Seven guiding principles when choosing a PC

PRINCIPLE 1

The importance of being expandable

Now more than ever, the modular nature of desktop PCs is something to be grateful for. It means we can spend a few hundred pounds today for a solid system that will do the job, but have the opportunity to upgrade components (and particularly the graphics card) when the time is right.

Just make sure that there is space in the case for a chunky card and that the power supply has capacity to run it at full pelt; you will see a clear link between the supplies’ rating in our feature table (see p76) and the power of the supplied graphics card. They’re greedy beasts, and if you don’t provide enough power they won’t perform.

If you’re keen to upgrade in the future, it’s worth considering the British manufacturers ahead of their international rivals. Not only can you phone them and discuss your expansionist plans before you buy, but they