Computers
INCOMPLETE
Getting Started
use microcenter lmao if you're reading this we have a micro center in madison heights like 12 mins away im p sure
Computers have a few main components
cpu, gpu, motherboard, ram, storage, case, cpu cooler
How you split the main bulk of the money between cpu and gpu HEAVILY depends on your use case. Do not make a part list until you are sure you want to buy very soon, like witin that week. Prices change fast, GPUS are super overpriced atm
CPU - You should know what this is. Arguably most important component to not skimp on. Intel and AMD are the only companies in the market, and AMD is dogging on Intel atm. Do not go intel. Go micro center amd bundle, there is literally nowhere on the internet where you can find better value than the micro center bundle deal. DON'T USE USERBENCHMARK OR THE DUMB STUFF YOU FIND ONLINE. Find real benchmarks, I recommend the ones that puget systems puts out.
The naming schemes for both chips can be found on their websites respectively. The cpus, depending on generation and brand have different sockets. Make sure your motherboard and cpu are compatible.
If your cpu comes with a cooler its probably enough. otherwise buy
You'll see a few parts to the names; the brand, model, clock speed in gHz, cores, threads, and maybe the cache
GPU - Go with a 30 series nvidia gpu, used. Wait for 50 series because the 40 is like an in between. This is up there with your cpu. It pushes frames for your monitor. Some cpus have integrated gpus, namely those on laptops. They're magical, idk how they work. They use the large pcie lanes on your motherboard.
Here is a good website for finding what gpu is right for you
The nvidia and amd gpu naming schemes can probably be found on thier website. Higher number generally means more expensive.
The size you see (ie 12gb) is the VRAM of the gpu. VRAM (video RAM) refers to any type of random access memory (RAM) specifically used to store image data for a computer display.
Motherboard - Also pretty important, but these don't matter too much. Make sure it supports your cpu, has the adequate storage slots and pcie lanes. They come in a lot of sizes, and you can probably find a guide to what you need online (most common size is atx)
Use pcpartpicker to find current price parts. I recommend you go used on the gpu. Join the pcpartpicker discord for advice
Laptops
Don't get me started - wait and see how windows arm does? Run linux, don't get good hardware because it's limited on laptops (the same hardware on a desktop will greatly outperform laptop hardware because of inadequate cooling)
Just get thinkpad t14 or t480 or something, they are built well
High Performance Peripherals
Mice
The current undisputed best budget mouse
Get a superlight x if you're rich
You should also try out making your own like Optimum Tech's zero mouse if you have access to a 3d printer
Keyboards
Build your own PLEASE
For keyboard content, I recommend nearLucid and keybored. The others are mostly for entertainment.
If you're looking for your first build go with something like the gmk67 or anything you find on aliexpress. Go with clone keycaps no one cares
This is the best prebuilt keyboard I have EVER come across.
If you're looking to game, I predict the market will come out with a lot of keyboards like the Wooting ones. The wooting is praised so much because they have an analog switch with a programmable actuation point for both pressing and releasing and having good software support. For now just wait i guess
Mousepads
Theres a spectrum from Control Pads -> Hybrid Pads -> Speed Pads
They are as they sound. Despite cloth pads all looking the same (like a pad of cloth), they are all very different from each other. On the control pad end, the Qck Heavy is recommended by a LOT of people. However, it is actually best when worn down, not at purchase. This is a good thing and pretty important to note for a lot of pads.
Other good recommendations I've seen
- Artisan Zero
- LGG Saturn Pro
- benq G-SR-SE Rouge
On the extreme end of speed pads you'll find glass mousepads, the most commonly found one being from Skypad. (you definitely do not need one)
Monitors
r/monitors
For good mouse and mousepad reviews, check out Boardzy on youtube. He has an absurd amount of gear and reviews