It is now time to start digging into the guts of the computer. There are a few core components that are critical to the performance of it:
- Processor: This is the engine. The bigger it revs, the better the performance. To provide another analogy, think of the processor as you sitting at your desk.
- RAM: Random Access Memory. This is your desk. The more stuff that you can get on your desk to work on, the more you can accomplish.
- Hard Drive: Your filing cabinet. Got a big filing cabinet, the more information or stuff you can store. If it’s not sitting on your desk, it’s in your filing cabinet.
There are also ancillary components that are not critical to the actual operation of your computer but do make it more useful. Such as:
- Optical Drive: This is the CD or DVD drive. Play music, watch a movie, store data as a quick backup or to transfer elsewhere.
- External Hard Drive: A backup device for documents, images, music, etc. This helps protect you from our mantra of “Everything Crashes.”
Let’s dig in, shall we?
Processor: Processors are measured in gigahertz or ghz. Simply put, the higher the number, the faster the processor. A processor rated at 2.8 GHz will perform the same task faster than one rated at 2.0 GHz.
Current processors are available in single-core, dual-core, quad-core and yes even octo-core variations. As fast as any single-core processor can be, it can still only do one task at one time. A dual-core can do two distinct tasks at once, while a quad-core can do 4 tasks and an octo-core can do 8. For a great visual distinction, check out this animation from Dell. The transition from single-core to multi-core processors is a major leap forward since, as stated above, the processors can now carry on at least two distinct tasks simultaneously. This is absolutely critical for maintaining a good performance. If you are building a computer at an online store, take the base processor in the configuration and upgrade it by at least 1 step. Preferably 2.
Not to open the tech debate of Intel vs AMD , just follow this piece of advice when making your purchase. If the computer has an Intel processor, make certain it of the Core 2 Duo model line. If it is an AMD make certain it is of their Phenom II line.
RAM: Consider how long you are going to own the computer, this will probably be measured in years. For every year you plan on keeping this computer, get 1 GB of memory. So, if this is something that you’re going to keep for 4 years or more, get 4 GB of RAM. Software never shrinks. It always grows and gets more robust. If you’re planning on keeping the machine for a few years, get it pre-configured to attenuate for the inevitable software growth. I’ve lost count of the number of times that someone has said to me “It seemed so fast when we first got it.” Yep, I’m sure it was but since nobody ever includes a memory upgrade when sending out all their software upgrades/updates, the computer reached its breaking point.
Hard Drive: Most hard drives are of a good size right from the start. For all intents and purposes, make certain that you go no smaller than 80 GB. If you can get a bigger drive as an upgrade for less than, say $20, do it. Nature abhors a vacuum and you will start filling that space.
Something else to consider when examining the hard drive specifications is to examine it’s RPM speed. An 8,000 RPM hard drive will get data pulled from it slower than a 10,000 RPM hard drive. This is a good upgrade to get if you can as well. When examining your potential computer, look for choke points or areas where data is going to get bogged down. An ultra-super-fast processor with a million GB of memory will still creep along if the hard drive is a mess.
Optical Drives: A CD-RW should be your base drive. If the computer can’t burn a CD, don’t even bother looking at the price. Just walk away and save yourself the hassle. Given the size of software these days, the move is being made towards it being placed on a DVD in lieu of a CD.
Windows Vista, for example, can only be had on a DVD. DVD’s are preferable to Cd’s in that they can hold considerably more data. Seriously consider the upgrade to a DVD-ROM/CD-RW. This is a drive that can: Play a CD, Play a DVD, or burn a CD. A DVD+RW drive is worthy of mention since it allows you to play or create CD’s or DVD’s. A rather versatile tool, indeed.
External Hard Drives: They are less than $100 for a good sized drive. They plug directly into a USB port on your computer. Most come with some sort of software to back up your data. Spend the money. Save yourself a headache in the long run. Use it to back up, not store original data. If the external drive crashes, who cares? You lost the copy of the data. When the computer’s drive crashes, who cares? You’ve got the important stuff backed up.
Battery Backup/UPS: UPS stands for Uninterruptible Power Supply. They look like a surge protector but are so much more than that. With an internal battery, in the event of a power outage, they can keep your computer running. A basic one will give you about 20 minutes of battery time. This is plenty of time to save your work and get the computer shut down. Online or at the box store of your choice, they are about $50 for a basic model. Some manufacturers will even warranty equipment that is plugged into it because of their confidence in the UPS’s ability to stop electrical surges and clean the power.
Now you’ve got some ammunition to start shopping when the sales start. See a machine on sale that you’re wondering about? Post the link and let’s tear into the guts of it together. And if it is a good deal, get two.



