Introduction

Prices shown are mainly from computer fairs, i. e. "stall" prices - what you actually pay, i. e. no v. a. t. to be added; note that some stalls do not accept credit cards (some do, sometimes with a few percent surcharge).

This document contains no images:- it's intended to be saved for examination offline (though can certainly be read online). {Note: TV and Radio cards, operating systems, and some comments on processors and motherboards, are in separate files.}

Blanks in tables in this document mean I don't know, not that something doesn't have the feature; if I do know, I put "no" or "0" or whatever.

I've also included my own thoughts on PCs in general.

This was last revised 2004-1-4, based on information mostly 2003-11-8 (and some earlier); be aware it's out of date even before I am doing this editing, and probably in some respects now actually incorrect!

Figures	thus	were noted	2003-11-8	in	London	- and were the lowest I found - allow at least ~ 10-15% margin;
	thus		2003-8-16
	thus		2003-3-8
	otherwise		(mostly) earlier		(various places)	and've probably dropped more.

• some points
• second-hand machines
• some things a PC might be used for, and what they need
• the parts of a PC (some prices)
• details (and more prices)

• I'm assuming a conventional (i. e. not Apple etc.) PC based on a Microsoft O/S (not e. g. Linux), and not a portable (they're somewhat less flexible, and cost significantly more).
• I think people should buy from the cheaper sources, for home PCs, because of the price difference.
  Examples: I believe a basic specification PC - still capable of many applications you might want to run today - can be created for around £350 (well under £125 if second-hand, including software and MoDem) plus monitor and printer, and a pretty hot machine for £650 plus monitor. (Sorry for excluding monitor; I do this because people disagree about what you need.) Compare this to (many, not all) shops which usually include several machines at or above £800, and few below £450.
• I know little of high-quality sound or video cards, so will barely touch on those.
• Most modern software (including operating systems) is bloatware, but I can see reasons for this: it isn't really a conspiracy - just (a) it's easier for software writers not to cater for many configurations, and (b) when resources can be spent on either optimising code (to need less to run) or adding features (and/or bugfixing), the latter is generally considered preferable.

Some example systems [monitor not included]:

make (model)	processor (megahertz)	memory M	hard disc G	CD	sound	price (£) and other details
Dell	233MMX	64		yes		50 with USB
	PII 233		3.2	no		35 with USB
	PII 266		4.3	no	yes	45 with USB and net
DELL (OPTIPLEX GX1)	PII 400	128	6.4	yes	yes	75 with graphics & network
	PII 450			yes	yes	85 with graphics & network
Dell (Optiplex)			10	yes	yes	85 with USB, 10/100 net, Windows 2000; 3 months
DELL (OPTIPLEX GX110)	PII 667	256		yes		129
	P3 450	128	6.4		yes	150 with PCI graphics, 2 × USB, and 17" monitor
Viglen	P3 500		6	yes	yes	135 (2003-10-26, Chelmsford); desktop; with floppy, MoDem, USB, Windows XP, 30 days RTB warranty
DELL (OPTIPLEX GX110)	P3 733	256	10	yes		139
COMPAQ (EVO)	P4 1700		20		yes	300 with network, 4×USB, 16M Nvidia graphics; black, like a small VCR

I wouldn't get anything earlier than a Pentium 233MMX; not that they aren't good machines (including back to 486 systems), but it's not worth it (as you can see).

Some typical applications, and what they need

• Word processing. Almost every computer spends at least some time doing this. Most home requirements don't need a powerful machine, unless you use the very latest versions of the software. For light use, WordPad, which comes with Windows 95 onwards, needs no more than a machine capable of running '95 itself - 16 megabytes, on any Pentium or even 486. The full Word does require more. (I can't speak for non-Microsoft word processors.)
• Graphics (pictures). Memory is the most significant requirement for graphics, for any significant size images; a single A4 sheet in 24-bit colour, even at 300 dots per inch, is tens of megabytes. Processor speed is also noticeable if processing images. The graphics card should be capable of more than 256 colours at all resolutions to be used; a small monitor isn't out of the question, but obviously a larger one allows more of the image to be worked on at once in comfort.
• Video editing. The processor should be at least a 450 or 500 MHz, and 512 Mb of RAM is advisable (though 256 is usable). The monitor doesn't really need to be that large - normal video isn't that high a resolution. (For the much more modest requirements needed for VideoCD - which are just VHS quality - see here.)
• Games. More than most applications the home user is likely to consider, games usually lead the requirements; the more realistic they become, the more speed, memory, video capability, and sound performance they need. (If willing to play not the latest version, or older games, less will do.) I'm not a gamer (beyond the odd simple ones which run on anything!), so can't speak with much knowledge here.
• Accessing the internet. Despite what they try to make us believe, accessing the internet doesn't require much processing power. (Any PC can do news and email; web browsing needs a little more, mainly RAM.)
  Provided you use a hardware Modem, a 386 based system can manage, as long as it has enough memory, and only runs Windows 3.1x; a 486 is more than adequate except for some advanced browsing (sound and video etc.); and any Pentium system is more or less capable of anything required (though more processor power [typically at least 166MMX] is needed if you use a software "WinMoDem").

