When it comes time for the purchase of your personal computer (PC), many people are at a loss as to what they absolutely need versus what some salesperson is trying to sell them…
We want to make that process easier for you, so we will break down some basics in this article. For the purposes of this post, we will be concentrating on Intel-based, Windows-based computers or laptops.
What Would You Like To Do?
This is actually the first question that you should ask yourself. Determining what you will be making use of your computer for, will help you establish a baseline for the specifications of a new computer.
- Have you been mainly doing things like reading email, browsing websites (media, social media, Internet searching) with maybe the occasional document created?
- Are you going to be editing and enhancing large or hi-res photos or video recordings?
- Creating complicated presentations or accessing large databases?
- Will you be playing resource-intensive video games or viewing a great deal of streaming video?
- Is this heading to be a work PC with heavy daily use?
>>> Related Post: When should I replace my PC? <<<
They are the types of questions you should answer before you begin looking at personal computers. If you need help figuring it out, professionals at Best Computer Repair are always available to assist you. Whether a home or business PC, we will help you narrow down exactly what will fulfil your preferences.
What’s Next?
Certain activities will dictate a more evident requirement of PC specifications, such as high-end video games, video/music editing and enhancing, or a heavy consumption workstation. For the purposes of this section, we are considering a general usage home/office computer.
RAM
For basic purposes (and most operating systems), the standard is 4 GB at least. In typical cases, this amount of Memory is sufficient to handle most mundane responsibilities such as simple spreadsheets, browsing photos, streaming video, and playing more basic game titles.
For better multitasking and snappier response, 8 GB is recommended, but more Ram memory is often better. Especially with newer operating systems like Windows 10 and Mac pc Operating-system 10.13 High Sierra.
Storage (HARD DISK DRIVE)
In regard to storage, it’s always better to have more than you will need. If in doubt, go bigger. Currently, for standard HDDs (classic drives) the favourite size is 1 TB (1000 GB). If you select an SSD (Solid State Drive) 250 GB – 500 GB as your primary drive, a 1 TB HDD is an excellent pairing for storage.
Graphics
For everyday efficiency tasks, the graphics processor found on many boards is typically enough. However, if you would like to get into more graphically challenging pursuits such as high-end photography editing, video creation, or gaming, you’re going to have to upgrade to a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU).
GPUs can range from less than £100 to several hundred depending on what type of performance you desire for your computer or laptop
Processor
This is the core of your PC. The choice you make here will impact the entire performance and functions of your personal computer or laptop. For the purposes of the post, we will concentrate on Intel processors, as they are arguably the business and video games standard.
Intel’s current processors are the basic Celeron series and the 10th era Intel Core series of CPUs – Core i3, Core i55, Core i7, and the new “Extreme” Core i9s.
- Celeron – That is Intel’s very basic type of processor. They are usually for light computer use. The even older 7th generation Pentium processors were like Core i3s with lower time clock speeds.
- Core i3 – This is actually the everyday degree of the series. This CPU is more than adequate for responsibilities like surfing the web, listening to music, word processing, etc. The most recent i3 processors can even deal with light or casual gaming. This is actually the business entry-level of processors.
- Core i5 – This is the minimal standard for those doing more complex duties such as complicated, multipage documents, photo editing, music development, and participating in graphically demanding video games. An i5 is our recommended processor chip with swiftness for average business systems. Plus we overclock them so it’s like having a more expensive i7, without the cost 😛
- Core i7 – This is the high-end of the series. This CPU is the decision of any serious gamer or cryptographer. It will also be the choice of any professional photographer, videographer, musical manufacturer, or any business using high-end data-influenced software. Additionally, it is a fantastic choice for the home user.
- Core i9 – This is Intel’s new, cutting-edge series that has substituted the “enthusiast” tier of Core i7s. These would be utilized for extreme games, mega-tasking, very high-end video marketing. This series has Intel’s first 18-core processor.
>>> Related Post: When should I replace my computer? <<<
Suggested Starting Configurations
Budget:
CPU: Intel Pentium/Celeron
RAM: 8 GB RAM
HARD DISK DRIVE: 500 GB hard drive
Every day:
CPU: Intel Core i3
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 1 TB hard drive
Standard Business or Video games:
CPU: Intel Core-i5
RAM: 32 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 250 GB SSD and\or 1 TB hard drive
Demanding Business, High-End Games, Power Users
CPU: Intel Core i7 – i9 for Heavy USE
Ram memory: 64 GB RAM
Hard Drive: 500 GB SSD with optional 1-4 TB storage space drive
This information covers the basics of choosing a new PC. Hopefully, it offers you more understanding of what your loved ones or business needs in new hardware for your computer or laptop.
Like everything, computer needs like storage space and RAM can vary, but these are general guidelines for deciding the new PC structured on how you plan to utilize it.
>>> Related Post: When should I replace my PC? <<<
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Best Computer Repair Bridgend and South Wales, U.K. can also offer worldwide remote support, virus removal, or even custom-built gaming PCs. With competitive rates, contactless payment, and delivery, along with a friendly, professional service that can’t be beaten anywhere else.
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To our continued health and success
Eric – CEO Best Computer Repair –
Bridgend and South Wales.
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