When it comes to processors, there are two basic choices to make: brand and speed. There is currently a lot of change in the market. Both Intel and AMD are now producing dual core processors, which are extremely powerful, but this isn't required for the ways most people use their computers. What is important is that your processor can handle what you are asking it to do. Processor speeds are measured in GHz, and the basic rule is the higher the number the faster the processor; unfortunately, the faster the processor, the higher the cost. Discuss with our knowledgeable staff the kinds of applications and media you will be operating, and they will be happy to find the right fit for you.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is important because if you don't have enough, your system will slow down on larger tasks. The minimum amount of RAM for today's desktop systems should be 512MB. 1GB of RAM provides better performance. There is also different types of RAM available. DDR memory is the type used in most current systems with the most common being PC3200. DDR2 can be found on newer Intel systems. Budget systems may still use older PC2100 or PC2700 DDR. Depending on your needs our experts can help you determine how much RAM is right for you.

Hard drives are all about capacity and speed. Modern hard drives usually provide you with more than enough storage for videos, digital photos, and music files. If you feel you may need more space, there are lots of options, including external drives and secondary internal drives. Drive speed is also important. Measured in rpm (rotations per minute), 7200-rpm drives are the best choice currently. The other thing to consider is cache, which affects how your drive handles information. For good performance, look for drives with 8MB or 16MB of cache. Drives are specified as either “Serial ATA” or “IDE” but don’t worry about this as performance between the two is similar.

Most systems come standard with DVD and DVD-R drives. It is important that you get a “multiformat” DVD burner that can support both the +R/RW and -R/RW formats. The speeds of the drive will be listed in terms of its read/write speed, or the speed at which it can take information from a disk and the time it takes to record a disc. Dual or Double Layer media support is also a common feature. If you don't need a DVD burner, you should at least get a CD-RW/DVD combo drive of 24x recording speed to allow for CD media storage and DVD playback.

Floppy drives are all but a thing of the past, and they are rarely included in newer systems. Many users if are opting instead to use Flash Memory (aka memory sticks, hot keys) to handle their small data storage and transfer needs. These memory keys are more convenient and files stored on them don’t erase or corrupt when exposed to sources of magnetism. If you have a lot of old files on floppy, however, you may wish to consider getting a system with a floppy drive.

Video card technology is constantly being improved, so selecting the right one is difficult. If you want to have the future capability or currently require exceptional performance for video editing or gaming, go for a card that supports DirectX 9 and has at least 128MB of memory. If  you don't require the latest in video technology, there are a wide range of choices. Things to consider when looking at video cards are DVI connectors for digital LCD panels and multi-monitor support. New systems will include PCI Express graphics cards over the previous AGP interface.

With the functionality we all require from computers these days, one of the most important things to consider is how many ports are provided to interface with other equipment. Check to see how many and what type of external ports are available on the computer for use with future peripherals. You will need these ports to access printers, scanners, mp3 players, cameras etc. Systems can have a combination or USB 2.0, IEEE 1394 or FireWire ports. Our experts can help you determine what your needs are and how many ports you will really need.

What can really influence your computing experience, even more than the speed of your system, is the type of monitor you choose. It is the main way you are going to interact with your computer, so it is important to pick the right monitor. Consumers can choose between CRT and LCD monitors. CRTs provide a wide range of capabilities at a good price but they are bulky. LCDs take up less desk space but cost more. Regardless of type of monitor, look at getting at least a 17” monitor capable of displaying a resolution of 1280 by 1024 pixels. If you are going to be using your computer for more than 3-5 hours a day consider getting a 19” screen to reduce eye strain. This will also preserve your back, neck and shoulders, as the larger image will prevent you from having to hunch forward in your chair.

Desktop computers tend to be more expandable and aren't exposed to the sort of abuse that laptops are. As a result, your desktop computer could productively last you many years longer than a laptop. This extra length of use, however, increases the chance that something may wear out before you're ready to replace the computer. If not covered by a warranty, this could be costly to repair. When buying a system, consider an additional warranty for the same amount of time you are going to rely on the computer.

See our extended warranty plans