upgrade
Common Mistakes When Building A Computer
Building your own desktop computer has had a surge in popularity recently. It’s a great project and fairly doable IF you follow certain protocols AND do thorough research BEFORE you make the attempt. We get “self builds” in for repair regularly because they didn’t work after assembly. It can be something simple like plugging in a cable wrong, installing unsupported RAM (specifically AMD systems), or it could be a worst-case scenario of shorting out the motherboard and processor. In this article we will spotlight some common mistakes made and how to avoid them!
Getting incompatible hardware – This is one of the most common mistakes to make when building a computer. From the physical size of the components to how much power will be needed, to the type and number of drive bays you want. Finding out your CPU won’t work with your motherboard in the middle of a build can be a serious headache. A good way to avoid that hassle is to go over your list with a trusted professional like Geek Easy before making your purchases. We are experts in build compatibility! Even if you use an online tool that is supposed to determine hardware compatibility, it’s always best to check with the motherboard manufacturer for their qualified vendor list (QVL) of supported processors and RAM.
Buying a cheap, underpowered PSU (power supply) – This should really be addressed during the compatibility phase, making sure your PSU has enough power for your desired setup. Most techs will tell you not to cheap out on the power supply which is typically sound advice. However, it should be noted that there are decent, affordable power supplies available and most systems don’t need a 1200w power supply to run well. But if you buy something smaller than 500w that weighs as much as a ball of tinfoil, you could easily run into issues later on due to cheap, unreliable components inside the power supply. Your power supply provides electricity for the whole system, so trying to power a $600 graphics card with a $25 power supply isn’t the best idea. What’s right for you depends on your budget and the components you are putting into your build.
Slotting your RAM incorrectly – Not seating your RAM properly can end up with your build not booting. RAM has a specific way it has to be installed in the DIMM slots. Check out the pins on your stick of RAM. Notice that it’s not split 50/50? If the motherboard slots are compatible, they will have a matching “split”. If your RAM isn’t lined up correctly you can easily cause damage to the stick itself and/or the DIMM slot. When installing RAM, use even pressure on both ends until you hear the stick *click* into the slot. If you didn’t hear any clicks while installing your RAM, chances are it’s not seated fully – just give it another push and you should be good to go.
Installing the CPU incorrectly – This is the most important one and more common than you’d think. Some beginners aren’t aware that processors must be installed in a specific orientation. All Intel processors will have some kind of marking on one of the corners. On AMD chips it’s a gold arrow usually found on the bottom-left corner. Line that up with the marking on your motherboard’s CPU socket, often on the metal part that secures your CPU down, but sometimes this indicator is found on the board itself. Great care should be taken when installing a CPU since bent\broken pins are not covered by manufacturer warranties and can make your system inoperable. Take it slow when installing your processor and it can save you time and money spent replacing the motherboard or CPU.
Plugging your monitor into the wrong display output – You get the computer all assembled and finally turn it on. Everything sounds normal and appears to be powered on, except there’s no video. What’s wrong? Another super common mistake is plugging your monitor into the motherboard’s integrated video port instead of the port on your graphics card. The video ports on motherboards only work with processors that come with integrated graphics and typically only work if you don’t have a GPU installed. Simply plug your monitor into a port on the graphics card and reboot. If that doesn’t fix it, make sure you have connected all needed power cables from the power supply. If your card has 2 PCI-E power slots on it, the card requires those to run. You may need to purchase adapters or a larger power supply if there aren’t enough power cables to feed your GPU.
Hopefully these tips will help you if you venture into building your own computer! We are always here to answer questions and to help make your technology easier! If building your own computer isn’t something you want to tackle, ask us about our custom build services!
Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology greek! Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog. |
What Should I Upgrade?
One of the aspects of owning a computer is upgrading. Whether it’s a desktop or a laptop, if you plan on using it longer than a couple of years, upgrading it is in your future. Technology and software advances make it almost a certainty. The question we typically hear from our clients is “What do I upgrade?” In this post we hope to make that decision a bit clearer and easier.
Refurbished Computers
What is a refurbished computer?
A refurbished computer is one that was previously in use, usually by a business or corporation, that has been reconditioned to be like “new”. There is a false perception that refurbished computers are just used and out-of-date computers. While it is true that refurbished units tend not to be the latest technology, they are typically no more than one or two generations older and very capable of running today’s applications!
What is a ‘factory refurbished’ computer?
This is a little different than just a refurbished computer. Companies like Apple, Dell, HP, etc. may sell factory refurbished computers that they have returned to a “like new” condition. These systems typically have shorter warranties directly from the manufacturer (60 days vs. 1 year on new systems). These systems could be returns or systems that were replaced under warranty and then reconditioned by the manufacturer. Once concern we hear a lot about refurbished systems is that they might be the “broken” computers that were sent back to be fixed. While that concern could apply to factory refurbished systems, those aren’t the refurbished computers we sell or support.
What does “refurbishing” really mean?
First of all, refurbished is NOT the same as USED. When you purchase a used computer, it is typically sold AS IS, with no warranties or guarantees. You are basically rolling the dice. The phrase “buyer beware!” applies to this situation. It is unfortunately easy to get stuck with a bad machine as you have no way of knowing the true status of the internal components. Potential failures of the motherboard, hard drive, or even the screen are very real issues when dealing with used computers.
