5 things to note while buying assembled computer

Computers, and specially desktop computers, have gone out of fashion. But even as you do almost all of your work on a laptop, or for that matter even on a phone, it is also prudent to keep a desktop computer around. Now, when it comes to desktops there are two options available for people: buy a branded and pre-boxed desktop computer from a company like Dell or HP. Or you can get a computer assembled from a market like Nehru Place in Delhi. In fact if you are slightly tech savvy, you can just get the parts and then put them together yourself.

If you buy the pre-built computer, you will have to not only pay more for what you will get but you will also most likely won't get the kind of machine that may meet your requirements. This is particularly true for specialised computers like gaming computers or a computer that will be used for rendering videos etc. There are powerful computers available but even the best ones of these won't meet all your requirements. That is the nature of the beast. If you want a computer that is absolutely the best for you, you have to get it assembled.

Interestingly when it comes to getting an assembled computer, most people, even those who are fairly tech savvy, make a couple of basic mistakes. When you go out to shop the assembled computer this is what you should keep in mind:

1. 1. Get the best possible configuration you can afford. Just don't throw a couple of thousands rupees here and there. The thumb rule of getting an assembled computer is that you should put your best foot forward and then forget about it for three years. In other words, go for the fastest processor, maximum RAM, maximum storage, biggest screen etc. If a component can fit in your budget, get that. This will make your system future-proof.
2. 2. Avoid exotic hardware. This is a mistake gamers make. They go for the exotic hardware, such as RAM that works at crazy fast speed and looks dazzling with its colourful aluminium heat sink. The same is true for so many other components, like graphics cards or hard disks. Don't go for slow hardware, but at the same time also don't spend exorbitantly for 2 or 3 per cent extra performance. An example: Go for 16GB slower RAM that you can buy for Rs 5,000 over 8GB "fast" and exotic RAM for the same price.
3. 3. Never compromise on power supply unit. Always go for a power supply that has at least 80 per cent efficiency rating. Also, don't go for a power supply that is rated for delivering more than 600 watts. Computer hardware is power efficient nowadays and in 99 per cent cases, including for gaming machines, a computer doesn't consume more than 350 watts power at its peak.
4. 4. Don't go for cheap cabinets or chassis. It is tempting to save money on chassis because you want to spend it on the fast processor or RAM. But don't do it. Go for a good quality chassis because poor quality box will inevitably lead to the computer heating up, especially after a year or so when dust builds up inside it.
5. 5. Go for the biggest monitor you can afford. When you use the computer, this is what you will stare at. So get a monitor that has IPS panel -- it will show great colours and ensure it is as big as you can afford. Your eyes will thank you. A good quality monitor paired with a regular computer offers better user experience than a superfast computer used with a poor monitor.