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How to select the correct PC for your needs

Written by Zinner & Co. | May 23, 2023 12:07:00 PM

Choosing the right PC can be a difficult decision, especially for those who are not tech-savvy.

With so many options available in the market, it is important to understand the factors you need to consider when you are investing in a new PC. Here are some of the things to think about when choosing the appropriate PC for you.

 

Determine Your Purpose

The first step to choosing the right PC is to determine your purpose. What do you plan to use the PC for? Are you a student looking for a laptop to take notes and write papers? Are you a graphic designer who needs a high-performance graphics card? Are you a gamer looking for a gaming laptop or desktop? Knowing the purpose of the PC will help you narrow down your search.

 

Set Your Budget

PCs come in a wide range of prices, and it is important to set a budget beforehand. You can get a basic PC for as low as $300, while high-end gaming PCs can cost over $2,000. Setting a spending limit will help you narrow down your options and choose a PC that fits your budget.

 

Choose Your Type

 

There are two types of PCs to choose from – desktops and laptops.

Desktops are larger and come with separate components such as a CPU, monitor, keyboard, and mouse. They are more powerful than laptops and are ideal for tasks such as gaming, video editing, and programming. Desktops are not portable and require a fixed workspace.

Laptops, on the other hand, are portable and come with a built-in screen, keyboard, and touchpad. They are ideal for tasks such as browsing, watching videos, and taking notes. Laptops are available in different sizes, ranging from 11 inches to 17 inches. They are not as powerful as desktops but are more convenient for people on the move.

 

Consider the Specifications

The specifications of a PC determine its performance. Some of the specs you need to consider are the processor, RAM, storage, graphics card, and display.

 

Processor

The processor is the brain of the PC and determines its performance. Intel and AMD are the two popular processor brands. Higher-end processors, such as Intel Core i7 and i9, and AMD Ryzen 7 and 9, offer better performance.

 

RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the temporary storage that the PC uses to run programs. Higher RAM capacity will allow the PC to run more programs simultaneously. For basic tasks, 4GB RAM is sufficient, while for gaming and video editing, 8GB to 16GB RAM is recommended.

 

Storage

Storage determines the amount of data that the PC can store. PCs come with two types of storage - Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid-State Drive (SSD). HDD is cheaper and has more storage capacity, while SSD is faster and more reliable. For better performance, it is recommended to choose a PC with SSD storage.

 

Graphics Card

The graphics card is responsible for rendering images on the screen. For basic tasks such as browsing and watching videos, an integrated graphics card is sufficient. However, for gaming and video editing, a dedicated graphics card such as Nvidia or AMD is recommended.

 

Display

The display is important for those who work with graphics or watch a lot of videos. The size and resolution of the display can affect the user experience. A larger display with a higher resolution will offer better clarity and sharpness.

 

Brand

There are several brands that offer PCs in the market and choosing the right brand can be confusing. Popular brands include Dell, HP, Lenovo, Asus, and Acer. It is important to do your research and read reviews before choosing a brand.