| Acu IT Solutions |
| Choosing a Computer System | |
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| These are the questions we get asked the most so
we've put together some answers for you. If you have any questions
not answered here please call us. (Incidentally, why do the famous
brand manufacturers like IBM etc not post useful information like
this on their sites? There are a lot of things they don't do!) |
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| What processor do I go for? AMD or Intel? | |
There is the perception that AMD (Athlon, Duron, Thunderbird) PCs are cheaper to buy than the Intel and Celeron equivalents. That is largely a myth. It is true that like for like the AMD processors are slightly cheaper BUT the AMD motherboards are more expensive. So it balances out.
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| What about power? Is the AMD or Intel more powerful? | |
| Again, there is little to choose between
the two. Even experienced professionals can't tell a PC with AMD inside
from one with Intel inside! You would need to open the PC, delve into
motherboard devices, or run some clever benchmark tests to tell one
from the other. Over half the questions we get relate to which processor is the best. Most salesmen will just try to sell you the most expensive solution they have, but don't fall for it. Seriously, AMD or Intel is NOT the big issue. Some would disagree with us but we have thousands of reviews on the subject. (Here's one). The latest position is that the Intel Pentium P4 is actually marginally slower than top end Athlons (FX55's). But ... Every single PC magazine has done Intel vs AMD tests. Intel wins some of the tests. AMD wins others. This emerges as a constant: The reviewers advise that you should concentrate on the specifications in terms of RAM, hard disk, size of monitor etc. Check that the company selling you the PC has strict quality control in place. And DON'T rely purely on the make of the processor. |
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| OK, forget the make - what
speed/what MHz of processor do I need? |
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This is largely a matter of budget. Obviously, a larger budget will get you a faster processor. It will also get you more RAM, a larger and faster hard disk and the other stuff that contributes to making one PC faster than another.
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| But which processor will run the software I need? | |
| All of them do. From the humble AMD K6-2, and the Celeron, to the latest PIII or Thunderbird they all run Windows 98/NT, Microsoft Office and all those other office programs! A more powerful PC with more RAM, larger and faster hard disk etc will obviously save you time and is a lot more satisfying to work with. If you want to run the latest games you WILL need one of the faster processors, a large hard disk, a lot of RAM and, most importantly, one of the better (and more expensive) video cards. | |
| Why then should I go
for your £1,500 computer instead of the £399 one? |
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| As a rule our more expensive computer systems will be built with
more expensive and better quality components. This doesn't mean that
everyone should be forgetting our value computer systems as these
systems have carefully chosen components to be the best quality available
for their price point. Also some people don't want or need the differences
in quality, speed, and style our WOW Systems offer. We at Acu It Solutions believe that it is you the customer should have the choice which system and style best suits your needs and requirements. |
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| Will your PCs run the latest games? | |
| Hardware requirements for games PCs seem to be the most misunderstood of the lot. It is a myth that "serious" programs like MS Office have more demanding hardware requirements than games. Office programs work on pretty much any standard PC you get in the market today. But most of the latest games won't. Older games and DOS based games do not require a lot of RAM and a very fast graphics card but the latest games most certainly do. If you intend to play a lot of games on your PC go for the maximum RAM, fastest 3D graphics card, fastest processor, and largest hard disk you can afford. Of course when playing games a larger monitor, better soundcard and powerful surround sound speakers may be other options you want to consider. | |
| What about the operating
system? Do I get Windows® with your PCs? |
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| Most of our models have Windows® included in
the price with the main exception being our Value Range computer systems..
If a PC doesn't have a version of Windows listed on the product page
it is not included as standard within that particular system, in this
case however we will list windows options in recommended products
listing. Why do we not supply Windows with every PC? alot of our PCs
go to customers who already have Windows and don't really want to
pay for it again. However, if you don't have a copy, or need a copy
supplied, we are happy to do so for a small fee. Nobody gives you
Windows for free. They just build it into the price of the PC and
don't give you a choice. We do. Pay for it only if you need it. |
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| what do you consider the most important component of a computer sytem? | |
Many companies when asked this question will suddenly go into salesperson mode and try to persuade you that the biggest, most expensive Processor, Graphics Card, RAM (or whatever they are trying to push that week) is what you just can't do without. We dare you give them a call to ask them and listen to their answers for the reason they selected their chooosen component. After you have made a few calls i bet you found very few stated the most important component... YOUR MONITOR (ok a few might be trying to push the bargain TFT screen they have this week). We believe your eyes and the strain they are under is more important than an application completing a task a few seconds quicker. Yes nowadays even the cheaper monitors have improved dramatically from the past but your eyesight deserves the best quality. You will notice that our value systems are not supplied with a monitor as standard. This is for the simple reason we want you to have the choice of what is best for you. Ultimately, the determination of whether a monitor is good for your particular eyes or not rests in the eyes of the beholder. Note: Scientific research has found no evidence that computer screens
can cause disease or permanent damage to eyes. However, long spells
of work at the screen can lead to tired eyes and discomfort. Also,
by giving your eyes more demanding tasks, it might make you aware
of an eyesight problem you had not noticed before. |
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