Refurbishing is a process by where previously utilized computers have all of the data wiped from them, and the operating system and associated software re-installed to factory settings. All of the components, internal and external, are thoroughly tested and verified to like-new performance parameters. At Geek Easy Computers, we purchase all of our refurbished units from a certified and authorized refurbisher. These computers were never owned by an individual, but are typically off-lease machines that were in use by a corporate entity. Once we receive these computers, we then put them through our own verification process and stress testing to further ensure that our machines are in A-1 condition before we offer them for sale.
Why should I buy one?
There are several advantages to purchasing a refurbished computer. The most obvious one is the cost savings! You can buy a slighter older model, and upgrade it. For example, a refurbished laptop may have 4-8GB of memory, be a year or two old and cost $250-$350. A new computer may have 8GB of memory and cost $500-$700. Most newer computers can be upgraded to at least 8GB of RAM cheaply saving you money overall. As mentioned earlier, another major advantage of buying refurbished is that the computer has been completely tested and verified. New computers are randomly spot tested on the assembly line, meaning that only a small percentage of them are actually (minimally) tested. A huge advantage to buying refurbished over a used computer is that refurbished computers come with a warranty! Geek Easy Computers includes a 30 day warranty on parts and labor with each of our refurbished machines. We also include a free complimentary tune-up 3 months after purchase to keep your computer running like new. You get technical support from the Kalamazoo area’s only full service computer repair shop located downtown! You also get the assurance that you will always have a friendly local face to talk to, located right in your community!
So if you’re looking to save some money, but don’t want to gamble on pawn shops or Craigslist, come down to Geek Easy Computers and check out our rotating stock of refurbished laptops and desktops. We want to make your technology easier!
Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage raptors, and a certified technology geek! Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog. |
All-In-One Computers: Pros & Cons
These days it seems like everyone wants a laptop. While the laptop is indeed the most popular form of computer, there is still a definite market for desktop computers.One of the more popular types of desktop computer is called the all-In-one desktop or AIO computer. In this post, we will discuss the pros & cons of buying an AIO computer.
What is an AIO Computer?
All-In-one computers, also known as all-in-one desktops, are designed to combine the computer case and system components into the monitor so that the entire PC is contained all in one unit.
Why Would I Want One?
- Because you don’t have to find a spot for a separate computer case, the AIO PC takes up a lot less space. Which is great if you’re looking for a computer for a spot with little space, or if you have a small desk. AIO computers are popular in areas where space is a premium or a bunch of cords/cables would be inconvenient, such as: kitchens, medical offices, restaurants, dispatch, warehouses, etc. Some all-in-one computers can also be wall mounted, for even more convenience.
- All-in-one PCs generally offer significantly larger screens than notebooks. A normal notebook typically has a screen size of 13in-15in; all-in-one PCs have screen diagonals of 20in-27in. The resolution is also higher.
- Fewer cables – only one power cable. Speakers are built-in. Most have wireless keyboard & mouse.
- Easier to transport than a regular desktop and monitor, should that become necessary.
- Many AIOs are touchscreen enabled. Higher end versions add pen support.
- Ease of setup.
Why Wouldn’t I Want One?
- Upgrading an all-in-one PC is more difficult. The parts are more difficult to reach, and frequently you have to remove the screen to access them.
- If one thing breaks, the entire computer has to go in for repair. If the monitor breaks, that is going to be a costly repair, unlike a traditional desktop computer where you could just buy another monitor.
- Stuck with one monitor. If you decide you’d like a larger monitor, your only options are to purchase another AIO with a larger screen, or add an additional screen via HDMI, DVI, etc. if that is an option.
- AIOs can be more expensive when compared to a similarly outfitted traditional desktop computer.
- Many all-in-one desktops are at a disadvantage because they’re built to be thin. That means minimal space for components and cooling. As a result, the AIO market is full of desktops that have low-power versions of desktop processors, or even mobile processors inside.
An AIO can be a good choice for any of the above stated reasons, but knowing the limitations or concessions of purchasing an all-in-one desktop will help you make the best decision for you, your family, or your business needs! If you have further questions, the team at Geek Easy Computers is happy to assist you!
Adonis Pointer is a photographer, a collector of vintage razors, and a certified technology geek! Adonis has been involved in computer technology since well, a LONG time! He has been involved in nearly every aspect of the industry from sales to repair to training to consulting. As the Social Media Manager he writes the majority of the posts on the Geek Easy Computers blog. |
Why Does My Computer Get Hot?
A common issue that many computers suffer from is overheating. As mobile computers are getting slimmer, there is less room for cooling fans or even just air to circulate. With desktop computers, more powerful processors and huge video cards are generating more heat inside the cases. In this article we will explain just why your computer overheats, and outline ways to combat it!
The Shrinking Laptop
In our previous post “The Desktop PC – Still Relevant?”, we touched on how the industry is trending more mobile, and the sizes of the devices we use are changing. Laptops are cheaper than they’ve ever been. They are thinner and lighter than ever, and they are much more powerful than they were even a few years ago. With that being said, we’d like to delve into a few minor setbacks to the cheaper, thinner, lighter laptops of today.
The Desktop PC – Still Relevant?
As the technological world of computers skews more and more toward mobile, and everything is getting smaller and smaller, the questions arises – is the desktop PC still relevant? The short answer is a resounding YES. In this article we will elaborate as to why.
Even though more and more people are moving from the desktop to their laptops, or even tablets or smartphones, a traditional desktop computer is still arguably a great choice as a secondary computing device today. Some of the reasons to buy a desktop today range from cost to performance ratio, upgrade-ability, to more productivity considerations. Check out these items: