Let us consider an example:
1. A customer say Ramu approaches a dealer(may be assembled or a Company.we will come to it later)and just tells him he wants to buy a new PC(lets think he is novice).
If Ramu goes to a company then he must select only those configurations they provide!
If he approaches an assembler then you can tell your own configuration.
I would RECOMMEND thatyou go to an assembled PC dealer as you can have your required configuration. Just make sure he is trusted one and Haggle the price till it fits into your budjet
MEMORY
2. The next step is to decide what you need.
If you want the computer only for study purposes then you should go for a PC with less Graphics memory and may be a bit sacrifice in Physical memory won’t harm.
But, if you are a hardcore Gamer then you probably want more Graphics memory and more Physical memory too.
If you are of the former case then you will need a minimum(nowadays)of atleast 128MB physical memory. The graphics card which is inbuilt in the motherboard’s chipset usually between 8-16MB is enough.
If you are of the Latter case then, go for atleast 32MB Graphics Card(like Nvidia) or if you buy a genuine Intel Motherboard for the P4 like 845GBV or 845GLL you will get 64MB of shared Intel Extreme Graphics card which is more than enough to run any game you can think of!
The Physical memory should be from 128-256MB SDRAM or 128-256MB DDR SDRAM(Latter is recommended)
If you are between the 2 cases above then go for.
128MB SDRAM or 128MB DDR SDRAM witH a 32MB Graphics Card(Nvidia is good.I own one and its amazing!).
Motherboard and Processor
- Nowadays nobody goes for a processor less than a P4 but if you are short of cash and want a decently performing machine then go for the Intel Celeron greater than 1GHz series.
Else I recommend you to buy a P4 greater than 1.7GHz(actually a 1.7 is good as the difference between 1.7 and 1.9 is not much.if you want to feel the difference then you should go for a 2.53GHz machine or higher).
For a P4 processor you must have a motherboard above 845 i.e., 845GBV(has an external graphics card slot) or 845GLLY(no external graphics card slot) or an 850 series.
You can buy a genuine Intel Motherboard or go for the Local brands which are a little cheaper.This does’nt make much difference although Intel is better.
Monitor, Keyboard and Mouse
- These are very minute details.
Usually a Samsung 15 inches Monitor is more than enough.
But, if you have that extra dough and want to convert your PC to an entertainment Zone then go for atleast a 17 inches monitor(flat is recommended) although a TFT LCD Monitor is the best(LG, SONY etc. with prices above Rs. 20, 000).
Usually a 104 keys Logitech Keyboard is good although you can go for the keyboard with Multimedia and Internet keys. The difference in price is only in a few Hundreds of Rupees.
In the case of a Mouse go for a Logitech 3 Button mouse with a sroll wheel(it comes handy sometimes!).
Speakers
- These range from about Rs. 1, 000 to Rs. 20, 000.
Normally a Creative of Microtech or even Mercury Speaker with 840W PMPO or more is better. This can be incresed by adding a Sub-Woofer etc., etc., depending on your budjet.
CD, DVD, CD-RW etc.
- This is very essential as Windows stores many softwares on a CD.
Buy an LG, Samsung or Sony CD Drives. All are good.
DVD Drives I think Sony is the best although you can buy others too. usually nothing goes wrong with these!
CD-RW if you need go for an LG or Samsung with atleast
32x10x40x(Write, ReWrite, Read) capability. This should cost you around Rs. 3000.
Optional Components - Printer and UPS
- This depends purely on your needs.If you want to take print-outs the buy one.
If you are planning on buying one then go for a HP 656c or higher or an Epson printer. Both are equally good.
I would insist on buying an UPS. It helps during power failure and outage by preserving your computer’s intricate circuits from getting spoilt. Although nothing usually happens to the computer without an UPS I would recommend on buying one. It is available atarting from Rs. 1500(Local ones) to Rs. 5500(APC).
Finally you can add more memory speed or a CD-RW if you want depending on your budjet.
Roughly think of spending anywhere between Rs. 30, 000 to Rs. 50, 000 depending on the dealer and your configuration.
Well, bye and Happy Computing