A good midrange PC will include highly capable components that can handle all your everyday computing tasks. Here's what you need to know about processors, RAM, graphics cards, storage, and more.
PROCESSOR
Don't choose an underpowered processor, but look at CPUs one or two steps down from the fastest to get the power you need at a good price. Multi-core chips feature more than one processing core on a single CPU; choose either a dual-core option from Intel’s Core 2 Duo line or a four-core CPU from AMD’s Phenom series for solid performance in Windows Vista and most other software apps. Besides, if you do heavy-duty multitasking, you won’t want anything less.
MEMORY
The more memory you have, the better your system will run. Insist on at least 2GB for Windows Vista Home Premium or Vista Ultimate; otherwise, 1GB should be sufficient.
GRAPHICS
To ensure you’ll have enough power for most basic tasks—including moderate video editing and 3D gaming—and that you can see Vista in all its graphical glory, go with a 256MB or higher card. Video card makers nVidia and AMD have many great options available for $100 or less.
HARD DRIVE
Opt for two hard drives of at least 160GB apiece, configured in a RAID Level 1 array to ensure your data is always backed up. If you have a large video or digital-music collection, you should future-proof your purchase by considering a larger drive.
OPTICAL DRIVE
Opt for a DVD±RW drive as your first choice. Two drives are better than one, though, so go with a fast CD-RW, DVD-ROM, or DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo model for the second.
CASE
Be certain the case offers adequate expansion room, and look for a few conveniently placed front-panel ports and audio jacks. In this price range, we like to see a multiformat flash-memory-card reader built in, too. Also, make sure the power supply can handle current and future components; a 400-watt supply is a safe bet.
SOUND
Integrated sound is common, and superior to what you'll find in budget desktops. A dedicated sound card is still a better choice, however. It should cost roughly $70 to upgrade from integrated audio to a high-quality card.
MONITOR
With CRTs all but dead, chances are your next monitor will be an LCD. As with other tech, the lower the cost, the fewer the features. The first things to go are digital inputs and ergonomic adjustments; less-costly LCDs also tend to have lower resolutions and slower response times (which can lead to "ghosting"—image distortion that can occur during the fast-moving action of a game or movie). For general, everyday use, don't go smaller than a 17-inch LCD (unless you like squinting); 19-inch displays are the new mainstream size. Also consider wide-screen LCD monitors: They're great for viewing documents side by side and for watching letterboxed DVD movies.
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