How to choose a gaming PC Archives

What is a desktop PC?

Also known as desktop computer or desktop computer. It is the most common and old model of PC that has existed in the market. Its elements, unlike with other models, are separate and designed to be used on a table or desk and not be moved.

We have, therefore, on the one hand the keyboard, on the other the screen and the cabinet or box where the motherboard and internal components.

PC, computer or computer are terms that are used interchangeably. Computer is used more in the countries of Latin America and computer in Spain. PC is the acronym for Personal Computer, in Spanish computer or personal computer and you can see its use in both English and Spanish speaking countries.

The first PC as it is known today appeared under the nomenclature IBM PC in 1981 is the model 5150.

And although there were previous personal computers the PC term began to be used with this equipment.

The main feature of these types of computers was that a processor based on the x86 instruction set was included inside . This has been increasing until today but always maintaining compatibility back.

The latter means that with a current computer you could run any previous application as long as you have the right operating system. The same does not happen to the contrary since the 5150 model could not make the current programs work.

In creating this team, IBM decided to open certain parts of the design so that any manufacturer could create peripherals or cards for them. As a curiosity comment that included 16 or 32 KB of RAM and could have no floppy disk. You will be surprised but there were no hard disks inside .

As for the programs, the first versions had an interpreter of the programming language BASIC that served as a user interface, it was loaded in case you did not insert the operating system.

This equipment evolves thanks to the appearance of multitude of brands that create compatible PCs to date.

At present we understand PC that accompanies the Windows operating system to differentiate them from MAC computers which really only differ in the operating system as both run on x86 processors.

What makes a PC?

A PC is composed of the following components:

Screen. The screen or monitor is the device that is responsible for showing you the images. On some computers like the ” all in one ” this also includes most of the PC.

Box or cabinet. Also sometimes called CPU. Inside you have the motherboard , the micro, the RAM and the hard disk.

A keyboard and mouse. They are the ones who are responsible for receiving your orders that are then interpreted by the processor.

How does a PC work?

Each of its parts performs different functions:

Processor. The processor is the brain of the PC, runs the applications and coordinates the various devices that make up the computer.

RAM. In the RAM memory are stored the data and programs with which you are working at a certain time.

Motherboard. On the motherboard are inserted components and thanks to what we know as chipset they communicate.

Graphic card. The graphics card can be independent or be integrated into the motherboard or even inside the processor itself.

What is a PC for?

You can use a PC for many things from the creation or treatment of all types of digital content whether it be photos, videos to writing documents without forgetting the games or browsing the Internet.

A PC is undoubtedly one of the most versatile electronic devices.

What types of PCs are there?

With the passage of the years have appeared a lot of equipment that can be called PCs.

Desktop PC. A desktop PC is the one that comes to mind when we think of these machines because they remind us.

Laptop or laptop. A laptop or laptop is nothing more than a PC with a battery in which elements designed to consume little energy are used.

HTPC. An HTPC, also known as salon PC is a computer designed to play all kinds of content and display them on a television.

AIO. All-in-one PCs or AIOs are those in which the display and the cabinet or case have been melted into a single element.

Ultrabook. An ultrabook is a twist to the laptop concept. Powered by Intel to create teams much lighter than we are accustomed.

Netbook. A netbook is a small notebook and not very powerful. They were in fashion a few years ago.

NUC. The NUCs are small computers whose development just as happens with the ultrabook has been powered by Intel.

What needs can you cover?

It is the off-road computer of a house. It serves almost everything, except for those tasks that require mobility.

Ideal for the office, so children study and play without the power limitations of all laptops.

Why is not a desktop PC?

As I have already mentioned, its biggest defect is mobility. If you are one of those who like to carry the PC in tow is not the right equipment.

Its size, bigger than the other models, can make it not fit for example to the room of your little ones or that simply does not fit in your living room.

In addition they are usually noisier equipment than laptops which also limits the places where it can be used.

What is the ideal desktop PC?

Mostly powerful. In these equipments we do not want to reduce the energy consumption nor to increase the duration of the batteries therefore we should not encounter any problem to get higher speeds.

A screen or several of an acceptable size, configuration that is every day more common, always help.

What are the most common parts of a desktop PC?

As I said, the most common parts are:

Keyboard. It is the one in charge to take the texts from the user to the PC.

Mouse. Very useful since modern operating systems became popular.

