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Learning About Computer Components

There are lots of different computer components that make up functional PCs. Building your own computer can be a rewarding DIY project. It'll also save you money if you're building a high-performance system for gaming or video editing. What's more, your PC will be custom-tailored to your performance needs.

Key PC Components for Building a System

The first step is getting the right computer parts. The six essential parts you'll need for a working PC are the case, motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drive, and power supply unit. A computer case is an enclosure for all the other components. This chassis serves as housing for a PC's internal hardware. The motherboard is the core piece that connects the computer's electronic components. Motherboards come in different sizes, and with a wide variety of sockets. Choose one that's compatible with the processor and case that you want.

The processor, or CPU, is critical to the PC's overall performance. Most desktop computers use Intel and AMD chips. When shopping for a processor, consider clock speed, number of cores, cache size, and the amount of RAM. If you're building a home PC, the minimum memory capacity you should consider is 4GB. For a gaming system, go for 8GB of RAM or higher.

The two options for computer storage are hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). SSDs are faster and quieter. They're also more durable and consume less energy. However, HDDs are more affordable, and available in higher capacities.

The power supply unit, or PSU, converts the computer's power from the outlet into usable power for the other parts inside the case or enclosure. The PSU takes the AC power and converts it into continuous power that the computer requires so it can run smoothly and normally. This converted, usable power is called DC.

Other Hardware Required for a Gaming Computer

When building a gaming PC, you'll also need a graphics display card and a cooling system. The graphics card is responsible for image rendering and video playback. For a powerful gaming computer, choose an NVIDIA or AMD GPU with video RAM of 4GB or higher. Coolers prevent processors and video cards from overheating by blowing cool air over them and venting hot air. Effective cooling requires fans and heat sinks. Power users need thermal paste and circulating cooling liquid when overclocking GPUs and CPUs. Finally, if you want to make your gaming system look as cool and powerful as it runs, outfit it with computer lighting essentials.

What Computer Components Do I Need for a Server?

Servers are usually pre-built computers with high-performance CPU processors, lots of input/output ports, and high-wattage power supply units. To install them, you'll need server components such as rackmount chassis and cabinets. You can upgrade servers by adding graphics cards, and swapping RAM modules and storage drives.

If you want to build your own custom PC, there's no better place to find everything you need than at B&H Photo.

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There are lots of different computer components that make up functional PCs. Building your own computer can be a rewarding DIY project. It'll also save you money if you're building a high-performance system for gaming or video editing. What's more, your PC will be custom-tailored to your performance needs.

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Local Computer Sales, Repairs, and Purchase

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Local Computer Sales, Repairs, and Purchase

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In a highly competitive market, we take pride in our ability to beat out the competition to provide the best quality parts at the best prices. Just IT Hardware, owned and operated by Semiconductor, is your one-stop shop for all your computer and electronics related needs. Whether you needcomputer devices and hardware , networking hardware, IT hardware, ormemory parts , we can help. We make the parts procurement process quick and easy from beginning to end.

Simply browse our vast inventory of new and obsolete parts and components, submit an RFQ, and leave the rest to us. We'll find all the parts you need and get back to you with a quick and competitive quote in 15 minutes or less. With our NO CHINA SOURCING pledge, you can be sure that you're only getting quality parts and 100% quality satisfaction.

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Computer Parts, IT Hardware Parts Supplier | Just IT hardware

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In a highly competitive market, we take pride in our ability to beat out the competition to provide the best quality parts at the best prices. Just IT Hardware, owned and operated by Semiconductor, is your one-stop shop for all your computer and electronics related needs.

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Your one stop shop for all things computer parts related?

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A good website to learn how to complete your computer building adventure.

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Learn what you need and what you sign up for when you say you want to build your own computer!

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Computing has changed a lot in the last decade. For many, smartphones have become the go-to method of playing games, staying in touch with friends, and browsing the Web for answers to spur-of-the-moment trivia questions and viewing cat pictures. When you need something more powerful, or with a bigger screen, you might reach for a tablet. And if actual, real work calls, the laptop you'd use is probably svelte, light, and stylish. Traditional bulky desktops are increasingly rare, and when you see them, they're usually all-in-ones, or decked out with designs that are meant to be noticed. Let's face it, no one really builds their own desktop PC anymore, right?

Wrong, actually. DIY may not be all it used to be, but it's still a thriving sector of the PC industry, and one that any serious computer user-we mean the type of person who cares more about what a computer can do than how small an envelope it can slide into-should be aware of. Because, if you want the strongest, most adaptable, most upgradeable, and most personal computer you can possibly get, there's no way around it: You need to build it yourself.

By researching each individual component's capabilities and limitations, you can tailor your purchases to your exact needs now and in the future. And if your requirements or your mood change tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year, you can easily pull out and replace as few as one of the pieces, and your computer is perfect for you yet again. Nothing else gives you this much control or satisfaction. Yes, you'll have to sacrifice some-maybe a lot-of portability, but the result will be something you can totally and deeply call your own as you never will be able to with an unchangeable system designed and manufactured entirely by someone else.

Building your own PC is not necessarily an inexpensive or quick proposition. But if you're willing to devote the time and resources to the project, you will end up with the best possible computer on Earth for you -and that will make everything else worthwhile.

Shopping for Parts
The most difficult and time-consuming part of the PC-building process happens long before you start looking for the screwdriver. You can't even start thinking about assembling the individual components until you buy them-and that means doing a lot of investigating into the options (of which there are thousands) and, believe it or not, some serious soul-searching.

The first, and most important, thing to consider is: What do you want your PC to do? Are you looking for a really inexpensive system to put in the kids' room? Do you want a squat, console-like desktop that will fit right next to the TV that you can use for streaming media, or maybe as a Steam Machine? Is a dedicated work PC for your home office the goal? Or do you want the biggest, baddest build that can play the hottest new games without breaking a sweat?

We can't answer this question for you. But once you've reached a decision, you'll have a better idea of what you need to buy and how much money you'll have to spend. And then you can get on to the actual shopping.

For research and shopping, we highly recommend using Newegg.com. It has a dizzyingly wide selection of components in every conceivable category and one of the Internet's most powerful search engines for narrowing down your precise needs. But feel free to use your favorite tool (or brick-and-mortar store).

The nuances of what components do, and how to best get them to serve your needs, is beyond the scope of this story. But the descriptions below of their functions and what you need to look for when shopping should give you a solid of idea of where to start in collecting all the parts you'll need for your PC.

Processor

If you're building a gaming PC on a budget, you'll probably want to start off by choosing a video card (see below). But everyone else can start with the central processing unit (CPU), or processor, the "brain" of the computer that, well, processes all the instructions it receives from the software you run and the other components you have installed. Because of the considerable difference it will make in how well you run every program on your PC, paying particular attention to its capabilities is crucial. Here's what to look for:

Number of cores. Back when every CPU only contained one processing unit, or core, clock speed was the easiest way to measure performance. But practically every processor today is a multicore CPU, and the more cores a chip has, the more it can accomplish at once (if it's supported by the software). Most common are two- (dual-) and four- (quad-)core CPUs, though six- and eight-core CPUs are becoming more visible on the market.

