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Explore the world of Mac. Check out the MacBook Pro, iMac Pro, MacBook, iMac, and more. Visit the Apple site to learn, buy, and get support.

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First-timer guide to building a computer

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First-timer guide to building a computer

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If you've never done it before, the idea of building a computer from the ground up can seem very intimidating-but it's one of the most satisfying projects a tech enthusiast can take on.
Update: We've got a much larger, more detailed, and up-to-date guide on building your own computer here. This article has some great reasons on why you might want to build over buy, but when it comes time to get your hands dirty, check out our new guide for the step-by-step.

Building a computer from scratch gives you the perfect machine for your needs, but it can be...
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Being more of a software gal than a hardware geek myself, I was the only Lifehacker editor who had never built a PC from scratch. So when I needed a new PC late last year, I took the plunge and built my custom system. I'm so glad I did-the project turned out to be one of my proudest accomplishments of 2008. If you've cracked open your PC before to install a new hard drive or TV capture card, but you've never built a whole new system from the ground up, it's not as difficult as you might think. Here are my notes for first-timers who want to build instead of buy their next computer.

Why Build Instead of Buy

"But computers are so cheap these days," you say. "Why waste the time and energy building your own system when you can get a great machine fully assembled and shipped to your door?" That's a great question. Building your own PC will not save you time. It might save you money, but that's not even the best reason to do it. For me, it was a fantastic hands-on educational experience. It gives me a deep sense of satisfaction every single day when I press the power button on my tower, watch it light up, and know that I plugged in the wire that goes from that light to the motherboard. Building your PC takes the mystery out of what's going on inside that black box you spend hours on per day.

There are other good reasons to build instead of buy, too. With your own build you can customize your system just how you like and make your perfect media center or gaming machine. You can save money if you already have some parts (though see my warnings on the dangers of a "Frankenbuild" below). Upgrading your PC in the future becomes easier and cheaper since your parts aren't tied to a particular manufacturer. With a custom build you can do fun stuff like overclock your CPU and get more bang for your buck, or install OS X where it was never intended to run.

Update: In September 2009, I updated our Hackintosh build with a guide covering how to build a...
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In short, building your own PC makes you feel like a badass.

What You're Getting Into

Don't get me wrong, though: building a PC (for the first time especially) takes research, time, gumption, patience, and a willingness to deal with several WTF moments. If you've never cracked a PC's case and installed parts, like a new hard drive or a video card, start there first. If you've got that experience under your belt, you might think that building a new PC is just a matter of snapping together a few parts. It is, but building from the ground up takes much more than an hour or two. My build took two full days, one online order, one returned motherboard, two trips to Fry's, one condescending sneer from a sales associate when I asked a newb question, and one trip to Radio Shack. If that sounds like a lot, well, it was, and there were moments in the process when I wished I'd just bought a Dell. But when it finally all came together, all the sweat makes the results even sweeter.

Where to Start: Researching and Buying Your Parts

You scared off yet? No? Good. Let's get down to it. There are a gadzillion articles on the internet about building your own PC, but many are way out of date, or just don't get specific about what exactly you should buy. When I had to start researching what parts to purchase, of course I turned to savvy Lifehacker readers to help me out. Several readers mentioned Ars Technica's excellent system buyer's guide, which breaks down exactly what parts you'd want for one of three levels of computer: a "budget box," a "hot rod," or a "God box." The 2008 guide published last fall; make sure you use the most recent one when you start your research. I started by plugging parts from Ars' "hot rod" system list into Newegg to get a sense of price and see if there were any deals, coupons or upgrades. In the end I didn't use Ars' exact recommendations, but it was an awesome, up-to-date, jumping-off point.

It's Friday afternoon, you've got questions, and your fellow readers have answers. Post...
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Your research into parts is the most important stage of the process. For first-timers it can be bewildering, and you will have questions. Just keep reading, take notes, consult with forums or sales associates, and remember that if you make the wrong purchase you can always return it for the right one. In the photo to the left you'll see my build's case, motherboard, power supply, CPU, and RAM. (I had a video card, DVD drive, and a hard drive from an old machine I planned to use in my new build.)

See this entire comment thread for more resources on deciding what parts to buy for your budget.

Get Down and Dirty

Once you've got your hot little hands on all the parts you need, the real fun begins. There are two stages to your build: the hardware stage, and the software stage. Adam's already covered how to install each individual hardware component. Here's the list:

Once you've got everything plugged in and mounted inside your case, leave the case sides off and plug in your keyboard, mouse, monitor, and power, and press the On button. This is the moment of truth. The first time you see the lights come on and the system setup appear on-screen, you'll feel like you've just arrived at the top of Mount Everest.

If the machine doesn't power on, or there's no video signal, or the keyboard doesn't work-just unplug everything and check your connections. It took me a few hair-pulling, teeth-gnashing attempts to get my new build to boot properly. If it doesn't work the first time, take a breath, unplug it all, and try again. Don't cry; that won't help.

Once you're into the machine's BIOS setup, key around and make sure the motherboard recognizes your DVD or CD drive and your hard drive. You'll need those working in order to install your operating system. Everything there? Now set your boot sequence to check your optical drive first. Insert your operating system's disc into your CD or DVD drive, and restart the machine. Now your operating system's setup will launch on boot, and you can install away.

In the meantime, blast very loud rock music, strut about the vicinity, arms upraised, and revel in your greatness.

Mistakes I Made That You Can Avoid

When you build your first PC, keep a few things in mind I wished I'd realized before I started.

Beware of the "Frankenbuild." A great way to save money on your new PC is using parts that you've already got around. But I was overly optimistic about what items from my very old Dell tower would work in my new system. I assumed my hard drive would work (it did, but it was an IDE drive, which I wound up replacing with a faster SATA model), I hoped my video card would work (it didn't), and I thought my DVD drive would work (it did). In the end I wound up buying parts I thought I'd be able to reuse, so my total price wasn't as low as my initial estimate.

Expect mishaps. I bought the wrong motherboard. Well, not the wrong one, but one that didn't have a FireWire port, which I wanted. Well, I had a FireWire card, but it didn't fit into the motherboard. Anyway, I figured all this out after I installed the CPU, which meant I had to remove it from the board, break the thermal compound seal, and ship the motherboard back. When I got the new motherboard and reinstalled the CPU, because the thermal compound left there didn't work anymore, the machine would start and within 10 seconds overheat and shut itself off. Next thing you know I'm scraping hardened thermal compound off the CPU with Goof Off and a credit card, and reapplying fresh from a tube I had to pick up from Radio Shack. Lesson: there will be mishaps. Expect crap to go wrong. Be confident in your ability to fix it after you Google the solution to the problem hundreds of people have had before you did.

Read the frakkin' manual. With years of tinkering in my PC's case under my belt, I went into my build eager to start working and only skimmed the user guides and online howto's before I started. Don't do that. Open and read the full-on manual that comes in the box with every single one of your parts. If you're not sure about something said manual includes, do your research before you plug anything in.

Buy locally if you can. My initial parts order was from Newegg, which was great price-wise, but really sucked when I had to return my motherboard, because I had to pay shipping fees and a restocking fee. With a Fry's down the road, I regretted not just buying everything at the store itself from the get-go to to make returns easier.

Give yourself lots of time. I wrongly assumed I'd be able to finish my build in a day, but it took two whole days and stressed me out because they were work days. Don't build a new PC when you're on deadline or otherwise pinched for time. Give yourself a whole weekend and a clean and spacious work area that you can leave filled with packing debris and electronic parts strewn about for a few days.

Have you built your own PC? Are you considering taking the leap? Let us know how it went or what you're thinking in the comments.
Gina Trapani, Lifehacker's founding editor, loves turning on her new PC every single day. Her new weekly feature, Smarterware, appears every Wednesday on Lifehacker. Subscribe to the Smarterware tag feed to get new installments in your newsreader.

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The First-Timer's Guide to Building a Computer from Scratch

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If you've never done it before, the idea of building a computer from the ground up can seem very intimidating-but it's one of the most satisfying projects a tech enthusiast can take on. Update: We've got a much larger, more detailed, and up-to-date guide on building your own computer here.

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Building a PC Computer and Where to buy parts

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Building a PC Computer and Where to buy parts

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Digital Trends' PC Build Guide

The Everyday Machine

Not every machine built by an enthusiast needs to have enthusiast-grade components. There are many reasons to build a basic machine that is capable, yet affordable. Maybe you're building a rig for a relative, for your home office, or you're simply a little tight on funds.

This isn't a pure budget build, however. It's theoretically possible to throw together a PC for quite a bit less, but that would mean significant sacrifices. The 850 Evo hard drive, for example, is not necessary - yet having it greatly improves the user experience.

A GPU is not included in this build, so you'll have to use Intel HD graphics. That means gaming isn't this machine's bag. If you do want to game, however, we recommend adding a GTX 950. It's inexpensive, and a good match for these system's specifications. If you need more performance than it provides you should upgrade to the "Big Bang" build, which also has a quad-core Intel processor.

The Big Bang (for your buck)

While the Everyday Machine is a great mid-range computer that can accomplish almost anything with reasonable speed, it does make some major sacrifices. The lack of a quad-core processor means it may lag in demanding multi-threading applications, its motherboard is basic, it doesn't have a discrete video card, and the solid state drive's capacity is limited.

The Big Bang rectifies those issues, and does so without splurging. The result is a system that, though more expensive, is a better overall value. While it's obviously not the fastest you can build, it can handle anything you throw at it. It can game at 1080p with ease, it tackles Photoshop without trouble, and it can accept a wide range of future upgrades.

The video card can be upgraded as desired, potentially all the way up to a GTX 980 Ti or AMD R9 Fury X. While the Gamer's Delight build is a better foundation for a killer gaming rig, The Big Bang is adequate, and a lot less expensive. Alternatively, the processor can be upgraded to a Core i5-6600, and the video card dropped, if you want a powerful PC but don't care about gaming.

