not, according to the objective reasoning of experts in the field, be less than 80 percent. In addition, there is specialized certification for the efficiency plan: 85 PLUS.
Installed fans in the power supply
Fans are installed at the bottom of the unit, but can also be located on the side wall of the product. Typically, 120/120 mm and 80/80 mm fans are used. Larger fans are less noisy and more efficient, which naturally determines the quality of the resulting cooling.
Popular brands
Having examined all the technical characteristics, you should move on to choosing a worthy brand. In theory, a guarantee against the purchase of counterfeits and low-quality products will be the purchase and operation of a Brand Name power supply (otherwise known as a branded one). Of course, Brand Name PSUs are priced higher than products from No Name manufacturers, but the existing difference in cost is the price to pay for effective security. You can select a power supply for your computer in the power supplies section.
System unit case
The most important conditions that you should pay attention to when choosing a case are ease of installation, material of the purchased case, form factor, cooling. These characteristics in most cases can determine right choice and save you from replacing the case in the future or being limited when selecting components. In this regard, it makes sense to analyze the listed conditions in more detail.
Form factors
When choosing a case, you need to take into account the size you require, because there is no need for a large case if you have any restrictions related to the size of the room or workplace, and vice versa, minimalism can be reflected in the limitation of the mounted equipment.
Note: most purchased cases are equipped with a power supply, but there are models for hobbyists that are sold without power supplies. Thanks to this, the consumer is able to independently select a power supply with the required parameters.
Bigtower
This form factor is intended for computers with high power and also powerful servers with high performance. These system units contain a large number of components that provide a variety of uses. They tend to emit a large amount of heat, and the large dimensions of the case allow for an increased cooling effect.
This type of case can easily accommodate a full-size ATX system board. Such cases are large in size and have the ability to accommodate different hardware, but this will depend on what kind of motherboard is installed. The number of connected hard drives and expansion cards also depends on this board.
Moddletower
This case can easily be defined as the most popular and widespread on the globe. Naturally, the product deserves to be called the best. The Moddletower case can easily accommodate an additional hard drive, a couple of video cards, and a high-quality air ventilation system. This leaves room for standard parts. This building is truly good choice for office or home. It remains to choose between compactness and performance. But it should be taken into account that among the advantages of this type of case is the ability to make your PC a gaming monster.
Minitower
It is most widespread among computers intended for the office. Having small sizes, they make it possible to install devices within the limits of average performance. This is due to the heating level and the minimum dimensions of the installed devices. The space in such cases is limited, and therefore the temperature requirements are quite high - the devices should not overheat, and there should be no unpleasant noise from operating fans. But in such case models it is possible to place only those components that will ensure work in the office with spreadsheets, presentations, texts, etc.
Microtower
Characterizing this form factor, we can say that its dimensions are even smaller compared to the Minitower, which implies a greater number of restrictions.
At the end of the review, after getting acquainted with different form factors of the offered enclosures, we can say that in the product range there will always be a enclosure that meets your requirements.
Housing material
Key points to pay attention to when choosing a case:- Soundproofing materials. The noise level is, of course, influenced by the material used to make the walls of the housing, due to which the noise from hard drives and the fans remain within the chassis. The Sileo500 (Cooler Master) case, for example, has proven itself very well. You can order this case either with a power supply or separately, and this will allow you, in case of power shortages, to purchase a higher power power supply.
- Premium class noise and vibration insulation. Such cases are equipped with noise and vibration damping coating on the side panels, as well as vibration damping pads for mounting the HDD. The fans are also of high quality, equipped with the ability to switch speeds and operate silently in any mode.
- Rigidity. Everything here is quite simple - the thicker and stiffer the material used, the better. Steel is recognized as the most durable material, and its thickness should be over 0.8 mm. We recommend using InWin brand cases, although the stated material thickness is 0.55-0.8 mm. the thoughtful design of the power elements compensates for this discrepancy with the above condition.
The choice of case also depends on the required size, because limited space will not allow you to use massive cases. Pay attention to the picture below, which clearly demonstrates the difference in size with the name of the form factor of the assembled cases.
Remember! The smaller the case, the harder the fans have to work, which deprives the computer of either performance or low level noise.
Remember! When choosing a processor cooling system, we must not forget that not only the processor, but also other elements of the system unit are subject to heat. All the heat generated in the system unit, in the absence of a fan, remains in the case, which leads to excessive heating of the computer components. It is in order to avoid this that it is also necessary to install fans on the case. You can find out the number and size of fans from the case descriptions.
