# data[].attributes.body
I recommend using Dell Purchase Program as it will walk you through based on your budget, type of computer your looking for, and what you need along with a payment plan. I have purchased my laptops from Dell for the past 3 systems.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Micro Center - Computer & Electronics Retailer - Shop Now

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Shop Micro Center for electronics, PCs, laptops, Apple products, and much more. Enjoy in-store pickup, top deals, and expert same-day tech support.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
OutletPC - Lowest Prices Online for Computer Parts, Laptops, & Desktops

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Computer Hardware Parts, Motherboard Combos, Barebones, Desktop PCs, & Laptops. Wholesale Prices Direct To You! 1000's of deals on PC Components.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Computer Parts & Upgrades at Office Depot OfficeMax

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
AMD's disruptive Ryzen processors and Intel's supercharged 8th-gen Core CPUs have sparked a wave of interest in PC building, but some people still hesitate at the idea of crafting a custom PC. Don't! Building your own PC isn't some arcane art or esoteric skill that only the most hardcore of hardware geeks can pull off. In fact, assembling a DIY PC is pretty straightforward once you've settled on your parts list.

Rolling your own computer offers a number of advantages that boxed desktops just can't match, even though inflated component prices have made DIY computers less of a deal these days. You still get granular control over every single aspect of the hardware. You still get to choose not only the nuts-and-bolts-level details like processing and graphical performance, but also deeply personal touches like the PC's case design and cooling capabilities. There's no need to settle for a boring black box, unless you want a boring black box.

Looking to build a hulking PC brimming with top-of-the-line hardware and closed-loop water-cooling? Go for it! (If you can convince your significant other to OK the expense, that is.) Or maybe you prefer a more well-balanced rig, or a delightfully small system with big gaming chops. When you're building your own computer, the choice is yours.
[ Further reading: The best SSDs ]
Brad Chacos

We built this PC with a liquid-cooled 8-core AMD Ryzen chip and Nvidia's powerful GeForce GTX 1080 Ti.

Even better, when you're building your own PC you can shop around for the best price for each of your chosen components, rather than paying a single marked-up cost for the whole-hog system. AMD's new Ryzen processors have sparked a brutal price war in CPUs. DIYers can benefit from that! The superb PCPartPicker.com website makes comparison shopping dead simple. And when you're done building your PC and successfully power it up, it feels glorious -like you've truly accomplished something, rather than simply yanking a prebuilt tower out of a box.

Building a PC for the first time can be intimidating, though.

Even though PC assembly's fairly simple once you know what you're doing, staring at a giant pile of disparate parts and knowing you not only need to piece them together correctly but also wire them correctly afterwards is enough to bring a lump to a newbie PC builder's throat.

We're here to help.

PCWorld has detailed installation guides-often with supplementary buying advice-for every major PC component you need. This comprehensive superguide explains how to build your PC from top to bottom, from case fans to CPU to cable management.

Need help installing a particular component? Here are links for each piece of hardware in your PC:

How to avoid common PC building mistakes -a must-read before you even buy your first part.
How to install or replace a case fan How to install a power supply in your computer How to install an Intel or AMD CPU in your PC How to install new memory in your PC How to replace your PC's motherboard How to install a graphics card How to install a hard drive in your PC
The ultimate guide to proper PC cable management -you want your PC looking nice and pretty, after all.

Even veteran PC builders stumble into trouble every now and again (though our guide to avoiding common PC building mistakes should help you avoid most of it). If your system won't start after it's all together, check out PCWorld's guide to troubleshooting your home-built PC. It's a few years old, but still very applicable today. And once everything's up and running, consider checking out these free programs that your new PC needs first. They all rock!

Then sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold beverage. You just built a PC with your own two hands. That wasn't so hard, was it?

Editor's note: This article was most recently updated to mention current components and the pricey state of today's DIY hardware market.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
AMD's disruptive Ryzen processors and Intel's supercharged 8th-gen Core CPUs have sparked a wave of interest in PC building, but some people still hesitate at the idea of crafting a custom PC. Don't! Building your own PC isn't some arcane art or esoteric skill that only the most hardcore of hardware geeks can pull off.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
When buying a new computer, it's easy to become confused by the sheer volume of technical decisions that you'll have to make.

How to choose the best desktop PC for you? Well, you might wonder how much RAM you'll need, for instance, which processor to choose or which graphics card to pick, what display to look for, which hard drive will be best for you - there are so many issues that it's difficult to know where to begin.

