Leave room for RAM: Make sure that you have space for future memory upgrades. Your new PC should have at least one free RAM socket (check with the vendor to determine expandability options for systems with dual-channel memory setups). Also, leave some room for expansion when you upgrade: Don't install two modules if you can get the same amount of RAM on one. Always consult your motherboard manual before buying memory, however, as some systems require that the RAM modules be installed in pairs.
Avoid PCI cards: If your machine has both an open PCI Express slot and a PCI slot available, use a PCI Express card rather than its PCI equivalent for such internal components as a wired or wireless network adapter. If PCI Express isn't an option, add an external USB 2.0 version of the device. It may cost a bit more, but USB devices are easy to transfer to other computers, and USB should be around long after the PCI bus is history.
Choose SATA, not PATA: Make sure that your new PC has at least two Serial ATA connectors. Some budget systems offer only older Parallel ATA connectors, and others come with a single SATA slot. If you're adding a new internal hard drive, make it a SATA drive, which is easier to install, has slimmer cabling to help cooling air circulate in the case, and can be transferred to future PCs, which are likely not to have PATA connectors at all.
If your current system lacks a SATA connector, use Addonics' $30 Serial ATA to IDE converter to link a SATA drive to your IDE port. Or add multiple SATA ports via Adaptec's $80 DuoConnect 5020 PCI card.
which includes two SATA ports and five USB 2.0 ports. Always get the highest-capacity drive you can afford; eventually you'll use the space. Microsoft requires a whopping 15GB of free disk space just for Vista.
Go digital: Some hard-core gamers still prefer the quick response and clarity of analog CRT displays, but most users today want an LCD equipped with an all-digital connection through a DVI port. If you're buying a new monitor or graphics card, check that it provides a DVI connection. If necessary, use VGA-to-DVI and DVI-to-VGA adapters available at any computer.
Posted by
virani62
Monday, October 12, 2009
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