CPU cooling
The larger the fan, the fewer revolutions it needs to make to cool the same volume of air, and accordingly the noise level will be lower. In addition, the noise level depends on the type of bearings. Our specialists are repeatedly convinced of the quality of hydrodynamic bearings. In the production of fans, durable but noisy rolling bearings can be used, as well as fairly quiet but not reliable enough plain bearings.
To cool the processor, it is advisable to use a cooler that supports PMW (pulse width modulation). PMW technology allows you to change the fan speed depending on the processor load, and in an ideal case the fan stops.
Fan blades can be designed to operate with minimal noise, to provide maximum static pressure, or to achieve maximum airflow. As a rule, on this moment There are models that try to combine all three parameters with varying degrees of success. But, unfortunately, models with non-profiled blades continue to be produced, which produce high level noise and poor air flow.
Increases noise and vibration levels of an unbalanced rotor. To avoid this, you can use rotor balancing, however, this is not a cheap pleasure. Much more often the so-called rubber-mounted fan suspension is used.
A convenient product filter will help you easily select a cooling system in the appropriate section of the cooling device.
RAM models are divided into two groups:
- Memory created according to all JEDEC requirements
- Memory for enthusiasts
The first group is the best option for those computers whose stable operation is a primary need. Similar models are used in our standard system units.
The second group is suitable for users who want to get the most out of their computers. But if you choose such memory, be prepared for higher defect rates and compatibility problems. These memory modules will provide no more than a 3-4% increase in performance, and the risk of receiving defective products increases significantly.
We recommend using RAM manufactured by such manufacturers as Kingston, OCZ, Corsair, Hynix, as the most reliable and compatible memory modules. The volume is determined according to your needs, but there are recommendations below:
*The above amounts of RAM are relevant when using Microsoft Windows 7 Home Extended. It will allow you to select a 32 or 64-bit system during installation without changing the key.
Remember! Most modern processors/chipsets have a dual-channel memory controller, i.e. For maximum performance, memory modules must be installed in pairs. Exception - Intel processors Core i7 9xx, which are equipped with a three-channel controller, therefore the number of modules must be a multiple of three (3 or 6). Attention! 32-bit Windows operating systems do not work with RAM greater than 4 GB. and processors Intel LGA 2011 Core i7 3xxx, they now have 4 channels and require 4 or 8 DIMM slots, respectively.
Attention! 32-bit Windows operating systems cannot address more than 4 GB of RAM.
Many modern manufacturers produce memory in kits (2, 3, 4 or 6 modules per package). However, there is a significant disadvantage to this - if even one module fails, you will have to bring all the modules to the warranty department at once, as a result of which you will receive a temporarily non-working system unit.
6. Video card.
A device that takes care of displaying images on the monitor, calculating 3D scenes in graphic applications and games, as well as, more recently, calculating non-graphical tasks using DirectCompute 12, Open CL, nVidia CUDA, ATI Stream technologies. The last two mentioned technologies are closed and can only be found on video cards from the corresponding manufacturers.
The memory types used in graphics card manufacturing are listed in order of increasing performance:
GDDR 3, GDDR 4, GDDR 5, HBM2
Now let's talk about video chips, the choice of which baffles even experienced users. There are more than 30 types of chips to choose from, the manufacturers of which add something different to each design, from the chip cooling system to the design of the printed circuit board.
The choice depends on the type of computer that meets your requirements:
1. Office PC (Internet, office applications). The graphics system is not important, which means you can use built-in graphics, and if you don’t have it, you can use the simplest discrete video cards.
2. Multimedia computer- These are the most common home computers. Graphics requirements are quite important here, so you need to choose from mid-price video cards.
3. Gaming computers are a choice for those who cannot imagine their computer without games. It is for you, dear gamers, that nVidia and AMD are trying to make video cards that are faster than their analogues on the market. Gaming computers require a video card with high-performance chips, and if this is not enough, then 2 or 3 video cards.
4. Professional graphics stations are considered to be computers with high performance power, which are intended, first of all, for successful work in three-dimensional graphics. It makes no difference whether it will be the development of a design for components of various installations or parts, the creation of projects for structures and buildings, as well as the visualization of the results obtained after the calculations have been made. This indicates the high performance of these stations and characterizes them, accordingly, on the positive side for the consumer. Such solutions require professional video cards.