component	basic system	costing (£)	might remain current (years)
necessary to work at all:
case (with power supply)	midi ATX, >=350 watt power supply, 3 bay	18 (2002-11-3)	~4?
motherboard	SEE BELOW	35 upwards	~3?
processor	Pentium iii 866 megahertz	35	1¼
memory	256 megabytes PC133	21
hard drive	40/60/80 gigabytes	40/50/57
monitor	17" second-hand, or non-CRT	35 or 180	5+
graphics hardware	8M AGP with TV out	20 (2002-2-16)	2½?
operating system	Windows 98 SE	35 (2002-10-19)	already obsolete
keyboard	(as required)	3	4+
cables	as needed	(included)	(indefinite)
you'd almost certainly want these:
floppy drive	3.5" 1.44 megabyte	5.50	6+
CD facility	CD-RW drive with BURnproof (optionally combined with DVD)	28 (55)	3-
mouse	PS/2	3	5?
sound hardware	(on motherboard)	0	~4 or more
speakers	mains powered (ideally with T connector)	5	>5
printer	HP640C	59 (2001-8-18)	4+
MoDem	V92 internal (hardware/software)	9/8.50	4-
further additions:
other software			3+?
portable USB "drive"		10 to 59	2+?
DVD-R/W or DVD-ROM drive (if not combined with CD-RW [above])		89 (2003-10-26) or 23	4- (1 for R/W)
scanner		11.74 (2003-10)	3+
digital still camera (most can also be used as "webcam"):		20 [Gadget, Lakeside: 2003-9-27] (352 × 288 pixels); 39.90 [Jessops, Lakeside: 2003-9-27] (640 × 480); 46.99 [Morgan] (640 × 480, 3× optical zoom); to 1000.	>1½
TV and radio cards (receive radio and/or television via your PC; most can also grab video). Can have multiple-channel monitoring, NICAM stereo sound, remote control ...		29.99 (2003-3-1) upwards	4+?
FireWire card: for interfacing to digital camcorders (and other FireWire devices)		18	3+
receiver for digital radio		If you can find one, 39.44 (2002-4)	4+
network card (for connecting PCs together in a network)		6 (10/100) per PC [if just 2 PCs, in Windows 9x, just a laplink cable - 3.50 (2m parallel) 5 (5m serial, to be avoided!) - works fine]
USB card (if your PC hasn't got USB on the motherboard; all new ones do)		9 (2 port) 15 (4 port)

Details

• desktop (including slimline)
• tower (mini, midi, or full)

• Some shop PCs have new non-standard - usually small - cases (sometimes with no floppy disc drive).

The slimline (thin desktop) case has more or less disappeared, due to awkward mounting arrangements and ventilation concerns.
The desktop lies horizontally, usually under the monitor (otherwise tending to occupy too much desk, with the monitor as well) - but raises the monitor rather above the comfortable eyeline, and makes the drives awkward to get at (hitting, or at least interfering with, the keyboard, or being round at the side); it also requires the monitor to be moved if access to the inside of the PC is required for any reason.
The mini-tower is basically a desktop stood on end, though set up so the drives are still horizontal. The midi-tower, as you might expect, is higher than a mini- (at least three 5¼" drive bays), without being as overpowering as the full; probably the most popular.
The full tower is becoming commoner; though maybe overkill for most home uses, and certainly less discreet, it can be very convenient if later system expansion needs the space (usually a lot easier to work on too). In general it costs a little more, but not as much so as you'd expect.

