Video card buying tips

Introduction

With the popularity of computer gaming video cards are becoming of of the most commonly upgraded components in a computer. However, purchasing a computer video card can sometimes be a very confusing and frustrating task. Before purchasing a video card, keep the below recommendations in mind.

Connection

Today, there are three bus (slots) a video card is capable of connecting to. Although with most modern computers today it'll be either PCI-E or AGP. Before buying a new video card make sure you get a video card that will be compatible with the available slots in your computer.

PCI-E or PCI-Express was approved as a standard on July 2002 and is the latest computer bus found in computers. PCI Express is designed to replacePCI and AGP and is available in several different formats: x1, x2, x4, x8, x12, x16 and x32.

AGP or Advanced Graphics Port, is a new standard available on Pentium II and later motherboards. Introduced in 1997, AGP is a 32-bit Bus designed for high demanding video cards. AGP has a direct line to the computer memory, which allows 3-D elements to be stored in the system memory instead of the video memory and is available in three different standards (1.0, 2.0, and 3.0).

PCI or Peripheral Component Interconnect, was first introduced in 1992. Although still in use most computers today will have an available AGP slot and should be used instead of PCI.

Power supply

Today's video cards are one of the must power hungry devices in your computer. Make sure that your power supply will meet the requirements of your video card. Many video cards will require a 500W or more power supply. If your computer doesn't meet the power requirements you'd need to upgrade the power supply before being able to install the new video card.

Memory

Another important consideration when purchasing a video card is the amount of video memory the card has. Like system memory, the more memory located on the computer video card in most cases the greater capability of the video card. Today, we suggest at the minimum a video card with 256MB of video memory.

Other considerations

Below are some additional considerations you may want to think about when buying a video card.

Ports - Many newer video cards will only have a DVI connection or both a VGA and DVI connection. If you're using a video card with a monitor that has a VGA connector it can still be used, but you'll need to also purchase a DVI to VGA converter if not included with your video card.

Chipset - There are dozens of different video card manufacturers. However, there are only two major chipset manufacturers; Nvidia and ATI. Although both are great manufacturers there can be great big differences between the two as far as performance. Before buying any video card it's a good idea to look up a hardware review on the video card before purchasing it if you're concerned about it's performance.

Size - If you have a smaller computer case fitting some of the new video cards in the computer many not be possible. Video cards today are much larger than older video cards because of their increased capabilities and need for cooling fans. Make sure your case is going to have room for a new video card. The only way to do this is to open the case and physically look.

Warranty - How long is the warranty and what does it cover.

Support - Is the technical support number a free number and is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week? You can find contact information for all major video card manufacturers on our Video Card.

Price range

The price range can vary depending on the brand of video card, amount of memory, the interface used, and other available options. In general prices can range from $100 to $1,000 USD.

Where to purchase

For best price we often recommend that users purchase all computer hardware online. You'll be able to look at other customer reviews and get a much lower price. If you're uncomfortable buying online or want to talk to a sales rep you can always visit a local retail store and then buy online.

Sound Card Buying tips

Introduction

When purchasing a sound card, there are several factors that can complicate and sometimes not allow you to install your sound card. Before purchasing a sound card, it is important to take the below things into consideration.

Interface

Ensure that you have the available connection on the computer. Sound cards are available as both PCI and ISA.

PCI - Today, most cards available are PCI; if you plan on using your sound card for such things as playing games and watching DVD movies, it is recommended you at least get a PCI sound card.

ISA - Today, ISA cards are relatively cheap sound cards, which allow users that may not have as much money to have sound on the computer. In addition to being a cheap sound card, purchasing an ISA sound card will keep an additional free PCI slot available.

In addition to verifying your computer has the available connections, it is also important to look to see if your computer has a sound card that is built onto the Motherboard. Verify that this sound card can be disabled or will be disabled when the new sound card is installed.

Available connections

After determining the available connection on the sound card, it is also important to look at the available connections on the card. When purchasing a sound card it is important that it has the available connections on the card.

