Hardware help- yay it got stickied :D - computer

yay4sticky

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Alright. I noticed that many people always inquire about ram, graphics cards, etc. Below is a list showing three examples of various hardware. It will show recommendations for for cheap, mid-price and expensive hardware. If I find some, I will post links to installation guides.

CONTENTS

• Graphics cards
• Hard drives
• RAM
• Processors
• Installation and relevant links

LEGEND:
• Cheap
• • Mid-price range
• • • Expensive

[name=1]

GRAPHICS CARDS

A graphic card is component of a computer that improves the visual quality of the machine. The two main types are PCI and PCI-Express. Integrated graphics, is probably the worst type of card. It is integrated into the motherboard and has bad visual quality. It also does not allow for the running of many games (Ex: Magiboni). However, this does not mean you won't be able any games and just because you have non-integrated graphics does not mean you will run all games.
(Example

Why to upgrade: upgrading your graphics card will allow for better quality of picture and might allow for playing more games (assuming your current card is quite bad.)

• EVGA: GeForce 7300GS 256MB-$45
• • XFX: 8500GT 256MB-$68
• • • XFX: 8800GTX Extreme 768MB-$390
[name=2]

HARD DRIVES

Note: Based on size

A hard drive is the component of a computer that allows for the storage of files. Without a hard drive you cannot download files and save files. A 250GB hard drive should be enough for a personal use computer. An internal hard drive requires installation to the PC's interior while an exterior can usually be attached through a USB port.

Why to upgrade: If you have enough space for your files there is no reason to buy a bigger hard drive. However, if you are running out of space (10GB or less), I recommend deleting useless files, limiting your downloading/file creation or upgrading your hard drive.

• Seagate Barracuda 250GB-$65
• • HITACHI 250GB-$95
• • • Maxtor (external) 750GB-$170
[name=3]

RAM

RAM generally allows increase in computer performance. RAM stands for Random Access Memory and most games require at least 1GB. If more RAM is obtained, you will be able to run more applications simultaneously without a decrease in computer speed. PCs have four slots for RAM, which comes in the form of a stick link .Each stick can hold 1GB, allowing for a total of 4GB of Random Access Memory.

Why to upgrade: upgrading your RAM to at least 2GB may increase your computer's performance a noticeable amount. It should also allow for the running of multiple applications without a decrease in your computer's performance.

Just one recommendation: $70 for max ram (4GB)

• Very good deal IMO. $60 off--$70
[name=4]

INTEL PROCESSORS

NOTE: I don't know too much about these.

iMicrosoft said: "And for processor make sure its compatible with your motherboard"

A processor (also called a CPU) essentially controls everything your computer does. The higher the GHZ (gigahertz), the faster data is processed, the better the performance. There are three types of processors currently on the market:

• Single core (1 x GHZ. EX: Single core, 2GHZ= 2GHZ total)
• Duo core (2 x GHZ. EX: Duo core, 2GHZ= 4GHZ total)
• Quad core (4 x GHZ. EX: Quad core, 2GHZ= 8GHZ total)

Why to upgrade: Upgrading your processor will increase your computer's performance. Personally, I think that 2GHZ Duo core is enough.

• If your a cheapskate-$60
• Decent, 2.33GHZ DUO-$170
• • Quad core: 2.4GHZ-$244
• • • • Quad: 3.2GHZ-about $1500

K. Also, please note: do not buy these right away. Make sure that they are right for you and if your upgrading, that your computer is compatible with them.

Any input or recommendations welcome. Also, if I made any mistakes please state them and they will be corrected.

MY SHAMEFUL COMPUTER

• My 1GB of ram
• • Graphics card-XFX: 8500GT 256MB Same as mentioned 'cept 512MB
• Can't find my processor. 2.8GHZ Duo
• Hard drive 230GB
[name=5]

RELEVANT LINKS AND INSTALLATION GUIDES (FROM HERE UNTIL THE BOTTOM)

• The Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool is a quick, 3-step process to find guaranteed-compatible memory for computers and motherboards.

• Breif graphics card installation
• Video: How to install a graphics card

• Processor installation
• Processor video

• RAM installation
• RAM video

• Hard Drive installation
• Hard drive vid

CHECKING YOUR CURRENT PARTS

• Download and install PC Wizard