Newbie computer advice

[greg722]

Hi all

I have limited computer knowledge, and i want to improve this by purchasing a computer second hand, and up grading it. I have however limited knowledge of the internal workings of a computer and am not sure what to look for.

My basic plan is to buy one on ebay, and upgrade the hhd ram etc slowly, as cash is a limiting factor.

My idea is to get one with windows 7 as opertaing systems seem to be costly to buy outside of a computer bundle, and a decent processor. (last time i had an interest in computers was 10 years ago, when processors were none dual core etc and their comparrison was simple from just the speed, now its not so easy so any direction here would be useful to thanks).

Leaving inital upgrades as above, however i find my self asking these imidiate questions,
1.
what is the limiting factor of how many hhd can be fitted, I can only forsee needing 2 for starters. can i assume this is automatically acheivable?

2.
what is IEEE?

3.
I know SATA is a type of HHD but what does all this mean "1.6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3, SATAII4, SATAII5) supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices "

many thanks for your help in advance.

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[what-a-geek]

(04-12-2012 01:42 PM)greg722 Wrote:  Hi all

I have limited computer knowledge, and i want to improve this by purchasing a computer second hand, and up grading it. I have however limited knowledge of the internal workings of a computer and am not sure what to look for.

The fun part is to grab a good deal or stay away for junk... so start from scrath...

My basic plan is to buy one on ebay, and upgrade the hhd ram etc slowly, as cash is a limiting factor.

You will be overwhlmed by the lack of option as the new generation arrive

My idea is to get one with windows 7 as opertaing systems seem to be costly to buy outside of a computer bundle, and a decent processor. (last time i had an interest in computers was 10 years ago, when processors were none dual core etc and their comparrison was simple from just the speed, now its not so easy so any direction here would be useful to thanks).

overclocking or not ... gamer...internet addict...what suit you..movies; editing/conversion/watching... plugged on tv...

tell me more

Leaving inital upgrades as above, however i find my self asking these imidiate questions,
1.
what is the limiting factor of how many hhd can be fitted, I can only forsee needing 2 for starters. can i assume this is automatically acheivable?

depend of the board Pata -> ide worthless

Sata is the new standard sata 2 and sata 3 depend of board and hdd model

choose budget

2.
what is IEEE?

like usb but instad of 5volt it's 24v (under reserve)
another standard

3.
I know SATA is a type of HHD but what does all this mean "1.6 x SATA 3Gb/s connectors (SATAII0, SATAII1, SATAII2, SATAII3, SATAII4, SATAII5) supporting up to 6 SATA 3Gb/s devices "

0 id is device one
1id is number 2
etc
so o to 5 equal 1 to 6 device... easy

sata 2 is 3gb/s theorically
sata 3 is 6gb/S therically


many thanks for your help in advance.

starting with lcd or tv it will turn around 400$ for a built-yourself PC

no gaming/ no overclock

add 70$ for gaming and 130$ for a decent lcd

keyboard mouse??