Would you like to get a new desktop computer? Do you find that yours is sluggish? Or has it stopped working totally? When the time comes to go shopping, you have to know exactly what to look for, and this article will teach you what you need to know, so read on.

Check the sound capabilities of desktop computers that you want to buy. This is especially important if you do projects or work on computers that relies on sound. Many of the standard sounds cards work for most computer users. That said, if you do sound editing or mixing, you may need something more powerful.

If your computer is running slowly, you should do a boot check. Open “MS Config” in the Start menu. This menu will allow you to find the information that you need. If there are programs listed that you don’t use, set them so they don’t automatically start. Buying a machine without them can save speed and money.

Take a measurement of size of the desktop and measure the space you will place it. It’s a good idea to measure the space, horizontal and vertical that you have available for your desktop computer and compare it against the dimensions of the computer that you’d like to purchase. Some have small profiles, and some use a great deal of vertical space. Understand how much room you have before deciding.

If you want to save money when purchasing a desktop computer, consider buying a refurbished model. You can look at the websites of major computer manufacturers such as HP or Dell, where you will find great deals on computers that have been returned to the company, fixed and sold at a discount rate.

Before you purchase a new desktop computer, make a list of all the things you want to use your computer for. Do you have a child who will need to do schoolwork or do you love to play games online? You will want to purchase a model that not only has the right software installed for your needs, but will also be fast enough to run the programs you enjoy using.

Consider what type of media you’ll want to play on your desktop computer. Do you have need of a Blu-ray player? Or is a DVD enough? Or maybe you tend to stream everything and have no need of any sort of optical drive. These will all factor in on the make you get and the price.

Don’t overlook the quality of the desktop computer monitor when considering your purchase. The specs of the actual computer may be amazing, but if the monitor is poor, your overall experience will be bad too. Remember, it’s the monitor that you’ll have the most interaction with, so be willing to spend more to get one you like.

If you do photo or video work, you’ll want a desktop computer with at least four cores. Called quad-core, this desktop will give you a lot of multitasking ability. Your computer won’t stutter when you have multiple big programs open. This will save you a lot of frustration during your work sessions.

If you’re planning to use your desktop computer as an entertainment device, don’t ignore the speaker quality. A monitor with small speakers may give you a poor, tinny audio experience. You may be better off with buying a set of external speakers rather than relying on the speakers in your monitor.

When searching for a new desktop, go into it with the idea to maximize your buy based off of your specific needs. Desktop computers come in a ton of shapes, sizes, and processing speeds and abilities. There’s a huge variety, so it’s important to take a look at your workflow to make the best choice based off of you. Don’t get fooled into a more expensive item than you need.

Try online comparison shopping when you need a desktop computer. Using comparison sites that show what a certain model offers across multiple brands can help you you decide where to buy. It can also save you a lot of money. Certain sites may offer useful additions and free shipping.

Make sure you research memory capacity in any desktop computer you’re considering purchasing and determine whether you can easily add memory. Memory capacity is an important feature for your desktop computer. This applies especially if you store lots of data. Do you take a lot of pictures? You must answer these questions honestly in order to find the most suitable computer for your needs.

With so much great information available to you, you shouldn’t struggle with the purchase of a new desktop computer ever again. Just take your time as you peruse your options to ensure you get the best computer available. In the end, the more time you dedicate to your search, the better the results.

aab