So you’ve decided to build your own computer and create a system that’s just right for your needs. That’s great because this means you won’t be overpaying for the parts that you’ll never use. That is, if you know what you are doing. Newbie users often don’t know where to start, not to mention being aware of some lesser-known facts about building a computer. In this article I’m going to share with you five things you should know before you start building your system.
1. Processor: Intel Core i7 is not always better
Inexperienced users often think that the latest model is the best. But it’s not always true for CPUs. All you need to do is look at the benchmarks and you’ll see that often Intel Core i5 is more powerful than Intel Core i7. Funnily enough, Intel Core i3 sometimes beats i7. So why pay the extra price when you can get the same performance for much less!
2. Motherboard: go for the maximum of RAM
The more RAM (Random Access Memory) you have, the better your computer will perform. Each motherboard has a limit of how much RAM it can support. It’s a good idea to get a motherboard that supports a decent amount of RAM, so that you don’t have to upgrade your motherboard later on. You don’t have to install all the RAM at once, but it will be good to know that you always have the option to add more in the future.
3. Graphics card: do you need the latest and the greatest?
When you are choosing a graphics card, there is one question you need to ask yourself: will you use graphics-heavy programs? This includes 3D games and advanced video editing software. If yes, then you should get a fast video card with a good amount of standalone memory (NVIDIA has a good range). If not, then you don’t have to pay the extra bit for advanced video performance – YouTube videos will look just as good with a less advanced graphics card.
4. Storage: get an SSD and an HDD
When it comes to storage, you should consider getting an SSD (Solid State Drive) because SSDs are a lot faster than traditional hard drives. Unfortunately, they are expensive. What you can do is get a small SSD and a large HDD. Install your operating system on the SSD for speed and store your files on the traditional hard drive. That way you will have all the speed you need without spending a fortune.
5. Case: it pays to get a more expensive one
This is fairly simple: a more expensive case will make your computer run quieter, help it cool faster, give you easier access to components and simply look better. Plus it will last longer than a cheap case made of low quality parts. With cases, you pay for what you get, so it really is a good idea to get a more expensive case for your custom-built computer.
When you start buying parts for your computer, keep these five things in mind and you will be able to build a top quality system without spending too much.
