Know Your PC
Whether you are trying to figure out what is slowing down your PC or you are in the market for a new one there are a few key components you need to know about to make sure your new PC will fit all of your needs. The most important thing you need to know before looking for a new PC is to know what you are going to be using it for. Different uses for a computer can completely change what kind of components you should look for to make sure you don't regret the final choice. Six components of any PC can really tell you if it will fit all of your/your businesses needs and using our breakdown of each component you will be able to easily find your next PC. The Six main components we are going to focus on are the Motherboard, Computer Process Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Soundcard/Audio Hardware, RAM, and Storage.
What are the Six Components?
Motherboard
The Motherboard is the nervous system of the PC, each of the other individual components are connected to the Motherboard which allows them to communicate with each other through energy and signals from the Motherboard
CPU
a Computer Processing Unit is in charge of all internal processing, aside from graphical and video rendering, it is responsible for efficiently transferring data from one component to the next.
GPU
a Graphical Processing Unit much like your CPU handles the processing and transferring of data, namely graphical and video rendering data. GPU's were developed to assist CPU's with the rapidly growing demand on visual processing.
Soundcard/Audio Hardware
Soundcards and other external Audio Hardware like an RAC take internal audio data from your PC and convert it to a format that can be used by your headphones and speakers.
RAM
Random Access Memory or Short Term Memory is used to run all of your active PC functions like open internet tabs and Office Programs. Everything open on your PC is running off RAM as it allows you CPU to more quickly load active data without accessing long term storage.
Storage
All of the data on your PC is stored on your Hard Drive which is either a HDD or an SSD. Hard Disk Drives and Solid State Drives are the most commonly used options for long term storage, both individually and together. Using HDD and SSD drives together allows a user to utilize the strong features from both options.
Motherboard
What to Look for
When you are checking out your new options for a motherboard there are a few things to consider. The first being where you plan on putting your computer tower, new motherboards come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit inside potentially smaller towers designed to be hidden. Keep in mind the smaller your motherboard the less space for additional component plug ins.
The second thing to consider when selecting your motherboard is how you plan on using it in the future. A motherboards options include the number of RAM ports, Expansion Ports, and compatibility with the other component options you plan on using like your CPU and GPU.
Knowing the future plans for your PC help you get the most out of your Motherboard. If you are planning on using this PC as a gaming computer you should make sure you have enough additional RAM ports to upgrade as gaming standards rise.
Computer Processing Unit
Judging a CPU
CPU's are judged on three main categories; Clock Speed, Cores, and Threading.
Clock Speed
Clock Speed is judged by how many bits of information your CPU can process in a given amount of time.
Essentially Clock Speed is how fast your CPU can go.
Cores
Cores are replicas of the processing units in older generations of CPU's only a fraction of the size.
CPU's have between 2 and 18 processing cores that are each able to carry out individual functions simultaneously.
Cores are often referred to as the power of the CPU due to the fact that they allow your PC to load multiple functions at the same time as opposed to one by one.
Cores do not technically improve your CPU's Clock Speed, they do however allow your CPU to stay at an optimal Clock Speed consistently when loading multiple programs eliminating the need to start and stop between programs.????
Threading
Intel and AMD each have their own version of multi threading capabilities under proprietary names. Intel has HyperThreading where AMD has Simultaneous Multithreading.
Threading is a feature that makes processing multiple programs at once more efficient.
Threading takes large size work loads and divides them up into different processing cores instead of taxing one core.
Think of it in terms of moving two differently weighted pieces of furniture with two of your friends, instead of lifting the heavy object yourself while one friend lifts the lighter object and the other friend watches threading would tell you to grab the heavy object with your friend while the second friend lifts the lighter object by themselves evenly spreading the workload among the three people.
What CPU is Right for you?
Different categories are more or less important depending on what you plan on doing with your PC. Clock Speed is important for those who have to load large files or applications frequently throughout the day, having a high Clock Speed reduces down time by raising your PC's load speed. A CPU's Core or more specifically the number of Cores it has determines how many applications you can load simultaneously. Having a multiple number of cores is important for users who are in a multi tasking environment like those who need to access different web functions simultaneously. A CPU with the ability to Thread is able to process multiple functions in a variety of sizes in the most efficient way possible by evenly dividing up the processing workload between the available Cores. A reliable Threading CPU is essential for those in high end video editing work, game programming, and high end gaming.