The Gamer's Delight

The Big Bang can game, but it's not a dream machine. A real gaming powerhouse needs more graphics power, excellent cooling, and a motherboard specifically designed to support the best gaming hardware.

To be clear, this isn't an absolute maximum performance build. There are faster components - you could substitute the i5-6600K for an i7-6700K, for example. That would net a hair-thin performance gain, however, while ramping up the price.

Speaking of the processor, we decided to cool it with a high-end Noctua air cooler. Pre-built liquid coolers are popular, but don't often outperform a high-end air cooled heatsink. We also find mounting a liquid cooler troublesome because of the beefy radiator, and the tubing that connects it to the water block. The Noctua should be sufficient for modest overclocking. If you'd like, you can go all-out and buy a much larger heatsink, like the Noctua NH-D15. We didn't go that route, however, because its large size may conflict with nearby components.

The GTX 980 Ti in this system can handle anything at 1440p, and a great many games at 4K. If you'd like to play anything at 4K, then you'll need to throw in another GTX 980 Ti. The MSI motherboard can handle that with ease. We don't usually recommend SLI because it can fall victim to game support and driver woes, but if you want to play at 4K, you don't have a choice. No single GPU can handle the toughest titles in UltraHD.

The Virtual Boy

While Virtual Reality is usually associated with gaming, the Gamer's Delight isn't necessarily the best build for a capable VR platform. The difference has less to do with hardware, and more to do with connectivity.

The first difference that makes its way to the Virtual Boy is a step back to the Core i5-6400. This isn't a big deal, and was made mainly to reel the price back to near the $1,500 mark. The Core i5-6400 fulfills the recommended CPU requirement for the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive at a very low price.

We also changed the video card, but not to a more or less powerful model. Instead, we went with EVGA's rather unique GTX 980 Ti VR Edition. What sets this model apart is its internal HDMI connector and its front-facing connectivity, which is designed to slot into an enclosure's 5.25-inch external drive bay. This makes it possible to connect a VR headset to the front - rather than the rear - of a PC, which is certainly convenient and should cut down on cord clutter.

The last change we made is a switch from the large Cooler Master HAF tower to a small, boxy Corsair Air 540. While the Air 540 can still accommodate an ATX motherboard, its shape makes it easier to place in a room away from a desk, as you might if you're building a dedicated VR computer.

At $1,500, the Virtual Boy is certainly expensive. If you'd like, you could save a lot of money by downgrading the GTX 980 Ti to a GTX 970 or an AMD Radeon R9 390. Sadly, however, there's no VR Edition of either card.

The Workstation

Many enthusiasts build rigs around gaming, but there are other reasons to spend thousands on an extremely powerful system. For some, a fast processor can save both time and money. Professional video editors are a great example.

The workstation is built to meet the demands of the most demanding users. It has the fastest consumer processor available, a versatile motherboard with support for all the latest standards, gobs of RAM, and a cutting-edge solid state drive.

We decided to go with the 5960X for this build. It's the most powerful consumer processor available from Intel, and the best choice for most workstation users. However, the motherboard can support Xeon processors on the LGA 2011 socket, including the E5-2697, a 12-core behemoth. Most buyers will have trouble justifying it, given its retail price of $2,650 is as much as our entire recommend Workstation build. But it is an option.

One component is missing - the video card. We decided not to include it because your needs can vary tremendously in that area. If you don't use software optimized for GPU compute, you can use whatever you'd like. And if you do, it's likely optimized for, or only supports, certain hardware. Take a look at the recommended hardware for the software you use before deciding on an expensive workstation video card.

You will need something, though, because this particular Intel processor does not have an IGP and so can't put out video on its own - even if that something is a $50 video card. AMD's Radeon 6450 is a good choice if you work at 1600p or below (it doesn't support higher resolutions). If you need 4K support, buy a more capable card like the AMD Radeon R7 250X or Nvidia GT 750 Ti.

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Building a PC? Here's how to pick every part - now with 100 percent more VR

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Digital Trends' PC Build Guide Not every machine built by an enthusiast needs to have enthusiast-grade components. There are many reasons to build a basic machine that is capable, yet affordable. Maybe you're building a rig for a relative, for your home office, or you're simply a little tight on funds.

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What NOT to do when considering a computer purchase!

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What NOT to do when considering a computer purchase!

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I built a new computer a few years ago. I've always considered myself above average in the tech field, but looking back, I have a few regrets with the system I built - some of my decisions could've been much better. Even if you're thinking of buying a computer, not building one, you could be making the same mistakes as I did.

Most of these mistakes come down to a lack of knowledge. It's easy to make a sub-optimal purchase decision when you don't know all the facts. And even if you've read a lot of purchasing guides, you'll still make a few mistakes. So instead of telling you what you should look for when buying a computer, here are some things you should avoid doing.

