Acer Aspire AM3400-U2052 Phenom II

The Acer Aspire model number AM3400-U2052 is this weeks featured home computer kit.  The reasons that it was chosen was because of the price point combined with the specs that it comes with.

Price

At a very affordable price, less than six hundred dollars, this desktop computer kit has everything you need in a home computer kit for a very reasonable price.  Most home computer kits run between price r

anges from four hundred to eight hundred dollars.  The six hundred dollar price point gives you a computer that would last a few years into the future.

The big problem with being in the technology age is that everything electronic gets replaced and outdated so quickly.  With computers if you spend a little more up front, and take care of your purchase it will last you longer into the future.  If you spend the bare minimum up front the computer will become outddated that much more quickly.

Specs

The computer was selected as a feature model for the home computer kits because of its system specs.  It does not carry quite the specs of a gaming computer but it is much more compatible with doing the simple multitasking that is often required for the home computer kits.

Home computer kits are typically used for:

• internet surfing
• simple gaming
• social media
• music and movies

Processor

Armed with the AMD Phenom II quad core processor this home computer kit will allow you to be able to load your programs with a good deal of speed.  No one wants to spend a majority of their time in front of the computer waiting for their programs to load.  That is why adding multiple core processors to computers is becoming a huge deal.  Multi-core processors allow for greatly increased performance even when multitasking.

RAM

Even the RAM in this home computer kit is stacked on the higher end of the specs for these types of computers.  6GB of  DDR3 RAM acts as a great compliment to the quad core processor that this is loaded into this computer kit.  If we figure that Windows 7 takes about 1GB of RAM to run that leaves us with approximately 5GB to use on other programs and processes.  That is 2GB more RAM than an entry level computer that supports Windows 7.

Hard Drive

The hard drive space in this home computer kit is a very large amount sitting at 640GB.  Unless a massive number of movies and games are being saved to the hard drive space, 640Gb is an amount that most people will never fill.  Especially those looking for a home computer kit and not a gaming computer kit.  A typical starting model would only carry about 320GB of hard drive space.

Something to keep in mind when considering hard drive space is that you will never get the full amount of hard drive space that is stated on the hard drive.  Some of the space is already allocated for the system BIOS and others will be used up in the operating system.  So 640GB would be taken down to the area of about 615GB and 320GB would be dropped to about 288GB of hard drive space.  The extra hard drive space in this computer will allow you to save many files for a long time to come.

DVD±RW Drive

The last notable feature that may be commonly used in the home computer kits is the DVD ± RW drive.  The advantages that come with a drive like is the ability to save your information to an external source.  The hard drive is typically the first part of the

hardware to fail.  Having your information backed up in another place is imperative if you want to keep your information.  The fact that it is a DVD drive opposed to a CD drive, is another advantage.  DVDs can be used for data not only movies.  DVDs allow for much more space on the disc than a regular CD.  More space equals more storage!

Conclusion

The reason that this home is recommended above other computer kits is because of many factors.  The factors that make this computer kit highly recommended are:

• price point
• hard drive space
• processor
• RAM
• PRICE POINT!

Check out the computer kit out at newegg.com.

Specs

This gaming computer is everything you could want in a gaming computer kit. From a massive hard drive to an incredibly fast processor with ample RAM to support it, this gaming system packs a serious set of specs that will allow you to run any game out there with ease. Equipped with an MSI Pro motherboard to support each of the computer components, this computer kit is loaded with features.

Let’s start with the the massive hard drive that is attached to this computer kit. It comes with a 1.5 TB SATA II hard drive, which is far more than enough space for most of us. 1.5TB is the equivalent of 1536 GB. A GB is what you will see most hard drive space measured in. Typical hard drives are in the areas between 250GB to 640GB. So it is easy to see that with more than twice the space of a typical hard drive.

On top of the huge storage space in this gaming computer kit, you will get a process or and enough RAM to support incredibly fast load times with very little lag. The process that this computer kit comes with is Intel’s newest line of processor, their i7 series. This processor is a quad core that runs at 3.20GHz. A quad core processor allows you to multitask with great ease, and will not slow down your system in the process.

The RAM equipped on this computer kit is a full 16GB of DDR3 RAM. If we do some rounding, it would take roughly 1GB of RAM to run Windows 7. This would leave of with a whopping 15GB of RAM to play our video games, listen to music, and surf the internet all at the same time.

The graphics card in this computer kit is a full 1GB ATI Radeon HD 5780. This will allow you to play your games like you have never seen them before. This graphics card coupled with an HD LED computer monitor and you will have an experience like none other. This line of graphics card can render your favorite games to be exceptionally clear giving you a more realistic gameplay no matter what game you decide to conquer in the evenings.