Number of threads. Most processors today, particularly from Intel, can simultaneously operate two processing threads per core (Intel calls this technology hyperthreading), effectively doubling your core count. Because not every processor supports this, check that yours does if you expect to be running a lot of multithreaded applications.

Clock speed (operating frequency). This is the frequency at which each core in a CPU runs, or the number of cycles it is able to execute per second. The higher the number, the faster CPU will generally be per core. These days, clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz), or billions of cycles per second.

Cache (L2 or L3). A processor uses memory installed in the chip itself to store and speed up operations before utilizing external system RAM. This on-board memory is stored in one or more caches, which are identified L2 or L3. More powerful processors will be equipped with larger caches.

Socket type. CPUs come in different sizes, are identified by the kind of socket they plug into. (For example, Intel's most powerful current chips use the third revision of the LGA 2011 socket.) You'll need this information to determine what motherboard to buy (see the next section).

Manufacturing technology. Every year or two, processors get thinner and more power-efficient. Knowing a chip's manufacturing technology (measured in nanometers, or nm) will give you some insight into its capabilities, but is not strictly necessary.

Cooler. Most processors come with a fan rated for their specific speed and estimated heat output; unless you're planning to overclock your computer or otherwise put it through particularly traumatic paces, you probably don't need to buy another fan or liquid cooling system. (And for that reason, we're not going to dwell on the question here.) But if you do decide to buy a separate one, or if you choose a high-end CPU that doesn't come with its own fan, make sure that the cooler you get is designed for the family of processor you have or are planning to buy.

Motherboard

If the CPU is a computer's brain, the motherboard is its nervous system. Most of your other components will plug into the motherboard, so the one that you use for your build needs to be exactly what you need now, and what you expect to need from it in the future. Here's what to look for:

Socket type. A motherboard's socket type must, must, must match that of the CPU you plan to use in it.

Form factor. Motherboards come in a range of sizes, or form factors, from the tiny Mini ITX to the enormous Extended ATX. For most full-size desktop builds you'll probably want either regular ATX or the somewhat smaller Micro ATX. The form factor you get will dramatically affect both the number of other components you're able to install and what kind of case you're able to install them in (see that section below for more details).

Memory. Be on the lookout for several different attributes of how your motherboard deals with memory. You need to know the memory type and standard, which are usually listed together. For example, if your motherboard supports DDR4 2133 memory, buy that. (Many motherboard manufacturers certify certain brands of memory for use with their boards; look up the motherboard on the Web to find out what's officially supported.) The number of memory slots tells you how many individual modules, or DIMMs, you can buy; you'll also be informed of the maximum memory supported, or the total amount of all the individual DIMMs taken together (such as 32 or 64GB). You may also see motherboards labeled as tri- or quad-channel, which signifies that you can expect a noticeable performance benefit if you fill the correct number of RAM slots. Note: Many times a motherboard will be listed as supporting a number of memory types with the designation "O.C." after them-this refers to memory that is overclocked. If you don't plan on overclocking your memory (which we don't recommend, unless you're an expert or fearless tweaker), you may safely ignore these numbers.

Expansion slots. The most common motherboard form factors, ATX and Micro ATX, will have between four and seven PCI Express (PCIe) slots, for adding expansion cards. These may use either the current top-end standard, PCIe 3.0, or the older (and slower) 2.0, with designations based on the size of the slots and the number of PCIe lanes they use. The longest slots are x16, though some that look identical may run at x8 or x4; in addition, there are visibly smaller x1 slots. On a Mini ITX motherboard, however, you should only expect one x16 slot.

Storage. SATA remains the most common interface for connecting internal storage devices to your motherboard. The newest version of the standard, SATA 3, supports data transfer rates of up to 6Gbps. You may also find some other interfaces; M.2, in which a flash-based storage module plugs directly into a thin slot on your motherboard, is becoming increasingly popular, for example. Regardless, you'll want to have enough of the right kind of ports for whatever storage you want to buy. (Learn more about that in the Storage section, below.)

Onboard technologies. Just about every motherboard will feature onboard stereo sound and Ethernet, most will include integrated Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth, and many will also include ports for taking advantage of processors' integrated video capabilities. (You won't find the last on motherboards for higher-end processors, which are designed for use with discrete video cards, and you may ignore these ports on lower-end or midrange motherboards if you plan on installing a standalone video card.) It's worth checking the specs so that you don't forego something you really want.

Video card support. Think you may want to concoct an ultra-powerful gaming machine with more than one graphics card? Even if you have enough slots to hold multiple cards, you're out of luck if your motherboard isn't designed for use with either Nvidia's SLI technology or AMD's CrossFireX, so verify that first.

Memory, Video Card, and Storage

Memory

Your computer's random-access memory, or RAM, is where data is stored while the processor is waiting to crunch the numbers. More is pretty much always better, within the boundaries of your budget and your system (if yours is 32-bit, it's limited to about 4GB; 64-bit PCs can handle up to 192GB, which is much more than any consumer desktop motherboard can currently hold), though if you use simple applications and aren't an avid multitasker, you can get away with less. The nice thing about building your own PC: If it turns out you need more, memory is one of the easiest things to add. Here's what to look for:

Type. Memory will only be useful to you if the motherboard supports it; read that section for more information. Each new standard offers some additional speed and features, but not in all situations, so don't feel as if DDR4 RAM, rather than DDR3, is an automatic must for you if you're building from scratch. Just remember that RAM is not backward-compatible, so DDR4 will not work in a DDR3 slot. The higher the number in a memory's standard, such as DDR4 2666, the faster it generally is. Faster memory designed for the same slot type will work in a slower slot, but save yourself some money and don't leave any performance on the table you don't have to.

Capacity. DIMMs for each memory type come in a variety of capacities, so you can buy what you need and can afford. It's best to buy at least one chip for each memory channel (three for triple-channel, four for quad-channel), and memory often comes in "kits" to make that easier; and we don't recommend mixing and matching capacities within any one build. If you see a capacity listed as something like "8GB (2 x 4GB)," this means the total amount of RAM is divided up between a number of chips (in this case, two DIMMs of 4GB each, for a total of 8GB).

Memory timings. Most memory specs include a series of four numbers, separated by hyphens, that provide an at-a-glance way to tell how speedy the memory is. The first number, CAS latency (the amount of time between when the memory controller requests data and when it's available) is the most significant, and may be listed by itself. The lower the numbers, the faster you can expect the memory to be.

Other specs. Error Checking and Correction (ECC) memory is intended for high-performance systems such as workstations and servers; you will need a motherboard that specifically supports this type of memory if you want to use it (and most ordinary users won't need to). Voltage numbers give you specific information about how the memory uses power, with higher voltages typically meaning speedier RAM-but this is something only overclockers will really need to know.