Screen. That shows us the visual information.

CPU. Where all the internal components are found. There are different sizes to suit different situations.

Top Ten Factors for Choosing a Gaming PC

PC games require a great computational power or what is the same expensive equipments. This does not happen with other types of programs such as Word, Excel or Power Point or your favorite Internet browser that will work properly without needing a large outlay. How to choose a gaming PC? Good Gaming PC Buying Guide?

In addition, each new generation of these programs usually requires a renewal of at least certain parts of your computer.

In short, the ideal scenario for manufacturers and a nightmare for buyers.

You have to assume that no matter how much money you invest, in about three years at most your PC will stay, at least in the part related to these programs, outdated. This does not mean that this is all lost. I’ve written a series of rules that I hope will help you in finding your new gaming PC: How to choose a gaming PC? Good Gaming PC Buying Guide

Is not really enough with a console?

A game console is several times cheaper than a PC. Also you do not have the problem of updates every time a new game comes out. It is a very serious alternative if you are only going to use the equipment for this.

Always keep in mind a fixed maximum budget

The only way to not overpay is by having a maximum start budget. This way you will not let yourself be led by market trends.

Never buy the latest model

It is the simplest way to throw money.

You have to keep in mind that the manufacturers divide the market into several segments. The highest is intended for users who do not care how much they are going to spend and does not have to be the right one for you.

Keep in mind the peripherals

Good speakers and maybe a joystick should never be missing.

Decide on which platform you are going to assemble your equipment

When choosing the manufacturer of the processor , Intel or AMD, you are limiting your possibilities of expansion. Even once selected a particular motherboard can be used for some micros and not others. This will therefore be the decision that should take you longer.

Be very careful with the processor

Choosing the processor is important. Although almost any modern micro is able to move a game without problems, you must think that not all programs are the same. For example, strategy games will require more powerful mics and not so advanced graphics cards.

Do not forget the minimum requirements to play

Each game has minimum requirements for both processor, graphics card and memory. Check them on the manufacturer’s website before buying anything.

Renew your graphics card when you need it

The best, if you are a hardcore player is to renew the graphics card almost every year. This device is key when it comes to PC gaming. Do not forget to check that it uses the latest standards like Direct X or Pixel Shader . In case you buy one that does not support them simply you will not be able to play the games that need them.

More information about this element in What graphic card to buy? How to choose a gaming PC? Good Gaming PC Buying Guide

The more RAM the better

The RAM is one of the most important elements of your system, never forget. If this runs out of memory and you have to make use of virtual memory, you will see how difficult it is to handle both games and programs smoothly. The most common symptom is that the computer crashes and jumps.

If this happens, which is a nuisance in normal applications, it is lethal to these programs as it makes them impossible to play.

What not to do when buying a PC?

Buying a new PC does not have to be a traumatic experience. Follow the following tips and find out which are the most common mistakes when acquiring a new equipment: How to choose a gaming PC? Good Gaming PC Buying Guide

Not having defined the budget beforehand

You must know how much you want to spend, is the only way not to end up buying something excessively expensive. Luckily, the world of computers offers you great diversity and can be adapted to almost any budget.

But do not forget that this point is the first and perhaps the most important, do your accounts and decide how much you are willing to invest in your new team.

Buy for purchase

If you do not find what you need, do not buy it, it’s silly to spend money on something you can not use.

Buy the latest model

This is one of the mistakes that are most committed when buying a PC. Especially if your budget is high.

The highest-end PCs are not designed for all needs and even for some it is better to choose a slightly cheaper computer. The clearest case is choosing a computer to play, which although it needs a powerful computer, the graphics card is the one that decides if you can play a certain game or not.

The same thing can happen if you are going to use it for video editing jobs in which having a good hard drive , if possible SSD can increase the performance without having to over invest in the other components.

Not knowing what your needs are

Depending on what you need, you may need to spend more money on one component than on another. For example:

If you will use it to play. It allocates much of the budget to the graphics card. You should also update it every two years.

If you are going to use it for graphic works. It is very important to have a suitable screen to not get tired.

If you are going to use it to work with data. It is very important to have systems that safeguard your information in case of failures such as RAID .

If you are going to use it for editing videos. As I said it is essential that your hard drive is as fast as possible.

If you are going to use it for internet or for normal use. You do not have to have a special team.