The final aspect of this computer that makes it great for a heightened level of gameplay is the integrated HD sound card. It is a full 7.1 surround supported sound card that will allow you to a home theater aspect to video gaming. This will create and experience of feeling like you are actually in the place you are seeing on your computer screen.

On top of the top of the line system specifications, this gaming computer comes with two, not one but two, DVD RW drives. You can burn multiple DVDs at once, use each drive for different programs and games.

Features

The computer tower casing that this gaming computer kit comes with is an aluminum case with a side window that is complimented by a blue LED lighting system. One of the advantages to a side window on your computer casing is that it allows you to view the internal hardware and monitor the cleanliness of the inside of the computer tower.

This computer has 8 USB ports to allow for multiple expansion components to be added to the computer. Two located in the front of the computer casing and the remainder in the rear. It also has an 8-in-1 multimedia card reader to allow for easy uploads of photos and videos from external sources.

Conclusion

This gaming computer is most definitely on the higher and of computer kits when it comes to gaming computers. It packs a lot of punch in it for its price, even if it is one of the more expensive computer kits out there. If you want to look at the computer kit on Newegg.com check it out here Velocity Micro Edge Z55.

Barebones computer kits the most simple of all the computer kits.  The take the most basic computer hardware, assemble it into a simple computer case, and will run the most basic level tasks and processes.  There is nothing flashy or exciting about these kits, they are just the barebone essentials, hence the name barebones computer kits.

Uses

Because of the system limitations with barebones computer kits, they are uses are going to be very limited as well.  The reason for purchasing a barebones computer kits, or building  one is because a computer is more of a convenience, and less of a necessity.  For those users, dumping excessive amounts of money into their computers is pointless because the computer kit will not be used enough to justify the large expenditure that a gaming computer kit or home computer kits may tend to cause.

A barebones computer kits are used for the most basic of operations, and are usually bought to to perform the following functions:

• internet surfing
• email
• social media networking
• word documents, and office and business applications

Since a barebones computer kit is meant to do nothing more than the more basic functions, there is no need to dump a great deal of money into something so simplistic.

If you look at barebones computer kits from a different perspective, say laptops for example, you are looking at what is called a netbook. Netbooks are very small, very simple, and very inexpensive and are only meant for a few functions.  A barebones computer kit would be the same concept as a netbook but in desktop format.

Specs

A barebones computer kit should carry a minimum of the following:

• 2GB-3GB RAM
• 80GB Hard Drive
• Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon Processor
• 128MB Graphics Card

The system specs do not have to be intense.  The goal is for a bare minimum because the computer is not used often enough to justify that.

When you look for RAM keep in mind that it takes around 1GB of RAM to run most of the newer operating systems.  So you still want to make sure that you have enough RAM to run the other functions that you are intending to use your computer for.

Your hard drive does not need to be huge unless you have a lot of games, photos, movies, and other media type files.  Word documents, no matter what form they are saved as take up very little space.  An 80GB hard drive would leave you with roughly 68GB of storage space.  Part of the hard drive is allocated for the operating system and BIOS for your computer.  68GB is plenty of space for most people.

As far as your processor goes, I would recommend nothing less than a pentium or AMD athlon processor.  A dual-core can be easily added for very little cost, and if you have a little bit of swing room, I would definately recommend the dual core.  It wil help speed up your processes, and make the general speed of the computer much faster.

Your graphics card is highly dependant on your other system hardware.  You can not support a 1GB graphics card on the barebones computer kits.  This is why I recommended a 128MG graphics card as opposed to something higher.  The downside to a graphics card of this capacity is that it will not render graphics well on the screen.

A higher end graphics card would show much more detail and color in pictures, play games better, and show movies more clearly.  With a barebones computer kit few if any of those operation are being done, so it is not necessary to pay extra for a higher caliber graphics card.  Also, a barebones computer kit would not liekly support a higher end graphics card.  Nothing more than a 128MG is necessary.

Conclusion

This article gives the information as to differentiate a home computer kit from a barebones computer kit.  Home computer carry a little more versatility than a barebones computer kit, however, on the most basic level of functions they can handle them both on the same level.  Barebones computer kits are intended for the users who sparingly use their computer kits, and a home computer kit is intended for a little more use, so the specs on home computer kits will be slightly higher than barebones computer kits.

Home Computer Kits

In other lenses, we talked about gaming computer and the specifications and typical uses for them.  In this lens we will discuss some of the advantages to home computer, what they are used for and why a home computer may be what you are looking for next time you are ready to upgrade your computer kits.

