6 Things to Consider When Buying a PC
You’ve found a few PCs you like the look of but how do you decide which is the right one? Let’s break down the different parts of a PC to help make your choice.
Processor speed
Processors are the heart of your PC, deciding how fast everything gets done. New processors also do many tasks that help provide a better overall experience.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Start with this for simple email and web browsing, entertainment and games.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor
Get productive and enjoy mainstream entertainment and games.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor
Get hard-core tasks like 3D gaming, designing and video editing done smoothly.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition
Customize your performance for the most demanding games and apps.
Processors are the heart of your PC, deciding how fast everything gets done. New processors also do many tasks that help provide a better overall experience.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i3 processor
Start with this for simple email and web browsing, entertainment and games.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i5 processor
Get productive and enjoy mainstream entertainment and games.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor
Get hard-core tasks like 3D gaming, designing and video editing done smoothly.
5th gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition
Customize your performance for the most demanding games and apps.
RAM
More RAM makes it easier to multitask and switch between different files quickly.
2GB
This is the minimum you need to run an operating system and basic programs.
4GB
Enough RAM to multitask between apps easily and run common popular games.
8GB+
This will let you run video editing apps or extreme 3D games smoothly.
More RAM makes it easier to multitask and switch between different files quickly.
2GB
This is the minimum you need to run an operating system and basic programs.
4GB
Enough RAM to multitask between apps easily and run common popular games.
8GB+
This will let you run video editing apps or extreme 3D games smoothly.
Hard disk space
Generally, it’s a smart idea to buy a larger hard disk than your current needs as files and apps are constantly growing in size.
500GB
Good for storing work files, photos with space enough for a few games.
1TB+
You’ll want this much if you’re a movie collector, play lots of games or want to edit videos.
Generally, it’s a smart idea to buy a larger hard disk than your current needs as files and apps are constantly growing in size.
500GB
Good for storing work files, photos with space enough for a few games.
1TB+
You’ll want this much if you’re a movie collector, play lots of games or want to edit videos.
Graphics card
There are two types of graphics cards to consider – integrated and dedicated graphics cards.
Integrated cards
Packaged with your processor or motherboard, they use your system’s RAM for graphics processing. Less powerful but cheaper and less demanding on your battery, it’s a good choice for an Ultrabook™ or notebook.
Dedicated graphics cards
If you’re a serious gamer or professional graphic designer, opt for this. A good entry-level graphics card should have at least 1GB of RAM but more is better. If you’re intending to watch movies in HD, be sure to get one with a HDMI output port.
There are two types of graphics cards to consider – integrated and dedicated graphics cards.
Integrated cards
Packaged with your processor or motherboard, they use your system’s RAM for graphics processing. Less powerful but cheaper and less demanding on your battery, it’s a good choice for an Ultrabook™ or notebook.
Dedicated graphics cards
If you’re a serious gamer or professional graphic designer, opt for this. A good entry-level graphics card should have at least 1GB of RAM but more is better. If you’re intending to watch movies in HD, be sure to get one with a HDMI output port.
Software
The main factor to consider here is the Operating System (OS). This will decide what software you’re able to use.
Windows*
Windows OS is the most commonly used operating system for PCs. That means most software is designed to be compatible with it. If you want to play most of the latest games or need your PC for common office applications, this is the right choice.
Mac*
Macs are great for graphic designing, video editing and music producing. These functions are not unique to Macs but they are more commonly done on this OS. This helps avoid compatibility issues.
The main factor to consider here is the Operating System (OS). This will decide what software you’re able to use.
Windows*
Windows OS is the most commonly used operating system for PCs. That means most software is designed to be compatible with it. If you want to play most of the latest games or need your PC for common office applications, this is the right choice.
Mac*
Macs are great for graphic designing, video editing and music producing. These functions are not unique to Macs but they are more commonly done on this OS. This helps avoid compatibility issues.
Extras
There are a few hardware options you may want to go with your new PC.
Printer
If you’re intending to use your PC for work, a printer may be in order. When you’re choosing, check the cost of ink replacement for the model as that can quickly add up. Consider a dedicated photo printer if you’re an avid photographer.
Monitor
If you’re getting a notebook, a larger screen at home can make watching movies more immersive. A 22-inch screen or larger should offer HD quality viewing. Ensure the resolution is at least 1080p.
Optical Disks
Get a Blu-ray player if you’re intending to collect an extensive collection of Blu-ray discs. If not, a DVD drive will meet most needs.
There are a few hardware options you may want to go with your new PC.
Printer
If you’re intending to use your PC for work, a printer may be in order. When you’re choosing, check the cost of ink replacement for the model as that can quickly add up. Consider a dedicated photo printer if you’re an avid photographer.
Monitor
If you’re getting a notebook, a larger screen at home can make watching movies more immersive. A 22-inch screen or larger should offer HD quality viewing. Ensure the resolution is at least 1080p.
Optical Disks
Get a Blu-ray player if you’re intending to collect an extensive collection of Blu-ray discs. If not, a DVD drive will meet most needs.
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