Not knowing what types of PCs exist and what they are for

Not every PC is meant for anyone. The clearest example is the difference between a laptop and a desktop PC . Specifically, by way of example, you can find the following PCs:

HTPC. Also known as home theater PC or media center, even as salon PCs. They are used to connect them to television and watch movies.

AIO. The All In One PC have all the equipment included in the display. They are usually tactile. They can be used to play multimedia. They are teams therefore very specialized.

Tablet PC. The tablet PCs are joining tablets and PCs. They can be used for everything related to the Internet. Let’s say they are ideal for occasional use but not for working with them.

Do not compare prices

There are many stores where you can buy your products.

You can lose a bit but luckily there are websites that specialize in comparing prices of different distributors.

Do not think about future needs

Always keep in mind that a PC is a machine that has a use for a few years. Also, unfortunately, whatever you buy is going to be outdated.

Leave space for more RAM , and changing your graphics card can give your PC a longer life. Anyway there are ways to use an outdated PC before moving it to a better life.

Not be informed

The world of the PC changes continuously, keeping you informed is the only way to know that offers you this market so changing.

5 keys to end up acquiring the perfect PC

Buying a PC does not have to be a complex task, although it is true that the appearance of new models in the market and competition of other devices such as tablets, has complicated the work, do not despair, if you are thinking of buying the perfect PC you just have to keep reading.

But, what is the perfect PC?

The perfect PC is the one that within your budget adapts to your needs.

In other words, there is no perfect PC per se, but there is one for each person. What you can not use to another person.

Luckily in this sense the PC manufacturers have done their job and the teams are divided into segments, you just have to know which one fits what you are looking for.

What are the keys to acquiring the perfect PC?

Know your needs. This is the first and most essential. The best way to know your needs is to ask you a series of questions, will I use this PC to work or at home? What kind of applications will it run? Do I need to move it? Do I want it to be silent? Do I want it to be upgradeable ?, do I want to use it for everything or will I have another device, for example a tablet or a smartphone that allows me to do some of the work.

This has to give you a touchdown with what you want to use.

Keep in mind that not all PCs are worth for everything. Once you have clear your needs you have to keep in mind that the market offers you:

Desktop PCs. When we talk about PCs we usually refer to these as the oldest format. Although it is true that their market share has declined over the years the reality is that they continue to have their audience. In short, a desktop PC is for someone who wants to have the maximum computing power, the simplest upgradeability and does not mind that the computer is not portable.

Desktop PCs for the moment continue to hold up in the business environment but we see how they have more problems entering our homes where those needs are not so important.

Mini Desktop Pcs. This type of equipment has gained much popularity in recent times. We find PCs like Intel NUCs designed to use them for example next to your TV. They usually have laptop components which make them less noisy and smaller.

There are other types of mini desktop PCs very similar to USB pens that have an included HDMI connector that add the possibility of using Windows 10 on any TV.

As you see the need they cover is very specific, being able to use Windows on a television, for example to watch movies or consume other types of multimedia files.

All in one. Recently it seemed that this type of equipment was going to eat the whole market, but its high price and that the operating systems only in tactile mode did not just set them down to the background.

An all in one is for someone who does not worry about the budget and who wants a computer with Windows very compact, everything fits on a monitor, and control it with your finger, but do not mind that it is not portable, tablet.

Laptops 2 in 1. In this case we find teams that combine the performance of tablets and notebooks hence the name of 2 in 1. Its function is therefore very specific as they are intended for those who want a tablet with which they can also make edits of documents. These equipment can become very expensive since if you want powers in small teams you have to pay them.

Extra-fine laptops. They are very similar to the previous ones but the keyboard can not be extracted. Designed for those who want to use the PC for more than just watching the internet or checking the mail and taking it anywhere. Like the previous ones if you want power you have to pay it.

Traditional laptops. Although they do not get to have the computing capacity of their desktop brothers the reality is that if you want power and mobility this should be your choice.

If you set a budget, respect it. If you want I’ll tell you what happens when you make a purchase. First all excited you start looking at models and you realize that maybe for a little more money you can buy something better so you finally end up buying a PC that costs twice what you thought.

No matter if your budget is low, simply adapt it to what is offered. For example, never buy 2 in 1 or extrafine equipment if money is a problem.

