Checklist Upgrade

[Peterborough Pirates]

I'm a novice when it comes to buying computers as you will soon be able to tell from my question.

Nevertheless I am trying to understand computers and I fully aware of the future need to upgrade. I am therefore trying to buy my first computer wisely with this in mind.

In particular I would welcome some advice as to where I can obtain a comprehensive checklist of computer components which ideally sets out all the various names for each component, their measure, what they do etc.

Most important of all I am looking for a checklist which advises me on the relative ease with which I can upgrade the various components. As a novice it has been impossible to find a comprehensive and understandable guide of this type. This advice would help me determine which parts of the computer I should direct my main expenditure like the monitor and then maybe as more money comes along look to upgrade other parts as needs be.

If no one knows of a source like this; its hard to imagine there is not one definitive source, then is there a way we could produce one through this forum that could become an on-going and updated reference guide for all? I have also posted a similar message on the suggestion forum. If it could also be the focus for the discussion of the best products out their all the better.

------------------
Jules

[hiredgoonz]

If you're buying a computer that you plan on upgrading, some basic things to look out for (and avoid) are motherboards with integrated sound and video and special, tiny, computer cases that are common on budget pcs and don't leave much room for expansion...

As far as monitors, you'll probably keep it for a while, so my advice is to buy the largest one you can comfortably afford (19" is a good size)

Upgrading: any time you open the case and touch things you run a risk of breaking something, but from a purely hardware standpoint, if you're mechanically inclined, taking em apart and putting em back together isn't too difficult...the trouble comes with jumpers, bios settings and drivers/software...



------------------
When all else fails, read the instructions.

[Bailey]

Hi Peter

That quite a question you're asking. The best thing you can do before buying a computer, is to educate yourself. One reason that a definitive source on what to buy is hard to find, is that technology changes rapidly and what someone might suggest today might be out of date in a week or a month.

Check out the buyer's guide (http://www.pcguide.com/buy/index.htm) on this site.

------------------
"Ooooh, They have the
internet on computers now!" - Homer Simpson

[yawningdog]

You are sooo smart to come here first!!

But if you decide to become educated first, it will be two years before you are ready to make an informed decision, (if you're anything like me).

Post what you need the machine for, then watch the experts here (and me) discuss our reccommendations. That should give you all the info you need.

Let me be the first to say dont skimp on the power supply. I build the Aopen KF45 case and P/S almost exclusively.

------------------
Make everything as simple as possible, but no simpler.

[AwARe]

Hello Peter,

1st off as far as upgrading goes........Upgrading has become more an idea of the past, about the only time you upgrade anything anymore is usually in the case the stuff you bought in the beginning wasnt good enough hehe

After you've had a system for a while, and you begin to think that you may need something more, it becomes more a task of figuring out what you have in your old case you can carry over to your new system, so you wont need to buy all the new components all at once, and then when you build that system, youll make sure you can add all the other things you cant afford right now, later when you get the cash to do it......

You may upgrade your Ram for example, or install a new sound card, or a new vid card, or maybe even a new CPU before you get your next MoBo, but if you get good enough components when you 1st put your sys together, they will most likely get you through without a whole lot of upgrading until its time to get a new sys.....

Basically what Im trying to say and probably not doing a very good job of is..........Upgrading is usually only a "temporary messure" that people do when they cant afford to buy a whole new computer........so in general its really not all that much an issue when building a computer. Except for the previous mentioned idea about "Not" buying a MoBo that already has components built in. That would greatly reduce your ability to even do the patch job I was speaking of to get you by.......

A basic computer building checklist is going to look something like this.....
Keep in mind all of these components need to be compatible.....

1. Case -PowerSupply -FloppyDrive -Ribbons/Cables
2. Fans -case/cpu
3. Mother Board
4. CPU
5. RAM
6. HDD
7. CDROM
8. Sound Card
9. Video Card
10. Monitor
11. Speakers
12. Keyboard
13. Mouse -MousePad
14. Network Card Or Modem
15. Printer

If someone sees something I forgot such as the CPU please post it up here quick http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif
But alot of this depends on what you want to build
Maybe you want a SCSI system
or maybe you want a TV card, or a CD Burner, and the list goes on.........

Id imagine if you ask......alot of people would be glad to recommend many different components, and honestly could probably give you a "to buy list", but then youre really not going to get what "You" want..........

It takes "ALOT" of reading............

Good Luck!

Any Help you need, Im sure there are lots of people here willing and able to help..............

[This message has been edited by AwARe (edited 06-10-2001).]

[Paleo Pete]

Best thing I can suggest is do some research.

Tom's Hardware Guide (http://www.tomshardware.com/) is an excellent site, usually has good reviews.
Trish's (http://www.hardwarehell.com) will keep you busy for days.
Mine and mjc's sites have many other links, and the PC Guide has already been suggested.