Uses

Home computer kits are more or less, the jack-of-all-trades; master of none.  What I am referring to in this sense when I talk about computer kits, is that a home computer is meant to do a little of everything without being designated to do any one thing exceptionally well such as a gaming computer or media computer kits.

Home computer should meet a certain set of minimum requirements because a typical home computer is used for:

• surfing the internet
• saving pictures
• home videos
• watching movies
• some minor gaming
• music

Each one of these system processes requires a different type of system hardware to support it.  A home computer should have the system hardware to support one or two of these functions simultaneously with reasonable speed and accuracy.

Specifications

A home computer should meet certain requirements, so that is has the capability to multi-task relatively well, play some video games, listen to music, etc.  So what you want to do is build a computer with a decent piece of hardware in each slot of your computer kit.

Some of the requirements to look for when you are looking at a home computer kit:

• RAM-4GB
• Processor-Dual-Core
• Graphics Card-256 MB PCI-E
• Hard Drive Space-250GB
• CD/DVD Drive-16x DVD ± RW

RAM

The reason we are going for a minimum of 4GB of RAM is because most current operating systems require 1GB of RAM to run on their own.  This would leave three GB of RAM to be accessible for the other processes and tasks that you are using your computer for.

Processor

A dual-core processor is the minimal recommendation for the simple reason of multitasking.  A single core processor does not handle multiple processes very well, and are fast becoming outdated.  You will want your computer to be able to multitask somewhat, and a dual-core processor will help with the multitasking process.

Graphics Card

Your graphics card will affect how clear images look on your computer monitor.  A good graphics card coupled with a high quality monitor will make pictures, movies, and even the desktop itself view at a higher quality.  No one wants to take a ton of pictures and not be able to enjoy them on his or her computer later.  A 256 MB dedicated graphics card will be the most entry level graphics card to choose from for a home computer.

Hard Drive

As far as hard drive goes, that will be the variable amount of permanent system storage.  I would recommend between 250GB and 500GB hard drive.  Media files takes up a large amount of space on your computer, so if you intend on having a lot of movies, photos and music a larger hard drive might be something to keep in mind.

CD/DVD

I would always recommend having a DVD burner in your computer.  Having this ability will allow you to burn home movies, picture and important files that you do not want to lose if your computer were to ever crash on you.  I recommend the DVD burner over just a CD burner because DVDs hold more information than a regular CD will.

Conclusion

Just a few things to keep in mind next time you are looking for a home computer kit, you never want to spend money on something you would never use.  Gaming computer kits will be more than what is necessary for a home computer.  Typically with electronics, you will pay for what you get.  Whether you decide to believe that or not is up to you.  If you put a little more money into a computer, you will get a little more out of it.  Home computer kits are not necessarily expensive when comparing between other computer kits, but you can always put money into or take money out of it.  Just always remember to expect to get what you paid for.

Introduction

Not everyone wants to, has the time to, or has the inclination to build his or her own computer.  For that reason there are pre-established computer kits, to make purchasing and setting up your computer easy.  There are three major type of computer kits:

1. Barebones Computer Kits
2. Gaming Computer Kits
3. Home Computer Kits.

We are going to discuss each type in this blog, and the major reason/benefits of purchasing a certain type of computer.

Barebones Computer Kits

The first discussion on our agenda is the barebones computer kits for no other reason than it alphabetically makes sense.

A barebones computer kit typically refers to the minimal essentials that a computer needs to run and operate effectively.  They tend to run very inexpensive, but are very limited in what they are capable of running and operating.

These types of computer kits are capable of the following and are generally a great choice if this is all you are looking for in your computer:

• emailing
• web surfing
• printing documents.

Barebones computer kits are intended to do the minimalist of functions.  For some families or individuals, a computer is a convenience at best, and not even remotely close to a necessity. If you fall under this type of category you may want to look into for the purchase of your next computer.

Gaming Computer Kits

The first and perhaps most important concept to understand with a gaming computer is that when we refer to games we are talking about a system intensive game that may or may not be online such as the ever popular games

• World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
• Crisis Core
• Warhammer: Age of Reckoning

The list of these games could be a blog in and of itself.  Those were just a few examples, so that we understand when we are discussing games we are not talking about

• hearts
• solitaire
• free cell
• minesweeper
• anything found on addictinggames.com or bored.com

All of these games can be easily played on our barebones computer kits or home computer kits.

Gaming computer are computer kits that are meant to be able to multi-task exceptionally well with very system intensive programs because who doesn’t like to listen to the favorite music while fighting other people online?  Gaming computer kits are meant to be able to do all of that without lagging.  No one wants to blame their character’s death on a slow computer.  Blame it on the internet connection!

Back to the computer subject matter at hand.  When you are looking at a gaming computer, it will run you a little more expensive than the other two computer kits, but it is intended to do more.  Something to always keep in mind: When purchasing a computer you almost always get what you pay for.

Home Computer Kits

Our last topic, but most certainly not out least important is the home computer kits.  Home computers are the most common of the three type of computer kits.  Not every family needs a gaming rig and most households use the computer as more than a convenience.

For many people a computer is almost a necessity.  If we take a minute to look at how technologically based times our today, and how often we are in front of our computer we will appreciate as to why a computer is almost a necessity anymore.

Home computer kits are used for so many things that we may take for granted

• Surfing the internet
• finding a route to a place we need to get to
• watching movies whether they are on DVD or on a place like YouTube
• paying bills online
• keeping up with friends on social media sites
• or purchasing what we need so we never have to leave our homes to look for it
• and to many other functions to name them all

A home computer should be great at multitasking, but does not need to have the extensive system requirements that gaming computer kits tend to carry.  Home computer kits fall under the category of jack-of-all; master of none.

Conclusion

The greatest thing about computer kits is that there are as many options for them as there are people in the world.  It is entirely up to you on which one is right for you.  Always remember to a certain point: Your computer is always upgradeable!

• Portability
• Size
• Battery to be able to operate w/o power source for a short period
• Highly Customizable

Disadvantages

• Portability added into price
• Run very warm; easy to overheat
• very difficult to repair

Laptops are a great option as a computer for those users who need a mobile workstation because he or she is on the road or unable to sit at a desk for extended periods of time. A laptop allows the ability to move anywhere with relative ease, and still be able to use a computer.

A laptop, however, may not be the best option for a user who is simply looking for a space saver compared to the original barebone desktop computer kits (the traditional style desktop). If you are simply looking for a way to save space from the old home computer, then an All In One computer may be the better choice for you.

All In One

Advantages

• more price goes into the system as opposed to price going into size
• touchscreen options available
• capable of almost pure wireless system

Disadvantages

• not highly portable
• no internal battery
• one thing goes wrong possibility of entire system not working

A better option to use as a home computer, for the space conscious user is the All In One PC. The great thing about All In Ones (AIO) is that they can offer the user a very similar wireless experience when compared to the laptop.

An AIO PC consists of the monitor, and CPU within a single casing. The screens on the AIO tend to be larger than most laptops which makes reading easier to do with a larger screen, simply because font size determines the size printed out on a sheet of paper, it does not necessarily determine the size of the font on the screen of your computer.

AIO may be a better choice for a home computer than a laptop for some because you can typically get more out of your system for the same price. When paying for a laptop there is a price factor for the portability and size for the computer. When paying for an AIO there is only a size factor added into the price because an AIO is not as easily portable as the laptop and has no internal battery.

MSI Wind Top AE1900 18.5 inch All-in-one TouchScreen Atom Dual Core 1.6GHz Desktop PC (White)

SpecificationsMfr Part Number: AE1900-05SUS-WT3302G25VB

Chipset and Processor

• Processor: Intel Atom 330 Dual Core processor (1.6GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, FSB 533 MHz)
• Chipset: Intel 945GC & ICH7
• Memory: 2GB DDR2-533 Memory

Monitor

• LCD SpecificationsDisplay: 18.5″ WXGA(1366×768)
• 16:9 Widescreen Touch Panel LCD
• Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
• Brightness: 250cd/m2
• Pixel Pitch: 0.3 mm
• Viewing Angle(H/V): 170°/ 160°
• Response Time: 5 ms

Graphics

• Graphics Module: Intel GMA950 Graphics Controller
• shared up to 228MB memory,

Hard Drive

• Hard Disk: 250GB 5400rpm SATA Hard Drive

Disc Drive

• Optical Drive: Tray-load DVD Super Multi rewriter drive
• support dual-layer burning

Audio

• Audio: Integrated HD Audio CODEC
• 2x Speakers w/ SRS Premium Sound,

Networking Connections

• LAN: 1x Realtek Gigabit LAN
• 802.11b/g/n Wireless LAN

Ports

• Interface: 4x USB 2.0 Ports
• 1x RJ45 Port
• 1x Microphone-in
• 1x Headphone-ou
• Camera: Build-in 1.3 Mpixel Web Camera
• Card Reader: 4-in-1 Card Reader (SD/MMC/MS/xD)

Power Supply

• Power Supply: External 65W DC Power Supply w/ Active PFC

Dimensions

• Dimensions: 14.37 x 18.74 x 1.93 mm

Operating Systems

• Operating System: Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic,Color: White

Why This Computer?