Take into account the work you generally do or plan to do on your PC to select the CPU that is right for you. Users tend to see manufacturers talking about the highest end models they offer with multiple Core Processors and patented Threading features but the fact is the average user does not need all those bells and whistles. The average user who is surfing the web and using general office programs only needs to look for a CPU with a mid level Clock Speed and a low number of Cores. Users who plan on using their PC for editing purposes or basic gaming will need to invest in a CPU with threading ability and possibly an increased number of Cores. Video Editing Professionals and competitive online gamers are among the few who should be looking for top of the line clock speeds, double digit Cores, and Threading ability.
Graphics Processing Unit
What GPU is right for you?
Often times a new PC will come with an Integrated Graphics Processing Unit pre installed in the units Motherboard. An Integrated Unit allows manufacturers to create thinner and lighter units that can run on lower power consumption. The integrated Unit will be able to handle most general applications in modern PC's making activities like video streaming and basic gaming, for those who are looking for more performance you will need to look into external parts. A Discrete Graphics Processing Unit will plug into your PC's PCle Slot for more power, speed, and reliability. Users running intensive video editing software or playing visually intensive games often need the added boost a Discrete Graphics Card brings.
Before you decide which option is the right one for you lets look at the pros and cons of each:
Integrated Graphics Processing Unit
Pro’s
Integrated GPU's allow manufacturers to create a lighter and slimmer PC
Uses a lower amount of power
No external parts
Con’s
Can only handle basic applications
More difficult to replace/fix
More potential strain on CPU
Discrete Graphics Processing Unit
Pro’s
More power and speed to handle complex programs
Will better support your CPU
More reliable performance
Con’s
Higher power consumption
Depending on the size it may require cooling
More expensive
Looking at the Pros and Cons of both the Internal and External options we can see they are made for two types of users, casual use and professional use. Casual is not a negative term it only means that in general PC's made with Integrated GPU's are made for users who mainly use general applications like the Office app suite and video streaming. Casual users also benefit from lower power consumption and avoid the additional cost of purchasing an external unit. Professional users who are dealing with extensive high quality video rendering or media programming will need to upgrade to an external unit to handle the increased processing demands from necessary software to avoid lags and downtime. External Graphics Cards often come with a higher price tag and additional cost for potential cooling, however that does not compare to the time they can save video professionals.
RAM
What is RAM?
Your PC stores data it needs to retrieve quickly using RAM. RAM or Random Access Memory allows your CPU to pull data without having to waste time and power by accessing your hard drive. The more RAM you have the more available space you have for actively running programs. When your PC is turned off all of the data is cleared from your RAM which is why it is often referred to as your PC's short term memory. Depending on the amount and intensity of the programs you frequently use together you may need to look into increasing the amount of RAM your PC has available. When your PC runs out of available RAM it needs to store that active data in your PCs hard drive instead, causing an increase in power consumption and program start up time.
How Much RAM do you need?
4 GigaBytes
Smallest amount of RAM that is generally used in chromebooks or mobile devices
Enough to run your OS and basic web applications
Perfect for children or students
8 GigaBytes
Most common amount of RAM in modern PCs
Able to run basic games
Good for families and your average PC user
16 GigaBytes
Baseline speed for video editing software
Enough RAM for a majority of online games
highest recommended amount for the Average User
32 GigaBytes
Highest available option that is able to run a majority of recreational and professional programs
Recommended for users running high end editing and programming software
Most programs do not need this level of RAM, research the programs you plan on using before choosing this high of an option.
Long-Term Storage
The Difference between HDD and SDD
HDDs and SSDs are the two main available options for long term storage. Long term storage is used to store all the programs on your PC, when you start up a program your processor has to access your long term storage which depending on which option you select can take a varying amount of time. The reason for the difference in speed is due to the difference in methods for pulling up stored data. Hard Disk Drives use a more physical method for accessing data using an arm and lever system to move to the location of the data you are trying to access. The physical movement of parts not only takes more time it also has a higher risk of damage than an SSD. Solid State Drives take all the motion out of your hard drive, instead of a moving arm an SSD accesses data digitally. An SSD is able to receive signals from your CPU and access the necessary data up to 10 times faster than an HDD. Although an SSD can access data more efficiently an HDD is able to store much larger amounts of data.
HDD? SSD? or Both?
