Barebone Kits Tips
Read these 4 Barebone Kits Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about PC tips and hundreds of other topics.
The Process of Choosing a Processor
When building your own PC you want to make sure the computer kit you choose is the one best suited to handle the tasks you plan to give it. Start with the processor. Pentium computers will generally have better bus and clock speeds than Celeron, and the Intel Core 2 Quad Processor is the mother of them all. The Core 2 Quad has four execution cores in a single processor. This results in more commands being executed simultaneously and much faster, along with a dramatically faster data transfer rate.
So if you are looking to build a media machine, are a dedicated video gamer or multi-tasking business executive, this processor is the powerhouse you want to have in your machine. Play games or watch movies in high definition while downloading large quantities of data and run a virus scan at the same time. It will be a smoother ride than a Volvo.
Case the Joint
The chassis, or case, is more important than most people realize when building a PC. When buying a kit the case is usually matched well with the processor and motherboard. This means that for what this computer will most likely become based on the other hardware in the kit, the right case is coming with it.
Always make sure to double check, however. If you are buying all the basic computer parts separately, it is crucial to make sure they match up. We all want the case to be stylish and look cool, but it has to be functional as well. An extremely important element is size. Make sure that the case is large enough to house any components you plan to add in future upgrades. If the computer case is too small, not only will adding components be difficult, but you may find your system overheating. Make sure the case itself has proper ventilation throughout and room for other cooling apparatuses, including fans.
Construction material is another key element. For example, steel is denser than many other materials used in the construction of cases. This makes steel a good choice for someone who wants to reduce the noise emitted from their newly built PC. Some enthusiasts love the style and look of cases with clear sides, so there is something for everyone. Style and functionality can be found together.
Avoiding Unnecessary Software
Pre-built machines often come loaded with tons of software. Manufacturers get huge discounted deals to load them onto their computers. For many people, however, the majority of that software is something they have no use for. Building your own PC allows you to avoid the time-consuming hassle of uninstalling extraneous software on a stock machine. Time is money. Buy the software that you know you want and install it yourself.
Even if you are paying full price for the software you do want, it will be less expensive than buying something that comes loaded with a lot more you have no use for. You do not have to be a computer programming whiz or have tons of experience building computers to know what you want to do with one. Knowing is half the battle. When you know what your goals are, you can pick the operating system that is right for you and the software that is compatible with it. Some barebone kits may come with an operating system already, but most will not. Check to make sure before making your purchase.
Save Money and Stay within Your Budget
Starting from the ground up building your dream machine gives you a lot of flexibility. You will find it much easier to make modifications down the road to the computer's original build than with a preconfigured model purchased from a manufacturer. You can upgrade your system by adding new components as your budget allows. That is an advantage you will not find in stock computers in your local store. Why wait six months to save up money for an expensive computer that comes with so many things you do not need?
Research computer kits and save money by starting there, and add components to your machine as you are able to. Patience may be a virtue but that does not mean you have to wait to buy something that is wrong for you when you could start building what is right. When you are ready to add more components, look online for the best ones that are compatible with your kit for the most affordable prices. This way you save money and know all the pieces fit into the puzzle. When you are finished building that machine, you will have a better understanding of how it will work and be confident that it is the best “build for your buck.”
