| Information |
Description |
| Definition |
RAM, or random access memory, is the widely recognized abbreviation for the temporary
storage found in computers that provides short-term data access and storage for applications. More RAM
allows you to read and access more data nearly instantaneously rather than having it written to your hard
disk.
|
| Measurement |
Gigabytes (GB): RAM is measured in GB, or gigabytes. A gigabyte is a unit of digital
information storage capacity. It represents one billion bytes of data. A gigabyte is commonly used to
measure the size of files, storage devices, and memory capacity.
|
| Producers: |
Samsung, Micron Technology, Corsair |
| Recommended |
8 GB for home use, 16 GB for office computers, 32 GB for gaming or multimedia use |
| Average Prices |
8 Gb ~ $25 - $40
16 GB ~ $60-$70
32 GB ~ $110 - $120 |
| Information |
Description |
| Definition: |
Using rapidly spinning magnetic platters, a hard drive (HDD) is a type of data storage
device used to store and retrieve digital data. Its primary function is long-term data storage, which
provides non-volatile storage for the operating system, programs, and user data. |
| Capacities: |
500 GB to 22 TB |
| Typical Specifications: |
500GB to 4TB capacities, 5400 or 7200 RPM rotational speeds, and 8MB to 256MB cache sizes
are typical specifications. One terabyte consists of 1024 gigabytes. |
| Producers |
HGST, Toshiba, Seagate, Western Digital |
| Average Price |
500 GB ~ $35
1 TB ~ $70 - $80
2 TB ~ $140 - $170
4 TB ~ $380 - $420 |
| Information |
Description |
| Definition |
A graphics card, or GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), is a special part of a computer that
focuses on graphics-heavy tasks like gaming and video editing. It's built for quickly handling complex
math needed to create images and videos, unlike the more general-purpose CPU. The GPU has its own
memory, called VRAM (Video Random Access Memory), to store graphical data, enhancing the computer's
performance and visual quality.
|
| Capacities |
500 GB to 4TB |
| Typical Specifications |
VRAM (Video RAM): The memory used by the GPU for storing textures and frame buffers. Common capacities
include 4GB, 8GB, and higher. Higher resolution textures and improved performance in graphics-intensive
tasks are made possible by larger VRAM. Higher resolution gaming might call for GPUs with more VRAM.
Clock Speed: Similar to a CPU, the clock speed of a GPU is measured in GHz and impacts processing speed.
|
| Producers |
Nvidia, AMD |
| Average Price |
Mid-range GPUs may range from $200 to $500, while high-end models can exceed $1,000,
especially for top-tier gaming or professional GPUs.
|
| Information |
Description |
| Definition |
The motherboard is like a computer's main hub, connecting and coordinating various parts
like the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals such as graphics, sound, and network cards. It provides
the necessary pathways for data to travel between these components through slots, connectors, and
ports. Think of it as the structural support that ensures different parts work together smoothly,
making the computer run effectively.
|
| Capacities |
The ability of a motherboard to manage various components can be used to determine its
capacity. It includes the maximum RAM it can support, the number and types of storage devices (like hard
drives and SSDs) it can hold, the expansion slots that can be used to add additional parts, like
graphics cards, and the peripheral connectivity options, like USB ports and audio jacks. Essentially,
the capacity is like the motherboard's capability to handle and connect various parts of your computer.
|
| Typical Specifications |
Form Factor: The motherboard's dimensions and design. Typical form factors consist of
MicroATX, Mini-ITX, and ATX.
Socket Type: The motherboard's compatibility with a particular processor model is determined by the CPU
socket. Certain socket types are used by different CPUs.
RAM Slots: The motherboard's maximum memory capacity and speed are determined by the number of slots and
supported RAM types (such as DDR4).
PCIe expansion slots enable the installation of extra hardware, such as networking, sound, and graphics
cards.
Storage Connectors: M.2 slots accommodate faster NVMe SSDs, while SATA ports link SSDs and hard drives.
|
| Producers |
Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, ASRock |
| Average Price |
$100 - $500 |
| Information |
Description |
| Defination |
A computer tower is a type of chassis or housing that contains the internal components
of a desktop computer. It is characterized by a vertical, upright design that stands vertically on a
surface.
|
| Typical Specifications |
Dimensions measured in inches or centimeters
Weight measured in pounds (lbs) or
kilograms (kg). Other specifications include: Form Factor, Motherboard Compatibility, Cooling System,
Expansion Slots, Front Panel Ports, Cable Management
|
| Main Producers |
HP, DELL, Lenovo, Asus, Acer, Samsung |
| Average Price |
~$100 - $200 |
| Information |
Description |
| Definition |
An operating system is system software that manages computer hardware and software
resources, and provides common services for computer programs. |
| Typical Specifications |
Peripheral Support, Security Features, User Interface (UI), Supported Platforms, System
Requirements, Update and Patch Management |
| Producers |
Microsoft: Windows
Apple: MacOS
Linux |
| Recommended |
1. Windows:
Windows is recommended for gaming, productivity, compadibility.
2.MacOS:
Mac is recommended for creative work and media production due to its user freindly
interface and strong support for creatuive softwares.
2. Linux:
Linux is recommended for
web developpers, programmers, and server environments due to its strong secuirity features and open
source nature; which makes coding and programming easier. |
| Information |
Description |
| Definition |
A computer monitor is an output device that displays information in pictorial or textual
form. |
| Typical Specifications |
Screen size: measured from corner to corner in inches (in)
Resolution: the number of
pixels displayed on the screen (1920 x 1080 for HD or 3840 x 2160 for 4k). A higher number of pixels means
a sharper and clearer image.
Refresh Rate: The number of times per second the image refreshes.
Measured in hertz (Hz). The higher the refresh rate, the smoother videos and transitions will
be.
Bezel size: width of the side frame
HDR (High Dynamic Range):Monitors with HDR support
can display a wider range of colors and higher contrast for a more realistic image. |
| Producers |
Dell, Asus, Samsung, Acer, LG, SONY |
| Recommended |
For home/casual use, a budget friendly monitor with a mediocre refresh rate (60Hz) and
resolution (HD --> 1,920 x 1,080) is ideal. For office work, a monitor with decent refresh rate (75Hz -
120Hz) and resolution (2k --> 2560 x 1440) would be best. For gaming, high refresh rate (120Hz - 240Hz)
and resolution (4k --> 3840 x 2160) would elevate the experience considerably. |
| Average Price |
Low Specs: ~ $100 - $150
Decent Specs: ~ $150 - $300
Amazing Specs: ~ $250+ |