Now that we know the difference between an HDD and SSD its time to see which option helps which users. HDD drives offer large amounts of storage space at a much cheaper price than the equivalent amount in an SSD with the only drawbacks being a slower speed when starting programs and the moving part being more susceptible to damage. With the ability to store all the background programs users do not see and hardly ever access an HDD is a great choice for any PC user from recreational to professional. SSDs are the future norm for hard drives with the only current drawback being its premium pricing. If cost was no option all your PCs necessary data would be stored on an SSD and all of your programs would start up in the blink of an eye, for most of use that is not the case. A majority of SSDs on the market are a fraction of the size as an HDD because it is not yet economical to buy one large enough to be used as your sole long term storage option, at the current premium on storage space it makes more sense to use an SSD as an add on to your HDD. Users who are looking for faster start up speed should go with an SSD large enough to store your PCs OS and a few other programs you consistently access and leave lesser used programs in your HDD to save on cost. To recap all users looking for a new hard drive option should use a Hard Disk Drive with users who are looking for more speed when booting up certain programs should look into purchasing a Solid State Drive large enough for said programs.
Soundcard/External DAC
Integrated and External Soundcards
A Soundcard is essential for tasks like listening to music and hearing footsteps behind you on your favorite videogame, without it you actually wound not be able to hear anything at all. Soundcards are responsible for taking in all the audio information from your PC and converts it to an Audio Signal that your speakers or headphones can transmit. Most modern day PCs come with an Integrated Soundcard installed on the Motherboard. One of the benefits with having an Integrated Soundcard is the manufacturer can place it in an area less likely to deal with electric interference. An External Soundcard will plug into your PC through a PCle slot and sit right on top of the motherboard. External Soundcards are a better option if your goal is to avoid electrical interference, instead of pulling audio data along the motherboard competing with the data from you CPU,GPU, and RAM an External Soundcard pulls the data straight into the card slot away from interference.
Having a dedicated External Soundcard may sound like the right option but to the average PC user it can be the largest waste of money in your next PC. Most of your modern day PC's contain an Integrated Soundcard or Audiochip and while this generally means you wont get top tier performance when it comes to the Soundcards even the most avid music fans wont be able to tell the difference. One of the biggest concerns with Integrated Audiochips is the potential for Electrical Interference, which comes from signals from other components colliding with audio signals going to and from the Audiochip. With its placement in the PCle slot an External Soundcard can pull the audio signals away from the motherboard and from potential Interference. Sound Engineers or Music Producers would certainly find issue with the levels of interference from an Integrated unit with the quality and quantity of equipment in use but for the average user trying to hear a zoom call at work or listen to music at home it is more than enough.
External Digital Analog Converter
External Digital Analog Converters have the same function as a Soundcard in fact every Soundcard has an Internal DAC that carries out the process of converting Audio Data. External DACs take the issue of Electrical Interference to the extremes and is considered by many to be the best way to avoid it. Unlike a Soundcard an External DAC is located outside of your PC, generally being placed on the desk next to it but the further away the better really is the goal. The DAC is plugged into your PC and takes the audio information, transfers it back out to the DAC and converts it to a usable Analog Signal. The idea is that by pulling the audio data further away from the activity of the motherboard the clearer and more lively the audio signal will be. DACs are also more flexible in terms of switching to different PCs, Integrated Audiochips are stuck in the individual unit and External Soundcards are often more strict with what specifications they require.
What Sound Option is Right for You?
As always the best way to decide what component is right for you is to think about what you are going to be doing with your PC. Users looking for the basic PC experience with some movie streaming, listening to music and the occasional video chat you will not need anything more than the Integrated Audiochip your PC comes with. Users primarily using one or two programs simultaneously do not have to worry about high levels of Interference and without an upgraded speaker system would not be able to hear it. More advanced users who spend more time on a PC whether it be for work or for fun may need to look at an External Soundcard depending on their interests. The more active your computer is the higher the levels of interference you can potentially face, even if you are not doing music/audio intensive work. A user doing basic video editing work could experience heavy audio interference simply because of the active software potentially running in the background and that slow down or slight irritation could be enough alone to make the jump to an external unit. The External DAC world is for users demanding the highest levels of Audio clarity. Users or professionals using high end equipment that is able to pick up more audio depth will make any present interference more pronounced, which is why having an External DAC pulling data far away from the motherboard is key. Not only does a DAC avoid a majority of interference users claim it provides the most lively sound and even increased positional audio for some online gamers.
Conclusion:
Basic PC users should stick to the Integrated Audiochip that comes preinstalled to your motherboard. Users spending above average time using a PC especially those doing any kind of video or audio editing work should consider upgrading to an External Soundcard to avoid Interference from above average activity. Sound Engineers, Music Producers, and online Gamers looking for an edge need to invest in an External DAC to avoid all Interference and get the clearest possible audio.
