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Build a Computer
Most people just assume that a new computer is a Dell or Gateway. Few people (other than the technically inclined) know that Dell and Gateway skimp on the parts inside the computer. What you're left with is a third-rate computer that costs much more than it should have.
Computers are surprisingly easy to build. Branded computers can offer both value and performance, the parts used can be powerful and cheap, and you can switch on and start work. Yet parts are often short-spec in one place or another. Sadly you'll often get a performance "bottleneck": such as a slow graphics card, only a basic amount of memory, or a slimline motherboard with too few upgrade slots.
If you can afford the time to plan and build your own machine, you can design a system more targeted at your own use:
A case-size and colour that stylishly fits your environment. Choose your own keyboard mouse combination, maybe get a rechargeable mouse that doesn't need constant battery changing.
Parts that will enhance your specialisms. Different configurations suit (from cheap to expensive):
Work and Productivity: Office and Email. A cheap branded PC will do nicely.
A Gamer (games playing) Rig. You'll need a killer graphics card.
Music Producer. Specialist sound cards offer lots of features and mult-channels.
Video Editing Suite. Your processor, hard drive, and memory (some situations graphics card too) are used extensively.
Multi-Client Server. You need a really powerful rig that can shift large amounts of data 24/7.
The cost implications of choosing between these uses are huge. A cheap Work computer might cost only two or three hundred. A Server can reach tens of thousands. Choose your setup, and take the advice of experienced users in your field.
You'll only spend the amount of effort and money that gives you a PC that suits your purpose.
We'll assume that you've chosen what your primary use will be. Now we'll build the computer and get it working. Please see the Warnings for cautionary preparations.
Computers are surprisingly easy to build. Branded computers can offer both value and performance, the parts used can be powerful and cheap, and you can switch on and start work. Yet parts are often short-spec in one place or another. Sadly you'll often get a performance "bottleneck": such as a slow graphics card, only a basic amount of memory, or a slimline motherboard with too few upgrade slots.
If you can afford the time to plan and build your own machine, you can design a system more targeted at your own use:
A case-size and colour that stylishly fits your environment. Choose your own keyboard mouse combination, maybe get a rechargeable mouse that doesn't need constant battery changing.
Parts that will enhance your specialisms. Different configurations suit (from cheap to expensive):
Work and Productivity: Office and Email. A cheap branded PC will do nicely.
A Gamer (games playing) Rig. You'll need a killer graphics card.
Music Producer. Specialist sound cards offer lots of features and mult-channels.
Video Editing Suite. Your processor, hard drive, and memory (some situations graphics card too) are used extensively.
Multi-Client Server. You need a really powerful rig that can shift large amounts of data 24/7.
The cost implications of choosing between these uses are huge. A cheap Work computer might cost only two or three hundred. A Server can reach tens of thousands. Choose your setup, and take the advice of experienced users in your field.
You'll only spend the amount of effort and money that gives you a PC that suits your purpose.
We'll assume that you've chosen what your primary use will be. Now we'll build the computer and get it working. Please see the Warnings for cautionary preparations.
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