Technology is fast changing. A piece of updated hardware can become obsolete in a matter of a few years.
You are probably reading this because:
1. Your computer is so freaking slow, and you need a change before you throw your rig from the second floor.
2. People are pissed about your excuses of "being too laggy"
3. You want better graphics, and don't want to be stuck playing Quake, Duke 3D and Doom.
These pointers are of my opinion and are usually situational. Under no circumstances do I insist that the points I'm giving to you right now is correct. All people are welcome to give their own opinions and have the right to debate upon others'.
Here are some excellent tips if you're planning to buy a new PC.
1. If this is a desktop you're buying, try your very best to build it on your own or have a friend do it for you. There's plenty of guides on the Internet that can help you in building your own desktop PC. It shouldn't be too hard actually. Trust me, it was harder seven years ago when SATA wasn't rampant and we still have floppy drives.
2. If you really want to buy a desktop and don't want to build one yourself, make sure that the manufacturer that you buy from can give you customization options for your new computer. I'm not talking about custom vinyls and design for the casing, I'm talking about the components that's going to work inside the PC, the processor, the graphics card, the RAM, etc. Stick with the manufacturers who build your computer when you order it. Don't go window shopping for a new PC.
3. Buy the best you can buy. It's highly recommended to buy the best your wallet can allow you for the moment. By doing so, you won't have to worry about your computer being obsolete a couple of years later.
4. Make sure the manufacturer you are buying from is legit, and they offer warranty for your purchase.
However, if you're awesome and you're gonna build your own PC (good for you!), here's some guidelines. These guidelines apply for desktops only (duh).
1. When building for the first time, have someone assist you. He or she doesn't need to be an IT Professional (although it helps if he/she is). Your assistant can help you lift heavy parts (like the casing), keep your work organized and to give you support.
2. Buy the best parts you can grab. Everything you buy should still be near the top class in at least one to two years. In the third and fourth year, it should be mid-range.
3. Do it carefully and not hastily. Follow the instructions given by the guides and individual manuals given to you by the manufacturers of the components you bought. Take a break once in a while if you feel stressed while building.
Also, the most important tip to consider while buying or building a new computer is: Research! Spend at least three days looking for stuff online and compare them side by side. Or you can go to the local computer store and compare the stuff they sell there. Compare their pros and cons, their usefulness and how you're going to use them. Mind you, researching will pay off in the end.
My sources: My experience, I've been building for five years, built 5 already, of course with the help of other people.
