TECH GUIDE BLOG

First of all, you need to know first, is it necessary to buy computer like this? With feature like this, am I using it? And of course, how much costs I have to spend on my computer? After you’ve answered these questions, the next step is, you have to know the components inside your “dream machine” are good before you take it home. So, these are some tips from me for multimedia and home computer with limited budget:

1. Processor, I recommend Intel E2000 series for home and E7000/E8000 series for multimedia user. E2000 series are dual-core technology with 65 nm architecture processors and E7000/E8000 series are core 2 duo processors with 45 nm architecture. E2000 series are about 60-80 USD, E7000 at 100-120 USD, and E8000 series I recommend E8400 with 3.0 Ghz, 1333 Mhz FSB, 6MB L2Cache at 168 USD.
2. RAM, 1 GB system memory is standard now, for home and office this will be enough, and it is cost about 18 USD, for multimedia user, 2 GB with 1 slot is cheaper than 2×1 GB in dual-channel. Don’t push your budget to buy dual-channel, you can buy 2 GB more later, so you have advantage if you buy 1 dimm RAM with 2 GB memory, because you can save to get more.
3. Motherboard/ Mainboard, choose a motherboard with Intel chipset G945 or G31-ICH7 for home use, it has on-board audio and  on-board graphic, so for home/ office, there are no problem to use on-board VGA and with just 60-70 USD it’s very good deal, and for multimedia user I recommend G43-ICH10, with PCIeX x16 2.0, gigabit LAN, onboard VGA Intel X4500HD, onboard 8 channel audio, RAM support up to 8 GB or more with dual-channel support, SATA ports and for some manufacturer, it has firewire port included, however these mainboard are 150 USD below, even 80 USD is available.
4. Graphic Card, for home/ office, onboard is OK, and if you want to buy a new graphic card, buy a mainstream card, like ATI HD4600 series or NVidia 9600 series, it muts be below 100 USD, even below 80 USD.
5. HDD Drive, buy with 320 GB or 250 GB capacity, with 57 USD. It’s better than you buy 80 GB for 40-45 USD. 320 GB has a future prospect, LOL.
6. Monitor, people say LCD is more energy saving, that’s true, but you must know the ‘Terms of Service’, with same diagonal size, LCD is better, the wider the screen, more watt are used, be careful.

If you buy this system, it’s just take no more than 200 watt, even below 100 in idle. But you don’t have to buy this system, if you have more favorable and cheapest system, you better follow yourself, because many people get disappointed because they don’t get what they want. So, if you want to buy higher system than this, I am telling you now, save your money for that, before you crying out loud.

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