Charles asks…
Future-Proof Desktop PC Hardware: Suggested Specifications for a Post-Graduate University Thesis?
First, I will list what I know about the functionality I’ll need from my computer, because that has a big bearing on the answer you will post.
I know I want a desktop, not a laptop.
I know I want a PC not a MAC.
I know I want to use it for:
•Running Microsoft Word (specifically writing a post-graduate University Thesis), PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook;
•Running data analysis software, like NVivo, and reference software, like EndNoteX;
•Backing-up my thesis work (Microsoft Word, NVivo and Excel) multiple times a day;
•Accessing social networking sites and web-based e-mail (including uploading images, Microsoft documents and .pdf files);
•Downloading .pfd and text file journal articles from internet databases and music/pod-casts files;
•Streaming television shows, movie trailers and 30 second television and radio commercials;
•Adobe Photoshop and acrobat reader;
•Printer, scanner and digital camera software; and
•To store documents associated with all the above applications.
My parents are paying and I know I will not be in a position to replace the computer for many years, so I really want to blow-the-bank and get a machine that will be future-proof.
I know that the computer will never need to be suitable for gaming applications; I’ve never played a computer game in my life.
That’s what I know already; now for what I’d like to be told about:
I was hoping you could recommend the sorts of specifications I should be looking at getting in order to meet the needs I have listed above.
If possible, could you provide recommendations for the following?
•Processor;
RAM;
•HDD;
•DVD or Blu-Ray burner; and
•Should the components be housed in a horizontal or vertical (tower) case?
Are there other features that I’ve neglected to list?
Thanks
admin answers:
Processor: Intel or AMD 2.4Ghz Quad-core processor or higher. Yes there are differences between Intel and AMD, but you are not a gamer or overclocker…so you will not notice any difference.
RAM: 2GB for XP, 3GB for Vista. If you want more than that, fine..but you likely won’t even use it since your not going to be doing anything strenuous.
HDD: Take your pick. Most choices are good. Western Digital, Seagate, Hitachi, etc. Just choose how much space you want. 250GB is plenty for most users. If your a chronic downloader, opt for more space.
DVD or BR: I really see no point in paying an extra few hundred bucks just so you can play blue ray discs on your computer. I mean honestly, is it really worth a couple hundred bucks to watch a $40 DVD on your computer? Use the money you save on a bigger HDD or better processor…the money is better spent there.
I like vertical towers with more than 2 fans and enough room for the parts to breath. I use an ATX mid-tower.
And yes…you neglected to mention whether this will be built by a major manufacturer (i.e. Dell, HP) or a another company (i.e. Ibuypower, cyberpower, etc). Major manufacturers like to cheap out on parts wherever they can. For instance, I’ve owned 4 Dells and the power supplies had to be replaced in all of them. The motherboard died in 1.
The other companies not only use higher quality parts, but you get to choose the level of quality you want with a plethora of options.
You may also need a video card. If you watch videos on your pc, you will notice that integrated video just can’t cut it. Purchase a decent video card, nothing too fancy and definitely nothing crappy. (i.e. Radeon 2600 XT, Nvidia 8600GT or better). Be careful when choosing 1 because higher #’s does not necessarily mean better.
My build: ATX mid-tower, Gigabyte EP35-DS3L mobo, Intel Pentium D 3GHz @ 3.6GHz, 2GB RAM, windows XP, Antec 500W PSU, Nvidia 8600GT, Arctic Freezer 7 Pro.
I built it myself and it works great for what I use it for. No extras that I don’t need. The only thing I’m thinking about upgrading is the processor.
EDIT: oh, and opt for 32bit OS for now. Some programs are simply not compatible with 64bit. I’ve already encountered problems and switched back to 32bit. Do not attempt to install any more than ~3.5GB b/c only 64bit is capable of taking advantage of more RAM.