In addition to the fact that professional-class solutions are available from both AMD (ATI FirePro or ATI FireGL) and NVIDIA (Quadro FX, Tesla). As a rule, we often give preference to NVIDIA graphics cards. As the results of our tests, including data from some suppliers of complex solutions, showed, AMD solutions are inferior in terms of performance to many well-known CAD applications.
It should also be taken into account that the older lines of NVIDIA models do not have direct analogues from the AMD line, and have high advantages over them, incredible performance for double-precision operations, a volume that determines the on-board memory to be the largest, and superior to other distinguishing characteristics.
If the budget still has limits, then to build a gaming computer it is recommended to save on some components, but purchase a fast video card. You can choose a suitable video card from the whole variety in the video cards section.
7. Optical drive.
There are two types of optical drives:
1. DVD±RW (writes and reads DVD and CD discs)
2. BD-ROM (reads all types of modern optical media - CD, DVD and Blu-Ray. As a rule, it does not write anything, but there are still models with the ability to record CD and DVD)
The most common today is DVD±RW. Its capabilities are sufficient for all modern needs, and the price difference with an outdated DVD-ROM is quite small. The Blu-Ray drive is worth paying attention to if you are going to work with high-definition video materials (Blu-Ray video). Choose a suitable DVD ±RW/BD-ROM is available in the drives section.
The motherboard is one of the most valuable devices in a computer, on which all the necessary components are installed. The operation of the entire system as a whole depends on the reliability of this element.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a motherboard?
1. The form factor of the board must match the form factor of the selected case. In most cases, you can install a smaller board in a larger case, but this is not economically feasible, because larger cases, as a rule, are more expensive.
2. Compatibility with other components. The processor must be on the compatibility list on the manufacturer's website. The memory type must match the selected memory and central processor, in other cases, the board may either not work, or the module will not physically fit into the slot.
Remember! DDR 3, DDR 4 are incompatible with each other.
Modern video cards have a PCI-Express interface different versions and they are all compatible with each other, so don’t focus on this. It is worth considering in advance whether you will add additional equipment to the system unit ( sound card, network card, analog modem, TV tuner, PCI-E M.2, etc.). If yes, then select a board with the required number of slots, PCI-E and M.2. To increase reliability, using capacitors with solid polymer is excellent. As a result of their use, the fault tolerance of boards and other equipment connected to them increases significantly.
We recommend Gigabyte boards and often use them in our standard computers. They are reliable due to the use the latest developments(solid polymer capacitors, ferrite core coils). All these technologies come together under the Ultra Durable 3 brand. The above motherboards support energy-saving technologies (for example, Easy Energy Saver), thanks to which the computer will make less noise and consume less power. Modern boards have a built-in Q-Flash utility to facilitate assembly. It is designed for flashing the latest BIOS versions, and in case of error it is supported modern technology DualBIOS, which saves you when an incorrectly firmware motherboard fails.
Don't forget about the functionality of the board. One of the criteria is the need, for example, to rewrite data from your digital video camera. If yes, then choose a board with a built-in IEEE 1394 controller. Also decide whether you plan to increase the speed of the graphics system by building Crossfire or SLI and whether you want to build a RAID. It's better to think about a board that supports these technologies from the start than to spend money on replacing the motherboard in the future.
In the motherboards catalog, you will find a wide selection of motherboards that can satisfy a wide variety of needs and requirements.
Among the well-known manufacturers it is also worth highlighting MSI boards, ASUS and ASRock, which have a wide functional and price range, even in the low price range represent an acceptable level of comfort during assembly, setup and operation of the computer.
9. Helpful table when choosing a PC
So, when you have decided on the manufacturer of the motherboard, we move on to matching the board and the selected components. Let's try to combine necessary information in a table that will help you select a board that meets your requirements.|
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Features relevant to choosing a motherboard |
- List of reviews
2018-09-04 18:42:53
How to choose a computer
In the century digital technologies Without a computer it’s like without hands. This is a universal “machine” on which you can work, watch news, movies, listen to music, and play. But how to choose the right computer? In order not to make a mistake and to purchase truly high-quality equipment, you need to know many subtleties.
