How do all of these "upgrades" work? Do I need them? What do they do?
We recognize that not everyone needs a super-equipped computer, ready for gaming and video editing, so we give you the options you need. By giving you a complete base model computer to start with, you can add the components you need and pay what you want.
Not sure what these upgrades do? Check out the info below. Still not sure? Contact us here or call us at 512-888-6014 and we'll be happy to help you get exactly what you need. No more, no less.
Does Eco Computer Co. install all of the upgrades for me?
Absolutely! When you get your computer, it's ready to plug in and go, no assembly required. We add in all of your upgrades and install the appropriate drivers so that it works as it should. We then test it extensively before sending it out, making sure nothing broke during the installation and that it works properly.
What if I have questions about which upgrades I need?
Call or email us and we'll be more than happy to work with you to find out exactly what fits your needs AND your budget!
What is an SSD? Do I need it?
Traditionally, computers come with an HDD, or "Hard Disk Drive". This includes most of our computers too.
HDDs have been the norm for computers for decades. They are generally cheaper, and can hold more data for the price. However, HDDs are slower and tend to fail more often than SSDs.
SSD stands for "Solid State Disk". Although slightly more expensive for a similar capacity as HDDs, SSDs have many benefits. Whereas HDDs use spinning disks and physical actuating arms to physically read and write data, SSDs use non-moving flash storage. What this means, is that SSDs are several times faster than HDDs, less prone to failure, and better on electricity. Your computer will boot up and open programs quicker, have better battery life, likely last longer without failure, operate quieter, and be more future proof.
Although our desktops and laptops still perform great with HDDs, you just can't beat the performance of an SSD. Check out this YouTube video on SSDs vs HDDs so that you can see the difference for yourself: (We take no credit for the making of this video, however it is a fantastic resource).
So do you need one? We over here personally don't use computers without SSDs. We're just much more productive with SSDs than HDDs. They're like chocolate. Sure, you could live without it, but life is just so much sweeter with it.
Do I need an extra graphics card?
All computers we sell come with a built in graphics card. If you're planning on just doing basic computer use (ie, basic school or business work, checking emails, browsing the web, watching videos), then probably not.
However, if you plan on doing anything like gaming, 3D or CAD design, graphic design, video editing, or using multiple monitors at the same time, an extra graphics card will definitely make a noticeable difference in your day to day use.
Do I need more RAM?
This answer is pretty similar to the graphics card answer.
Most of our computers come with 4GB of RAM because we find that is a very suitable amount for most day to day tasks. If you're planning on just doing basic computer use (ie, basic school or business work, checking emails, browsing the web, watching videos), then you probably don't need more RAM.
However, if you plan on doing anything like having multiple programs or internet tabs open at once, gaming, 3D or CAD design, graphic design, or video editing, more RAM will likely make a noticeable difference in your day to day use.
Should I pick Windows 7, or Windows 10?
Like Microsoft did with Windows XP, Windows 7 will soon reach "End of Support". That date is less than 3 years away (at the time of this writing) - January 14th, 2020.
What this means, is that in January of 2020, Windows 7 will no longer receive security updates, and will be a big security risk (on ANY computers, not just ours). Any new security vulnerabilities found will not be fixed. This puts your personal data at high risk. Here's an official article from Microsoft on this.
Windows 10 will be supported long into the year 2025, meaning that it is a more long term investment. Microsoft has also made a bunch of improvements to make it safer, faster, and more convenient to use than 7. It looks a little different, but it is similar enough to Windows 7 so that you can get the feel pretty quickly.
Why can I have up to two SSDs, two HDDs, or one of each in some computers but not all?
Laptops only have space for one SSD or smaller HDD. Desktops generally have space for at least one SSD (they are smaller) and one full sized HDD (or two SSDs). Some desktops are big enough to have enough space for two full sized HDDs (which means that they can also have a full sized HDD and an SSD, or two SSDs).
What if I want an upgrade or computer that isn't listed, or have special instructions?
Call or email us and we'll be glad to see if we can accommodate for you. That’s what we're here for! We're also happy to order in a computer for you and get it up to snuff with any upgrades you want, then send it out to you.
What about cables and all of the hookups? Are those included?
We found that a lot of people already have multiple cables laying around their home or business and would rather not pay for extra ones that they aren't going to use. Because of that, we took the cables out and dropped the prices of our desktops and monitors accordingly (laptops still come with a power adapter, no worries there!). If you still need cables, no problem, just add them in for about $5 each. This way, you only pay for what you need, nothing else.
