Lab Rats - #88 - Decoding Computer Ads

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#88 / September 3, 2007 / 26:24 min.

Decoding Computer Ads

Andy and Sean help you translate the geek speak when you buy a computer.
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- Processor Choices:

- Memory [AKA RAM]:

  • Get a minimum of 1GB of memory for both Windows XP and Windows Vista.

  • Recommendation of 2GB of memory.

  • Find out the maximum memory capacity of your computer.

  • To find out what memory is in your computer check out http://www.crucial.com/.


- Graphics Card:

  • GPU = Graphics Processing Unit

  • Your choices are Integrated Graphics or PCIe Video card.

  • The main chipsets are ATI and Nvidia.

  • 128MB Graphics card is the minimum.

  • 256MB Graphics card is the recommendation.

  • For surfing the web and email, integrated graphics are fine, but gamers and picture/video editors will want a separate video adapter.


- Hard Drive:

  • Larger the better.

  • Most drives in machines you will find will be 250GB or maybe 320GB.


- Monitor:

  • Low end packages offer 17" monitors, higher end bundles offer 19" and 20" screens.


- Look for a computer with Gigabit networking which may be noted as 10/100/1000.
- You want to buy a BIT more than you need now so you can grow, but if you buy top of the line you may just be wasting your money.
- For processor reviews check out Toms Hardware and AnandTech.
- However DDR3 is on its way. For more information check out http://www.tinyurl.com/2rspj9.

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