Components
and factors
|
If already have
a computer
|
Buying a new PC
|
|
Economy PC
|
Power User PC
|
|
Capabilities
|
 word processing
e-mail and Internet access
basic gaming
|
|
word processing
database & spreadsheet
multimedia applications
basic / intermidiate gaming
e-mail and Internet access
|
|
Economy PC capabilities, plus:
hi-res 3-D graphics applications
intermediate-advanced gaming
|
|
|
Antivirus software
|
K-Staters are required to run the university-supplied anti-virus software on their computers. Available at
antivirus.k-state.edu.
|
Processor (CPU)
type and speed
|
dual core processor
|
multi core: 2.2
GHz (gigahertz)
or >
|
multi core: 2.66
GHz (gigahertz)
or >
|
Color monitor
and video card
|
Any monitor compatible with existing system.
Video card:
Integrated (on-board) video graphics, or a separate video card with 128
MB (megabyte) of RAM,
or better.
|
21" LCD Flat panel or better
Video card:
Integrated (on-board) video graphics, or a separate video card with 256MB (megabyte) of RAM, or better.
DirectX 11 or > capable
|
24" LCD Flat panel or better
Video card: usually a separate card with 512
MB (megabyte) of RAM,
or better.
CAD users should look at NVidia Quadro series or ATI FirePro 3D series cards.
|
|
Hard drive (HD)
|
80
GB (gigabyte)
or better
|
250
GB (gigabyte)
or better
|
500
GB (gigabyte)
or better
|
Memory (RAM)
|
1GB (gigabyte) or better
1
|
2
GB (gigabyte)
or better
1
|
4
GB (gigabyte)
or better
1
|
|
File transfer/storage
|
USB Flash Memory Device, K-State Zimbra Briefcase (online storage)
|
CD-ROM drive or
DVD drive
|
12x DVD ROM or better
|
DVD+-RW or better
|
|
Operating system
|
Windows XP SP3 or newer
2
|
Windows 7 2
|
|
Sound system
|
sound (audio) system with choice of speakers
|
|
Optional
|
Mac OS 10.6 or > 3, Linux operating system 3,4
|
|
Expected Price Range
|
n/a
|
Desktop $400 - $700
Portable $400 - $800
|
Desktop $900 - $1700+
Portable $1300 - $2400
|