• Available speaker connections - For computer gamers it may be important that the card has two available speaker connections. One connection for the front speakers and the other for the rear speakers. Users who do not plan on using four speakers or utilizing this technology will only need one speaker connection to connect the set of two speakers to.
• Midi port / Game port - The midi port will allow a user to connect a Midi keyboard; however, it is more commonly used as a game port, allowing users to connect game paddles and joysticks to the card.
• Microphone connection - Today, generally a standard with all sound cards, it's important to verify your sound card includes a Microphone connection.

Full-duplex

Today, generally included with most sound cards, FullDuplex allows for sound cards playing and recording sound at the same time. This feature is most commonly used to do voice communication over the Internet or speakerphone.

3-D acceleration

Today, 3-D Acceleration is used and found in computer games. Below is a listing of the three 3-D acceleration found today.

DirectSound 3D Microsoft's DirectSound3D software API included with DirectX. When compared to other available 3D standards.

EAX Creative Labs Environmental Audio Extensions that creates very realistic and believable sound effects based in the environment of a game.

A3D Originally developed by Aureal, A3D is a software API developed for additional 3D acceleration without using Microsofts API code. Unfortunately, on June 6, 2000, Aureal went off-line because of bankruptcy.

Other considerations

Some other important considerations to look at when purchasing a computer sound card include:

Warranty How long is the warranty and what does it cover.

Support Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Price range

The price range can vary depending upon the sound card purchased and the available options with that sound card. Below is a listing of some examples of prices you are likely to see when purchasing a sound card.

Sound Card

Expect to pay $20.00 to $300.00*

*All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When the sound card is introduced the price will generally be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used.

Ready to purchase

Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a new sound card, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the sound card from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.

Introduction

Purchasing a processor is an important consideration when building or buying a computer. Below we have listed several considerations and additional information about what to ask and look for when purchasing a processor directly or already installed into a computer.

Type

The processor can be a very important consideration for users who are building a computer. Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability. When considering any of these processors verify the motherboard is compatible. For example, if an Intel motherboard is purchased or currently installed into the computer, you will want to consider an Intel Processor, an AMD processor will not work on a motherboard designed for AMD.

Considerations

Heat Sink	It is highly recommended that all processors have a heat sink. The heat sink helps to allow for the processor to remain cool and therefore run more efficiently. A computer processor with a missing, bad or failing heat sink will cause the computer to lock up, cause errors or encounter other issues. When looking at a processor, also consider the heat sink that will be attached to that processor and ensure that the processor being purchased is compatible with that heat sink.
Interface	Today, there is a wide availability of interfaces the CPU may connect to. Below is a listing of each of the interfaces and a brief description on each of them. Slot Slot A The slot was first used and introduced by Intel when they released the Pentium II processors. This slot was designed to allow users to install the processor easily into the computer. However, because of the additional cost considerations, Intel has now gone back to the Socket what is now known as the FC-PGA socket. Computers that have the Slot are the Intel Pentium II and early versions of the Intel Pentium III. The AMD processors use the Slot A interface Socket FC-PGA Flip Chip Coppermine The socket is the most commonly used and found interface for processors today. The socket has been used in all Intel processors preceding the Intel Pentium II and is now being used for the Intel Pentium III and above processors with the name FC-PGA, which is short for Field-Programmable Gate Array. The FC-PGA is a socket and not a slot processor and is also known as the Intel Coppermine or the Flip Chip. Slocket Slocket, which is a slot card, can be used to connect a socket or FPGA processor. This is not an actual interface but can be an option for users who have a slot adapter with a computer that supports speeds of a socket or FPGA processor. When looking at the interface of the CPU, it must match that of what is on the motherboard unless it is possible to use a Slocket.
Names	The names of the processors can be very confusing and are generally used as a method of helping to sell a computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them. Intel family names: Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the generation above the 486 processor line. Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit software Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have been released after this processor. Pentium II / III - The first of the Intel processors to include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next generations of the Intel Pentium processor. Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel Pentium III / IV. Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine. Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating the level 2 cache. Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors. AMD family names: AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology and first to have the 100MHz bus. AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at the speed of the CPU. AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the overall computer to drop. AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the 200MHz bus speed AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor is the socket version.
Speed	The speed of the processor is an important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the computer and help the computer run faster overall. When looking at the speed of processors available, we highly recommend that you do not purchase or consider purchasing a processor that has just been released. The price of the processor will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months it will drop in price dramatically.

