Need some help.

[cgib2320]

What is the hardware differences between a computer setup for a typical home user, an online gamer and a small business user? Any help with this would be great. Thank you.

 

[SHORYUKEN]

Speeds, processing power, cores, power consumption, cost,etc. I don't know what you mean by "hardware differences". As in, what kind of hardware is recommended for each, and why is it recommended?

 

[cgib2320]

Speeds, processing power, cores, power consumption, cost,etc. I don't know what you mean by "hardware differences". As in, what kind of hardware is recommended for each, and why is it recommended?

Yes, what kind of hardware is recommended for each, and why is it recommended?

 

[SHORYUKEN]

So, for the typical home user, this kind of build is, I guess, the ballpark. Mediocre processing power, cheap, all around great for everyday things such as email, sites, maybe a the occasional program or two.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 2.8GHz Dual-Core Processor ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Intel DG41AN Mini ITX LGA775 Motherboard ($58.52 @ Compuvest)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.51 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $413.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 15:54 EDT-0400)

Very similar to pre-built HPs or Dells. No graphics because it's not that kind of system.

This one is the gamer kind. It's, mostly, $600-$2000. Great CPU + Graphics combo to get the might in games. Almost always 8GB of RAM, because that's all you need. An SSD is almost a must have for an over $1000 build. You have options of NVIDIA vs AMD based on games you play. SLI and CrossFire is the same as NVIDIA vs AMD in terms of games. Some games are optimized for SLI and CrossFire, some are not. This is a mid range gaming setup:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1148.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 15:59 EDT-0400)

This one is the more expensive one, for the enthusiast and hardcore gamer:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.11 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($237.21 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower Case ($171.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($154.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1988.16
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 16:02 EDT-0400)

Finally, for business, if editing and software is your job, then the CPU is arguably the most important part. The graphics are almost equally important. Here, it's almost no question that NVIDIA is dominant for its CUDA cores, which aid in editing and software usage. Here's what a high level editors rig would look like. Keep in mind, this is supposed to be the best and very expensive.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($1015.35 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($91.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.00 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.00 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ATI FirePro V9800 4GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($2789.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: ATI FirePro V9800 4GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($2789.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 800D ATX Full Tower Case ($273.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 1050W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-14D1XT Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.97 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $8625.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 16:09 EDT-0400)

Rather large exaggeration. Most editors will have something cheaper, but still have that kind of 6-core processor. Also, scratch what I said earlier. ATI (or AMD) makes great editing cards, but NVIDIA is cheaper and made for both gaming and editing.

If you need another example, just tell me.

 

[cgib2320]

So, for the typical home user, this kind of build is, I guess, the ballpark. Mediocre processing power, cheap, all around great for everyday things such as email, sites, maybe a the occasional program or two.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 2.8GHz Dual-Core Processor ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Intel DG41AN Mini ITX LGA775 Motherboard ($58.52 @ Compuvest)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.51 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $413.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 15:54 EDT-0400)

Very similar to pre-built HPs or Dells. No graphics because it's not that kind of system.

This one is the gamer kind. It's, mostly, $600-$2000. Great CPU + Graphics combo to get the might in games. Almost always 8GB of RAM, because that's all you need. An SSD is almost a must have for an over $1000 build. You have options of NVIDIA vs AMD based on games you play. SLI and CrossFire is the same as NVIDIA vs AMD in terms of games. Some games are optimized for SLI and CrossFire, some are not. This is a mid range gaming setup:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1148.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 15:59 EDT-0400)

This one is the more expensive one, for the enthusiast and hardcore gamer:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.11 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($237.21 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower Case ($171.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($154.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1988.16
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 16:02 EDT-0400)

Finally, for business, if editing and software is your job, then the CPU is arguably the most important part. The graphics are almost equally important. Here, it's almost no question that NVIDIA is dominant for its CUDA cores, which aid in editing and software usage. Here's what a high level editors rig would look like. Keep in mind, this is supposed to be the best and very expensive.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($1015.35 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($91.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.00 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.00 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ATI FirePro V9800 4GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($2789.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: ATI FirePro V9800 4GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($2789.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 800D ATX Full Tower Case ($273.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 1050W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-14D1XT Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.97 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $8625.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 16:09 EDT-0400)

Rather large exaggeration. Most editors will have something cheaper, but still have that kind of 6-core processor. Also, scratch what I said earlier. ATI (or AMD) makes great editing cards, but NVIDIA is cheaper and made for both gaming and editing.

If you need another example, just tell me.

Wow, Thanks. You nailed it.

 

[SHORYUKEN]

So, for the typical home user, this kind of build is, I guess, the ballpark. Mediocre processing power, cheap, all around great for everyday things such as email, sites, maybe a the occasional program or two.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

Np. Are you looking for a specific system we can help you with? Do you fall under any of those 3 categories? Or are you just curious?

CPU: Intel Pentium E6300 2.8GHz Dual-Core Processor ($89.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Intel DG41AN Mini ITX LGA775 Motherboard ($58.52 @ Compuvest)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($28.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($57.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Antec Three Hundred ATX Mid Tower Case ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq 350W ATX12V Power Supply ($27.51 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $413.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 15:54 EDT-0400)

Very similar to pre-built HPs or Dells. No graphics because it's not that kind of system.

This one is the gamer kind. It's, mostly, $600-$2000. Great CPU + Graphics combo to get the might in games. Almost always 8GB of RAM, because that's all you need. An SSD is almost a must have for an over $1000 build. You have options of NVIDIA vs AMD based on games you play. SLI and CrossFire is the same as NVIDIA vs AMD in terms of games. Some games are optimized for SLI and CrossFire, some are not. This is a mid range gaming setup:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($134.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($99.99 @ Adorama)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7950 3GB Video Card ($309.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master HAF 922 ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1148.85
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 15:59 EDT-0400)

This one is the more expensive one, for the enthusiast and hardcore gamer:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-D14 65.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($80.11 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme6 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($57.98 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Storage: OCZ Vertex 4 256GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($237.21 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card (2-Way SLI) ($379.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 650D ATX Mid Tower Case ($171.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 750W 80 PLUS Gold Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($154.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($15.98 @ Outlet PC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $1988.16
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 16:02 EDT-0400)

Finally, for business, if editing and software is your job, then the CPU is arguably the most important part. The graphics are almost equally important. Here, it's almost no question that NVIDIA is dominant for its CUDA cores, which aid in editing and software usage. Here's what a high level editors rig would look like. Keep in mind, this is supposed to be the best and very expensive.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($1015.35 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($91.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus Rampage IV Extreme EATX LGA2011 Motherboard ($419.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.00 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance LP 16GB (4 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($119.00 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 830 Series 512GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($119.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: ATI FirePro V9800 4GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($2789.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card: ATI FirePro V9800 4GB Video Card (2-Way CrossFire) ($2789.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Corsair Obsidian Series 800D ATX Full Tower Case ($273.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair Professional 1050W 80 PLUS Silver Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($199.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus BW-14D1XT Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($135.97 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $8625.23
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-03-14 16:09 EDT-0400)

Rather large exaggeration. Most editors will have something cheaper, but still have that kind of 6-core processor. Also, scratch what I said earlier. ATI (or AMD) makes great editing cards, but NVIDIA is cheaper and made for both gaming and editing.

If you need another example, just tell me.

Wow, Thanks. You nailed it.