|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sat Aug 11, 2012 2:57 pm
I was a moron when it came to computers as well.
Back in my idiot days, I bought a laptop for 700 bucks at Walmart. It was the worst piece of s**t laptop ever. After some years, I took some courses on computer hardware and now I understand what exactly you look for in a good computer.
For a gaming rig, you look for certain things.
How much RAM does it have?
What kind of processor does it have?
What kind of graphics card does it have?
Does it have more than just the Intel built-in crappy graphics card?
How much does the hardrive hold?
RAM allows you to run bigger programs and more programs at once. Most games nowadays may need up to 4 GB of RAM to function properly. Some graphics cards have built-in RAM to give you even more. Low RAM leads to choppy gameplay in bigger more detailed areas of games.
Intel's processors are wonderful. The newest is the i7, but even an i3 or i5 work wonders. The processor is how fast your computer can think. Some games may need faster speeds with dual or quad core processors. If you processor is too slow, the game may run or load slowly.
Graphics are everything. The only thing Intel falls flat on is graphics cards. The Intel Chipset Family, that is typical to most computers, sucks for gaming. Having an external card, like something by nVidia or AMD, make you able to play actual games, not the crappy flash games on Facebook. Most games need at least a card with the ability to use DirectX 9 and some can go up to DirectX 11, which is the newest. DirectX is the 3D engine practically EVERY game uses.
Finally the hardrive. This is just important and how much spaces you want to cram onto your computer. This allows you to hold more games, pictures, "finance reports", and other files.
Whew. And that's my rant on things I know from a year long course on hardware. God bless America.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 12:43 pm
The thing is, I know what this stuff does and I can put RAM and graphics cards in computers, but making a computer from scratch? You've lost me there. I'll leave that to the experts.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 1:52 pm
I suppose. I did take an old computer apart for my hardware class. Then we tried to put it all back together. Some got it to work, others, like myself, didn't.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:26 pm
I am okay enough with computers, I always end up fixing friends computers when they do something stupid. I know the basic parts and processes and can get around fine without help. I considered minoring in computer programing, but my school got rid of their program for that.
I have a 400 dollar inspiron laptop from Walmart. Other than the graphics card it isnt terrible but I will be getting a better computer soon. Its not like I didn't know this wouldn't be the greatest computer, its simply it was my first semester in College and I really needed something affordable that would get my stuff done. I also looked at Frys, best buy as well as other electronics stores, and they kept trying to sell me broken computers(keys were missing, one wouldnt turn on) with terrible processors. At this point I had a few days until school started so couldnt order anything, and I ended up with this. Its really not too shabby for the price I paid.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 3:38 pm
I'm pretty clueless about computers besides the basics. lol
Don't know which one to get~
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 4:01 pm
Maybe some of you more knowledgeable computer people may be able to help with this one:
I have a Sony Vaio, and not even a month ago, I noticed that my battery is no longer charging. As in it's plugged in and the little icon in the bottom says it's not charging. I ran the diagnostic program on it, and it came back that the battery was in excellent health, so I don't think it's that. My last computer had the same problem, but it got so bad I couldn't use it unless it was plugged in. Would that be an external problem, like the powerstrip?
I really hope it's not my laptop screwing up, the thing isn't even six months old yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 6:41 pm
Kakona Actually I might be able to help with this one. Because my cousin had the same issue. Could you give me the exact model? A link to it in some site's store would be fantastic. Some of the Viao laptops came with crappy batteries period. They really were not a good run of laptops I'm sorry to tell you. ^^; It is probably the battery it's self and those are relatively cheap if you know where to look. (Newegg is a good site for all kinds of computer stuff for example) They aren't hard to install yourself either. I could link you a guide to that to if you wanted? If you don't have/want to spend any money on it just run it plugged in and save up for a better one. I keep hearing/seeing bad things about Viao's I'm afraid. If I gave you the Model Number from the sticker on the bottom would that help? Right now I can't seem to find it on Best Buy (where I bought the computer from) or the Sony site. I kind of wonder if it's a discontinued model. Anyways the Model Number is vpcsc31fm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 6:52 pm
Kakona Kytonna If I gave you the Model Number from the sticker on the bottom would that help? Right now I can't seem to find it on Best Buy (where I bought the computer from) or the Sony site. I kind of wonder if it's a discontinued model. Anyways the Model Number is vpcsc31fm Yeah that is the one I was thinking of. X.X I'm sorry. The batteries in those things go out in 2-7 months from buying the laptop with regular use. Really it's buy a new battery or run on a cord. Gah, and I have no clue where the stupid receipt is right now. Other wise I'd be shoving this down Best Buy's throat and demanding they fixed it. My fiance bought it as an early birthday gift and I know he was upset to find out it was acting up already. Oh well, this is why I stay away from Sony products.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Aug 12, 2012 7:05 pm
Kakona Kytonna Gah, and I have no clue where the stupid receipt is right now. Other wise I'd be shoving this down Best Buy's throat and demanding they fixed it. My fiance bought it as an early birthday gift and I know he was upset to find out it was acting up already. Oh well, this is why I stay away from Sony products. I know everyone likes the mobility of laptops, but they are more of a pain than desktops by far. I do wish you luck on finding that receipt. I hope you can make it Best Buy's problem and not yours. hehe yeah. I know what you mean. Currently my bed is my desk, so I don't think a desktop is the best route for me. Thanks for the help though!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