Network equipment buying tips

Introduction

Purchasing network cards and accessories for a network, for many, is a confusing and frustrating task. Below we have listed recommendations and considerations to look at when purchasing a network card or accessories for a network. When reviewing this information and recommendations you will be able to be more confident and prevent more issues and frustration when purchasing network equipment.

Connection types

When purchasing a network card, look at the available connections that card allows. Today, this is not as important as it has been in the past as today many networks are only using RJ45. If your network utilizes a different interface, such as Coax, verify the card you are planning on purchasing has this connection.

Connection speed

Connection speed is a very important consideration when looking at purchasing a network card. Today, the majority of networks and cards are found in 10 Base or 100 Base, 100 Base being the faster of the two solutions. While generally slightly more expensive it is recommended that all users looking to buy a network card purchase 100 Base network cards as these cards, if needed, can be switched down to 10 Base.

Card interface

The interface that the card connects to is also an important consideration. Below is a listing of the three available interfaces.

PCI –The recommended solution for desktop computers as it is a faster solution when compared to ISA. However, this is generally a slightly more expensive solution when compared to ISA.

ISA – Solution generally found with 10 Base network cards, ISA cards are a cheaper solution but can be a much slower solution when compared to PCI.

PCMCIA – Solution used with laptop computers, PCMCIA cards are the only solution for laptop computers. When looking to buy a PCMCIA card, it is important to look at the following:

• Connection – By far the most important consideration; when looking at PCMCIA cards, look at the connection and if any additional cables are required to connect the network card to the Network. These additional cables, unfortunately, become easily lost and sometimes easily damaged. The alternatives to additional cables are cards that contain the actual connection on the card.
• Slots used – Verify the card being used utilizes type II connection. If the card utilizes a type III connection, verify that the other cards besides the network can be inserted.

Network cable

When purchasing a network card you will generally never find a network cable included with that card, unless you purchase a network kit. Therefore, it is important to also verify if the network card includes a network cable, and if it does not include a cable, look into purchasing a network cable with your network card. The below information is what to look for when purchasing a network cable.

1. Verify that you purchase the right cable. Today, the most common network cables are Ethernet and Coax. If your network card has an RJ-45 connection, you will want an Ethernet cable; and if your card has a BNC connector, you will want to purchase a Coax cable.
2. If you are planning on only connecting two computers together, you may want to consider purchasing a Cross Over cable that is different from a standard network cable. This cable allows the computers to be connected without the need of a network hub.
3. If you are planning on connecting to a large network, you will need to purchase a standard network cable. Additionally, if you are planning on setting up a network with two or more computers, you will also need to purchase a network hub.

Network hubs

Network hubs are a stand alone hardware device that allow for several computers to be connected to a large or small network of computers. Network hubs are only required if you plan on setting up a network of 2 or more computers. If you plan on using your computer and network card to play network games, a hub will only be required if you plan on hosting that network party. When looking at purchasing a hub, it is important to look at the following.

1. See if the amount of ports on that hub are sufficient for your needs.
2. Verify that the hub is an auto sensing hub. This means that the hub can detect if the network is running at 10 or 100 base and switch to that appropriate speed. It is important to know that you cannot a hub will only connect to a network running at the same speed.
3. Verify that the hub has LED (lights) status indicators. LEDs to look for are the connection LED lights to indicate what speed a computer connected to that network may be, if the hub is experiencing activity, and collision LEDs to see if the network is experiencing a severe amount of collisions.

Other considerations

Other important considerations to look for when purchasing network equipment include:

Warranty – How long is the warranty and what does it cover.

Support – Is the technical support number a free number; is it open 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Price range

Network equipment prices can be very broad in prices because of the quality or features that particular device may include. We have a general list of the major network equipment; however, this is not a complete list and prices can very likely exceed the prices stated below, sometimes by several thousand dollars.

Network Card	$20.00 - $200.00
Network Cable	$1.00 - $80.00
Network Hub	$40.00 - $200.00
Network Switch	$90.00 - $2000.00

*All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When a network device is first introduced the price will generally be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. Network cable price will vary depending upon the length and brand of cable purchased. Network hub prices will vary depending upon the amount of ports and if the hub is auto switching. Network Switches will vary depending upon the amount of ports, the capability of the switch and the supported speeds.

