RAM
The amount of random access memory (RAM, or RAM) that came with your computer.
The overall performance of the PC directly depends on this parameter: ceteris paribus, more RAM speeds up work, allows you to cope with more resource-intensive tasks, and facilitates the simultaneous execution of numerous processes. As for specific numbers, the minimum volume required for the stable operation of a general-purpose PC nowadays is
4 GB. Smaller amounts are enough for microcomputers and thin clients, and at least
8 GB is installed in gaming systems, on the contrary.
16 GB and even more so
32 GB are already very solid volumes, and in the most powerful and performant systems there are values \u200b\u200bof
64 GB and even more. Also on the market you can find configurations
without RAM at all — for such a device, the user can choose the amount of memory at his discretion; for a number of reasons, this configuration is especially popular in nettops.
Note that many modern PCs allow for an increase in the amount of RAM, so it does not always make sense to purchase an expensive device with a large amount of "RAM" — sometimes it is more reasonable to start with a simpler model and expand it if necessary. The possibility of upgrading in such cases should be clarified separately.
Connectors
In most desktop PCs, this assortment is determined both by connectors on the "motherboard" and on a discrete graphics card, among which
VGA,
DVI,
HDMI output(there are models where
HDMI 2 pcs),
HDMI input,
DisplayPort,
miniDisplayPort. More details about them.
— VGA. He's D-Sub. Analogue video output with maximum resolution up to 1280x1024 and no audio support. It is rarely installed in modern devices, but it can be useful for connecting certain models of projectors and TVs, as well as outdated video equipment.
— DVI. Modern PCs can be equipped with both pure digital DVI-D and hybrid DVI-I; the latter also allows analogue connection, including work with VGA-devices through an adapter, and in analogue format has a resolution of 1280x1024. In digital DVI, this parameter can reach 1920x1200 in single-link mode (single link) and 2560x1600 in dual-link mode. The presence of a dual-channel mode must be specified separately.
— HDMI output. Digital output originally designed for HD content — high-definition video and multi-channel audio. The HDMI interface is almost mandatory for modern HD multimedia technology, and it is also extremely popular in computer monitors — so the presence of such an output on a PC provides ve
...ry extensive features for connecting external screens and even high-end audio devices. Some devices may even have 2 HDMI outputs.
— HDMI input. Your PC has at least one HDMI input. See above for details on the interface itself; here we note that it is the inputs of this format that are found mainly in monoblocks (see "Type"). At a minimum, this allows you to use the monoblock's own display as a screen for another device (for example, as an external monitor for a laptop). However, there are other, more specific options for using the HDMI input — for example, recording an incoming video signal, or transferring (switching) it to one of the PC video outputs.
Both the HDMI inputs and outputs in modern PCs may correspond to different versions:
- v 1.4. The earliest standard widely used today. Supports resolutions up to 4096x2160 and frame rates up to 120 fps (however, only at a resolution of 1920x1080 or lower), and can also be used to transmit 3D video. In addition to the original version 1.4, you can find improved v 1.4a and v 1.4b — in both cases, the improvements affected mainly the work with 3D.
- v2.0. The standard, also known as HDMI UHD, was the first to introduce full support for UltraHD 4K, with frame rates up to 60 fps, as well as compatibility with a 21:9 aspect ratio. In addition, the number of simultaneously transmitted channels and audio streams has increased to 32 and 4, respectively. It is also worth noting that initially version 2.0 did not provide support for HDR, but it appeared in update v 2.0a; if this feature is important to you, it's ok to clarify which version 2.0 is provided in the PC, the original or the updated one.
- v2.0b. The second update of the above v 2.0. The main update was the expansion of HDR capabilities, in particular, support for two new formats.
- v2.1. It is also HDMI Ultra High Speed: the bandwidth has been increased to such an extent that it became possible to transfer 10K video at 120 fps (not to mention more modest resolutions) as well as work with extended colour schemes up to 16 bits. The latter may come in handy for some professional tasks. However, note that all the features of HDMI v 2.1 are available only when using cables designed for this standard.
— Display port. A digital media interface similar in many respects to HDMI, but mainly used in computer technology — in particular, it is widely used in Apple computers and monitors. One of the interesting features of this standard is the ability to work in the daisy chain format — connecting several screens to one port in series, transmitting its own signal to each of them (although this function is not technically available with all screens for this interface). DisplayPort is also on the market in several versions, the current ones are as follows:
- v 1.2. The earliest widely used version (2010). However, already in this version, 3D compatibility and the daisy chain mode appeared. The maximum fully supported resolution when connecting a single monitor is 5K (30 fps), transmission up to 8K is possible with certain restrictions; a frame rate of 60 Hz is supported up to a resolution of 3840x2160, and 120 Hz — up to 2560x1600. And when using daisy chain, you can connect up to 2 2560x1600 screens at 60 frames per second or up to 4 1920x1200 screens at the same time. In addition to the original version 1.2, there is an improved v 1.2a, the main innovation of which is support for AMD FreeSync, a technology for synchronizing the monitor's frame rate with the signal from an AMD graphics card.
