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Building your Computer: The Pros and Cons
Considering that we are entering into a post-PC world, with the advancements in technology, this doesn’t necessarily imply that the desktop computer is dead. A sensation that was birthed in the late 70s is still much here to stay even though smartphones and tablets are overtaking specific functions like basic gaming, checking email, and keeping in touch with social media, you can still get more use out of a classic PC. Things like typing are still quicker with the PC, there is a seamless interface, and most importantly, the user experience is always the best.
Build vs. Buy
For basic computer applications like word processing, Internet browsing, and video streaming, buying a computer from your local store will do just fine. However, if you are into gaming and heavy computer application like graphic design, building a computer is the ideal option. Furthermore, you’ll probably get a better deal for your budget building one. However, building a computer isn’t for everyone, the process can be long tedious and stress, and if you are unsure of what you are doing, it can turn into an endless money pit.
Pros and Cons
Decisions often come with split roads, pros, and cons. There are both pros and cons to buying versus building a PC. Buying a PC seems like the best option considering how prices have drastically dropped and you can get a PC that ranges from a low as £200, not forgetting that these computers do come with a warranty and tech support. However, thing begins to get more expensive when needs begin to get more technical and high end, like gaming and graphic design, with prices skyrocketing upwards to £3000. No one needs to cough up all that money to purchase a computer.
Here is where building your computer comes in, it is cheaper and more so allows for complete customization giving you the ability to upgrade the components whenever you please. In a sense, you can create your high-end computer with a budget range of £500 and £1000 and still serve the purpose intended.
The sad bit though is that the components carry individual warranties and if you don’t put everything in place the right way, your machine fails to boot. Unless you are a trained technician, you wouldn’t know which component is causing it, and there is no 24/7 hotline to assist you.
In the end, there is always a battle raging on about building versus buying. There is no shame in buying a computer, but then again there is fun and learning experience in building one. Good luck with your choice.
Best Graphics card right now
The processor may be the computer’s brain, but when it comes to games, the graphics card is the heart that pumps out pixels and polygons to the monitor. Thus, it is also the single most important component for us gamers. Here are some cards that deserve their place your next PC – whether it’s a smart media giant, a budget computer, or a 4K monster.
Best Graphics Card Overall: The GeForce GTX 1070
Was there really any competition for the top ranking? AMD has the chance to defeat the GTX 1070 with its RX 480 – but before we could compare the cards thoroughly, the GTX 1070 remains the lord. The card can match or exceed the GTX Titan X and GTX 980 Ti in all games, and on all settings – and it accomplishes this at a significantly lower price. This does not necessarily mean that you need to upgrade from a 980 Ti or Titan X to the 1070. The performance is so similar that it is most about price-related performance.
Our advice is to skip a generation or two of hardware, or more generally – just upgrade when your current hardware starts to feel a bit too slow. It means, of course, different things for different people, so some players are likely to change card for a small improvement, while more economical people can manage medium or budget quality-cards.
Best High Performance Card: The GeForce GTX 1080
If you want the fastest graphics card on the planet then the choice is quite easy – The GTX 1080 easily wins in our tests. It’s 30 percent faster than Titan X and GTX 980 Ti, and uses almost 30 percent less power. This is, again, thanks to the switch from 28 nm to 16 nm FinFET, which allows Nvidia to print more components on smaller surfaces.
What is the problem then? The biggest shortcoming is obvious – the price. No, we do not necessarily think that a little over € 600 is unreasonable for such high performance. 980 Ti has sold well at a similar price since the release last year. But it is still a lot of money.
Best value for money: The Radeon RX 470
Gone is the infected debate between the AMD and Nvidia-fans who argue whether the GTX 970 or R9 390 offer the best value for money. Instead, we have a new fight: The RX 480 vs the GTX 1060 – and, if you step down one step, the RX 470 vs the GTX 1060 3 GB? Honestly, all of these options are viable – but if you want the most value for money, there is a particular card that stands out.
The RX 470 does not bother us directly with its performance, but what it boasts is lower power consumption, a price below € 200. It took a few months for the price to fall to the right level , But by now the RX 470 has found its own niche.
Looking back: The old Aardvaak IPS
Easy setup. Compatible with PC/Mac. Free webspace, email and much more. Do you remember this? This was the old Aardvaak IPS system from many years ago. It is always fun to look back on old IT systems and hacks since the internet has come such a long way now. So lets take a look in the rearview mirror!
Looking back at the old Aardvaak internet system
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