Desktop computer buying tips
Purchasing a home or business computer is a big and sometimes costly decision. Below are helpful suggestions on what to look for when purchasing a new computer.
If you're unsure if a desktop is right for you, see: What type of computer should I buy?
New vs. refurbished or used
Buying a used or refurbished computer can save you money. A refurbished computer is a returned computer that the company has checked over but cannot be sold again as new. All major computer manufacturers have a refurbished section showing all their available refurbished products. Buying one of these computers instead of a new computer can save you hundreds of dollars.
In addition to refurbished computers, buying a used computer is another option. When buying a used computer, consider the following.
- Verify it has no physical damage by inspecting the ports and the inside and outside of the case.
- Make sure you pay for what you are getting. See the scam section below for additional details.
- Ensure the computer comes with any CDs (Compact Discs) or flash drives for the operating systems or programs installed.
- Realize that many computer manufacturers do not transfer the computer warranty from the old user to you.
Mac vs. PC
The decision between buying an Apple Macintosh and a PC running Microsoft Windows is always a heated debate. See our Mac vs. PC page for a list of advantages and disadvantages of both systems if you're still undecided.
What to look for
Below are computer components and their recommendations. Each sections also has direct links to the buying tips page for the components if you'd like more information.
Case
The case or chassis is often overlooked when buying a new computer. Below are some things to think about regarding the case.
- Do you want a desktop or tower case?
- Will the case fit on top of or below your desk?
- Will the drives (e.g., CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory)) and ports (e.g., USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports) be accessible?
- Does the case support the latest motherboard standard, such as the ATX (Advanced Technology eXtended) motherboard standard? Knowing the motherboard standard helps with future upgrades.
Optical media
Does the computer come with an optical disc drive or disc burner? To install software or watch a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) movie, ensure the computer has the necessary disc drive.
Most new computers no longer have an optical media drive. If this is important, make sure the computer you're getting has a drive bay to install a disc drive. Also, realize that USB optical drives can be purchased to give you an external disc drive if the computer doesn't have one.
Hard drive
The hard drive is the destination of all your files and information. Ensure you get a hard drive with enough space and runs at speeds that don't slow down the overall computer performance.
Memory
Memory is an important purchasing decision for a computer. The more memory a computer has, the more efficiently it runs software.
Network card
Almost all computers today have an onboard network card on the motherboard. The network card lets you share files between computers in your home and connect to the Internet.
Processor
The computer processor is the most important consideration when purchasing a computer. Today, with multiple CPU (Central Processing Unit) manufacturers, it may be more confusing, but it's also more cost efficient to look at all manufacturers.
Sound card
Today, the standard sound cards included with a computer are sufficient for almost all computer users. However, if you plan to do sound editing or mixing, look at the sound card's capabilities.
Video card
For computer gaming, the video card is one of the most important factors after memory and processor. If you plan on gaming with your computer, ensure the video card GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) and video memory meet game requirements.
Brand of computer
There's no such thing as a computer manufacturer who has a perfect history with all its users. Therefore, we can't say who's better than the others when recommending one brand over another. Instead, we suggest relying on the considerations below and product reviews.
Add-ons
All computer manufacturers offer the option to buy additional accessories when buying a new computer. Consider the following before buying these add-ons.
- Make sure you're buying the accessories you need. For example, almost all new computers include a keyboard and mouse. Also, if you're upgrading from an older computer, many older peripherals and accessories are compatible with the new computer.
- If you're buying a computer online, check other online electronics retailers. Many accessories available through the computer manufacturer are sold at a premium price.
Documentation
Most manufacturers today are reducing the amount of documentation included with their computers and substituting that paper documentation for online documentation. Ensure the online documentation is sufficient and that software and driver downloads are available.
Hardware
Make sure the hardware included with your computer meets your needs.
Return
If the computer is purchased at a local retail store, can the computer be returned to them or only to the computer manufacturer? If the computer is purchased online or through mail order, can it be returned if unsatisfactory?
Service
- Is the service onsite, meaning a technician comes to your location to replace or fix a bad component? If the service is onsite, is it for the entire warranty period?
- If onsite is not offered, what is offered, and for how long?
- Can the computer be taken to a local service center? If yes, what is the closest authorized service center?
- What is the time frame the service takes place? For example, if the computer has a bad component, how long would it take to replace it? What is the company willing to do if that time frame is not acceptable?
Software
- Does the software include Microsoft Office or Corel Suite? These packages allow you to have a word processor and a spreadsheet. For most users, this type of software should be an important consideration.
- Is it the full version of the software, or is the software a demo, subscription, or shareware? Many companies include programs that expire after 30-90 days and require you to purchase the full program.
Support
While Computer Hope is available for help and support, manufacturer support is also an important consideration if a computer issue arises.
- Is support open 24 hours, 7 days a week? If not, what are the hours?
- Is support open on holidays? If not, what days are they closed?
- What support options are available? Phone? E-mail? Web? Chat?
Upgrade
While this option may not be considered when purchasing a computer, it's important. When purchasing a computer, ensure the hardware you want to upgrade can be upgraded. Common upgrades for most computers today include RAM (Random-Access Memory), GPU, and SSD (Solid-State Drive).
Warranty
Does the computer manufacturer offer a warranty? How long is the warranty? Does it cover both hardware and software issues?
We recommend only considering a computer with at least a one-year warranty. Many cheap computers only come with a 90-day warranty, meaning you pay for the part and the service if a part goes bad after 90 days. A warranty may not be an issue for those who want a cheap computer and are willing to service it themselves.
Scams
Watch out for these scams and tricks when buying a computer.
Make sure you pay for what you are getting
A common tactic is to overclock the processor, memory, or other component. Anyone with a little computer knowledge can overclock a computer. For example, you may think you are buying a 3.2 GHz processor but instead get a 2.40 GHz.
To determine the processor speed, open the computer and look at the processor itself. Do not look at the processor through a program or the BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), as these values can be changed or tricked.
Legal software
When purchasing a computer, ensure it was legally purchased, and the original software installation media and product keys are included. Many end-users or small computer companies may install software on multiple computers without licenses, which is illegal (software piracy) and may prevent you from getting updates.
Where can I buy a desktop computer?
Below is an affiliate link with Amazon to get a desktop computer and support Computer Hope. If Amazon isn't available in your area, we also have a link to other places to buy computer parts.