Ready to buy

Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer network device, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the network device from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.

Modem buying tips

Introduction

Today, with the set standards of V.90, purchasing a modem is a much less confusing task and sometimes considered easy.

Before purchasing a modem, take the below into consideration. Today, with the popularity of the Internet and multimedia over the Internet, broadband is becoming widely available. If available in your area, you may want to consider purchasing a broadband solution, such as DSL available through a phone or third-party company, Cable available through your local cable provider, Satellite available through a third-party, or through a large ISP such as MSN or AOL.

If a broadband connection is not available in your area, below are some recommendations to consider when purchasing a computer modem.

Standards

Originally, when the 56k connection was introduced, there was not a set standard between two major modem manufacturers, causing there to be two different technologies, X2 and KFlex. Each of these technologies allowed for a modem to connect at higher speeds, but only if the Internet Provider supported the technology. Because of the difficulties and issues with these two different technologies, one technology emerged out of the two, called V.90. This technology will allow users of any brand of modem to connect at higher speeds.

Today, all modems (purchased new) are V.90 and this is no longer a concern.

Interface

Interface can be an important when considering purchasing a modem. It is important that your computer has the available connections and resources when purchasing a modem.

PCI / ISA (Internal) PCI / ISA modems are modems that are found in most computers today. These modems are installed internally into the computer with an available connection on the back of the modem for the phone line. Before purchasing an internal modem make sure the computer has the required slot. In addition, verify that your computer has the available resources. You can sometimes have difficulties installing a modem if a serial device, such as a Serial mouse or Serial PDA, is connected to the computer.

Serial (External) - A serial modem connects to the serial port located on the back of the computer. These modems are generally easy to install; however, they can cost more than an internal modem as you pay additional money for the plastic cover. Before purchasing a serial modem verify your computer has an available serial connection on the back of the computer; devices such as a serial mouse may already be utilizing your serial port. Some computers may have two serial ports; if this is the case and only one serial port is currently being utilized, verify that the second port can be enabled or is already enabled in CMOS.

PC card (PCMCIA) - Solution used with portable computers, PC Card modems are fairly cheap and relatively easy to install in the computer.

If a modem is already present in your portable computer but you wish to upgrade or the internal modem has gone bad, it is important that you verify the pre-existing modem can be disabled before installing the new modem.

USB - A new solution, USB allows a user to install up to 127 devices on the computer and is available for PC and Mac. Before purchasing this solution, verify that your computer has a USB connection. If no USB connection is available, an additional card will need to be installed in the computer.

Connection

Internal / External / USB modem - Today, all modems have a RJ-11 connection, which is a standard phone connection, on the modem. If important to you, verify that the modem has two available RJ-11 connections. One of these connections will connect the modem to the phone and the other can be used for an office phone. This can be very useful for a home or office computer that may need a phone next to it.

PC Card Modem - PC Card Modems used with laptop and other computers have different methods of connecting to a phone line. X-Jack and a Dongle are two of the more popular connection types used for PC Card Modems. If you are purchasing a new PC Card Modem make sure the connection works for you.

Internet availability

Unfortunately even today, not every location in the world has the availability to connect to the Internet. If you live in a rural area, verify that you will be able to connect to the Internet before purchasing a modem.

Price range

The price range of a modem is generally ranged by the speed of the modem, if it is external / internal, and the brand of the modem.

Internal modem	$80.00 and below
External modem	$100.00 to $150.00
USB modem	$140.00 to $200.00
PC-Card modem	$50.00 to $200.00

*All prices are estimated prices and are not quotes. When a modem is first introduced the price will generally be higher. All prices are US Currency, prices may vary in different countries. All prices are based on new products and not those purchased refurbished or used. Prices on modems may vary if modem includes additional software. PC-Card modem prices can be higher than above stated price if card is a combo card (modem / NIC) or if the card is a wireless solution.

Ready to buy

Once you have reviewed the appropriate information and believe that you are ready to make a purchase of a computer modem, ensure that the source that you plan on purchasing the modem from is a reputable source and you have reviewed our section on what to look out for when purchasing over the Internet.

Computer Hope is ready to setup and help you with issues you may encounter during the purchase and installation of your modem, regardless if you purchase through us or another vendor.