Video Card

Though integrated graphics systems are more commonplace today than ever, even the best versions in the latest processors can't deliver what you can get from even a lower-end discrete video card. If you're into gaming of any sort, a video card is a must, but any programs that are designed to take advantage of graphics hardware acceleration, from Windows to Photoshop and beyond, can benefit from offloading video processing to a dedicated subsystem. Unless you're blasting out a tight-budget build, there's no good reason to forego a video card. Here's what to look for:

Processing cores. Like your CPU, your graphics processing unit (or GPU) has contains multiple processing cores exclusively for churning out graphics. The more of them your video card has, the better a performer it's likely to be (and the more it's likely to cost). AMD calls its versions "stream processors" and Nvidia has named its own "CUDA cores"-note that although you can't directly compare the two types, the numbers of cores are good indicators of relative power within each company's chipset families.

Clock rates. As with your CPU, this is the speed at which the graphics processing unit, or GPU, runs. It's not unusual to see cards with fewer processing cores and faster clock speeds, or vice versa, so try to find the best blend for the amount of money you have to spend.

Memory. Video memory (VRAM) serves a function for video cards that's similar to what ordinary RAM does for the rest of your computer: It stores the data until it's needed for processing. This matters less if you're playing at lower resolutions, where there aren't as many pixels and other visual effects to be wrangled, but, as a rule of thumb-as with RAM-more tends to be better. (You'll see 4GB or more on the highest-end video cards.) Also pay attention to the memory clock speed, which can also function into performance.

Ports. A video card isn't worth much if it's not hooked up to at least one monitor. Look at the list of its ports to determine whether your card outputs to DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort; if you'll be using your computer with a monitor you already own, you'll want to know ahead of time whether you'll need to buy an adapter. Another good idea is verifying how many monitors the card can drive at once: It may not be the same as the card's number of output ports.

Power requirements. Video cards are among the most power-hungry PC components you can buy, so know what you need to get from your power supply. Usually there will be a minimum value you should respect, and you'll also be told the specific number of PCIe power connectors (six- or eight-pin) you'll need in order to get the card to work, as well as the number of amps needed from the power supply (see that section below for more information about this).

Storage

Even if you love smartphones and tablets, you have to admit that storage is one of their biggest weaknesses: You seldom get that much, and you're pretty much stuck with whatever you buy. When you're building your own PC, that's not a problem-it's easy to add or change more pretty much anytime you want. But even if you don't have to worry too much about capacity, you need to make a few other crucial decisions. Here's what to look for:

Hard drive or SSD? The average price of solid-state drives (SSDs), which store data on flash memory, has dropped a lot in recent years, making them a better choice than ever to add to your computer if speed in booting up and accessing files is what you crave. But by and large, they're still punishingly expensive on a cost-per-gigabyte basis compared with traditional, slower mechanical hard drives: It's not hard to track down a 3TB hard drive that costs $100 or less, whereas consumer-oriented SSDs top out at about 1TB-and those will run you $350 at an absolute minimum. Because of this, the classic advice is still the best: Pair a lower-capacity solid-state drive (256GB or so is a good compromise), for installing Windows and your most important programs, with one or more spinning hard drives for housing all your data. Another option may be a hybrid drive, which stores most of your data on an inexpensive hard drive but uses a tiny amount of flash memory for things you use most frequently; this can save you a lot of money, but because of how the underlying technology functions, the performance will not always match what you get from a true hard drive-SSD pairing.

Interface. Serial ATA (SATA) connections are still common, especially for hard drives, and your motherboard will undoubtedly have plenty. But for major speed advantages, you can also buy newer SSDs on PCIe cards that install directly into your motherboard's expansion slots and use that much faster bus. Other interfaces, such as mSATA and M.2 are less common, but you may want to take a page from space-saving smaller systems and consider M.2 (which plugs directly into a motherboard port) for use as a boot drive. Just be certain your motherboard supports whatever standard you intended to use.

Form factor. This refers to the size of the drive, with hard drives coming in 3.5- or 2.5-inch varieties, and SSDs coming in 2.5- or 1.8-inch models. For desktop computers, form factor doesn't always matter much, though you'll need to have the right kind of space in your case for whatever drive you choose.

Hard drive specs. A couple of extra details may appear on hard drive listings that you won't see when researching SSDs. Most consumer hard drives spin at either 7,200 or 10,000rpm, with the speedier drives costing more and using more energy. You can also select the amount of cache memory your hard drive uses (up to 128MB) to boost performance. This information is useful for detail-oriented purists, but is of limited use if you don't plan to use your hard drive as your boot drive (which, as mentioned above, we don't recommend).

Is optical optional? Now that most software is purchased and delivered digitally, an optical drive may not be a necessity for you, particularly if you don't plan to install a lot of older programs. If you don't want an optical drive, you'll need another strategy for installing the operating system; use another computer to create an installation USB key, for example. If you do want a drive, it may be worth it to splurge a bit on a Blu-ray burner (they cost around $100, or about five times what you'd pay for a DVD burner), so you can watch high-definition movies you may have hanging around.

Power Supplies and Case

Power Supplies

You can buy the best components to be found on the Web, and they'll be useless if you can't actually turn your computer on once you've finished building it. A power supply unit (or PSU) may be the most unappreciated of components, but without it, nothing else will work, so don't forget to give it the thought it deserves. Here's what to look for:

Maximum power. This is the highest amount of power the PSU is capable of directing to your components. The less complicated or intense the build, the lower a number you can get away with-for most people, 500 to 750 watts will be fine. But if you're using high-end parts, particularly energy-sucking video cards (or more than one), your power needs could raise to 1,000 watts or even more. Checking your components' power usage or thermal design power (TDP) is vital-get a power supply that's too weak, and your computer may not even turn on.

Voltage rails. Simply put, voltage rails are like individual power circuits within your PSU, with each of the major varieties (+3.3V, +5V, and +12V) powering different kinds of components. In most cases, the most important one to pay attention to is the +12V rail, as that's what will be driving your video cards; one of these capable of supplying 34 to 40 amps should be enough for the most powerful cards you can currently buy, and is likely to be more reliable than using multiple +12V rails for the same job.

Form factor. Like other components we've covered here, power supplies come in a variety of form factors that determine the kinds of hardware you can use with them, and under what circumstances. The most common for mainstream motherboards right now is the ATX12V, but you may also see others (such as EPS12V), and you may need to buy a smaller power supply if you're building a system too miniature to fit a full-size ATX power supply, say.

Connectors. Power supplies come in two varieties: one in which all the cables are preattached, and another (called modular) that lets you connect only the cables you need. In either case, your PSU still has to have the right connectors, whether six- and eight-pin for video cards, SATA for newer hard drives and SSDs, or Molex for older drives and other devices. The good news is that if you don't have all the connectors you need, adapters aren't too tough to find. Still, it's easiest to verify that you have what you need ahead of time; the PCIe connectors for the video card are most likely to trip you up, so find out what your card needs so your PSU can supply power in the proper way.