The principle of operation and structure of the computer
Computer technology is diverse and complex. What the user sees on the shelves of digital hypermarkets is only an external manifestation of such a concept as a computer. Standard equipment:
- the system unit, which users often call the PC itself, is the main part of the computer;
- monitor for visualization;
- speakers and subwoofer for sound;
- a set of wires to connect the above elements into a single “organism”.
On a note. As a rule, “cool” high-end equipment is installed in gaming clubs.
Professional computers
These are powerful PCs, often called workstations. Intended for intellectual activity- needed by designers, digital audio and video editors, artists and engineers, doctors and scientists. During assembly, they are “tailored” to specific client requirements - the configuration is individual. The difference from a powerful gaming “machine” lies in the combination of components and their cost - it is not affordable even for crazy gamers.
Workstation certification - the most important moment for those who want to purchase it. After assembly, the manufacturing company tests the device for compatibility with programs that a person needs to work.
Important. For a simple user who is interested in Photoshop and Corel ( Corel Draw), a regular gaming computer will do just fine.
Home PCs
A good computer for the home is a device in any configuration: be it office, gaming, or professional. The main thing is to decide for what purposes the PC is needed.
Typically, a home computer is a cross between an office computer and a gaming computer. Not everyone is ready to pay a lot of money for a device that is used on weekends as a TV or music center.
Which computer to choose - a professional will help you answer such a complex question. Describe to him what the device is needed for, what tasks will need to be solved with its help, and the specialist will suggest the most suitable configuration.
Important. You should not thoughtlessly purchase the most expensive PC if you do not plan to use all its capabilities to the maximum.
Characteristics of a good computer and selection options
Going for a PC thoughtlessly, without first preparing, is fraught with the acquisition of expensive and unnecessary equipment. On the other hand, a manager, seeing that the buyer is short on money, can recommend a junk model that is not in demand due to its more than modest parameters.
On a note. Fully trusting a consultant, you need to understand for yourself what you want to buy and at least superficially understand the hardware. Only after this can you go to the store.
So, how to choose the right computer? Please note the following components and their characteristics:
- CPU;
- motherboard;
- video card;
- RAM;
- HDD;
- other spare parts.
How does the processor affect performance?
This element of computer hardware is the most reliable. Processors are produced in only a few factories in the world, which belong to and.
Main characteristics:
- Number of Cores;
- number of threads;
- base frequency;
- maximum frequency;
- cache memory;
- type and frequency of supported RAM;
- built-in video core.
Number of Cores
The more there are, the higher the productivity. For office computer A dual-core processor is quite enough, for home gaming - a quad-core processor, for video editing - an eight-core one. For complex professional computers, 10-18 core processors are produced.
Number of threads
Each core processes 2 data streams. This setting also affects performance. Among multi-threaded processors, it is worth noting i9, as well as most AMD Ryzen. 6-core Core-i5 are considered optimal in terms of performance/price ratio.
Base frequency
The higher it is, the better. Here you need to consult with the manager. There are quite affordable processors with a frequency of 4 GHz - a specialist will tell you which computer to choose so as not to overpay.
You should not deliberately reduce the capabilities of your PC. For an average gaming machine, 3.5 GHz will be sufficient. If the computer will be used only for “walking through the Internet” and typing texts in WORD, a frequency of 2 GHz will be sufficient. High-end gaming or professional devices use 4 GHz processors.
Maximum frequency
Not all processors have it, but only some models. They are marked with inscriptions Turbo Boost or Turbo Core. The processor accelerates if a lot of information enters the “brain” of the computer - the “machine” operates under maximum load. Turbo Boost or Turbo Core technologies start only if there is enough power and the temperature is maintained at the desired level. If the processor overheats, even under conditions of maximum processor load, overclocking to the maximum frequency will not occur.
Cache memory, type and frequency of supported RAM
Cache memory is inner memory processor. It has a slight effect on performance, so it is not advisable to overpay for a large volume.
As of 2018, the RAM installed in most system units is DDR4 or DDR3L. The optimal frequency is 2.4 GHz.
Built-in video core
If it is, then a simple computer can completely do without discrete video card. U expensive processors The video core is powerful. However, it is not available on all models.
If “heavy” gaming is not intended, choose a computer with a Ryzen G processor. Its video core will allow you to play light browser-based or Online Games on minimum graphics settings.
For a powerful gaming machine, a Core i7-7700 with a base frequency of 3.6 GHz in combination with a GTX 1070 video card is perfect. Such a computer can easily handle video editing. For simple home or office devices, a processor with a built-in video core Pentium G4560 or G4620 is quite enough. The clock speed of both is higher than 3.4 GHz.
