Desktop ComputerA lot of people don’t like to buy a new desktop computer. If you need a new computer, it is important to take the time to thoroughly go over tips that can help to buy a desktop computer. Read the following tips.

If you want to save money when purchasing a desktop computer, consider buying a refurbished model. You can look at the websites of major computer manufacturers such as HP or Dell, where you will find great deals on computers that have been returned to the company, fixed, and sold at a discount rate.

Consider what type of media you’ll want to play on your desktop computer. Do you need a Blu-ray player? Or is a DVD enough? Or maybe you tend to stream everything and do not need any sort of optical drive. These will all factor in on the make you get and the price.

Don’t overlook the quality of the desktop computer monitor when considering your purchase. The specs of the actual computer may be amazing, but if the monitor is poor, your overall experience will be bad too. Remember, it’s the monitor that you’ll have the most interaction with, so be willing to spend more to get one you like.

If you plan on storing a lot of music or videos, make sure you get a hard drive that will cover your needs. In general, the more hard drive space that you can get, the better off you are. That is unless you only write emails and surf the web on your desktop. You need the space especially if you shoot video.

If you aren’t a gamer, don’t get suckered into gaming desktop computers. These computers have been souped up with the biggest and baddest video cards, sound cards, and processors. If all you do is email and light photography, this power is major overkill. You are better off spending your money on a lesser computer and investing in some peripherals.

Does the computer have adequate memory? When it comes to desktop computers, memory is key. If you plan to store large quantities of data on your desktop computer, memory will be a consideration for you when purchasing your computer. Are you a prolific photographer? This information is key when figuring out the type of desktop computer to get.

Always check the customer reviews of a computer model before you purchase it. Customer reviews are available on most online retailer websites. From these reviews, you can find out if a particular model you are interested in overheats, has speed issues, or other problems that you do not want to deal with.

If you are aiming for longevity out of your desktop buy, don’t settle for the minimum specs offered. Those specs may be fine now, but in a year, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise. Your computer can become obsolete rather quickly if you aren’t careful. If money is a concern, even a small bump to your memory can be a big help.

See if the desktop that you want comes with a warranty. If it does, see how long it is and if it covers both the hardware and software. Generally, you should not consider a model that does not at least have a one-year warranty. Many inexpensive models come with 90-day warranties.

When desktop computer shopping, don’t solely focus on one brand alone. There are so many options out there these days, especially on the PC side. From Dell and Toshiba to HP and Sony. And then there are Macs as well. Keep an open mind and play around with a few to see what works best for you.

Shopping for a PC is very intimidating for people without solid information on the topic. These ideas should help when you need to upgrade your computer. There are computers out there that will fit the needs of virtually anyone.