Case

Yes, you'll need a case to house all the other components you buy, and that's what we'll focus on here. But remember that it's also the outward expression of your computer's personality-and your own. How big should it be? What shape? What color? Do you want a window? Make these decisions, too, so your final computer will look every bit as good as it runs. But as far as the necessary specs, here's what to look for:

Form factor. Though a case can basically be as big or as small as you want it to be, what matters more is which form factor of motherboard it's designed for. One intended for ATX motherboards will have room for the board and the proper number of expansion slots; a Micro ATX motherboard is smaller and will have fewer slots, though the case itself may not necessarily be smaller; and smaller form factors still, such as Mini ITX, may require other adjustments to your component choices (less storage, for example, or maybe a smaller power supply). Many larger ATX cases can also be used with motherboards of other form factors; as long as yours is supported, you should be fine.

Front-panel ports and controls. You'll definitely want to access all of your computer's features, and its front-panel ports are the way to do that. Every case will have Power and Reset buttons and an activity light, and most will also have headphone and microphone jacks and USB ports; some may even have fan or lighting controls. Just remember that you'll need to connect any front-panel ports to the motherboard, so cross-comparing those specs ahead of time is a good idea.

Drive bays. You'll need someplace to store your hard drives and SSDs, and any other devices you may be using. Generally speaking, cases may have one or more 5.25-inch external bays for optical drives other enthusiast gadgets, and multiple bays for 3.5- or 2.5-inch hard drives and SSDs. (Some cases also have externally accessible 3.5-inch bays for easily swapping hard drives in and out.) The smallest cases, though, can have very few of these, so pay attention, or risk not being able to perform necessary upgrades later.

Fans and filters. Cooling is one of a case's most important functions. Your case will probably come with one or more intake or exhaust fans, and have room for adding more (in several sizes, from 80mm on up) if you want them. Removable filters, which capture dust to keep your PC's interior tidy and are easy to clean, are also common on higher-end cases.

Putting It All Together

Putting It All Together

Once you've decided on and purchased your parts, it's time to do the really exciting/fun/scary thing: assembling them all. Believe it or not, this is less difficult than it may sound, especially now that tool-free cases are de rigueur and you won't need your Phillips screwdriver for installing much more than the power supply and the motherboard. But doing things in the proper order will help out a lot.

What follows is the basic procedure we used while building a higher-end system for testing hardware here in PC Labs. It illustrates most of the points you'll encounter in your building, though the details will differ a bit depending on the components you buy. The basic techniques, however, seldom vary much from build to build.
1. Get Prepared
Just as a chef wouldn't fire up the stove without the mise en place ready to go, neither should you. Unpack all your components, remove the packing material from them, and arrange them cleanly on a large, flat surface. The floor will absolutely work if that's all you have, but try to avoid doing it on a carpet-static electricity remains a major danger for electronics, and frying your system before you even get to use it is one shock you don't want. (If you're concerned, you can use an antistatic wrist strap or ground yourself by touching some bare metal, such as the frame of your empty computer case, before you start working with anything else.) Also, open up the main side panel of your case, because that's where your build will begin.
2. Install the Power Supply
You won't need the power supply until much later in the build process, but you're better off installing it first because once the other components are in place, it becomes a lot more difficult to put the supply where it needs to go. Position the PSU in the bay with the fan pointing downward (many cases will have a vent there) and the screw holes lining up with the holes on the back of the case. Secure the power supply with the provided screws, then drape the cables over the side of the case to keep them out of the way while you work on everything else.

Most of the time, it's going to be easiest to install some components on the motherboard before you put the motherboard in the case-you'll have a lot more room to work that way. The processor definitely qualifies for this treatment. Begin by opening the socket. If you're using an AMD CPU, just lift the lever to release the locking mechanism; you'll also need to do this for Intel chips, but notice that a metal cover will also secure the chip in place, and that needs to be lifted as well. (On higher-end Intel chips using the LGA 2011 socket, two levers hold down the socket cover, and you'll need to lift those one at a time.) Once the socket is opened, use the arrows printed on the socket and chip to align the CPU correctly, then lower it gently into the socket. (With AMD processors, the pins are on the CPU, so they'll need to all go down into the proper holes and the chip sits flat before proceeding.) Once the chip is in place, secure the socket again by reversing the procedure you used to open it.

4. Install the CPU Cooler

Some fans and coolers may come with the necessary thermal compound already applied. If yours doesn't, squeeze a small dab onto the center of the top of the processor; you can spread it around evenly with something like a business card if you want, but this isn't strictly necessary. With most stock coolers, you just align the support posts for the cooler around the socket and secure them in place; each cooler is slightly different in this regard, so refer to its instructions for exact directions on doing this with the model you have. If you're using a liquid cooler (such as the one shown in this paragraph) or another aftermarket cooler, you may need to install mounting hardware on the underside of the motherboard or configure a universal support mechanism for use with your specific motherboard and processor-either is another good reason to install the cooler while the motherboard is still outside the case.

The RAM bays are opened with the little clips at either end (some motherboards use only one set of clips, but most have two)-just push them down. Align the notch in the memory connector to the raised "key" in the RAM bay (you could do damage to the DIMM if it's not oriented correctly), then push the DIMM firmly into place. When it's correct, the clips should rotate back up and lock the memory in. Repeat with your other chips. Note: If you're using multiple-channel memory, the DIMMs should be installed in the proper channels if you want the according speed boost. It's pretty easy if, say, you have a quad-channel board and only four memory bays, but it might be more confusing in other situations, though the bays are often color-coded to clear things up. Consult your motherboard's manual if you're not sure.

Each motherboard comes with a specially designed I/O plate that labels each of its ports and helps close off the back of the computer from dust and other intrusions; you don't absolutely need it, but it's a really good thing to have. Align the plate right-side up (you may want to compare it to the back of the motherboard, just to be safe), place it inside the wide space at the rear of the case, and push on it-hard-until it locks into place on all four edges.

Finishing Touches

Although some cases come with preinstalled motherboard risers, which prevent the board from directly touching the metal of the case, most don't. To find out where the risers should go if you're not sure, place the motherboard in the case and see which holes in it correspond with which holes in the case, then screw the risers that came with your case into those holes. (Some cases have the holes needed for the various form factors marked so you won't have to either do this or guess.) Once the risers are in, tighten each of them as much as you can. Guide the motherboard gently into the case, pushing its rear-panel ports through the correct openings in the I/O plate, and then laying the motherboard on top of the risers so you can see them through the screw holes. Insert and screw in half way all the screws; once they're in, and you've verified that the motherboard's position is correct, go back and screw them all in the rest of the way. Be careful not to overtighten the screws.

The video card plugs into the longest (x16) PCIe slot on the motherboard, the first in the series of slots. Open that slot on the case, either by unscrewing the cover blocking it or utilizing your case's tool-free mechanism. Line up the card's backplate with the slot and the gold connectors (avoid touching them) with the slot itself. Then push the card down until it clicks. Secure the card in its position using whatever method your case employs. Note: If you're using an extra-wide video card or multiple video cards, you'll need to open more than one slot.