If you plan to work a lot with video editing, multi-threaded ones are suitable AMD processors Ryzen 1500-1700X. If you install a powerful video card on such a computer, you can quite enjoy complex games - the “machine” will easily “play” them.
For the average person gaming device Core-i5 processors - 7400 and 7500 in combination with GTX 1050-1070 video cards are suitable.
Motherboard
If on the computer powerful processor, then the motherboard should be the same.
They choose the latest motherboard and do it especially carefully - this rule applies to buying a computer for spare parts. In finished models, you will have to rely on the honesty of the company that carried out the assembly. And here it is better to trust a professional - he will tell you which computer to choose.
When you voice your wishes, do not miss the following points regarding the motherboard:
- Integrated devices. If the computer is purely office or home, on which you are not supposed to play, a motherboard with built-in sound (it’s good if there are 6 connectors) and a video card is enough. In this case, the processor must have a video core. Built-in LAN card available on all motherboards, even budget ones. She is responsible for connecting to the Internet. Useful options are built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi adapter. Motherboards where they are implemented are more expensive.
- Electronic components. The more expensive the motherboard, the better quality they are. Cheap models do not have a long service life and quickly break down. When buying a motherboard, the proverb “the miser pays twice” applies - don’t save, then you won’t have to take the system unit for repairs in a couple of years.
- Cooling system. The motherboard is heating up. To make the temperature acceptable, many models are equipped with built-in fans. Here again a professional will help, who will tell you whether there is a cooler on the “mother” or not.
Recommendations. The best and most expensive motherboards are produced by ASUS. The optimal price/quality ratio from the manufacturer MSI. Motherboards from ASRock and Gigabyte will not break the budget and will work quite well.
Why do you need a video card?
This piece of hardware is only needed by those who like to play or edit videos. For simple work at the computer, browsing the Internet or online TV, it is not required - the built-in one on the motherboard is sufficient.
The main developers of video cards are AMD (Radeon) and nVidia (GeForce). The first few are buggy, games often slow down on them. The second manufacturer works closely with game developers, so its video cards are recommended for all gamers. They are produced by brands such as Asus, MSI, Gigabyte.
Consult your manager about the video card. Don't miss the following points:
- Volume. A high-quality gaming computer requires at least 4 GB of video memory. For example, the GTX 1060 model has as much as 6 GB.
- Cooling system. Should be: radiator + fan. One radiator is not enough - you need to think through a smart air circulation scheme inside the case, otherwise the “vidyukha” will overheat and “die” without ever showing its capabilities.
- Energy consumption. Important parameter. It is clear that when a computer is assembled, theoretically everything in it is thought out. Including the power of the power supply. However, it is worth asking a specialist about this. Powerful video cards can consume up to 250 watts per hour (top segment).
- Guarantee period. The video card is the most vulnerable hardware component. If overloaded, it quickly breaks down. It’s good if the warranty on the video card is 2-3 years.
On a note. GTX 1070 video cards are recommended for powerful gaming computers - optimal solution, which is also suitable for video editing.
What kind of RAM should it be?
RAM is designed for temporary storage of information (temporary memory). There must be a lot of it, otherwise the “brain” of the computer begins to slow down stupidly.
The best professional solution for a powerful gaming computer - two sticks of 8 gig DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 2.4 GHz. For the average person, 8 gigs (4 + 4) are enough. For an office computer, one 4 gig stick is enough.
On a note. Ask the manager what brand of RAM is installed on the computer. Crucial and Corsair have proven themselves best. Among the budget ones you can name Goodram. For an office computer, AMD is quite suitable.
What should a hard drive be like?
A hard drive or “stone” is a storage of information and data on a computer. Available in three types:
- On magnetic plates or HDD. Volume up to 8 terabytes. HDDs are not very fast (average data transfer speed 120-140 MB/s). This is the best option for office computers.
- Solid state or SDD. Available in capacities up to 960 GB, but very fast (up to 550 MB/s). It is good to install the OS on them. This hard drive can be recommended for an operating system on a mid-range computer. For powerful gaming systems, 2 SSDs + one large HDD for storing information are recommended.
- Hybrid or SSHD. A regular hard drive with a small amount of fast memory.