Some things to watch:
AMD processors-get an AMD approved power supply if you use an AMD. And a GOOD CPU fan, AMD's tend to run hot. Never run any CPU without a fan.
Memory-don't skimp on memory. Get the good stuff.
Modem-Look for a hardware based modem, try to avoid software based, otherwise known as winmodems. Most PCI modems are software modems, ISA are hardware. No external modems I'm aware of are software based.
OS-if you plan to run win98, no problem, but if you're considering NT or win2000, make sure and check the MS site and look for their hardware compatibility list. Everything in the machine needs to be supported by NT or 2000. Let's hope you're not planning on running ME...

Figure out what your typical usage for the computer will be. If you want to build one for basic Internet use and word processing, maybe a few simple games, you won't need the latest and greatest, someting around a 500-700MHz CPU will do fine, with about 64-128MB Ram. If you're into lots of gaming, go for a faster machine with 128-256MB RAM. If you use graphics intensive programs like Autocad or heavy video editing, you'll need major RAM, and a fast CPU. 512MB RAM wouldn't be out of line...

Before you start to assemble anything, READ THE MANUALS. Especially the motherboard manual. You'll be glad you did. And we'll see far fewer messages saying HELP!!

Most of the components names are basically self explanatory. But if you're not familiar with them at all:

Motherboard: the main circuit board that everything else connects to.
CPU: Central Processing Unit. The processor. It sends data requests and conmands to everything on the motherboard. The "brains" of the computer.
RAM: Random Access Memory. Basically acts as a scratch pad, temporarily holding information needed for programs to run.
BIOS: Basic Input/Output System. Information contained in a ROM (Read Only Memory) chip that tells the computer what components are there and how to use them. READ THE MANUAL closely before you tinker in BIOS.
Modem: You're using one to connect to the Internet...
Network card: Usually only needed to connect two or more computers together on a network, it's a card that allows them to communicate and share files or printers with each other. Sometimes also used for DSL Internet access.

That's just a basic list, and very basic info, you can find out more detailed info about them by checking out the links posted here. You'll also be dealing with sound and video cards, cables to connect everything internally and externally, jumpers, drivers, OS installation...so a comprehensive guide would not be possible in this topic.



------------------
So many idiots, and only six bullets...
Note: Please post your questions on the forums, not in my email.

Computer Information Links (http://www.geocities.com/paleopete/)

[uncle_bent]

I agree heartily with what AwARe posted above. There is a set of "core" components that you will tend to carry over with each morph of your machine.

I would spend a lot of time finding the right system case/power supply combo. This should not have to change until the standard motherboard form factor changes again. (I am a big fan of Antec's cases). A good case will cost you around $40 more than an "ok" case. It's worth it, remember, you will use this case over and over. I can't emphasize this enough. Get something that opens up easily and cools well and has a beefy power supply.

Get a mouse and keyboard that are of quality and feel right for you. You will drag them with you for years.

Get an excellent monitor. Shop carefully and get something you like. It will likely serve you for several years.

Get decent speakers, or if audio is really an important factor, get great speakers. They are also in it for the long haul.

Other things that are likely to hang around are the floppy and/or zip drive, and possibly a good CD-rom or DVD drive.

Once you have these core pieces the rest of the machine is a matter of "Technology Du Jour". It all changes so fast that at any one time the right answer may be different. I always go with "yesterday's" technology. It's fast but very cost effective, it's also much more stable because the bugs have been worked out. A good machine today would be an AMD 900 or 1Gig Athlon. Trust me when I tell you there will be virtually no difference between such a machine and a 1.xxx Gig pentium 4 with all the trimmings.

[This message has been edited by uncle_bent (edited 06-14-2001).]

[This message has been edited by uncle_bent (edited 06-14-2001).]

[tjaymadison]

Excellent summary uncle_bent! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/cool.gif The PS and case are often the most overlooked parts of a system.

You'll never regret spending a few extra dollars on those items in the beginning.

------------------
"I am not able to rightly apprehend the kind of confusion of ideas that could provoke such a question."
-- Charles Babbage, mathematician, computer pioneer, analytical engine designer (1791-1871)
-- (Question: 'Pray, Mr. Babbage, if you put into the machine wrong figures, will the right answers come out?')

"Just because I don't care, doesn't mean I don't understand."
-- Homer Simpson

[This message has been edited by tjaymadison (edited 06-14-2001).]

[mjc]

Also just because a machine is a little old doesn't mean that it isn't useful. If you choose quality parts the machine can have a long and quite useful "retirement"...there are many things that can be done with a "retired" computer...using it as a print server in a home network, giving it to the kids, turning it into a dedicated firewall...the list goes on, but if the quality is not there to begin with, then you end up with a door stop. Also things like fans and power supplies are important not only for the jobs they do, quality in this area usually means a quieter machine.

Basically what I think evryone is getting at is that there can't really be one list, what you want in a computer is different from what I want, and even something like replacing a floppy drive can range from being very easy to extremely difficult depending on things like the current case that it is in. Research your options, read everything -- manufacturers spec sheets, manuals, reviews (from some of the sites listed above), and if you have a couple of computer shops in your area go look at the item...

If all of the above sounds like hard work, well it is, but the result is something that you can take a certain pride in, something that you be happy with.

------------------
mjc
Links list:Computer Links (http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/highrise/11/index.htm)

Celts are the men that heaven made mad, For all their battles are merry and their songs are all sad.