Because every case is different, it's tough to provide a single blanket explanation for how to install the specific drives for your build. Most 5.25-inch drives, if you're using them, will either screw in place or use a simple tool-free system on one or both sides of the drive cage. It's not uncommon for 3.5-inch drives to install using caddies or trays, though they may also screw into a smaller cage below the 5.25-inch one (almost always at the top of the drive well). And many of those same trays will also have space for 2.5-inch drives, though some of these drives come with adapters that let them work easily in 3.5-inch bays, or other slots (such as on the floor of the case or beneath the motherboard tray) may be provided for installing them. Other drive form factors, such as mSATA or M.2, install into special slots on the motherboard itself; and still other drives can be placed in PCIe slots. The manuals for your motherboard and any unusual drives will have the information you need about this.
10. Connect Your Cables
With all your hardware installed, it's time to start linking everything together. Run data cables from your drives that need them to the appropriate ports on the motherboard. (SATA ports are often located along the edge of the motherboard.) Ensure that everything that needs power gets it: Connect the appropriate cables from the power supply to the motherboard (you'll probably need two for this: one terminating in a 24-pin plug, another in a four- or eight-pin plug), to your video card (one or more of the six- or eight-pin cables, probably labeled PCIe), and to your drives (the connectors are thin and black). For bonus points, route your interior cables through the holes in the inside of the case and around the back of the motherboard if you can; most non-budget cases today are designed to facilitate this. Yes, the inside of your computer will look better (nice if you have a window), but you'll also be improving airflow, and thus the way your computer deals with heat.
11. Connect Your Wires
The final step in making it possible to interact with all the various parts of your computer-and seeing that they operate correctly-is connecting all the wires. Connect the power wires from your CPU cooler and any case fans to the proper pins on the motherboard; sets are clearly marked for "CPU Fan," "Chassis Fan," or "Aux Fan." Then connect the wires from the front panel to the appropriate headers: USB will be common here (note that the 2.0 and 3.0 standards' headers look different), as will the headphone and microphone jacks (which will connect via the same audio header), but you may have other esoteric ones to deal with as well. Last, but not least, link the bevy of tiny front-panel wires linked to your activity lights and Power and Reset buttons to the pins on the motherboard. These are almost always labeled on the board itself, but they can be hard to see, and it can be difficult to know which of the two-pin connectors goes where. Again, consult your motherboard manual if you have any questions as to what goes where-you won't do any permanent damage if you screw this up, but your buttons might not work and your lights might not flash correctly, and that can sometimes be even more annoying.
12. Start Using Your PC
That's it. You'll still need to install Windows and software, and tweak the BIOS or UEFI settings to your liking, so there's a fair amount of work yet to be performed. But remember that this doesn't have to be the end of the process. Want more speed? Swap out the processor for a faster one. Tackle more demanding projects by upping the RAM. Make your games more exciting by replacing your video card with the latest and greatest model. Add another hard drive or two or three. The choice is yours, and you can change your mind at any time-and upgrading individual parts (aside from the motherboard) is invariably easier than starting from scratch. In any event, rest easy knowing that you're doing it all on a PC you built especially for you, and that will always reflect your needs and desires in a way no tablet or laptop easily can. Sure, maybe a desktop is limited in some ways in 2015, but you'll have more freedom than with any other setup. And don't be surprised if you find that the satisfaction you derive from putting it all together yourself, is well worth the loss in mobility.

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Computing has changed a lot in the last decade. For many, smartphones have become the go-to method of playing games, staying in touch with friends, and browsing the Web for answers to spur-of-the-moment trivia questions and viewing cat pictures. When you need something more powerful, or with a bigger screen, you might reach for a tablet.

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Detailed information to consider when searching for a new computer.

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Top 10 things to consider when buying computer.
When entering into the world of computers it can get very easy to get confused and loose sight of your goals and sometimes your budget. Here's the top 10 things to consider;
1. Most importantly, know what you want to use it for and set aside a realistic budget.
Your budget
The first thing that most of us are constrained to is budget so this is the first thing you should consider. We always want the best but we need to be grounded on what we can afford. So Get a budget and stick to it.

Laptop or Desktop?
The next thing you should be looking at is your requirements. Do you need a laptop or desktop? What is the machine going to be used for? Once you have done this go back to number one and see if these are compatible often they are not first time round. You either need to adjust your budget or adjust your goals to make them more compatible with each other.

Now its time to look at the computer.
There are many things to consider when actually buying the computer, here I will list the most important so you can choose wisely.

2. The Processor
This is the most important factor when choosing a computer nowadays and there are many factors in processor choice the main thing is that in my opinion Intel are at the moment making the best chips and their core 2 duo range is the best so go for one in this family and you will be ok.

3. RAM (Computer Memory)
Essentially, the more rams you have, the more browsers and applications you can open. 4Gb is the most basic nowadays. 8GB is the sweet spot for most people. If you are a gamer, photo or video editor, or planning to do CAD/CAM work, you need at least 16GB of Ram. Make sure you get windows vista 64bit as your operating system.

6. Hard Drive
This is the next piece you should tackle. Computers today usually come with 250GB and 750GB of space in the hard drive. As more people are storing their information online on cloud storage, you may want to rethink of buying a huge hard drive space.

Google provides the 1st 15GB of free & monthly fee of $1.99 for 100GB and $9.99 for 1 terabyte.

Mega provides free 50GB

pCloud provides free 10GB

MediaFire provides 10GB

Dropbox provides 2GB

Where to get free cloud storage;

7. Graphics
Now all computers come with some form of graphics built in. But my recommendation is to go with something a little better possibly from NVIDIA or AMD. They make your computer resolution better. AMD cards are good for mining while NVidia is good for Adobe programs.

8. Computer Software
Most computers comes with microsoft software. The latest is Windows 10.

9. Anti-Virus Software
The last thing to do with the actual computer is a good virus and spy ware package. Don't be under any illusion this is possibly the most important part of protecting your computer. It will get attacked at some point be prepared when it does.

10. Your Computer Lifeline, Internet
Finally the internet, get a good internet provider broadband at least. No computer is complete without a good internet.

I hope this list is helpful in helping you make vital decisions when buying your new computer.

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Top Ten Things to Consider When Buying a Computer

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Top 10 things to consider when buying computer. When entering into the world of computers it can get very easy to get confused and loose sight of your goals and sometimes your budget. Here's the top 10 things to consider; 1. Most importantly, know what you want to use it for and set aside a realistic budget.

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This is a good article to take a peek at if you are considering buying a new computer, or deciding between brands. It gives five logical questions you should think about before committing to a computer.

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With the Windows 7 End-Of-Life coming soon (January 14, 2020), a lot of users will need to upgrade Operating Systems. For the majority of users, that typically means getting an entirely new PC altogether. When shopping for a new computer, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options. The purpose of this article is to highlight some of the most important factors when deciding which PC is right for you or your business.

1. What will the PC be used for?

This question should always be asked first whenever considering a new PC. Factor in potential new activities that you might want to do, as well as listing old activities.