When Buying a Computer Processor

The processor, also known as the CPU, is the brain of a computer system. It handles all of the calculations and operations that make software do what it does. A basic truth is that a faster CPU (meaning higher MHz/GHz) will result in a faster system. However, in recent years, CPU performance can't be determined by numbers alone anymore.

For example, an AMD CPU and Intel Core CPU might both be clocked at 2.5 GHz with 4 cores each, yet one may actually perform much better than the other. Why? Both CPUs may operate at 2.5 billion cycles per second, but the technology in the Intel Core CPU makes more use out of each cycle, so in reality it performs better.

Summary: Don't look only at the numbers. Learning which CPU is the best for you will take some research.

When Buying RAM

Like the CPU, people will often choose RAM by numbers. After all, 8 GB of RAM is 8 GB of RAM, isn't it? Not quite. It's true that having more RAM will boost your computer's performance, but you also have to know that RAM chips have an internal speed. 8 GB of RAM running at 1000 MHz will be slower than 16 GB of RAM running at 1333 MHz.

Summary: RAM is one of the cheapest components of a computer, yet it can boost performance by a noticeable amount. Don't look only at size, but also at speed, and buy the best you can afford.

When Buying Computer Hard Drives

Like RAM, people often judge a hard drive's worth based on how much data it can hold. Nowadays, top-tier consumer hard drives have pushed into terabytes territory, and some people think that a 2 TB drive is automatically better than a 500 GB drive. Not exactly true.

Hard drives don't only have a size but a speed. Sounds familiar, right? Hard drives spinning at 5400 RPM are going to be quite a bit slower than hard drives spinning at 7200 or 11000 RPM, and that means that accessing the data on the hard drive will be that much slower. Hard drives are well known for being the bottleneck in a system's performance, so buying the fastest drive whenever possible is a good investment.

At the same time, hard drives are the computer component that is most prone to breaking down. A 1 TB drive is useless if it wears down in just 1 year, whereas a 500 GB drive that is built well and lasts 5 years is worth it.

Summary: Size is important, but so is speed and lifespan. If you need a fast system, faster hard drives may be better than larger ones. Also, read around for reviews and guides to gauge the lifespan of a particular hard drive model.

When Buying a Monitor

For the average person, monitors are all about size (I'm beginning to see a pattern here.) When you shop for monitors, you'll notice that there are a ton of specifications that you can choose from: screen size, screen type, contrast ratio, update frequency, color depth, power usage, etc. The problem with monitors is that most of those specifications can be confusing or meaningless.

Unless you are a videophile, you probably won't notice the difference between picture qualities, contrast ratios, LED vs. LCD, and all that jazz. However, you will regret buying a monitor that doesn't have the correct ports for your needs. You will regret buying a monitor that craps out in a year. You will regret buying a monitor that has a glare unless you look at it from a very specific angle.

Summary: Consider size, but also consider the facets of a monitor that will impact your daily use of it. Make sure it has the right connection ports. Read reviews and make sure it has a good lifespan. If possible, check it out in a store so you can see what it'll look like.

Sales Are Not Always Worth It

Whether you're buying a computer component or a full system, the sale price can be deceiving.

For example, let's say a website listing says you save 50% on a monitor. Sometimes, this price difference is between sale price and debut price rather than sale price and current market price. The monitor may have debuted at $300 and now you can buy it for $100, which seems like you're saving $200, but if that monitor has been around for a year and its current market price is $150, then you're only saving $50.

Another scenario is when two items are on sale. One is clearly better in all ways, but you can save more money by buying the one that is slighter worse. In this scenario, it might be better to shell out the extra money.

Summary: Cheaper is better for your wallet, but sometimes the performance hit isn't worth it. You really have to research your potential purchases in order to maximize your bang-for-its-buck.

Extended Warranties Are Not Always Worth It

Computer components - and electronic devices in general - are often bundled with extended warranties. These warranties will protect you if your purchase fails during a period of time starting from when you actually bought the item. Extended warranties are great for peace of mind, but depending on the item, it can be a big waste of money.

Most computer failures will occur long after the warranty expires. How many computer components fail within a year? A hard drive might warrant a warranty just because they're known for failing often, but components like monitors, keyboards, and CPUs will often outlive their warranty dates.

Summary: Warranty selection is really about juggling four considerations: the price of replacing the item, the expected lifespan of the item, the duration of the warranty, and the price of the warranty.

Conclusion

Like I said, most of these mistakes come down to a lack of knowledge, and that comes with good news and bad news. The good news is that lacking in knowledge can always be resolved by reading, researching, and learning. The bad news is that all of that takes times and effort - time and effort that you maybe can't afford.

If you can expand your knowledge and avoid these mistakes, great! If you can't, then you could consider outsourcing your computer-buying decisions to a friend or a colleague, although that solution might come with its own set of problems. Otherwise, the last option is to keep losing out on money and performance with every purchase.
Image Credits: Desktop Computer Via Shutterstock, RAM Via Shutterstock, Monitor Via Shutterstock, Sale Tags Via Shutterstock
Explore more about: Buying Tips.

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Avoid These 7 Common Mistakes When Buying A New Computer

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I built a new computer a few years ago. I've always considered myself above average in the tech field, but looking back, I have a few regrets with the system I built - some of my decisions could've been much better.

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A desktop computer can be a smart and ergonomic pick if you're setting up a home office and aren't worried much about mobility. Staring into a monitor puts less strain on your neck than staring down into a laptop. You also generally get more power per dollar spent with a desktop than you do with a laptop.

Some models come with a built-in display, and others require you to supply your own. Luckily, you can find good computer monitors for reasonable prices. In fact, while all-in-one models with a screen tend to be aesthetically pleasing and take up less desk space, they can cost a lot more than buying a desktop computer and monitor separately.

Mac or PC? It's really up to you. You'll find models on both platforms that score well in our labs. They'll support the most popular software options, too, from Adobe Photoshop to Chrome, Slack to Zoom. But there are benefits to pairing a Mac with an iPhone or an Android phone with a PC. You may be able to answer a text message with your keyboard, for example, or share copy-paste data between a computer and a smartphone.

Desktops generally offer better bang for your buck compared with laptops, delivering more power and performance per dollar spent.

Depending on the model you choose, you may have to supply your own mouse, keyboard, and monitor. In that case, you might want to consider buying an ergonomic mouse and keyboard. And given the rise of video chatting, you may also need a webcam because freestanding monitors typically don't come with one built in.

Choosing a Processor and an OS

Speed matters. Processors with multiple cores can process more data simultaneously.

Clock speed, measured in gigahertz, along with the number of cores and other factors, determines how quickly a processor can process information. Many processors can up the speed a bit for a brief time to yield maximum performance. Generally, within a processor family, the higher the clock speed, the faster the processor. Clock speeds typically start at around 1 GHz for a mobile processor. Speeds can exceed 5 GHz for a desktop processor.

If you're looking for a very basic or budget computer to browse the web, check email, and work on Office documents, basically every processor on the market should be sufficient.

If you plan to watch high-definition videos or play mainstream games, the Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 line of processors should be your starting point.

How Much Memory?
The more memory a computer has, the faster it is, up to a point. Memory is measured in gigabytes. On desktops, 8GB has become common, with 16GB or more found on higher-end devices. Unless you regularly have multiple demanding apps open at the same time, 8GB should be your target.

Operating System
Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft's long-running operating system, should be preinstalled on most PCs. If it's not, it's a free upgrade from Windows 10. Windows 11 adds a refreshed user interface (which now resembles macOS) and deeper integration with OneDrive, Microsoft's cloud storage service, and is otherwise very similar to Windows 10.

A huge assortment of software can be downloaded for the platform from Microsoft's app store and developer websites. Games tend to debut on Windows before making their way to macOS, for instance. Microsoft releases free updates throughout the year, adding features, fixing bugs, etc.

Macs can be a little more expensive than comparable PCs, but they're less prone to most viruses and spyware (in part because there are more Windows PCs out there than Macs, making them a bigger target for hackers). The latest version of macOS is called Monterey and was released in fall 2021. Apple also releases several macOS updates free throughout the year.

Desktop Computers Ratings

All About Drives, the Battery, and More

Solid state drives: SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives in part because they don't have any moving parts. An SSD can offer a great performance boost to a computer that's outfitted with a traditional hard drive, which has a spinning hard disk and uses more power than an SSD. In general, Consumer Reports recommends solid state drives over hard drives.

Hard Drives
Hard-drive sizes are measured in gigabytes and terabytes; they commonly range from 250GB to more than 1TB.

Speed is equally important and is measured in rpm (revolutions per minute). A slow hard drive will take longer to start up the operating system and programs, and to complete tasks (such as installing programs or scanning your hard drive for viruses).

For best performance, get a desktop with at least a 7,200-rpm hard drive.

Optical Drives
If you need a CD or DVD reader to, say, access old files or watch a movie that's not available on a streaming service, you can find an external optical drive that plugs into a USB port for around $20 to $30.

Graphics Adapter and Graphics Memory
Also known as the video card, graphics processing unit (GPU), or graphics card, this hardware is responsible for drawing what you see on your screen. Graphics processing comes in two basic flavors: It can be integrated into the same chip that's running the rest of the computer, or it can run on a discrete piece of equipment.

Most computers have integrated graphics. This has usually been the less expensive and lower-performing option-fine for most tasks but not for serious gaming. If you play mainstream and extreme games with all the visual effects turned on or if you edit video, especially high-definition and ultra-high def (4K), you'll want discrete graphics. Light video editing and gaming, and all other typical computer tasks, will do fine with integrated graphics.

Desktop Computers Ratings

Although most desktop computers come with a basic, predefined set of features, that doesn't mean you don't have choices.

Recently Tested Computers

BEST TIME TO BUY: August, September, November, December Do you know when is the best time to buy Computers? Learn more

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Best Desktop Computer Buying Guide - Consumer Reports

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A desktop computer can be a smart and ergonomic pick if you're setting up a home office and aren't worried much about mobility. Staring into a monitor puts less strain on your neck than staring down into a laptop. You also generally get more power per dollar spent with a desktop than you do with a laptop.

