Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes When Buying A New Computer

[steve2470]

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/avoid-these-7-common-mistakes-when-buying-a-new-computer/?utm_campaign=newsletter&utm_source=2012-01-11

I built a new computer a few years ago. I’ve always considered myself above average in the tech field, but looking back, I have a few regrets with the system I built – some of my decisions could’ve been much better. Even if you’re thinking of buying a computer, not building one, you could be making the same mistakes as I did.

Most of these mistakes come down to a lack of knowledge. It’s easy to make a sub-optimal purchase decision when you don’t know all the facts. And even if you’ve read a lot of purchasing guides, you’ll still make a few mistakes. So instead of telling you what you should look for when buying a new computer, here are some things you should avoid doing.

When Buying a Processor

The processor, also known as the CPU, is the brain of a computer system. It handles all of the calculations and operations that make software do what it does. A basic truth is that a faster CPU (meaning higher MHz/GHz) will result in a faster system. However, in recent years, CPU performance can’t be determined by numbers alone anymore.

For example, an AMD CPU and Intel Core CPU might both be clocked at 2.5 GHz with 4 cores each, yet one may actually perform much better than the other. Why? Both CPUs may operate at 2.5 billion cycles per second, but the technology in the Intel Core CPU makes more use out of each cycle, so in reality it performs better.

*much more at link*

Hope this helps a few.

[FredStembottom]

1. This hits home.

I have a 'puter that should have had plenty of CPU speed to edit video...... But the AMD chip simply can't do it. Little skips and misses no matter what I do.

My bother the IT guy told me " yes, those AMD chips are like that".

His recommendation: intel core i5. The best he's ever seen (and the i7 just adds silly features to the chip that take it down a notch).

[Gore1FL]

4. I always go Intel and nVidia

I disagree with the i5 over i7 part as a general rule. It depends on the i5 and i7 being compared, and what they are being tasked with. I'm not particularly thrilled with the higher-end options in the available 3rd generation i7 chips.

Of course, all them are ridiculously powerful for typical consumer computing! I have BOINC running in the background when I am not actively using my PC. I have it set to max 30% CPU use I am sure it uses more of my CPU than I do and I am a power user (Sys Admin by day and a light gamer by night.)

[FredStembottom]

5. Now that I rethink it.....

..... My bro' said something more like: the i7's add features not worth the extra cost.

[AgingAmerican]

7. CPUs don't make mistakes

If you are having skips and misses, it is because of your video card or the editing software you are using.

[FredStembottom]

8. All that has been thoroughly investigated.

The diagnosis. CPU hitting it's own ceiling causes the skips.

[AgingAmerican]

9. ???

That is impossible. CPUs run on pure logic. Logic doesn't 'skip'. If it has "been thoroughly investigated" please show us your source.

Thanks in advance.

[FredStembottom]

10. I'm waaaay over my head here.

Can't refute or confirm. Just a computer user and musician.
Sorry.

[hobbit709]

2. None of my AMD cpus have any trouble with anything I throw at them.

I'm running 3 different folding@home apps on each one plus whatever else I'm doing. Even when processing video data to prepare for DVD format it doesn't eat more than 30% cpu cycles with the folding apps, listening to music and browsing DU at the same time.

[lastlib]

3. Mistake #8 to avoid: Windows 8

jus' sayin'.................

[AgingAmerican]

6. The exact opposite is true

AMD chips are more efficient and do more calculations per clock cycle. Intel chips are faster. In the end, they calculate instructions at about the same rate. The only real difference is price. Intel chips are a lot more expensive.

I have built hundreds of computers over the last ten years and i have never seen a chip fail or 'make mistakes'.