- v 1.3. An update introduced in 2014. The increased bandwidth made it possible to provide full, without restrictions, support for 8K at 30 fps, as well as transmit 4K images at 120 fps, sufficient for 3D work. Resolutions in daisy chain mode have also increased — up to 4K (3840x2160) at 60 fps for two screens and 2560x1600 at the same frame rate for four. Of the specific innovations, it is worth mentioning the Dual Mode mode, which allows you to connect HDMI and DVI devices to such a connector through the simplest passive adapters.
- v 1.4. The newest version widely used in modern PCs. Formally, the maximum connection speed has not increased compared to the previous version, but thanks to signal optimization, it became possible to work with 4K and 5K resolutions at 240 fps and with 8K at 120 fps. However for this, the connected screen must support DSC encoding technology — otherwise, the available resolutions will not differ from version 1.3. In addition, v 1.4 added support for a number of special features, including HDR10, and the maximum number of simultaneously transmitted audio channels increased to 32.
— miniDisplayPort. A smaller version of the DisplayPort connector described above, may also correspond to different versions (see above). Note that the same hardware connector is used in the Thunderbolt interface versions 1 and 2, and the graphic part of this interface is based on DisplayPort. Therefore, even some Thunderbolt monitors can be directly connected to miniDisplayPort (although it is desirable to clarify this possibility separately).
— COM port (RS-232). Serial port, originally used to connect dial-up modems and some peripherals, in particular, mice. However, today this interface is used as a service interface in various devices — TVs, projectors, network equipment (routers and switches), etc. Connecting to a PC via RS-232 allows you to control the operation parameters of an external device from a computer.PS/2
The number of PS/2 connectors provided on the back of the PC.
PS/2 (colloquially "pi-es in half") is a specialized connector with a characteristic round shape, used exclusively for keyboards and mice. Due to the advent of more advanced interfaces (USB 3.2, Thunderbolt, etc.), it is considered obsolete, but it is still found in certain PC models. This is due, in part, to the fact that the use of PS/2 peripherals allows you to free up more advanced ports that may be required for more demanding devices.
As for the quantity, PS/2 connectors are used for a maximum of two — one for the keyboard, the second for the mouse. There are configurations with one such socket — in such cases it is usually made combined and allows the connection of both types of peripherals, to choose from. However, it's ok to clarify these details separately.
USB 2.0
The number of full size USB 2.0 connectors on the back of the PC.
USB is the most popular modern interface for connecting peripherals. And the number of connectors is, accordingly, the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the rear panel without the use of splitters. Specifically, version 2.0 was the most popular some time ago, but now it is considered obsolete, it is gradually being replaced by more advanced standards like USB 3.0 (3.1 gen1). However, USB 2.0 capabilities (data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps) are still sufficient for many peripheral devices, from keyboards and mice to printers. So it's still a long way from the end of the standard, and some PCs may have
4 or more USB 2.0 ports on the back.
Separately, it should be noted that similar connectors can be placed on the front side of the case. However, for peripherals that need to be constantly connected to the computer, it is more convenient to use the rear panel, while the front placement is better suited for frequent connection / disconnection.
USB 3.2 gen1
The number of full-sized
USB 3.2 gen1 connectors(previously labeled USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provided on the back of the PC.
USB is the most popular modern interface for connecting peripherals. And the number of connectors is, accordingly, the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the rear panel without the use of splitters. As for the USB 3.2 gen1 version, it has a connection speed of about 4.8 Gbps. In some configurations, the number of such connectors can reach
4 or even more.
It is also worth noting that ports of this type can be placed on the front side of the case. However, for peripherals that need to be constantly connected to the computer, it is more convenient to use the rear panel, while the front placement is better suited for frequent connection / disconnection.
USB C 3.2 gen1
The number of
USB-C 3.2 gen1 connectors(previously labeled USB-C 3.1 gen1 and USB-C 3.0) provided on the back of the PC; respectively, the number of devices with such plugs that can be simultaneously connected to the rear panel without the use of splitters.
USB-C was created as an improvement on the classic USB plug: it is noticeably smaller and has a reversible design that allows you to connect the plug in either direction. And version 3.2 gen1 allows you to achieve data transfer rates up to 4.8 Gbps; in fact, this is the most modest version of the USB connection used in modern USB-C type ports, however, even such characteristics are more than sufficient for most external devices with this type of connector.
Separately, it is worth noting that USB-C ports can be placed on the front side of the case. However, for peripherals that need to be constantly connected to the computer, it is more convenient to use the rear panel, while the front placement is better suited for frequent connection / disconnection.
USB 2.0
The number of full size
USB 2.0 connectors provided on the front of the PC.