Consider a situation like this: currently, you only do light office work, such as editing spreadsheets or typing up documents, but someday down the line, you begin to think you might like to edit photos or videos. Planning for this new activity can help point out the components you specifically need to factor in to enhance the performance of the photo editing application later on when you do start using it.

2. How much memory does the PC come with?

Memory has a great impact on the performance of your computer, ranging from how many applications you can have open at one time, down to the performance of any one particular application. There are a few factors to consider when investigating the memory of your new PC. The quantity of RAM, which affects how many applications you can have open at once, and the speed of the RAM, which affects load time and general speed of an open application.

3. How much storage do you need?

Storage capacity has come a long way in recent years. You can get vast amounts of storage for relatively little cost. A lot of factory-made PCs come with 1 terabyte hard drives, more than enough to hold most data. Often, hard drive transfer rates are the bottleneck in PC performance. A fix for slow transfer rates is to purchase a computer with a solid-state hard drive. While solid-state drives are slightly more expensive, they use flash memory instead of moving metal platters to store data, offering a significant performance advantage over traditional drives. For a more in-depth article about solid-state drives, check out " Solid State Drives, are they worth the expense? ".

4. How much processor do you need?

Processors are the main deciding factor behind your PC's overall performance and are generally the most confusing component to compare. There are a multitude of factors to consider for a processor, ranging from the speed of the processor to how many cores the processor has. The key factor to focus on for your processor will mainly come from the applications you're running, such as whether the program is designed to take advantage of the multiple cores.

For standard office work and general workstation use, a typical i3 or i5 is usually more than adequate. If you are performing more complex calculations, such as CAD design or Photo/Video editing, a higher-end i7 or maybe even Xeon processor is worth the investment. For a more in-depth article about processors, check out " What's the difference between Intel's i3, i5 and i7 processors? "

5. Do you need a dedicated graphics card?

Graphics cards tend to only help performance when it comes to multimedia-based tasks such as video editing or 3D modeling, so having one is not necessarily required if the PC in question is only used for office-type applications.
In conclusion, there are several considerations when picking out a new PC. If you need any assistance, you can always call SandStorm IT at 901-475-0275. We'll be glad to assist you in picking out the perfect machine for you or your business!

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Five Things to Consider When Purchasing a New Computer

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With the Windows 7 End-Of-Life coming soon (January 14, 2020), a lot of users will need to upgrade Operating Systems. For the majority of users, that typically means getting an entirely new PC altogether. When shopping for a new computer, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options.

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Why should you invest in an HP computer?

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There are so many laptop choices on the market today that it's easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, the reality of having so many options assures shoppers that there is a perfect choice available for your unique and important needs.

Whether you want a laptop for entertainment, college, or your new business, there is an HP laptop model designed just for you. Answer your own thoughts of "what laptop should I buy?" by using our handy buying guide for laptops.

Gaming laptops

Do you think a powerful gaming experience needs to be done on a desktop? Think again. These powerful notebook computers are designed for the gamer on-the-go. Lose nothing and gain freedom with HP OMEN gaming laptops.

1. HP OMEN 15-inch gaming laptop

The amazing NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1060 graphics with Max-Q design options and up to 32GB4 DDR4 RAM really sets this laptop apart, and you can see every graphic detail on the truly portable 15-inch screen. Skip the jitter and freezing of lesser laptops, thanks to the best in Intel® Core™ processors.

While the HP OMEN 15t gaming laptop comes standard with all the ports to accommodate your favorite accessories or VR headset, you'll also get a great experience through the Bang & Olufsen on-case speakers. Store all your games, files, and strategy guides with 1TB of HDD storage.

2. HP OMEN 17-inch gaming laptop

Want everything we mentioned above, but on a bigger screen? Get all the greatness of NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 graphics on 17 inches of amazing action-packed scenes.

Both of these laptops are making a name for HP® as a gaming industry power player.

Whether you compete in tournaments abroad or just want to move from your bedroom to the family room, your games can go everywhere you go with the HP OMEN gaming laptop series.

Entry-level laptops

When portable and affordable are at the top of your requirement list, there's no better choice than an HP notebook. Some of them are incredibly light and small, making them a good choice for traveling and transporting to and from class. Take a look at the highlights from the HP® lineup that are built with your budget in mind.

1. HP Chromebook

When you need a smaller, lighter notebook that works without a lot of unnecessary extras, consider the very affordable HP Chromebook family. The 11-inch HP Chromebook model runs on a trusted Intel Celeron processor, offering all the power you need to browse the web, email, create documents, and connect on social media.

This model runs on the Chrome OS, so you aren't paying for additional licensed software to do your daily tasks. This streamlined operating system also means you won't be waiting long from startup to productivity as you'll access all your favorite Google and Android apps in no time. You also get more than 11 hours of laptop battery life.

Looking for a slightly larger screen? Get more from your web experience with the 14-inch HP Chromebook model. It's the perfect laptop for students, casual users, and anyone who spends most of their computing time on the web and using Google apps like YouTube, Gmail, and Google Docs.

2. HP Stream laptop

A model that's similar in size and capability to the HP Chromebook is the HP Stream 11-inch laptop. This model uses a simplified Windows Home operating system in S mode, so you can browse the web securely wherever you have a WiFi connection. Office 365 Personal is included, so you can create documents and store your personal files safely in the cloud.

The portability of this laptop is superb. Boasting slim design and a bold blue color, it's a uniquely equipped solution for your on-the-go web needs and also offers more than 12 hours of battery life. This laptop is best suited for those who primarily use the internet on their computers. If you use social media, video chat, web research, and cloud-based apps, this is a perfect, budget-friendly laptop choice.

3. HP Notebook

When you need more computing power than a Celeron processor can provide, the 15-inch HP Notebook really delivers. It boasts a dual-core 5th Generation Intel Core i3 processor, so you have less lag and can get more things done. Play and work are equally rewarding thanks to the rich High Definition (HD) display that shows your favorite movies and photos with the brilliance they deserve.

The HP Fast Charge battery gets you from no power to working again in less time, and it provides more than 8 hours of productivity between charges. The 4GB of memory and 128GB of storage are more than adequate for enjoying your favorite files, movies, and more.

This notebook is a good choice for students and anyone needing access to multimedia files. Create, communicate, and browse the web with a slightly more compact screen than the HP Stream and HP Chromebooks.

4. HP 14z laptop

Another modestly priced option, this HP 14-inch laptop has a compact screen but offers big fun thanks to its full-sized keyboard and modern color options that make it a joy to use and show off to others.

Choose from jet black, natural silver, pale gold, smoke gray, scarlet red, twilight blue, or snow white when buying this laptop. You can also expand your computing capabilities with an array of graphics cards, processing chips, and onboard storage. You can even get up to 1TB storage for all of your most precious files.

Pick this device if you want all the goodies of an entry-level laptop, plus extra upgrade options for more memory, storage, and display. It's a dream for those who want to customize and buy exactly what they want.