There is a simple way to at least begin cutting down the choices on offer, though, and ensure you get the best PC for your needs.

And that's to forget about the low-level technical specifications, and fine details like the brand of graphics card just for the moment and instead concentrate on something much more fundamental and important: what you will be expecting your system to do.

So read on to find out how to buy the best computer for you, then check out our 10 best desktop PCs on page 2.

Best computer: using your new PC

Take a moment to think about the sort of applications you'll want to run on your new PC, as these will help to decide which features your system will need.

If you only intend to run basic tasks - browsing the web, sending emails, running office-type software like Microsoft Word - then the good news is that most computers, even at the budget end of the market, will be able to cope with your requirements.

An entertainment PC can handle those basic jobs, too, but might also be used to watch TV and movies, listen to music, play some games, perhaps share music and video files across a home network. Systems like this need a little more in the way of hardware power, like a larger hard drive to store all your music and movies, as well as a big screen, a good sound card and speakers, but they still don't have to be too expensive. Many entertainment PCs are all-in-one PCs these days.

If you want to play the latest games with the best possible performance, then you'll need a gaming PC. This can be much more expensive, as not only will you need a quality screen, a good sound card and speakers, but you'll also require a powerful graphics card, fast hard drive and a decent processor.

And if you're not a gamer, but need to run some heavy-duty software - editing HD videos, say - then you'll need a high-end performance PC. This should include a powerful CPU, plenty of memory, and a large, fast hard drive, so expect a sizeable bill. But you may not need the large screen or powerful graphics card of the entertainment or gaming systems, which will help to keep prices down a little.

Best computer: netbook, laptop or desktop?

With the basic applications of your new computer resolved, it's time to think about the type of system that might be appropriate: a netbook, tablet, laptop or desktop?

Netbooks are compact notebooks with small screens (typically 10 to 12 inches), and components that are more about saving battery life than delivering raw power. So expect a slow CPU, only a little RAM (1 to 2GB, usually), no DVD drive, not too much hard drive space, and so on.

This is all that you need for basic web browsing, emailing and similar tasks, though. Their small size makes netbooks extremely portable (most are only around 1-1.5kg), battery life is usually very good at 4 to 10 hours, and you can buy some great systems from as little as £249. Our articles on the best laptop, and best Windows 8 tablet and best Windows 8 laptop will tell you more.

Laptops can seem bulky by comparison to their tiny netbook cousins: they might be more than twice the weight, with larger screens, and more powerful CPUs, which means battery life may struggle to reach 3 hours in some cases.

Of course they can also handle much more powerful applications, though. If you'll be spending hours typing on the system then you'll appreciate the larger keyboard. The built-in DVD drive makes it easier to install software and create backups, and high-end laptops can even deliver very acceptable gaming performance.

Again, we've a guide to suit everyone: The best cheap laptop focuses on budget systems, while our article on the best student laptops and the best 13" laptops cover a wider range of systems.

The best gaming laptops guide reveals that you buy mobile gaming performance for as little as £599, while the more general Which laptop should I buy? article walks you through the buying process and explains how to make sure you get the right system for you.

If you don't need a computer you can carry around, though, a desktop will be your best option. These are larger, but deliver more power for your money, and are generally much easier to upgrade or reconfigure. So if you decide you need better gaming performance, say, you can just buy another graphics card at a later date, something that won't be possible at all with most netbooks or laptops.

But if you've already got a list of preferred PC manufacturers then it might be more interesting to think about the hardware that your new computer should include - and there's plenty to consider.

Best computer: technical specs

In the past, one of the first questions to ask about your new PC has been how much memory you'll need. These days, though, even many budget PCs come with 4 or 6GB of RAM.

If you're short of cash and only want to run very basic programs, perhaps to browse the web or send emails, then you might just about get away with 2GB. Maybe. But opting for 4GB will help to improve your system's performance, even here, so avoid skimping on memory if you possibly can.

If you're buying a more high-end system, though, you might also want to consider the type of memory it should include to deliver the best results. Our article on How to buy RAM will tell you more.

It's a similar situation with hard drives. If you're buying a budget PC (around £400, say) then look for the highest capacity you can afford; we'd recommend at least 750GB, although even many budget PCs now include 1TB drives.

If you've more cash to spend, though, it's worth paying more attention to the technical details. Read How to buy the best new hard drive for a grounding in the basics. And if you've a big budget, then solid-state drives (SSDs) deliver the best performance around, though their capacities are low. Our guide to the best SSDs, or solid state drives, will tell you more.

