Deciding to buy a computer, the user is faced with the question "what is the configuration of the computer." To understand the importance of answering this question, it is enough to give just one example-analogy and compare the electric razor and lawn mower. Their principle of operation is similar, but the possibilities differ, and significantly. The same is true for computers. To use the huge power of a modern gaming computer only for working with office applications or surfing the Internet is not a very reasonable solution. The same is true for the case when the owner of a personal computer (PC) with an integrated entry-level graphics card (most of them) is trying to play modern resource-intensive games, setting the graphics to maximum quality. Nevertheless, it is possible to work in these examples, but there is no need to talk about expediency.
So, the computer configuration is that set of hardware components (components) from which the PC is assembled from the designer cubes. Their characteristics determine the main direction of use of this machine.
Having come to any computer store, a novice buyer is often amazed at the wide selection of different models. Indeed, there are a lot of them, and the computer configuration is rarely repeated, which allows everyone to "find their own buyer." In fact, absolutely all existing laptop and PC models can be divided into 3 types:
- for work with applications that are undemanding to computing power. In fact, this is the basic configuration of the computer;
- an intermediate option, which is an attempt to combine the advantages of the first type of models with productive components. A universal solution, like a kitchen knife with many blades;
- for demanding applications. Powerful components that provide the highest performance - this is the configuration of the gaming computer.
Any PC consists of a central processor, video adapter, RAM, motherboard and power source. This is already enough to assemble and turn on the computer. The complete computer configuration complements the list with a monitor, a case, a sound card, a mouse and keyboard, as well as a hard drive and a CD drive.
The first type of PC is designed to work on the Internet and with office programs, watching movies and listening to music. Complex applications (especially with modern graphics), although they can be executed, are not fast enough. The advantages of the basic configuration are low cost and low energy consumption. As a rule, budget components are installed in them. Subsequent upgrades may not be possible (this point should be discussed with a consultant at the time of purchase).
The second type is one of the most popular. With a sufficient level of knowledge, you can pick up such components that in total will cost only 20% more expensive than in the first type of models, but in terms of productivity they will provide an almost twofold increase. For home use, it is recommended to opt for universal PC models. Components for assembly are used from the so-called compromise “mainstream” class. On such a PC, you can fully perform the tasks of the basic models, and resource-intensive applications run with a slight decrease in performance. With regard to games: you can ensure good performance by slightly reducing the quality of the graphics in the settings.
The most productive computers are gaming. They use powerful components that can cope with almost any task. The best choice for someone who is not used to denying himself something. There are three drawbacks to this solution: high cost, high electrical power, rapid obsolescence (after 1-2 years, the price of components is significantly reduced).