Never buy the latest model unless money is not your problem. In all electronic devices and PCs are no exception an extra fee is paid to get the latest model. Before when it was normal that each generation of processors almost double the speed of the previous one did not have to make many accounts to decide but at present it is not worth buying the latest model unless you do not mind paying that extra extra.

Set up your computer properly. If you are going to use games, keep in mind that what you should invest the most is in the graphics card . If you want a computer that works in a fluid way, buy an SSD . It was practiced above all, it is worth nothing to spend a lot of money on a component that you will not use.

Fourth Generation i7 Processors for desktop PCs, Which one to buy?

To better understand these devices it is necessary to understand how this company works. To create your designs, divide the development into two phases in a process that is called “tick, tock” and is done in succession:

Tick. In this the technology of manufacture is improved , namely reducing the size of elements called transistors . These are the small bricks with which they build the functional blocks that make up a microprocessor. In this way it is possible to integrate more of them in the same area, causing the device to be able to perform more tasks at the same time. When we refer to this stage we usually talk about the minimum size of one of the sides of these elements. Moving from the 32 nanometers used in the Seconds to 22 Seconds of the Thirds, a reduction of the transistor size was achieved in half.

Tock. An improvement is made in the architecture , that is, in the way in which the functional blocks are connected to perform their functions. Usually environment improvements are achieved at 10-20% performance at the same operating frequency .

The Intel Core Four Generation is a Tock, that is to say an improvement in the architecture. Great things were expected from these micros, especially in relation to benefits. But Intel seems more focused on reducing consumption by thinking of the mobile market than by offering powerful processors.

What do the new Fourth Generation i7 processors have in common?

Nuclei. All have four cores that thanks to the hyperthread technology allow to work with eight tasks at the same time.

More than enough for 99% of the market applications.

Cache. 8 MB level three cache memory except the 4770R which has 6 MB. This micro is special and it seems that your destination is to end up on a MAC computer .

Instruction games. All support the same processor instructions including SSE 4.1 / 4.2, AVX 2.0.

Manufacturing technology. As with the Ivy Bridge or Third Generation Core use a width of 22 nanometers.

Turbo Boost. Thanks to Turbo Boost technology the processor is able to accelerate the frequency of operation when necessary, as long as its theoretical maximum consumption or TDP is not exceeded .

Graphic card. All have the HD 4600 model minus the 4770R which includes the 5200. HD You can read more about the differences between the Haswell integrated cards in the link.

What do they have different?

35 and 45 watts of consumption.

These processors are very special. Its low consumption makes them ideal for use in HTPC and AIO configurations . Against you are very expensive and difficult to get so it is normal to find it only in equipment already assembled.

4765T. Its base frequency of operation is 2 GHz and can reach 3 GHz thanks to Turbo Boost.

Due to this large dynamic range it achieves a TDP of only 35 Watts.

Check equipment prices with i7 4765T

4770T. A bit more powerful than the previous one works between 2.5 GHz and 3 GHz. In this case its TDP is of 45 Watts. You can find it on small desktops.

Ask for prices equipments with i7 4770T

65 watts of consumption.

These micros are in equipment in format AIO but of greater power. They do this by having a larger TDP that allows them to run at a higher operating frequency for longer.

4770S. It is the low-power version of Intel’s most powerful mid-range processor. Base frequency of 3.1 being able to reach 3.9 GHz thanks to the Turbo mode.

Check equipment prices with i7 4770S

4770R. 3.2 GHz base frequency and 3.9 GHz limit. This is the only one that has 6 MB of level 3 cache.

The integrated graphics card is the HD 5200. You can not buy it separately since its encapsulation is BGA and is attached to the motherboard . Looks totally meant for Mac computers

84 watts of consumption.

We move to a higher level. We find processors designed to give processing power. By having the highest TDP they can operate in turbo mode for longer and have higher base frequencies.

4770. Base frequency of 3.4 and 3.9 GHz in turbo mode. It will be the one you normally choose if you want a powerful processor and you do not plan on overclocking .

Check equipment prices with i7 4770

4770K. Base frequency 3.4 and 3.9 GHz in turbo mode. The only difference with the previous one is that in this you will be able to play with its frequency of operation. This makes it the most powerful micro in Intel today for the average user.

Check prices of processor and equipment with i7 4770K

4771. Base frequency is increased 100 MHz. It is not intended for overclocking.

Check prices of processor and equipment with i7 4771