To help you choose between a hard disk drive and a solid-state drive, take a look at our guide SSD vs HDD: which is best?

Then of course there's the issue of your computer's processor: which one is the best CPU? The good news here is that even the cheapest PCs now include CPUs with two cores, essentially separate processors that allow you to run multiple tasks at the same time. But even if money is tight, look for something with more cores, if you can: something like Intel's Core i3-530 or AMD's Athlon II X4 640 offer decent performance at a budget price.

While we've hopefully covered most of your concerns here, there may be one or two other issues you want to consider.

If you aim to play the latest games on your computer, for instance, the choice of graphics card will be critical. Let us help you out with our guide to the best graphics cards in the world today.

And whatever you're doing on your system, a quality LCD monitor will be crucial - so be sure to read our guide to the technical details you really need to know before you buy a monitor.

It's a lot to consider, then, but doing your homework now will really pay off later. And that's because understanding the features you need (and the ones you really don't) will both save you money and help you choose the best PC that will serve you well for years to come.

Which, of course, is the best news of all, because your systems' extended life means you won't have to go computer shopping again for a long, long time.

Buying a computer for a business? Then check out best business laptops and Best business tablets

Liked this? Then check out Top laptops: the 20 best laptops in the world

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Best computer: how to choose the right one

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
When buying a new computer, it's easy to become confused by the sheer volume of technical decisions that you'll have to make. How to choose the best desktop PC for you?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The 5 best desktop computers in 2021 for work, gaming, school, and more

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sometimes you need a desktop for power and upgradability that laptops simply can’t match. These are the best desktop computers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome to the Member Purchase Program | Dell United States

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
With Dell's Price Match Guarantee and Member Purchase Program it's easy to find great deals on Laptop, Desktop PCs and Electronics. Shop Now!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Get an in-depth look at the latest iMac and buy online. Select a model or customize your own.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
by Norton_Team

Whether you're in the market for a new laptop because you dropped yours on the floor or you fancy an upgrade of your specs for college or work, buying a new computer comes with a whole heap of jargon and plenty of sales speak. Do you really need a dedicated graphics card? And what do all those letters and numbers even mean?

It's even harder if you're not much of a techie and you can't tell your AMD processor from your Intel Pentium. Do they not just do the same thing?

To make your decision easier, we've pulled together a guide to help you choose a new computer that does exactly what you need it to do. There's not much point spending two grand on a high-end computer if you're only going to use it to Skype your long-lost relatives or to use Office.

A note: this guide is for people with a basic to solid knowledge of computers. If you already know what you're doing, then you don't need us, Padawan.

Things to consider when buying a new computer

1. Laptop vs desktop

The first decision you need to make is whether you want a desktop or a laptop. You might think that because desktops are bigger and bulkier they're more expensive, but generally desktops with the same tech spec are cheaper than the laptop equivalent.

But that doesn't mean you should run out and buy the nearest desktop. While desktops and laptops do essentially the same thing, your decision should come down to how you're actually going to use your new computer.

Laptops weren't designed to be used all day long for work or play, and that's why they give you headaches, eye strain, or a sore neck after using them for a few hours.

If you're going to use your new computer as the hub of work or gaming, a desktop could be right for you. Get yourself a comfy chair and a desk and you're three quarters of the way to a proper office set-up.

Desktops are also good for any kind of work that involves using a combination of a mouse and keyboard. Sit on your bed and type away without proper support and your neck and elbows will start to hurt. If you're doing heavy video editing or work and are going to be spending a lot of time in front of your new computer, a desktop could be what you need.

However, if you're after a desktop because you want to play The Sims on it, your money will be better spent on a laptop. It's an easy decision to make. Want to use your computer on the go? Get a laptop. If you're only going to use your new device for light work, a tablet or cheap netbook is an option too.

Despite what you may have heard, bigger isn't always better!

2. OS...or oh no?

Once you've decided between a desktop or laptop, you'll need to hop on over to step two and decide what OS or Operating System you want to use. For most people, this comes down to a choice between Windows or Mac.

There's also Linux, if you're feeling adventurous. Here's the thing about Linux: it's for a certain type of computer user. If you need to Google what Linux is, then stick with Mac or Windows.

But how do you choose between a Mac or Windows? Should you show Windows the door in favour of Mac's sleek look or will Windows do? There is no quick and fast answer and if you ask the internet you'll get a million articles in favour of either option.

Let's tally it up.

