The CPU is possibly the most essential part of a computer. Your choice of CPU (or 'processor') will be the largest determining factor in the speed of your PC. They perform a lot of the hard work when you're using word processing software, encoding video, playing games and most of the other tasks your PC performs.

Here at CCL, we tend to see AMD Athlon X2 and Intel Core 2 Duo processors used for games machines, performance office machines (used for publishing, etc.) and home multimedia systems. AMD Semprons and Intel Celerons are more commonly used in basic office machines, internet-use systems and in almost all of our PCs destined for schools and universities.

The speed of your computer system relies heavily on your computer memory. The memory is where your computer keeps information for currently running programs. The larger the amount of computer memory your system has means it will be able to cope much better running all the processes of Windows and shutting down/starting up.

We have a variety of brands of computer memory available, from low priced DDR up to high performance DDR2 modules.

The Motherboard, also known as the Mainboard, is the central hub that allows all the components of your computer to communicate. The Motherboard may also include features that could be useful to you, such as Onboard Video, networking and sound capabilities.

If you are a home user, look out for such features as surround sound, USB 2.0, and AGP 8x. If you are a business user, integrated video and networking can save you time and money by eliminating the need for separate expansion cards.

The FSB (Front Side Bus) is a measure of the speed that the motherboard and processor communicate with each other. You will need to buy a motherboard that supports the FSB your CPU demands to ensure compatibility. All our motherboards include compatibility information in the specifications, so do check before buying.

All of your files (music, video, documents, spreadsheets... etc) are typically stored on your computers Hard Drive (Also known as Hard Disk, or Hard Disk Drive).

For reference, a single GB (Gigabyte) is roughly equivalent to 18 hours of MP3 music, or about 600 high-quality photos from a typical digital camera.

All of your files (music, video, documents, spreadsheets... etc) are typically stored on your computers Hard Drive (Also known as Hard Disk, or Hard Disk Drive).

For reference, a single GB (Gigabyte) is roughly equivalent to 18 hours of MP3 music, or about 600 high-quality photos from a typical digital camera.

Graphics cards (also referred to as Video Card, 3D Card, 3D Accelerator) is the part of your computer that produces the image on your computer's monitor. The graphics card is a modular component that slots into a designated area of your computer.

Virtually every computer needs an optical drive of some kind. We stock drives suitable for all needs, with a basic CD-ROM drive starting at less than £10. With prices dropping every day, we find it hard not to recommend a DVD Rewriter (or DVD±RW) to all customers; they can read just about any format of disk, and most models can also write to them all too! They're handy for both the home and business user, and an essential in all the systems we design here at CCL.

Our product range includes stylish and elegant Aluminium cases from some of the biggest brands, Chieftec high quality tower cases in a variety of colours, low profile mini-desktop cases and the more conventional 'corporate' beige cases. We even have a completely transparent case. If you are proud of your PC, why not house it in a case that is worth showing off? We also stock a number of cases which offer stylish looks at affordable prices. All of our cases are high quality, with no sharp edges or ill-fitting parts. Even our low cost, value cases are solidly constructed and easy to build. Check on PSU requirements. Some are pre-fitted; some need to be purchased separately.

The Power Supply Unit or PSU supplies the electrical power to the components of the PC. At CCL we supply the PSU for all requirements from budget 400W PSUs to high performance 1000W PSU models capable of powering quad graphics card set-ups.