Sample prices:

shape		ATX (£) [AT no longer available]
mini	tower	20	3 + 2 bays; 350W
midi		18 (2002-11-3)	3 bay 350W
		24	4 5¼"and 2 3½" drive bays; 350W; front sockets
		28 32 35	3 + 2 4 grey    300, P4+AMD app.s blue
		34 (2002-10-19)	4 5¼, blue metallic, 300W
full		44 (2002-5-25, Chelmsford)	300W
		64/69 (2002-5-25, Chelmsford)	300/350W, AMDa
		170 (2002-10-19)	"Lian Li"; 6 + 3 bays (+ 6 internal), 4 fans, 4 USB ports at front; NO PSU
desktop		39 (2001-10-27)

All are more than adequate for the purpose (unless the number of drives etc. requires larger, or you have a certain processor so require a certain power supply rating); what you get for more money varies from smarter appearance (lights, switches, flaps) to easier internal access (hinged panels, swing-out drive bays, sliding sides). You may also find ones where the USB connectors are on the front of the case, rather than the back. It's important to check, if buying separately, that the motherboard is compatible with the case, though most fit most.

Motherboard

Unfortunately, there are currently two or more main shapes for the processor device, and it is far from clear which will prevail (the processor shape affects the motherboard choice, as obviously the motherboard must have the correct socket).

There are some observations on the various types here (only about 3 sides of A4).

The motherboard includes the serial (external MoDem, sometimes mouse/trackerball, though ATX motherboards usually have a dedicated socket for this which is of the PS/2 type), parallel (printer [etc.]), and USB (universal serial bus) ports.
ATX motherboards need a (usually ATX) case with holes in the right places.
Motherboards have slots for plug-in cards. There are sometimes one or two ISA ones, for older ISA cards - rare now, though IMO it's worth having at least one ISA slot still. There should be several PCI slots; most cards are of this type. Finally, there is often an AGP position: this is for a modern graphics card. (PCI graphics cards are still available, though quite hard to find.)
[The names mean Industry Standard Architecture, Peripheral Connect Interface, and Advanced Graphic(s) Processor.]
The motherboard sometimes contains on-board sound and/or video - sometimes even a MoDem and/or LAN. This can be a good idea, as it is fewer thing(s) to have to buy and to go wrong, and fewer slots used; conversely, the incorporated sound and/or video may not be quite what is desired, and in the case of the video, may use some main RAM. In many cases, the on-board option can be disabled, by moving a link or changing a setting, so that a different (usually better) separate card can be used instead (or, sometimes, as well). On-board video circuitry, if it shares some of the main memory, can have an effect on performance, so is best avoided in many cases (though on-board video circuitry that has it's own, separate, memory is OK - but rare). There is little if any disadvantage to on-board sound circuitry.

Sample boards (single processor; very limited and unrepresentative selection):

make	name/ model	processor		sound	video	slots			system bus speed	price (£)
		socket	speed (MHz)			AGP	PCI	ISA
PC Chips		A		yes						45 with LAN and MoDem (and 1.2G Duron for 82) [both prices 2002-10-19]
Elite (?)	P455A	478		yes	no (?)	yes	5	0		79.99 (Maplin 2003-4-26); DDR + DIMM
Intel		7	to 1.2G							35 w. USB
ASROCK	M810MLR	A			32M shared		2		200/266	40 Modem, Lan
ASROCK (ASUS)	K7VT2					4×	5	0		99.99, or 124.97 with XP2700+ & fan (both Maplin, 2003-4-26); USB2, LAN, PCI/DDR to 2G
	L7VTA					8×	4		DDR 400/333	(Maplin, 2003-4-26) USB2, LAN

Processor

Pentium IIIs, or PIIIs as they are usually called, as well as earlier Celerons, fit the "socket 370". The socket 370 is often referred to as PGA or flip-chip (though there are some differences between these various forms).

The latest developments I know of as I type are the Pentium 4 from Intel (socket 478 - or 423 for some of the early ones), and the Athlon and Duron (a cut-down Athlon as the Celeron is a cut-down Pentium) from AMD (both socket A).

New processors only:

make	type	form	speed (megahertz)		price (£)
			processor	front side bus
Cyrix			333		15
AMD	Duron	socket A	1300		28
	Athlon XP		1800+		45
			2200		52
			2400+		65 Retail Box
			2600	333	68, 125 box
			2700		105 box
			2800		110
	Barton		2500+		69 Retail Box
			2600+		77 Retail Box
			2800+		115 Retail Box
make	type	form	speed (megahertz)		price (£)
			processor	front side bus
Intel	Piii	socket 370	866		35
	Pentium 4	.	1700		99
			2400	533	115
				800	130 Retail Box
			2600		145 Retail Box
			2800	533	185 box
					159 Retail Box
			3000		205 Retail Box
	Pentium 4 Celeron		2000		52 Retail Box

The processor should be fanned (£1.08 to 12 {2002-2-16} [socket 7 & 370], £5 {2001-3-31} [Pentium III], £7 {2002-2-16} [P4], £9.50 {2002-5-25 Chelmsford} [socket A, up to 2GHz]) - if not, reliability will be reduced (in some cases lifetime reduced to a few seconds!).