USB is the most popular modern interface for connecting peripherals. And the number of connectors is, accordingly, the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the front panel without the use of splitters. Specifically, version 2.0 was the most popular some time ago, but now it is considered obsolete, it is gradually being replaced by more advanced standards like USB 3.0 (3.1 gen1). However, USB 2.0 capabilities (data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps) are still sufficient for many peripheral devices, from keyboards and mice to printers. So this standard is still far from completely disappearing, and some PCs may
have several of these ports on the front panel at once.
Separately, it is worth noting that similar connectors are most often available on the back of the case. However, the front panel is closer to the user, and the sockets on it are optimal for peripherals that need to be connected and disconnected frequently, such as flash drives.
USB 3.2 gen1
The number of full-size
USB 3.2 gen1 connectors(previously labeled USB 3.1 gen1 and USB 3.0) provided on the front panel of the PC.
USB is the most popular modern interface for connecting peripherals. And the number of connectors is, accordingly, the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the front panel without the use of splitters. As for version 3.2 gen1, it has speeds up to 4.8 Gbps). USB 3.2 gen1 connectors are also compatible with USB 2.0 peripherals. Thus,
2 or more such connectors are often provided on the front panel at once.
Separately, it is worth noting that similar ports are most often available on the back of the case. However, the front panel is closer to the user, the connectors on it are optimally suited for peripherals that need to be connected and disconnected frequently, such as flash drives.
Sound
Audio format supported by the PC sound card. Specified depending on the device type. For classic PCs (see "Type"), the sound format corresponds to the largest number of channels that a computer can output through analogue outputs — the possibility of using one or another set of acoustics directly depends on this. And for devices with built-in speakers, primarily monoblocks (see "Type"), this paragraph usually specifies the format of the built-in acoustics.
Also note that digital interfaces like SP / DIF (see "Connectors") can provide more channels, but such a signal cannot be directly output to the speakers — you need an audio receiver or other additional converter. So the main parameter is considered to be the number of "analogue" channels or speakers. The options here might be:
— 2.0. Traditional stereo is the most modest format that can provide the effect of surround sound. Of course, such a sound cannot be compared in terms of “presence effect” with advanced standards like
5.1 and
7.1, but in many cases even it is more than enough. Note that the 2.0 format is most often provided for in monoblocks — it means the presence of a pair of built-in speakers; it can be difficult to provide more extensive acoustics in such PCs.
— 2.1. Two-channel stereo sound (see above) with a subwoofer to enhance the bass sound. For a number of reasons, it has not received much distribution, it
...is found, again, mainly in monoblocks — in such devices two ordinary speakers and a “sub” are installed.
— 2.2. Extended version of the 2.1 format with two subwoofers. Theoretically capable of delivering more powerful and authentic bass, but at a higher cost, these benefits are rarely seen in fact. Therefore, it is used even less frequently than 2.1 — again, mainly in monoblocks.
— 4.0. Theoretically, 4.0 is a surround sound format with two front and two rear channels. At the same time, in a PC this format is found exclusively among monoblocks and usually means the presence of two additional speakers, in addition to the standard stereo speakers. The effect of "sound from all directions" on such a system cannot be achieved, but the sound is still better and more reliable than with 2.0 systems. However, the price also comes out higher, despite the fact that the difference in sound is not fundamental for everyone. Therefore, this format has not received distribution.
— 4.2. An extended version of the 4.0 described above, where a pair of subwoofers has been added to an improved 4-speaker stereo system. Due to this, the quality of the bass improves, but the dimensions and cost of acoustics increase even more, and therefore such systems are even rarer.
— 5.1. The classic format of full-fledged surround sound ("from all sides"): two front channels, one centre, two rear and a subwoofer. A lot of content has been released under this sound, and games often provide compatibility with 5.1 systems. At the same time, support for this format in its pure form is relatively rare among modern PCs. 7.1 audio cards are used much more often: having more advanced features, they almost do not differ in price and are quite capable of working with 5.1 as well.
— 7.1. Further, after 5.1, improvement of the idea of surround sound. Such systems have 5 traditional sound channels (2 to the front, 1 front centre and 2 rear), and 2 additional channels can be placed in different ways — as side, as "add-ons" above the front or rear, etc. In any In this case, the 7.1 format allows you to achieve a more reliable sound than 5.1, and its support in modern sound cards is very inexpensive.
— 10.2. A specific audio format used in some high-end multimedia monoblocks. The 10 main speakers in such devices are combined into a soundbar under the screen and provide as authentic surround sound as possible in systems without rear channels. In addition, such acoustics are often made multiband — that is, they include specialized speakers optimized for a specific frequency band and reproducing only it. This further improves the sound quality. And two subwoofers, in turn, allow you to achieve the corresponding bass characteristics. At the same time, this option is extremely rare — both because of the high cost and because it is easier to achieve the desired sound quality on separately selected acoustics.
