In today’s world, the mere mention of the word ‘computer’ invariably brings to mind images of a nerdy teen with wild hair and thick-rimmed glasses. In other words, the kinds of people we used to think were into computers are now into cool hipster gadgets instead. The computer has become so commonplace that it is practically inescapable—from hotels, restaurants and even our homes. Almost everything has a computer these days, from thermostats to security systems and even cars. And with an increasing need for computing power, more and more people are turning to desktop PCs as their primary solution. However, before you run off and buy that shiny new desktop PC with its 4K screen and 16GB of RAM, you should know what you’re getting into first. A high-quality PC isn’t necessarily expensive; some great build suggestions can cost just a few dollars while others may require a little bit more investment. But if you want the best possible performance from your machine without busting your budget then this guide is for you!
What to look for in a computer?
If you’re in the market for a new computer, you’ve probably already made up your mind as to what features you want. Maybe it’s the latest and greatest CPU, the best graphics card, or a large amount of RAM. But the truth is, you don’t necessarily need all of those features to get a high-quality computer. In fact, you can get by with a budget build that still performs admirably. To help you figure out what you really need, we’ve put together a list of the most important features to look for in a computer. The CPU: This doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with how fast the computer is, but it is an important factor nonetheless. CPUs are the brains of your computer, and the one you choose will have a major impact on how well it performs. Intel’s i5 and i7 chips are generally the best performers, while AMD’s Ryzen range is catching up quickly. While you may be tempted to go for the cheapest option, don’t skimp on the CPU. You might be better off with a slower model that has more going for it than just the number on the box. The RAM: This is where your computer’s “memory” (or “memory bank”) is located. This is the equivalent of the human brain’s “short-term memory”—it’ll only remember a certain amount of data at any given time. 8GB or 16GB is a good starting point while most high-end PCs have at least that amount of RAM these days. While you don’t need a ton of RAM, you certainly don’t want to skimp on it. The Graphics Card: This is the graphics processor, and it does three things: – It processes images, like what you see on your screen. – It stores the images your CPU has created, like a camera does. – It renders images into 3D, like a movie projector does. All of these tasks require a certain level of power. So, the more powerful your graphics card, the better your computer will be at pretty much everything. Graphics cards usually come in different “flavors” like the one you’re looking at now—a “dedicated” card, which only renders 3D images, or a “combined” card, which is capable of doing both 2D and 3D rendering. There are also “hybrid” cards that are a mix of the above. RAM and CPU are important, but they’re not the most crucial parts of your computer. That title goes to the Graphics Card. Your PC’s graphics card is what allows you to play the latest games and use all of the fancy programs out there. Therefore, a powerful graphics card is essential for a high-quality computer experience.
Desktop vs. Laptop
When buying a new computer, most people think of two options: a desktop PC and a laptop. But these two are not the only types of computers. In fact, the computer has come a long way since its origins as a bulky machine that we’d use in the office. Nowadays, computers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and form factors—some are meant for on-the-go use, others are meant for use at your desk, and some can do both. There are different types of computers, too, with different purposes and uses. A desktop computer is the original and classic form factor—it’s a bulky machine that looks like a desk. Laptops are the modern version of this, and they’re meant for portability. And then there are hybrid computers, which are incredibly popular nowadays. They’re meant for on-the-go use, but they can also be used at your desk.
Processor (CPU)
The processor is the brain of your computer. It’s responsible for running programs. Modern CPUs have multiple cores that can run several programs in parallel, which means one processor won’t lag as much as it used to. According to Intel, two of the best processors for gaming are the i5-8300 and the i7-8700. Both of these CPUs cost less than $300 and are great for gaming.
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is short-term memory. It can store data temporarily while your computer is running, whereas your hard drive is more like long-term memory. The more RAM you have, the less frequently you’ll have to restart your computer—meaning less time wait for programs to load. The most common RAM quantity is 8GB, but most computers have at least 2GB nowadays. A computer with 16GB or more of RAM is best suited for high-end professionals and gamers, while a computer with 2GB of RAM is ideal for most uses.
Graphics Card
Graphics cards are what your CPU uses to create images on your screen. Your CPU can process images, but it can’t create them like your graphics card can. The best graphics cards are usually dedicated to gaming or VR, while GPUs with “combined” capabilities are great for most uses. A dedicated graphics card like the Nvidia GTX 1060 is great for gaming. So, if you want the best possible performance from your machine without busting your budget then this guide is for you.
Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
HDDs are the most common type of storage for computers. They’re slow, but they dependably store data for longer periods of time. Hard drives come in two varieties: mechanical and solid state. Mechanical drives are the most common, but they’re also the least reliable. A solid state drive is much faster and more reliable than a mechanical drive—it only has one moving part, which drastically reduces the risk of failure. A computer with a small amount of storage space can be adequately powered with an SSD, and a computer with a large amount of storage space can be adequately powered with a relatively small SSD.
Conclusion
The computer has become a necessary part of our daily lives. It’s in many places, and it’s used for many purposes. It’s easy to see how the computer has become indispensable in our society. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality computer. Just follow these building tips, and you’ll be off to the races in no time.