I am going to be getting a new desktop computer and have found that my knowledge of hardware needs is very much out of date. Frankly, I need all your guys help. This is what I do know: I know I want to at least get an extremely fast computer (uploading files, downloading files, fast navigation, etc.) that has a ton of storage space that can handle all the different programs that IMers use (design, keyword research, website and blog building, etc.) Now, based on my preliminary research, it looks like there are now 2 types of desktops these days (ones for work and gamer ones)? Would a gamer desktop be something I should be considering or would that be a waste of money for what I am looking for? I also want my computer to really be able to handle multimedia demands really well so that I will be able to see all the flash videos and such without having to wait to load up. It seems I am seeing more and more HD videos and such? What would I need to be able to handle these types of videos with ease on my computer? Caveat: I use AT&T Uverse as my internet connection. It uses fiber optics so I think my internet speed to the computer anyway is pretty good. Basically, what should I be looking for hardware wise, expecting to spend, etc.? What other things should I be looking in this computer that would make it an awesome base for my IMing? Thanking everyone in advance.
the most important thing for my perfect IM parketing "computer" is that it will have an apple on the back
Gaming computers are just powerful computers, not specifically designed for gaiming. So even if you dont' want to play games on it you should definately consider a gaming computer. But they are very expensive. Check out alienware - google them, they are really good PCs and you can custom build it to your specifications. Basically, you need a large but fast hard drive, a farily high spec processor, and middle of the range RAM for a good all round that can handle your multimedia needs.
Thanks joshvelco. I was thinking that might be the case with gaming computers. I appreciate your response. I am trying to get a feel what hard numbers I should be looking for (so many MBs of RAM, storage space size, etc.) Any suggestions?
I think you should buy your PC piece by piece, instead of buying an overpriced PC that does the same or less than you can buy with the same money. Buy DDR3 RAM, 6gb or so, add some 1tb hd's, a i5 or i7 processor, and you should be good to go. Don't forget to buy a GOOD power supply (you should not have in mind only the W it has, because it's a matter of marketing. you should buy a power supply from a reliable brand. It should cost you a few more, but it's way better).
My laptop is what I use for my SEO task like forum posting, blog commenting etc. I upgraded the memory from 256mb to 1gb. I bought last 2005 and has not encountered major problems except a couple of OS reformat due to Trojan virus. I am not fond of online games like DOTA
so long as you have a decent internet connection, you can do everything you just stated there on a 10 year old second hand laptop that will struggle to resell for any more than $20 to be honest.
hey, if you do a lot multimedia stuff go for a fast ram and a ssd as os drive, depending on your budget a nice raid array of the hdd of your choice.
As others have said, you dont need a super computer to do what your talking about. A little more than a 10 year old thing though for playing HD movies. The majority of what you are talking about will be most restricted by your internet connection and not your PC. If you want super fast then a 7i processor, circa 8g of DDR3 ram, a 256gig SSD drive for the OS and programs (files, videos, music etc go on a second standard drive) and a great graphics card but it will be over kill. Buy -v- Build.... historically I would have said build but doing it for 15 years has taught me that buy from a good company is the better option unless your willing to spend a LOT of time finding out which different components work well together as its more complex than simply buying the best version of everything. Plus if it stops working properly your going to have to work out if its a g.card, mobo, cpu or ram issue yourself (and believe me, these guys will pass you between each other a lot) where as a single bought unit, you take it back to were you bought it and its then their problem to work out/ fix.