This All-In-One is a great entry level personal computer for anyone that is looking to be able to use their computer for simple at home projects such as:

• internet browsing
• picture viewing
• movie watching
• office programs: excel, powerpoint, word, quicken

If you are not looking for a computer to play the latest and greatest video games, and you do not do anything too system intensive on your computer, then there is no point in dumping excessive amounts of money into a computer that you will never be able to use the entire system.

An all-in-one PC is a computer that contains the central processing unit or CPU and the monitor encased in a single entity.

Common Features of the All-In-One

• CD/DVD/Bluray drives built in
• Touchscreen capabilities
• 4+ USB 2.0 ports
• Built-In wireless system

Advantages

• Huge Space saver when compared to a desktop
• everything needed comes in the same box
• touchscreen-ability to operate computer from screen or keyboard and mouse capability for almost a completely wireless system (no more rats’ nests)

Disadvantages

• No room for expansion or changing components
• one thing goes wrong with a component very difficult to replace
• price when compared to a desktop, you pay more for the convenience of having an all-in-one

Desktop PC
A desktop PC is a computer that consists of the CPU and monitor encased as separate entities and are controlled with a keyboard and mouse combination.

Advantages

• Get more put into the system for the same price as an all-in-one
• room for airflow, computer will not run as warm as a laptop or an all-in-one
• highly customizable with components and accessories

Disadvantages

• spatially inefficient
• takes longer time to clean and more effort to maintain
• purchase each component separately which takes time and knowledge

Conclusion

Desktop PCs, because of their customization opportunity, make the best choices for the gaming computer route. It is possible to add a lot more into your computer for the money that you pay for it with the desktop PC.

The All-In-One PC makes a great home personal computer because you can do any of the more basic home computer tasks such as internet surfing, video streaming, and word, office or business, applications all really well, and the All-In-One will save you a ton of extra space that a desktop would take up.

Since computers have been available to the public they have come with the ability to regulate temperature of the central processing unit (CPU) through air cooling systems.

An air cooled system is simply the use of fans built into the case of the computer used to cool of the components inside the computer case to keep it from overheating and melting the individual components of the computer.

In most computer cases you will find the air cooling system.  Based on the size of the computer case, it will determine the number and placement of fans.  Many of the small computer cases will only have one or two fans, one located in the front and one in the rear.

Many of the full mid tower computer case and all of the full tower computer cases have three or more fans built into them.  At least one is located in the front, one in the rear, and one on the removable side plate of the case.

Advantages

• Save money when purchasing the case.
• Fans easily replaceable if they burn out.

Disadvantages

• Constant cleaning of the case because fans move dust and dirt into the case when turned on.
• Weaker cooling power than liquid cooling, which prevents from optimizing the overclocking ability of a computer system.
• If air going into computer from the surrounding environment is already warm air, the effectiveness of air cooling the computer system is greatly reduced.
• Fans use the power supply to run, which draws extra power, and expansion slots away from the other parts of the computer system.

Liquid Cooled

Liquid cooling is the most recent technology that has become available to the computer world in the terms of temperature regulation of your home computer system.

The liquid cooling system uses water or a comparable liquid run through a series of  “pipes” that line the computer case to regulate temperature.  Instead of moving air through the components, the case is design to maximize the heat dissipating properties of water to keep the system from over heating.

Advantages

• Regulates temperature more effectively than the use of fans.
• Does not use the expansion slots in the power supply that multiple fans built into the case does.
• Allows for the overclocking the computer systems more effectively because the system temperature is less of an issue with the more effective liquid cooling.

Disadvantages

• If the cooling system were to go bad, it creates a huge ordeal to replace.
• More expensive to purchase or add to a case.

Conclusion

Trying to decide which case is the best option for you?

If you are building your computer for the home office or for school or business, an air cooled system is your best option.  The reason I say this is because it will save you money on the initial purchase of the case and using your computer to

• search the internet
• monitor text documents
• maybe listen to music

is all that is going to be done then overclocking the system is not even in consideration.  None of the above listed processes are intense enough to require overclocking the system to be able to run them.

If you are attempting to create a system to maximize media and/or gaming experience than a liquid cooling system is your best option.  Overclocking your system is making it run at excessive speeds which generates more heat.  It would require multiple fans to produce the same cooling effectiveness that a liquid cooling system produces.