Thursday, 28 May 2015
For someone upgrading to or buying a new CPU, GPU, or SSD, there are plenty of options to choose from. While having options is a good thing, choosing from so many models can be confusing. Over that, there are numerous websites reviewing components – some favor a particular model while some are against it, leaving you perplexed as to which model to choose. A first time builder or not-so-tech-savvy person might end up making the wrong decision.
What to do, what to do… Image via Shutterstock
To help you make the right decision, let’s take a look at how to compare CPU, GPU and SSD models online before buying.
1. CPUBoss
CPUBoss is a handy site that provides an online tool that compares any two CPU models side by side. Just enter the names of two models and hit COMPARE. The explanation is also in simple language and percentages are used so one can understand the differences easily. It also aggregates benchmarks and reviews from multiple famous hardware websites. It has a database of almost all CPU models and it is updated as new models are released. If you are an impulsive buyer (like me), it has direct links to the products on Amazon.
The main parameters in CPU performance are:
- Number of cores & threads
- Maximum boost frequency (the higher the better)
- TDP (lower means less heat generated)
There is a SORT tool that arranges all models from best to worst based on different parameters like performance, price, VFM, etc.
2. GPUBoss
This is a sister site of CPUBoss, which as the name suggests, compares GPUs. Choosing the right GPU is crucial as it can help turn a 12 frame-per-second chug-fest into a sublime 60 frame-per-second gaming masterpiece. Do you trade in more memory bandwidth for a higher number of stream processors? GPUBoss will clear these doubts by showing you how many FPS a particular model gives in your favorite game. Concerned about power usage? GPUBossalso lists the power draw for each GPU.
The main parameters to gauge GPU performance are:
- Number of shading & texture mapping units (higher the better)
- Amount of Graphics Memory and type (e.g. GDDR5 > DDR3)
- Memory Bandwidth (higher the better)
- Power Draw: lower means less heat generated and low-power PSU (450W) will suffice
It also has a SORT tool, which does the same thing as before. You can also see the best GPUs for different price ranges.
3. SSDBoss
By now you should be able to guess what this tool does. The SSD is the one component that can dramatically speed up your PC. While they were expensive earlier, the prices are coming down speedily. But not every model is the same, and SSDBoss shows the performance of various SSDs in real world tasks such as Windows boot up time, copying an ISO, along with Read and Write speeds. Here too, direct Amazon links are provided.
The main parameters in SSD performance are:
- Read & Write Speed (obviously higher is better)
- Random 4k Read Speed (Higher is better)
- Windows boot up time
Conclusion
Today many are opting for All-in-One PCs, but still, manually building or upgrading your PC is not only cheaper but also fun to do. These tools help in choosing the model that fits your needs, so you no longer have to scrounge forums or resort to some salesperson, who may give you a colored opinion. If you know about other such websites or have any thoughts on this, feel free to share in the comments.