Options

This one is a clear win for Windows. Apple makes a small range of computers: the standard laptop, Mac Mini, the iMac, and Mac Pro. Depending on your budget, a Mac might not even by an option for you. Go with Windows and you've got far more choice.
Round one: Windows
Value

Even second-hand, you'll find it very difficult to pick up a cheap Mac. Macs are sleek and far sexier than Windows, and come with excellent specs. You know you're buying quality with Apple, but if you're stuck on a budget, Windows is the way to go.

You can pick up a solid laptop for £350 from brands like Asus or Acer or Lenovo that does everything you need it to do- just don't expect cheaper laptops to suffice for gaming, editing, or anything heavy. If you just want something that gets the job done, go with Windows.

If you want something to do heavy work and high-end video editing, go with Apple. High-end Macs are very good at what they do and come with a certain prestige, so if that's what you're looking for, go right ahead.
Round two: it depends!
Safety

You've heard the old chestnut, "Macs/OS X can't get viruses." Not so! Now, Macs are much safer than Windows because they're built to be far harder to hit with a virus-but it does happen. That's a pretty big 'but'.

Is it enough to sway you either way? Safety shouldn't be a big consideration. Get yourself some good antivirus software and you'll be fine.
Round three: Mac
Software

It's an awful lot easier to get your hands on software for Windows. Want to know what the most popular suite for Mac is?

Go on...guess.

Microsoft Office. It doesn't get much more Windows than Office! Windows has a wider range of software, for gaming and for general use, though Mac comes with plenty of excellent software for video editing and media work. For media-types, Mac is the place to be.
Round four: Windows
For most people, Windows is the clear winner. It's good value and has a better range of software and games. However, if you're a media-type, you may well be swayed by the Mac, as the specs are genuinely impressive and fairly priced.

3. The specs

Dun dun dun! The big one. The thing that separates the wheat from the chaff, the cream from the crop, the...Lannisters from the Baratheons. You get the idea. Laptop specs are what it's all about-but they're also where a lot of people fall down.

Once you start talking about RAM and graphic cards and solid-states drives, most people's eyes glaze over. "That's nice," they say, while they ponder what they're going to make for dinner. The fact of the matter is that specs aren't terribly exciting for most people.

If you're one of those people who isn't too pushed, we're going to talk you through it anyway because choosing the right specs can:

· Save you money

· Change how you use your computer

Let's take it from the top, or the 'brain' of the computer: its memory. We'll start with RAM, so we can get the obligatory goat joke out of the way.

How much RAM you need depends on how you're going to use your laptop. If you're using it for Office and social media, you should aim for 4GB. You could probably get away with 2GB, but don't be surprised if things start to get sluggish. If you're keeping an eye on clock speed (in GHz), bigger is always better.

The good news: even budget laptops now come with upwards of 4GB of RAM. The more RAM theoretically means the more able your computer will be at multitasking and running more intensive software.

Next up is the hard drive. The great thing about hard drives is that upgrading them is easy. Bring your laptop into a computer shop and they'll pull your hard drive out and swap it for something bigger.

But even better is that most budget laptops now come with a hard drive of 500GB to a 1TB.

That's more than enough space for most people, even if you've got a packed video folder. If you're looking for the higher end of things, a solid-state drive (SSDs) could be an option. SSDs are expensive but are far, far better for computer performance. They'll turn your computer from a Golf to a Lamborghini.
But why spend all that money on a Lambo when a Golf is everything you need?
Last but not least is the computer's processor. This is the big one. A 250GB difference in hard drive space or a difference of 6GB RAM to 8 won't make or break deals for you, but your processor should. Processors are where it starts to get complicated, as numbers and letters become the norm.

Quick tip: more cores is generally better. If you're on a budget the i3 or AMD are safe bets. If you can afford to stretch to i5 instead of i3, you'll see the difference. For most people i5 is just right. An i7 processor isn't something you'll need unless you're planning on using your computer for heavy software and gaming.

Which leads us on to the graphics card. Most low-end computers come with integrated graphic cards, which means they're built into them. Generally, these are on the lower end of things and won't be much use for playing a graphically-intense game. For anything more than basic gaming or video editing, look for a dedicated graphics card.

Bigger is better here too: more memory and a better processor is always a win. But again, for most users, an integrated graphics card will do the job.

Whatever you choose, look out for solid deals!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Choose a New Computer on a Budget

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
by Norton_Team Whether you're in the market for a new laptop because you dropped yours on the floor or you fancy an upgrade of your specs for college or work, buying a new computer comes with a whole heap of jargon and plenty of sales speak. Do you really need a dedicated graphics card?