Business workstations

If you have big, bold computing requirements, a desktop may be a tempting choice. Fortunately, today's HP laptops have just as much to offer as a stationary tower, even giving you access to wireless networking options and collaboration features that traditional desktop computers just don't provide. Check out the powerful solutions available in this section of our laptop guide.

1. HP EliteBook workstation

Advancing in your career requires innovation, flexibility, and the ability to go wherever new challenges take you. The HP EliteBook series is here to help with the best of business-class computing features to move you along. The entire line offers sleek, durable, and secure laptops that run on Windows Pro and incorporate the latest in security features to protect your most sensitive business data.

Choose something as minimalist as the 12.5-inch screen, or go bold with models measuring bigger than 15 inches in brilliant HD display options. The entire HP EliteBook line comes with impressive management and networking features, too, so you can feel like you're at the office - even when you're not.

If you need to get serious work done on the road, there is an HP EliteBook for your needs. With a range of processing, memory, and display options, you can get the gold standard of security and efficiency in the design you love most.

2. HP ZBook Studio workstation

Another incredible performer is the entire line of HP ZBook Studio laptops. From the convertible HP ZBook Studio x360 to the detachable HP ZBook Studio x2, there is an option for anyone who wants to create high-quality artistic work or refine projects to be their absolute best.

Creative professionals will adore the touch screen that lets you scroll or zoom with one hand and sketch with the other. An incredible array of ports lets you add your choice of accessories, transfer files, share screens, and more. All laptops in this family also come with the option for up to 10TB of hard drive storage space.

Photographers, video editors, artists, and designers have many choices for a laptop that helps them excel at their job. Only the HP ZBook Studio workstation line has so many ways to do it in amazing, real-time processing speeds. If you're looking for a way to spend less time waiting for renders, with brand partnerships with tools like Wacom, this is the line for you.

Convertible laptops

For those who aren't sure what to look for in a laptop, it may help to compare it to devices you're already familiar with using. Are you a tablet fan? Do you adore your smartphone? Would you like to use your laptop in the same manner?

Convertible laptops are popular among users who like using their gadgets for everything. Check out our top picks for 360-degree versatility in a laptop you can take everywhere.

1. HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop

There are almost a dozen options in the HP Spectre x360 convertible laptop line, and each boasts some pretty incredible perks. For one, they easily fold from laptop to tablet and back again. Also, with an amazing, precision touch screen, you can create almost anything, including detailed graphics with a compatible pen and Windows Ink software.

Battery life ranges from 13 hours to more than 16 hours, too, making it a must-have for doing work both in and away from the office. Incredible cooling power, a vast array of external ports, durable screen materials, and an amazing ability to stay cool are just a sampling of the things that the HP Spectre x360 laptops do best.

Perfect for anyone in the creative professions, the line is designed to do more, faster, and with incredible responsiveness. Plus, you'll see your work look its absolute best with the amazing 4K display.

2. HP ENVY x360 convertible laptop

If you don't need quite as much power, the HP ENVY x360 convertible laptop line will do just as nicely. These models are made to run on today's most impressive consumer processors, the 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor being the most popular and capable choice.

With a screen size choice between 13 and 15 inches, as well as a variety of memory and graphics options, it's a customizable way to get just what you need from a convertible laptop and at a price that works with your budget.

If you're wavering between buying a mid-priced laptop and a tablet with adequate storage, go for the HP ENVY x360 laptop. With up to 1TB of storage available, you can't find a better choice for tablet lovers.

3. HP ENVY x2 detachable laptop

Not quite a convertible laptop, the HP ENVY x2 detachable laptop is more of a 2-in-1 product combining the portability of a tablet with the reliability of notebook. The touch screen display can completely detach from the case and keyboard to provide a versatile experience for browsing, drawing, chatting, and more.

With an integrated Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ x16 LTE modem, you can also access the internet anywhere there's a 4G LTE connection available - no more being limited by WiFi. Something else unique to this model is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8358 platform that lets you connect in seconds and use all of your favorite Windows applications, too.

Whether you choose to use it as a laptop or a tablet, it's one of the most portable of all the HP laptops available. If you travel outside WiFi networks and want a tablet to meet your business or leisure needs, there's no match for the HP ENVY x2 series. It's great for taking on trips or for when you simply want to do more from home.

Why it pays to be curious

If the process of buying a laptop computer has you confused, you're not alone. Many buyers put off getting a new laptop because they are so comfortable with the products they've been using for years.

But avoiding some of the new product perks that have hit the market recently means you may be missing out on amazing opportunities to connect, create, and produce. Don't be afraid to explore entirely new product features you aren't sure about. The possibilities may surprise and inspire you.

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There are so many laptop choices on the market today that it's easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, the reality of having so many options assures shoppers that there is a perfect choice available for your unique and important needs. Whether you want a laptop for entertainment, college, or your new business, there is an HP laptop model designed just for you.

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Why should you buy a Mac?

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If you are thinking of changing computers this year and are still not sure whether to opt for a Windows PC or a Mac, these 11 reasons to buy a Mac may end up turning the balance on the side of the apple brand.

Mac users are more satisfied with their purchase computers that Windows PC users, as indicated by surveys conducted each year byAmerican Customer Satisfaction Index.

Although the gap between PC and Mac user satisfaction has narrowed over the past decade, in 2021 Apple still leads Samsung by 1% and Acer (ranked third in the category) by 4%.

And, despite the improvements in PCs, Macs have been the computer of choice for creatives and designers for more than a decade. And it is no coincidence, for this article I draw on more than 15 years of professional experience using various Mac models.

11 Key reasons to buy a Mac in 2022

1. M1 Chips

Apple's M1 chips are a revolution and are outperforming some of the most powerful Windows PC in performance and battery life tests. Also, they are much quieter than their competitors.

It is still early to see its full potential because many programs are not yet adapted to Macs with M1 and Apple has not yet released Mac configurations with M1 and 16 GB of RAM.

Therefore, if you are a design or video editing professional or use very demanding programs, I recommend waiting until the programs are adapted and the 16 GB versions come out.

For all those who do not need 16 GB of RAM, the M1s are so powerful that, even without the adapted programs, their performance is incredible. Therefore, if you have enough with 8 GB of RAM, I recommend the 13″ MacBook Pro.

2. User experience

When your computer is your work tool and you are going to use it every day, you want it to be easy to use, stable, functional and beautiful.

A Mac is a rewarding experience from minute zero. You open the box and everything is well thought out, superbly designed and ready to go.

The usability and interaction design of macOS (the Mac operating system) means that you do not need to learn anything complicated to handle it. In fact, the interfaces of iPhone, iPad and Mac are increasingly it seems more, so when you learn one, you practically learn them all.

Here you can see some impressions about Catalina, the latest Mac operating system.

If you come from using a Windows may It may take you a few days to get used to due to the change in operating system, but in general, the adaptation is very fast.

The minimalist design of macOS and pre-installed software make working with a Mac a pleasure to view.

This minimalist philosophy also makes it very easy to find and organize your files, folders, and programs, which translates into increased productivity.

3. Neat and durable design

Apple has set high-end computer design trends for the past 20 years. And make no mistake, for many, this is one of the main reasons to buy a Mac.

