PC buying guide

Posted on 14 Dec 2009 at 13:49

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Find out all you need to know about choosing the right PC.

PC buying guide

Recommended minimum specifications

Processor: Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200

Memory: 2GB

Hard disk: 250GB

Storage: DVD writer

Sound: Integrated

Speakers: Stereo

Graphics: Integrated

Monitor: 19in widescreen LCD

Extras: Memory card reader

Connectors: 4x USB2, network

Software: Windows Home Premium

Basics: Keyboard, mouse

Follow the steps to find your ideal spec

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The specification above is a good starting point when working out your ideal system. This PC would cost around £350 and is capable of running everyday office, multimedia or education software, plus anything on the internet. It will be able to play DVD movies, but they won't sound too impressive, and modern games are a no-no.

The size and shape of a PC is more important than it used to be. A mini PC costs more and is less upgradable, but takes up less desk space. If you want a media centre PC, get one that fits in with other electronic equipment in your living room.

If you are interested in games, upgrade to a decent graphics card. Budget cards with the Radeon HD 4650 graphics processor will cope with this year's games, but to play next year's just as smoothly (and enjoy gorgeous graphics today) it's worth upgrading to a more powerful card such as a Radeon HD 5770. More powerful cards can be fitted into the standard PCI Express x16 slot, so you can always upgrade later if you have one on your motherboard. SLI and CrossFire systems, with multiple graphics cards, are rarely worth the bother or expense.

All modern PCs come with dual-core processors, and so are capable of taking on tough tasks. The only exceptions are nettops (see below). Anyone who regularly undertakes tough tasks, like video editing and encoding, should seriously consider a quad-core processor.

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade the memory or hard disk. If you'll be using your PC for gaming, video-editing or other demanding tasks then you'll want both 4GB of RAM and a bigger hard disk, 1TB should more than suffice.

A quality sound system will enhance all manner of PC activities. To hear the surround soundtrack of a DVD at its best, you'll need a 5.1 speaker system. Games can also use 5.1 systems. If you're not interested in games or DVDs, go for a stereo pair with a subwoofer to boost the bass. If you want to listen to music or want better-quality sound, you'll need a dedicated sound card.

All PCs now come with widescreen monitors. As well as being ideal for watching movies, they feel more natural for working on panoramic photos or expansive spreadsheets. A 19in widescreen LCD is now considered basic and has a resolution of 1,440x900 pixels. Larger 20in and 22in LCDs are available from around £130 and have a higher resolutions of 1,680x1,050 or 1,920x1,080. This makes them better bets for people who are looking to work with complex applications. Decide if you want a glossy display or not. Glossy displays improve contrast and make images look brighter, but they reflect overhead lights and sunlight easily, which can be annoying.

The standard connectors can be improved with extra USB ports, to which most PC gadgets attach, and a FireWire port for gadgets such as digital video cameras. Look for a memory card reader if you have a digital camera and make sure your camera's memory card is supported.

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