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Buying a computer is no easy task, and with the cost of many of the machines out on the market today, you want to make sure you're making the right purchase so you don't blow your money on something that stops meeting your demands within a year. Not all machines are created equal, and unless you're pretty familiar with computer hardware, you might have a hard time determining just how unequal they are. Of course, not all computer users' needs are equal, so you might not need certain things included in a computer, especially not if those features are pushing up the price.

This guide should help you get a better understanding of what all the components of the computer will mean for you and make it easier to decide what you want, need, and which elements to prioritize. That way, you'll be better equipped to get the right computer for you, and to avoid spending any more money than you must.

1. Desktop or laptop?

This is probably one of the simplest choices to make, and one that can have a big impact on the overall cost of your computer, including expenses that might not come right at the time of the purchase. In general, if a laptop and desktop are boasting all of the same performance specs, the desktop will be cheaper. It might not make sense, since it's a bigger piece of hardware, but the ability to cram a lot of components into a small space and the need for a battery is what ups the price of the laptop - notice the premium paid for Apple's thinner devices.

If you plan on having a steady workstation and don't need to run around with your for-all-purposes device, consider getting a desktop and saving yourself some money, or spending what your budget allows and getting a computer with higher specs. An added benefit of a desktop is that it's easier to keep cool, since there is more room for powerful fans, which will help the machine have a longer lifetime and maintain optimum performance levels. Additionally, it's easier to change out parts and upgrade components in a desktop, which will keep your machine from falling behind the constantly increasing demands of the digital world.

If you often need your computer on the go, the choice is simple: laptop. If your need for portability is only occasional and you don't need much more than a browser or word processor, you may be able to find a cheap tablet or netbook to do the job, and could potentially afford it with the money you save by getting a desktop as your primary computer. Keep in mind that you'll still have to buy a monitor if one doesn't come as a bundle with the desktop.

(Note on laptop screens: If you're planning to use your laptop for mostly work, consider a matte screen, which will have less glare and be easier on the eyes. If your laptop will be a media device, a normal glossy LCD screen should do the job.)

2. Know the processor and what it means

The simplest way to explain the processor is that it's the brain of the machine. If you want a fast computer that boots up programs in a flash, completes tasks as soon as you start them, and doesn't keep you waiting, then you want the strongest processor available - and who doesn't? You just have to know what you're looking at when you see a processor's details.

Basic: the short and simple of processors is in the number of cores and the speed (labeled in GHz or Gigahertz) of the processor. The speed of the chip will tell you how much data it can process in how much time, so the bigger the number, the better. The number of cores functions as a multiplier, as the processor is actually a stack of cores that each run at the listed speed (e.g. a single-core 2GHz processor is a lot slower than a four-core 2GHz processor).

Multiple cores can also help with multi-tasking, as each can be working on different tasks. If you don't use a lot of programs at the same time, you may be content with just one or two cores and don't need to fork out the extra cash to snag a few more. Make sure to ask how many cores are on the chip and what the clock speed is. Two computers might both say they have an Intel i5 chip, but the number of models that go into the group are many, and their speeds and core counts can be leagues apart.

Advanced: If you want to get into really nitty-gritty bits of the processor, check out the benchmark tests at CPUBenchmark. You can compare a number of different CPUs to see if you're getting the best one, and even see if you're getting the best for your money. Also, check out the L1, L2, and L3 cache sizes - these are the closest and fastest memory spaces to the CPU and the bigger they are, the better. You can also see how many threads the core has - again, the more, the merrier.

3. RAM isn't just a type of goat

Just as the number of processor cores in a computer affects its speed and ability to multitask, the amount of Random Access Memory, or RAM, in a computer can affect just how much multitasking it can handle and how fast it will be. RAM is basically a small, extra-fast form of memory (like L1, L2, or L3 cache, but bigger and slower).

Basic: Nowadays most RAM is measured in gigabytes, and as is often the case, the more, the merrier. By having more RAM, your computer is able to keep more data close at hand, rather than having to go digging around through the slower hard drive for the information it needs. Of course, because RAM is smaller, there is only so much room for data. That's why it's useful to have more RAM if you want to keep multiple tasks going at the same time, and to be able to jump between them relatively quickly. If you're also guilty of having too many web browser windows open at the same time, more RAM will make that a lot easier.

Advanced: There is, of course, a bit more to RAM than just the size of it. If you check out the specifics of the RAM in a computer and see that it's DDR2-800, you can get a quick sense that this is a faster memory than one labeled DDR2-400, as that last number signifies how many millions of data transfers the RAM can make each second. RAM also has clock speeds, similar to processors, and the faster, the better. However, that speed is limited to the speed of your computer's motherboard, so if you're buying RAM separately from your computer, figure out the speed of your motherboard and don't buy RAM that's any faster - as it will probably cost you more for no reason - and don't buy RAM any slower - as it will force your motherboard to run at the slower speed. One final number you can note is in the module name, where you may see something like PC3-8500, which indicates that the memory can transfer around 8,500MB per second - once again, the bigger, the better.