On a note. The best manufacturers Seagate, Hitachi, Western Digital are considered “stones”. The latter manufacturer's hard drives are marked in different colors: blue - budget, black - reliable and high-speed, gold - for servers.
What else to pay attention to
Optical drive - is it necessary? You won’t be able to save much on this part because it is inexpensive. Laser discs have long gone out of fashion and are becoming a thing of the past, so feel free to choose a computer without an optical drive.
Backlighting on coolers - what does it affect? Oddly enough - for the cost. On sale you can find many high-quality fans at very affordable prices without “lights”. However, if a translucent case is chosen, where all this light and music is clearly visible, then, if this is important for the user, let the coolers be backlit.
Is the power supply powerful or designed only for pre-installed components? For office and simple home computers, what the manufacturer supplied is sufficient. For gaming and professional models, an upgrade is important, and for this you need a power supply with a large supply. A consultant will help you optimally calculate its power.
The body - what should it be like? We often choose it based on appearance and/or cost. When buying a computer, pay attention to the location of the USB ports for connecting a mouse and keyboard, as well as the headphone and speaker jacks. It is convenient when they are on the front panel. Also remember that a powerful device has larger hardware elements than standard ones, so they need a voluminous case.
On a note. Choosing a computer based on parameters is the most correct solution. You should not pay attention to marketing promotions, for example, the following: Best offer 2018 or Computer for games. This is just a ploy to make the equipment sell better. Always trust only the technical specifications of the components.
Selecting a computer by manufacturer
You need to understand that, in principle, domestic components do not exist, so such a gradation as a global or domestic brand is very, very arbitrary. In this aspect, we can only talk about the build quality of the computer.
The world's best manufacturers
- Game. For example, the Radzivil i7408200V103255 model is a gamer’s dream. Quad-core Core i5 7400 processor with a frequency of 3 GHz (maximum 3.5 GHz), 8 GB DDR4 RAM, two terabyte hard drive, NVIDIA video card GeForce GT 1030. Product warranty 2 years.
- Home. For example, Radzivil G326450V050. Can handle simple, easy games graphics programs eg Paint.net. Browser pages are opened by flying in, and are distinguished by the fast response of programs. Choose the Radzivil G326450V050 computer if you plan to use it only on weekends or work as a copywriter or KM specialist remotely.
- Office. For example, Radzivil a400450v050. This is a simple model, quite fast, if used for its intended purpose - working with documents, “walking” through Internet pages, watching videos, listening to music. It’s not intended for anything more - there’s not even a discrete video card here.
On a note. Which computers are better - foreign or domestic - can only be said after testing. It is difficult to answer this question unequivocally, and it is not necessary. Each brand has its admirers and opponents.
Review of the most popular computer models
When purchasing, focusing solely on the brand is not entirely correct. PCs from famous companies are truly assembled with high quality and have a great warranty. But when setting the price, approximately 50% will have to be paid for the brand. This means that it is quite possible to buy a high-quality “machine” with good parameters, if not half, but a third cheaper, but from a less well-known manufacturer.
Nevertheless, the choice of a good computer for most users is based precisely on the brand. Many are willing to overpay if only they could have, for example, Acer or Asus in their home. At the same time, many do not favor domestic assembly, and it is completely in vain. We will try to compile a list of the most interesting options existing on the Belarusian market at the end of August 2018.
Computer rating
Let's start with desktops. The leaders are gaming models from well-known brands - the top four, packaged in an extraordinary case:
- HP OMEN X 900-072ur Z0K05EA with the coolest gaming hardware;
- Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 (90FL002KRS) with superb GeForce video card GTX1080 and 32 GB RAM;
- Acer Predator G1-710 DG.E01ER.003 - quite powerful, yet compact - the size of a comfortable suitcase;
- ASUS G20CB-RU011T in an incredible case with great sound.
All-in-One PC Rating
Four leaders:
- Apple iMac with Retina screen is a top-end model that you wouldn’t be ashamed to place in the office of the director of a large company;
- Dell XPS 27 - quite fast, with a high-quality matrix and amazing sound;
- HP ENVY 27 - the performance of this all-in-one PC is at the level of entry-class gaming desktops, which is more than enough for work;
- Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO Y910 is a model with a cool video card, but a low screen resolution (2560x1440).
Nettop rating
Four leaders:
- Intel NUC is a performance leader with support for the latest wireless specification.
- Zotac ZBOX - nettop based Core processor i3-5010U with low power consumption and very decent performance.
