Techies Line If you are in the market for a new desktop computer, then it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with how various components such as the CPU, GPU, RAM and more are going to have an impact on your system’s overall performance. Along with considering the main specs, it’s also a good idea to consider any peripherals that you are going to be using like additional monitors, connector ports and optical drives.
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What Do You Need?
Before you start shopping and part with your money in exchange for a new desktop PC, the initial thing to do is sit down and take the time to think about what you need from a computer. Think about what you are planning to use the computer for, as there are vastly different requirements for things like working from home compared to competitive eSports gaming. If you’re mainly getting a computer for work or education, then a basic desktop might be ideal. On the other hand, a desktop with a stronger processor and a better graphics card like the Intel Arc GPU might be more suitable for graphics-heavy tasks like gaming, video editing, or photo editing.
Choosing a Processor
Since the processor or CPU is the ‘brain’ of your desktop PC, it makes sense that this might be one of the first components that you give some thought to. Most CPUs are manufactured by either AMD or Intel. AMD tend to make more budget-friendly options, while Intel is worth paying more for if you are interested in getting the best performance. The integer of cores and the clock speed are the two most important factors to think about before you choose a CPU. The more processing power your PC will need, the higher these should be.
Memory
The RAM, or Random Access Memory is also going to play a part in the overall performance of your PC. Think of this as the PC’s short term memory – the more it has, the better able it will be to run large programs or have a lot of tabs and software open at the same time. The more you plan to do with your computer, the more RAM you are going to need. 8GB is usually more than sufficient for most average users, although you may want to consider boosting it to 16GB if you are a gamer or you do a lot of multi-tasking with processor-heavy programs.
Storage
Finally, the storage or hard drive is another factor worth taking into consideration before you choose the right desktop PC for you. Some desktops come with a hard disk drive; however, the majority of newer models will include a solid state drive. SSDs tend to be the preferred option as they are more durable, efficient, and run faster. When selecting a hard drive, think about how much storage space you will need.
If you are in the market for a new desktop PC for gaming, work, school, or running your own business, then these are some of the main things to think about before you buy.