Chipset
The model of the chipset used in the standard configuration of the PC.
A chipset can be described as a set of chips that provides the combined operation of the central processor, RAM, I / O devices, etc. It is this chipset that underlies any motherboard. Knowing the chipset model, you can find and evaluate its detailed characteristics; most users do not need such information, but for specialists it can be very useful.
2nd drive capacity
The capacity of the optional storage installed in the PC.
This parameter is relevant primarily for configurations with different types of media. So, in HDD + SSD and HDD + eMMC bundles, the hard drive is considered the main drive, and this paragraph indicates the capacity of the solid-state module. In SSD + eMMC configurations, eMMC is considered the second drive — less capacious and performing an auxiliary function. There are PC models with two hard drives, but in such cases, the drives usually have the same volume, and it does not matter for them which one is considered the main one.
If we talk about specific numbers, then the volume
up to 128 GB can be considered relatively small, and
128 GB or more is solid. For more information on volumes in general, see "Drive Capacity" above.
Internal 2.5" compartments
The number of internal bays in the computer for components of the form factor 2.5 ". This form factor is popular, in particular, among SSD drives, as well as compact ("laptop") hard drives.
Paying attention to the number of internal 2.5" bays makes sense, first of all, if you purchase a configuration without drives or plan to upgrade your PC in the future. It is worth noting that it is recommended to install drives not in a row, but through one slot — for cooling efficiency; so that ideally the number of slots should be twice the number of devices installed.
USB 3.2 gen2
The number of full size USB 3.2 gen2 connectors provided on the back of the PC.
USB is the most popular modern interface for connecting peripherals. And the number of connectors is, accordingly, the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the rear panel without the use of splitters. And the version previously known as
USB 3.1 and USB 3.1 gen2 is now officially called USB 3.2 gen2. The maximum data transfer rate in this version reaches 10 Gbps, and with the support of the USB Power Delivery function, this port can supply power to external devices up to 100 W.
Separately, it is worth noting that ports of this type can also be located on the front side of the case. However, for peripherals that need to be constantly connected to the computer, it is more convenient to use the rear panel, while the front placement is better suited for frequent connection / disconnection.
USB C 3.2 gen2
The number of
USB-C 3.2 gen2 connectors(previously labeled USB-C 3.1 gen2 and USB-C 3.1) provided on the back of the PC; respectively, the number of devices with such plugs that can be simultaneously connected to the rear panel without the use of splitters.
USB-C was created as an improvement on the classic USB plug: it is noticeably smaller and has a reversible design that allows you to connect the plug in either direction. And version 3.2 gen2 allows you to achieve speeds up to 10 Gbps and power supply up to 100 W (due to the USB Power Delivery function). These capabilities are enough even for the most demanding modern devices with a USB-C connection.
Separately, it is worth noting that USB-C ports can be placed on the front side of the case. However, for peripherals that need to be constantly connected to the computer, it is more convenient to use the rear panel, while the front placement is better suited for frequent connection / disconnection.
USB4
The number of USB4 connectors provided in the PC.
USB4 is the latest (as of the end of 2020) version of the USB interface introduced in 2019. It uses only USB-C connectors (remember, this is a two-way connector slightly larger than microUSB) and differs markedly from previous versions of USB. One of the key differences is that USB4 does not have its own data format — instead, such a connection is used to transfer information according to several standards at once: USB 3.2 and DisplayPort as mandatory, as well as PCI-E as an option. Another feature is that USB4 is based on Thunderbolt v3 (see "Thunderbolt Interface" below) and uses the same USB-C connector; this often makes USB4 devices and connectors compatible with Thunderbolt v3 (although this is not strictly required), and Thunderbolt v4 support for this interface is built-in. It is also worth noting that this version of USB allows the connection of devices in a "chain" (daisy chain) and by default supports Power Delivery technology, which allows you to optimize the process of charging external gadgets (provided that they also implement this technology).
The maximum data transfer rate for such a connector should be at least 10 Gbps, in fact, options for 20 Gbps and even 40 Gbps are often found (depending on the technologies and standards supported by a particular port). At the same time, the USB4 inputs are quite compatible with peripherals for earlier versions of U
...SB — except that devices with a full-size USB A plug require an adapter.USB 2.0
The number of full size
USB 2.0 connectors provided on the front of the PC.
USB is the most popular modern interface for connecting peripherals. And the number of connectors is, accordingly, the number of devices that can be simultaneously connected to the front panel without the use of splitters. Specifically, version 2.0 was the most popular some time ago, but now it is considered obsolete, it is gradually being replaced by more advanced standards like USB 3.0 (3.1 gen1). However, USB 2.0 capabilities (data transfer rates up to 480 Mbps) are still sufficient for many peripheral devices, from keyboards and mice to printers. So this standard is still far from completely disappearing, and some PCs may
have several of these ports on the front panel at once.
Separately, it is worth noting that similar connectors are most often available on the back of the case. However, the front panel is closer to the user, and the sockets on it are optimal for peripherals that need to be connected and disconnected frequently, such as flash drives.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi standard supported by PC - if available.
Recall that computers with a Wi-Fi module are able to connect to the Internet and local networks through wireless routers - this eliminates the hassle of laying wires. In addition, this technology can be used to connect directly to other devices (particularly digital cameras). As for the speed and communication standards, the most relevant standards for modern PCs are:
- Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n) - maximum speed up to 300 Mbps, operating frequencies 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz;
- Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - maximum speed up to 1 Gbps on a single channel and up to 6 Gbps in multi-channel MIMO format, operating frequency 5 GHz;
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - maximum speed up to 10 Gbps, operating frequencies from 1 to 7 GHz (with support for standard 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands). Also in this version, a number of optimizations were introduced regarding the operation of several devices on one channel, which improved the efficiency of work with a busy connection.
- Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax). An enhanced branch of the Wi-Fi 6 standard with data rates up to 10 Gbps. The Wi-Fi 6E standard is technically called 802.11ax. But unlike basic Wi-Fi 6, which is similarly named, it provides for operation in the unloaded 6 GHz band. In general, the standard uses 14 different frequency bands, offering high bandwidth with many active connections.
Note that, in addition to the Wi-Fi standard directly stated in the specifications, modern PCs usual...ly support earlier versions to maintain compatibility with relatively old equipment.
Audiochip
The model of the audio chip (a module for processing and outputting sound) installed in the computer. Data on the exact name of the sound chip will be useful when looking for detailed information about it.
Modern PCs can be equipped with fairly advanced audio modules, with support for high-quality sound and extensive features. Thanks to this, some configurations can even be used for recording and other professional audio work. However, if you are planning such an application, it would not hurt to clarify the specific capabilities of the audio chip separately: it may well be that even an advanced workstation will still need an external audio card.