KNOWLEDGE BASE

When buying, upgrading, or just maintaining a computer, you will come across many technical terms that a lot of computer professionals will use without consideration for your technical knowledge. Bat Tech believes it is our responsibility to not just sell items, but also adequately explain each item and how it fits into the computer architecture. We also want to provide assistance to allow true comparisons of products. Please read below for a guide on hardware components that will help you decide when buying or upgrading a computer.

Motherboards – Motherboards (MOBO) or Main-boards are the backbone of any computer. No matter how fast the rest of your hardware is, a substandard MOBO will hold everything up and have a bottleneck affect on your system. Since pretty much everything deals with the MOBO in one way or another, compatibility between all components is a must. Good motherboards will also have other features on the board to increase value for money and provide better operational options. Bat Tech only uses quality motherboards and ensures all hardware associated with the motherboard is compatible to create a reliable, stable system. Motherboard upgrades are usually done as part of a complete system over haul.

CPU- The Central Processing Unit is the brains of the computer and does most of the calculations and ‘thinking’ of the computer. Generally the faster the CPU the faster the system (depending on other hardware) and the more expensive it is; there are also varying types of CPUs for different users.

Bat Tech ensures CPUs provided are right for your needs and the architecture of your system and negotiates with suppliers to obtain discounted prices. For an upgrade, a faster CPU usually comes later down the track depending on other system configurations. 

RAM – Random Access memory comes in different speeds and types. Not all RAM will fit in all MOBOs and there is a vast difference in quality between brands. The amount of RAM required depends on what you do with your computer, but most people believe 528MB is a minimum and systems with 1Gig or greater are considered more ideal and there are different speeds of RAM to consider also.

Bat Tech provides quality RAM and ensures compatibility with your current and/or future system. RAM upgrades are typically one of the first items on the list for a system upgrade.

GPU – Your Graphics Processing Unit is typically on a graphics or video card added to your motherboard. GPUs take most of the visual calculations and processes from your CPU and motherboard (regarded as on-board graphic processing) significantly speeding up your system and also adding features for much better graphics for gaming, visual displays, and other applicable processes. Even if you only use your computer for Internet and non-graphically intensive purposes, the cost of a small graphics card may want to be considered.

Bat Tech helps to asses your requirements and advise of the most suitable graphics card for your system and budget. The graphics card is usually high on the list of  items to consider when upgrading especially for a gaming computer, again depending largely on the rest of the system

Case and PSU – The computer’s case and it’s Power Supply Unit is overlooked frequently. Cases come in different sizes and not all motherboards and accessories can fit into all cases. The heat generated by your computer also needs to be channeled away from your hardware to prolong life and maintain system stability; a case that’s too small may not have enough room to efficiently vent the system, and one that’s too large may take up too much space and be obtrusive. Likewise, PSUs come in different Watts (power rating) and you may find that by adding on additional cards and accessories you may over-extend the ability of the PSU of your system leading to irreparable damage. Good quality PSUs also  include additional system  protection such as over and under voltage protection.

Bat Tech ensures that all systems built have the most ergonomic case according to your needs and a good quality power supply.

Cabling – Cables are another section often overlooked. Cheap cables may hinder cooling of the system, degrade over time, and make it difficult to work on the inside of the computer. Good quality cables only cost a little bit more and are well worth the effort.

Bat Tech ensures the use of efficient, high-quality cabling in all of the systems built.

Other add-ons – There are a large range of add-ons (cards) to consider as well. Typically each one may enhance your system’s capabilities, efficiency, and compatibility. These cards do come in different formats so it is important to ensure the one you choose will fit your current/future system’s architecture.

Bat Tech can assess your needs and advise if any of the below would be suitable.

Card Reader – Plug camera and similar memory cards straight into your computer

Sound Card – Increase your Computers sound detail and output abilities i.e. true surround

TV Tuner – Add TV and radio to your computer, good ones have remote control included

Fire wire – Unless on your motherboard, adds fire wire support for video cameras etc.

USB – Add extra USB slots to your computer

Wireless Card – Allow your computer to connect via WI-FI to wireless networks

56k Modem – Adds on ability to connect to dial-up Internet.

DVD/CD RW Drive – Read and copy onto DVD and CD media

Floppy Drive – Use 1.4 MB floppy discs

Blue Tooth - Add ability to send and receive blue tooth signals to and from applicable devices