4. Hard drives aren't hard choices

Every computer needs data storage, and though that is something RAM does, the majority of it will go onto your hard drive. There are typically a few different options you'll need to consider in the search for a hard drive, but what it really comes down to is how you plan to use your computer.

Basic: If you plan to just have your computer and no peripherals, you may want to opt for the biggest hard drive you can (measured in gigabytes, or terabytes for extra large drives), since all of your files and programs will be stored on the computer. If you don't plan to have many applications on your computer, and won't store media on it, then you can opt for a smaller hard drive and save yourself some money. If you can handle a small hard drive but want to it be extra fast and you have the cash, consider going for a solid-state drive, or flash hard drive.

Advanced: The size of your drive is one thing. If it's a disk drive, the spin speed is another. Naturally, the faster your hard drive disk is spinning, the quicker information can be gathered from it. So, between a 5400rpm drive and a 7200rpm drive, the second would be faster. If you can handle having only a few larger programs installed on your computer at a time, and plan to keep everything else stored on an external device, you can probably get a quick device with a solid-state drive to keep the computer zippy at all times, and still manage to stream high-quality media through a USB connection - some applications may even be able to run from an external hard drive. You'll also want to pay attention to data transfer bandwidth. The higher, the better.

5. Check your peripherals

The peripherals on your computer are going to be pretty specific to your needs, so you'll need to think about whether you'll need them, and just how many of them you want. You may want ten USB ports but not have a care in the world about having a DVD drive. On the other hand, you may do everything online and just want as few holes in your machine as possible for soda to spill into and frazzle the circuitry.

USB: There is, thankfully, a standard that most computer peripherals opt to use, and it can be for anything from mouses and keyboards to hard drives and monitors - heck, you can even plug a guitar in via USB if you've found the right cord. A modern version of USB, called USB 3.0, is faster than its predecessors, but there's an even newer version of USB, called USB Type-C, which offers gigabits of bandwidth and the ability to handle enough current to power a laptop. While USB Type-C will eventually become the single technology that you'll use to connect all your devices, and is a good thing to have on a new machine, you'll need to avoid off-brand cables that can fry your brand-new computer.

If you plan to transfer a lot of data, make sure you have a fast USB port- or a fast wireless network. An alternative for some major externals (like CD drives and hard drives) is to get a computer with an eSATA port, which will let you plug in those peripherals on the fly with high data transfer rates.

HDMI: If you're going to use your machine for entertainment, you'll probably want an HDMI output. This will allow you to connect it to most modern televisions for a high-quality visual display, and it will also run the audio out if you're planning to use the TV for sound.

SD slot: If you work a lot with photography, an SD slot can be a handy way to get the files from your camera over to your computer. For computers with small hard drives, an SD card can also function as a small, out-of-the-way addition to the computer's overall memory. For the slightly more savvy users, SD cards can even be used to speed up the system.

Wi-Fi: if you plan to connect to a lot of networks a lot of places and want to do it wirelessly, you're probably best off getting a built-in Wi-Fi receiver rather than working with some sort of external Wi-Fi device. If you're running a desktop computer, you can probably get away with running an ethernet cable straight into the computer without being constantly annoyed by the need for a wire to get internet.

Bluetooth: Just like Wi-Fi, you can get a built-in Bluetooth receiver with your computer, and that may be a smart move if you want to be a true wireless warrior. Whether it's for sending audio to headphones or to a 7.1 channel surround sound set up that will keep your neighbors on their toes, Bluetooth is a handy way to make those connections easy and tangle-free. It may be worth it for these types of uses, otherwise, you can probably save yourself a few bucks by not seeking it out.

6. Mac OS, Windows, and Linux, oh my!

The short and simple of it is that you should probably stick with what you're familiar with, as it can be hard to adjust to a new operating system unless you're ready to put in the work. If you know what Linux is, you probably don't need to read this section. If you don't know what Linux is, you almost definitely don't want it.

If you want an easy-to-use system that keeps most things basic for you, check out Mac. If you like a little bit more control of your computer's nitty-gritty, you'll probably have an easier time getting to do that on Windows. If you're comfortable with an operating system, stay with it. However, it's worth noting that not all software is available for every operating system; so, if you absolutely need Final Cut for that feature film you're shooting on the weekend, don't buy a Windows computer expecting it to run Mac-only software.

7. There's more to graphics than a sticker on your computer

Lately, computer makers have been tagging stickers on their computers to boast about the AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards they have included in their machines. Unfortunately, those mean thousands of different things, and it's pretty hard to tell just what.

Basic: If you just want to know whether the card in the computer on the left is better than the one in the computer on the right, you can do a quick search on PassMark's site for the graphics components in each. Some buzz words to be aware of are "integrated" and "dedicated." The former is built into the computer's processor and relies on the computer's memory - typically this is a lower performance graphics component. A dedicated graphics card will include its own processor and memory, and will tend to be higher-performing - though a very old card might not best modern integrated graphics.