When it comes to laptops, the exterior design, materials and aluminum finishes of the MacBook are still the benchmark for most of their competitors. In addition, to its beauty is now added the power of the M1 chips, which makes them more efficient and allows its battery to reach 18 hours of autonomy. As with high-end cars, the minimalist design of Macs hardly varies from year to year. For this reason, they don't go out of style that quickly and look great for years.

4. The quality of manufacture and materials

While it is true that some current high-end PCs have nothing to envy to Macs in terms of design, when it comes to finishes and the type of materials used, Apple stands out above the rest.

Just touch and experience a Mac to feel the difference in quality and strength from any other computer. If you like quality things, you will have reasons to buy a Mac.

Although Apple has received several criticisms in recent years for lowering the quality of some of the components of the Macs, the set itself remains of a very high level.

A tough exterior

MacBook, Macbook Pro and Macbook Air are manufactured with an aluminum "unibody" much stronger than that of most brands. I don't even know how many times my MacBook Pro may have fallen to the ground and absolutely nothing happened, beyond a few scratches. This is why it is one of the main reasons to buy a Mac.

An interior thought to the millimeter

First, we have to differentiate between the interior of the Mac Pro and the interior of the rest of the Mac.

Mac Pro interior

The Mac Pro has a modular interior of incredible beauty, which can also be modified and expanded. On the other hand, the rest of Mac the hardware is soldered together, and only a small part can be expanded or modified.

This means that in most cases it is convenient that you choose a computer a little better than what you need today, since then you will not be able to expand its hardware and it can become out of date in a short time. That is even more relevant for the MacBook, MacBook Pro and Air, with the arrival of the M1, since in the new models, nothing will be replaceable after purchase, except the SSD hard drive.

Inside an Apple laptop with M1 Chip

As laptops get thinner,Apple has improved the interior of the Mac with a new thermal architecture that improves the better ventilation of its components. This allows that when you perform complex or heavy tasks for the system with programs such as Photoshop, Premiere, Cinema 4D, etc. These computers can perform at higher power, for longer, without overheating and more quietly, as the latest tests with M1 chips have shown.

5. Pre-installed software

When you buy a Mac, it already comes with some pre-installed programs. But make no mistake, we are not talking about bloatware or trial versions, but about complete software of very good quality.

Tools such as Keynote, Pages, Numbers, Photos, iMovies or Font Book, among others, are perfectly capable of carrying out their respective tasks.

Although advanced users may require programs that allow them to perform more complex tasks. These tools will allow you to save a lot of money on software every year, and without a doubt, one of the reasons to buy a Mac.

6. The interconnection between Apple devices

This is especially relevant for those who, in addition to a Mac, have other gadgets and devices from Apple.All Macs can share and receive photos, documents and much more with other Apple devices easily and quickly, just by being close, via AirDrop.

In addition, data synchronization between devices is very fast, allowing you to start working on one device and continue on another instantly.

Today this function is no longer a novelty or exclusive to Apple, in fact Google launched Nearby Share for Android, but the truth is that between these devices it works especially well.

7. Security

It is very common to believe that Macs cannot have computer viruses, but the truth is that there are viruses that affect both macOS and iOS systems.

This sense of security has also caused many Mac users not to take any type of security measures and end up with their computers infected.

So why do I highlight Security as one of the reasons to buy a Mac? Because despite everything, there is less chance of a Mac getting infected.

Macs are very popular but the vast majority of users worldwide use PCs. This makes it more attractive or profitable for any virus developer to make malware for PC instead of Mac. And for this simple reason, they are less likely to get infected.

8. Being able to use Windows on Mac

Through Boot Camp Assistant (included in Macs), you can install Microsoft Windows on your Mac and then switch between macOS and Windows every time you restart your Mac.

You'll also need to make a partition on your Mac's hard drive in order to have the two operating systems and their respective programs. Therefore, if you plan to use Windows on your Mac, I recommend choosing one with a capacity equal to or greater than 500 GB of memory.

9. Apple product screens

Although there are differences between them, the quality, sharpness and color accuracy of Apple screens is praised by much of the design world and one of the main reasons to buy a Mac

The resolution of these screens It is always one of the highest on the market, which added to its wide color gamut makes the images you work with always look incredibly sharp and realistic.

In addition, they are screens capable of a very high brightness level (500 nits), which allows you to work from a terrace and continue to see the screen correctly without straining your eyes.

In laptops, their format is generally higher than that of other manufacturers, which makes them incredibly practical to navigate and work.

10. The trackpad

For its size, texture and level of response to gestures, we can say that the trackpad of the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, is simply the best that exists to date.

Thanks to its large size, it is not only useful for browsing web pages, enlarging documents and rotating photos, among other actions. This trackpad is so precise that you can even retouch photos, design or edit video without the slightest problem.

The trackpad is pressure sensitive and gives you feedback on your gestures through subtle vibrations when, for example, two objects align, by dragging or rotating them.

11. Apple Technical Service

When your work depends largely on your computer, having a good Service and Technical Support is essential.

Apple offers itsTechnical Service through your Apple Store stores or Apple Authorized Service Providers. You just have to make an appointment online and go with your Mac, although you can also send it by mail following the instructions of the Technical Service.

Simple repairs are made on the spot and makes you sa home with your Mac repaired. Otherwise, they will notify you how long the repair will take and what day you can pick up your computer.

The technical service costs nothing if your problem is covered by the purchase warranty 1-year, AppleCare + (up to 3 years) or the consumer protection law (in case of manufacturing errors). If your repair is not covered by one of the above options, the price varies depending on the type of repair.

In many cases, Apple does not repair individual parts, but directly replaces damaged components with new ones. If the problem is with the computer in general, then you get a new one. As you can hear.

The good thing about this system is that they end the root problem and your Mac is like new. The downside is that when it comes to a small repair, your budget can skyrocket due to having to change the entire part. In that case, any Mac fix may cost you more than AppleCare + insurance, so it is worth purchasing. You can think about it and take out this insurance during the 60 days following the purchase of your Mac, but the 3-year warranty will always count from the date of purchase.

Choose the Mac that's right for you

As we've said, Apple Macs have long been a designer's favorite tool. But you have to consider that there are many Mac models and that not all are the same or have the same features or prices.

To help you, I have put together a comprehensive guide to the best models of Mac for Graphic Design. In it, I explain that Mac is better adapted to the needs of each type of designer and their needs, as well as what technical characteristics you should take into account when buying them.

Are these 10 reasons to buy a Mac not enough for you?

If after reading this article you are still not decided between Mac or PC to design because you think that these reasons are not relevant or attractive enough for you, maybe you should take a look at the article I have prepared on the reasons to buy a PCinstead of a Mac to design.

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❯ 11 Reasons to buy a Mac in 2022 that will surprise you

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If you are thinking of changing computers this year and are still not sure whether to opt for a Windows PC or a Mac, these 11 reasons to buy a Mac may end up turning the balance on the side of the apple brand.