Are certain computer parts better than others when it comes to building your own PC? Yes. Are certain computer parts better than others concerning Microsoft Windows? That’s another yes.
If you stock your built PC with parts that are the right choice the first time, your Windows installation will run better and faster.
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When most people hear “hardware compatibility list”, they think of Linux. And yes, it’s true, there are HCLs for Linux such as UbuntuHCL. However for this article we’re talking about Windows.
The Windows HCL is located here:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/hcl/
It starts first by choosing the version of Windows you intend to use. It goes all the way back to Windows 98 – but most likely you’re going to choose XP or Vista.
I’ll be concentrating on the Vista HCL since it is the latest offering from Microsoft concerning the Windows operating system.
An example of how to search the HCL
The best place to do your HCL searching is by utilizing the advanced search.
We’ll use the motherboard as an example.
Here’s how we search:
I will be searching for motherboard as shown above.
When I search, this is what I get:
I have 91 different motherboards to choose from. All of them work with Vista as directly reported by Microsoft.
ADDITIONAL TIP: For the search results you get, click Certified for Windows Vista. This means the hardware listed has undergone Microsoft testing to ensure it will work 100%.
It looks like this:
You can shop for these motherboards by simply searching for them on web sites like NewEgg.
Parts you should search for the in HCL
Motherboard
Mentioned above.
Wireless card
Search for the term wireless.
Wireless router
Search for the term router (brings up the wireless ones).
Optical drive
Search for the term DVD.
Hard drive
Search for the term hard drive.
Keyboard
Search for the term keyboard. To note: This is especially important if you plan on using a wireless keyboard.
Other stuff?
For anything else you can think of, search for it and get the certified items you need.
Advantages of using the HCL
There will be absolutely no question whether the parts you buy will work with Windows or not. If they are certified to work in Vista, they will work, plain and simple. You take out a ton of guess-work just from HCL use alone.
Also bear in mind that certified items are not all high-ticket things that will empty your wallet. There are plenty of certified items for those on a budget, not to worry.
What about the processor itself?
Windows was originally designed to run on Intel processors. AMD was a distant second. If you want a Windows PC that absolutely uses hardware that is 100% guaranteed to work, your choice should be an Intel processor. Granted, it will cost you more compared to AMD, but it will be guaranteed to perform optimally with Windows.
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