- Apple Mac mini- There is no doubt about the quality of this nettop. This “apple” is quite suitable for complex games if the graphics settings are set to medium quality.
- Asus VivoPC VM40B is a worthy replacement for the classic desktop for home use as a multimedia center.
On a note. Before choosing a computer, prepare a comfortable and spacious workspace. Although it is customary to place the system unit on a special stand on the floor, this is not the best place for it, especially if there are animals in the house. Buy a spacious table. Place a system unit on it - this will avoid weekly cleaning of dust and hair.
Many subtleties have been discussed above, and, nevertheless, choosing a computer on your own in accordance with certain requirements is still difficult. However, it's worth a try. To do this, you will have to carefully study the descriptions of each model, write them on a piece of paper, and then compare them. In any case, you can always turn to a consultant for help.
How to choose a computer for the office
Decide on your needs. In a work environment, there is no time to play or watch videos, so a simple model will suffice.
Pay attention to the processor frequency. The higher it is, the faster the “machine” will execute commands.
Analyze financial possibilities. You should not consciously save money and purchase equipment that is already outdated on the store shelf.
How to choose a home computer
Evaluate the priority tasks for which the equipment is purchased. Remember, a home computer can very well be a powerful gaming computer or a simple office one. It all depends on who plans to use it and how. There are 3 options here:
- The user is a professional designer or planner. He needs a computer to perform specific tasks at home. A professional model with an individual configuration is suitable for this.
- The user is a “teapot” who purchases a computer to “watch movies on the Internet” and flip through browser pages. A model with minimal performance indicators is sufficient here.
- User - a young man who actively uses social networks, knows how and loves to “drive” a cool toy that requires certain performance parameters, owns and sometimes uses graphic editors. This would most likely require a gaming model from the mid-price segment.
On a note. Before choosing a good computer for your home, evaluate your financial capabilities. You should not knowingly buy a cheap model. Having saved, there is a high probability of coming back for a new computer in a couple of years.
- a good power supply - + 50% of the required power consumption - which allows you to add one more, or maybe more than one, hard drive, RAM, replace some hardware elements with more modern ones;
- high-quality average motherboard and processor, allowing you to replace, for example, a video card with a more powerful one.
On a note. If at the time of purchase there is not enough money for a good computer, use installment plans. But do not buy an overly “sophisticated” model - for the home, only if the user does not avid gamer or a graphic designer, a “machine” with average performance is quite enough.
How to choose a gaming computer
System parameters are important to him. Ask the manager about the processor, motherboard, video card, power supply. Ask about the power of coolers and their number. Check to see if there are separate fans for the motherboard and processor. Explain what you need, and a specialist will select a model. Don't demand the impossible - a super modern PC, assembled from the latest components, cannot be cheap.
Before you buy a good computer for gaming:
- Study the components separately - wander around the sites that sell them, analyze what parameters are needed, write everything down on a piece of paper.
- The next step is to analyze whether the selected components are compatible. In pre-assembled computers, all elements are selected so that they do not conflict with each other, ensuring optimal performance.
The financial component is often not important for a seasoned gamer. However, if you do not plan to play super powerful games, then there is no need to overpay for functionality that will not be in demand.
On a note. If in finished assembly If you can’t find a computer with the required configuration, purchase spare parts separately and assemble the “machine” of your dreams yourself.
How to choose a computer for work
Here you need to pay attention to all the same points:
- For what purposes is a PC required? Designers, engineers, planners need a powerful “machine” with individual configuration. For content managers or copywriters working remotely, the home model is quite sufficient.
- Specifications components.
- Price.
Thus, in order to choose the right computer, you first need to clearly understand for what purposes it is needed, then decide on the price. Often, at first glance, the models seem to be almost equivalent, but the difference in cost is noticeable. Check this point with the manager. Most likely, your own analysis missed a small detail, which in the end may turn out to be significant.
If you don’t know which computer to buy, call or write in an online chat - AMD hypermarket managers will advise you in detail on all issues. Goods can be purchased in cash, using a plastic card, in installments or on credit. Keep an eye on promotions if you want to purchase expensive equipment at a discount. The range includes hundreds of models from more than 10 brands, including Apple, Acer, Asus, HP, Intel, Lenovo, Radzivil and others.
Questions can also be asked by e-mail and Skype - we’ll tell you which computer is better to choose. Delivery is available in Minsk and the Republic of Belarus.
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