Memory

• 168 pin ["pin" is historical - RAM modules haven't had pins for years] SDRAM (100 or 133 megahertz); and
• DDR (newer type) (in a range of speeds).

In short - get memory that suits the motherboard, and won't compromise the performance of the rest of the system.

Although a combination of capacities is usually allowed by the motherboard (do check), don't, e. g., buy two 128 modules rather than one 256, as it uses up the slots faster, reducing future options. If the motherboard uses DDR memory, it may well not have any PC1xx slots at all.

Prices fell below 6p a megabyte (£15 for a 256M PC133 module) around October/November 2001; they then went back up again, though have dropped a bit again (countered by the newer DDR originally costing more, and PC1xx now beginning to show a rarity premium). In pounds:

B = "branded"

capacity (MB)	168 "pin" SDRAM		DDR
	PC100	PC133
64	12 (2002-3-9), 6 s/h (2002-2-16)	6 (2001-10-27), 12
128	9 (2001-10-27), 15B/13 (2002-11-3)	8 (2001-10-27), 11B (2002-10-19), 10 (2002-11-3), 15B	16 (2001-10-27), 333: 27 (2002-10-19)
256	22B	15 (2001-10-27),18B/16 (2002-10-19), 24B, 21OEM	2100/266: 22/24B 2700/333: 25B 3200/400: 33B
512	32B	34B (2002-10-19), 30 (2002-11-3) 59B, 37	266/2100: 43B 333/2700: 45B 400/3200: 69B

Hard drive

Sample prices - 5400 RPM unless shown (# = 2000-4-15):

gigabytes	1.6	1.7	2.1	20	30	40
EIDE (£)	27 (2001-10-27)	33#	38#	39 (2002-11-3)	42 (2002-10-19) 47 5400	49 (2002-10-19)
7200 RPM (£)				37		40
gigabytes	60	80	120	180	200
7200 RPM (£)	50	59	72		185
7200 RPM with 8M cache (£)		57	75	123	130
serial			79

3G is adequate to start with; it's just not economic if buying new to buy anything below about 60G.

Monitor

Monitors not based on the conventional cathode ray tube are becoming available. Advantages are perfect flatness (though flat c. r. t.s are available) and zero distortion, very high clarity, and, mainly, much greater thinness (and less power consumption). Against these are slightly worse colour rendering (especially off-axis), lower viewing angle, and some hesitancy with moving images; however, improvements have reached the point where these are unlikely to be a problem. The main thing about these so-called flat panel displays is their considerably greater cost - two to three times as much as ones based on c. r. t.s. (They are also more fragile.) Note that refresh rate in such displays is not related to flicker, zz only smearing of moving images.

The number of colours is not a function of a CRT monitor; walk away from anyone who tries to use this as a selling point J!

Some sample prices - all SVGA or better, colour:

size	resolution	make/other claims	status	warranty	price (£)
14"			(second-hand?)	3 month	22 (maybe not SVGA)
15"		Samtron	second hand		25
	1024×768	RELISYS	new		84.99 (Maplin 2003-4-27)
17"	1200×1024				99.99 (Maplin 2003-4-27)
		DELL	second-hand		35
		HiPoint	new	3 years on-site	85
19"	1600×1400	Sony .24 Trinitron 160 hertz			179
21"	1920×1440	SONY .24			499 (2002-3-9)
		SONY	second-hand		159
non-CRT (TFT etc.)
15"		ECS TFT with speakers	new		180.00
		TV/PC/S-video monitor SAMSUNG			600
15.1"	1024×768	HYUNDAI TFT with TV tuner etc.			499 (2002-3-9)
17"		Relisys TFT no speakers		3 years	259
		LITEON TFT with speakers		3 years on-site	289.00
18.1"		TFT		3	450 (2002-10-19)
19"	1280×1024	Samsung DVI and SVGA	new		549
24"		Samsung			1400

(".24" etc. are "dot pitches".)

Video (graphics) hardware

These days the video circuitry is often on the motherboard; this saves a lot of bother, though it's useful if it can be disabled in case you want to change later without having to change the motherboard. Unless it uses separate memory, "on-board video" can also seriously affect the performance of the motherboard. (See also motherboards and TV cards.)

The operating system (software)

See here for more details.

Keyboard and mouse (or trackerball)

Software other than the above costs from zero to thousands!

scanner

Some motherboards include a MoDem (usually a software type).

What G6JPG bought

I bought a digital camera on 2000-1-12. DVD-ROM added to the desktop 2000-6.