5 biggest mistakes when choosing computer hardware

Now is not the 90s anymore. Computer hardware is now full of genres, if not very easy to make mistakes when selecting hardware components such as monitors, RAM and processors. Here, we share with you the experience when choosing to buy computer hardware.

1. Select CPU based on number of cores and speed

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The biggest mistake that people make when purchasing a processor (CPU) is almost exclusively based on clock speed (GHz or MHz). Some more knowledgeable people are also interested in the number of CPU cores. So why is the Intel Pentium 965 CPU cheaper than the Intel Core i3-2130 CPU, both have 4 cores and the same clock rate?

The answer is that the two CPUs do not use the same technology. Core i3 uses many new technologies, so it can handle faster than the Petium 965 on the same clock speed. In addition, the Core i3 also integrates a graphics processor (GPU), which means it can handle graphics without you needing to purchase a discrete graphics card. Graphics processing in Core i3 is not strong but it is useful in case your discrete graphics card is broken.

Another issue to consider is the size of the transistor (transistor). Intel Core i3 uses the 32 nm (nanometer) Nehalem semiconductor structure, while the Pentium chip uses the old 65 nm Penryn structure. Why is transistor size important? Simply put, the two processors have the same processing power, but the transistor on the Core i3 chip is smaller, so the chip has a smaller size and less power consumption. Consuming less electricity not only saves electricity but also more importantly produces less heat, making the computer work cooler and more stable.

2. Choose RAM based on capacity

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Most people choose RAM based on RAM capacity but forget the speed factor. A 4GB of 1333 MHz RAM obviously runs slower than 1600 MHz RAM. RAM prices are now quite cheap. So, do not hesitate to give up a few hundred thousand more to have faster speed RAM.

3. Select graphics card based on VRAM number and GPU power

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If the amount of video processing RAM (VRAM) and GPU power on the graphics card is what you are interested in buying a graphics card, then perhaps you only need to spend 30 USD to buy the GeForce GTS210. But in fact, choosing graphics cards is not so simple. Graphics card is like a complete computer. It also has its own RAM, separate GPU and some other details you need to be aware of. When buying a new graphics card, pay attention to the bandwidth. This is the factor that determines the amount of data it can send to your computer in seconds. In general, buying graphics cards is not easy, you should carefully learn from the reputable technology sites or ask a real knowledgeable about consulting technology.

4. Select the hard drive based on the drive capacity

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Hard drive is the slowest component of a computer. It is a component that drags all other processing components into the computer slowly and makes you wait while using. This is a problem with mechanical hard drives, also known as HDD or regular hard drives. Solid-state drives are much faster, but they have their own problems.

The biggest mistake that many people make when choosing to buy a hard drive is to choose a large storage drive without paying attention to other factors.

Each hard drive (except for an SSD) has a fixed rotation speed (usually abbreviated to rpm) fixed. The slower the rotation speed, the more time it takes the hard drive to retrieve data. Hard drives with a rotation speed of 7200 rpm or 11,000 rpm will ensure faster working speeds with hard drives with a rotation of 5400 rpm. Also, check the hard disk search speed in milliseconds and compare it with other hard drives. In general, the search speed is as fast as possible.

5. Select the screen just because it's big

Many people like to buy big computer screens. But in fact, you should not only consider each screen size. Many other factors are also important, such as the brightness and contrast of the screen is comfortable. Unless you buy it online, check directly at the store directly to see how the image quality and brightness are before making a purchase decision.