Advanced: If you're looking into the specifics of graphics processors, you will have to think of them like their own pair of a processor and RAM. This is another case of the more, the merrier. Higher speed, higher capacity RAM in the graphics card will let it handle a more intense graphic load and do it quicker. This will allow for better, more fluid visuals. The card's processor speed will be similarly important and can be looked at much the same as a computer's processor. You can dig into the details and see how many shaders it has and what its core speed is, but in the end, it will probably be most valuable to check out a benchmark score that has evaluated its actual performance.

8. Oh, so you want to get into PC gaming?

To play the latest games with the graphics on high (or ultra) and keep a high frame-rate, you'll be needing to look into a truly high-performance machine. Modern games take up a lot of space, so a big hard drive is a must if you plan on having more than one game installed at a time - you'll want it to be a fast drive, too. Running those games also takes a lot of processing power, so a heavy-hitting processor will be important. You can do without too many cores in your processor if each is extra-fast, but if you're planning to play your games and keep other programs open in the background, consider bumping up the core count.

Integrated graphics? Forget about it. Unless you want to sputter out low-quality visuals on the newest games, you'll need a dedicated graphics card, and a good one at that. You can probably get by with something in the mid-range of graphics cards, but a high-end card is your best bet. Be sure to get plenty of VRAM on that card. When it comes down to making your choice, you'll still probably be best consulting the benchmarks mentioned on the last page.

Thinking about anything other than Windows? Reconsider. Some games are made available for Mac and Linux, but there will be a great number of games unavailable to you if you aren't running Windows - though there is the tricky option of dual-booting.

Thinking about a laptop? Reconsider again. As mentioned in the beginning, there is a premium to be paid for cramming high-end hardware into an extra small box, and a PC gaming rig requires a lot of high-end hardware. There are plenty of quality gaming laptops out there, but in most instances, they will be more expensive than an equal desktop. Then there's the problem of overheating, which a laptop will be much more prone to do. An added benefit of going with a desktop is that you will be able to swap out components or add more when the games' demands start to trump your computer - upgrading to a new graphics card is much easier in a desktop, and in some cases a second graphics card can be added to share the load. With a little careful shopping, you might be able to grab a gaming rig and a cheap netbook for the same price you would have paid for a gaming laptop.

9. Great, now how do we buy it?

One of the most important things to do when buying a new computer - as with any expensive purchase - is to be very patient. Technology evolves fast, and if you buy a new computer today, you might not have noticed a newer one was set for release tomorrow - and would have likely cost the same as the one you just bought, or made yours less expensive to buy. You could get into a logical loop that has you waiting indefinitely, but choosing the best time to pounce is key.

Check refresh cycles for products. If you know 'Computer Maker A' comes out with a new model around the same time every year, expect to get a discount on an old model just before a new one comes out, or wait until the new one is out so that you have the latest technology.

It can also be useful to get friendly with the computer maker's website, as they often allow you to customize a computer rig with the components you want. On top of it all, you're much more likely to stumble across an incredible sale if you shop regularly for a good stretch of time instead of just spending the better part of a day to make your pick and purchase it then and there. Also, don't be afraid to spend a few more bucks to nudge up your computer's specs - this can be helpful down the road, as it will ensure your computer can handle the more intensive tasks that will only start to show up months and years down the line. If you make the cheapest purchase, you might be looking at buying another new computer much sooner than you would otherwise.

One last tidbit: Go ahead and ask a salesperson to give you a deal. Maybe they won't bump down the price of the computer, but if you're going to need a mouse, a keyboard, a monitor, or any other device to go with your computer, see if they will cut off sales tax or give you some other discount for purchasing the items together. You will often be pleasantly surprised.

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9 Key Things to Know Before You Buy a New Computer

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Buying a computer is no easy task, and with the cost of many of the machines out on the market today, you want to make sure you're making the right purchase so you don't blow your money on something that stops meeting your demands within a year.

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Best laptops for college students in 2016!

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Best laptops for college students in 2016!

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Breaks down further into what type of major you are

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Asus's 2.7-pound ZenBook UX330UA is light enough to carry to class, powerful enough to do almost any homework you can imagine and affordable enough not to break the bank. For under $750, you get a sharp 1080p screen, a generous 256GB SSD and a speedy 8th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU. Best of all, the UX330UA lasts 9 hours on a charge so you can leave your power brick back in the dorm room. There's also a $699-version that uses the older, 7th Gen Core i5 CPU and has over 10 hours of battery life.

Key Specs: Core i5-8250U CPU, 13-inch, 1080p display, 256GB SSD; 2.7 pounds

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Asus's 2.7-pound ZenBook UX330UA is light enough to carry to class, powerful enough to do almost any homework you can imagine and affordable enough not to break the bank. For under $750, you get a sharp 1080p screen, a generous 256GB SSD and a speedy 8th Generation Intel Core i5 CPU.

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My personal choice of next computer purchase.