Home » Blog » Understanding the factors to buy a desktop computer Understanding the factors to buy a desktop computer

Desktop computers are efficient tools for professional work needs. While a laptop is useful for performing light personal work, it may not be able to match the capability of a desktop. With a desktop PC, you can perform multiple tasks at once by using a higher RAM and an efficient processor. If portability is not the main requirement, you can easily install a desktop computer in the house. It can be useful for both personal and professional needs. Before you decide to buy a desktop computer, you must understand the portfolio of your activities.

Depending on the purpose, you can pick the right computer parts. As a desktop computer is made of multiple components, it is necessary to match every part with the underlying purpose. You must take advantage of a custom-build PC as it allows you to select the individual components. Whether you require a RAM with larger capacity or a processor with exceptional speed, you can find the correct configuration. Additionally, if you enjoy gaming, you can explore the right kind of graphics card. It can support a range of desired gaming applications.

When you are ready to buy a desktop computer, you can find out your desired specifications. With the details about the computer parts, you can search the different options on the internet. Some parts have more weightage and significance as compared to the others. For example, processor and RAM rank as the top components that can determine the overall performance capability. This can be followed by the storage such as HDD and SSD, keyboard, monitor, power supply, mouse, and other parts.

Considering the components to buy a desktop computer

A custom-built desktop computer offers many benefits as it allows you to choose the components. Based on the capacity, speed, workload, data reliability, compatibility, and security, you can customize the computer to your specifications. In order to buy a desktop computer, we must check out the essential computer parts.

1.     Processor or CPU

As the brain of your computer, the processor or CPU is undoubtedly the most significant part that sets the baseline of performance. Only after you choose the right CPU for your workload, you can expect optimum output as desired. The CPU contains the chips that can process or handle the information. When you enter an input, the CPU can use it for calculations and analysis before returning the necessary output. They are responsible for all the core operations, thereby generating results for your programs. 

While you can always upgrade other components like RAM, storage drive, and graphics card depending on compatibility and purpose, you cannot upgrade a processor. Hence, it is extremely necessary to pick the right processor at the start itself. A processor is made of cores that handle the data instructions. When a processor contains multiple cores, it can handle many activities at the same time. Opting for a multi-core processor is the right choice in any desktop computer. It can allow you to switch from one task to the other in a seamless manner. Usually, a quad-core (four), hexa (six) or octa (eight) are some of the options in a processor. If you do not pay attention to the number of cores, you may experience significant lagging in your system. It can make it difficult to run multiple applications at the optimum capacity. 

In order to buy a desktop computer, you can explore the choices of multi-core processors. The right option of a multi-core processor shall depend on the type of applications. If you run CPU intensive applications like video and photo editing, gaming, video rendering, and streaming; you may need a processor with a greater number of cores. Another important factor is the processor clock speed. It is measured in GHz. A faster clock speed can ensure optimum processing. Intel and AMD are the players that produce processors.

2.     RAM or memory

This represents the short-term memory that can store instructions for the current application. When you request a particular task, the RAM can store all the instructions and make it available to the CPU for final processing. The amount of data that can be stored on RAM can be measured in gigabyte GB. It is called the capacity of the RAM. If you go for a much lower capacity, you may experience difficulty while running your applications and programs. When you decide to buy a desktop computer, you can check out the RAM capacity.

A lower capacity cannot support all the data, leading to significant bottlenecks. It starts with a minimum 2GB but that would be insufficient for most of the common applications. Usually, 4B is sufficient for light browsing and routine programs. If you perform multi-tasking on a regular basis and need room for many tasks at once, you can opt for 8GB. The largest 16GB is reserved for high-end gaming and CPU intensive activities. 

You can always upgrade your RAM and opt for a higher capacity in the future. You must check the compatibility of the motherboard. It is necessary to ensure that it has multiple slots for upgrades as and when required. If you would like to sell your used RAM before buying a new one, you can contact us at BuySellRam. We can offer cash value for your used RAM through an easy, secured, and fast process.

3.     Operating system to buy a desktop computer 

This is the interface that interacts with you when you use the desktop computer. It opens a list of all the applications and allows you to select and start your work. It also contains all your files and folders. If you pick a user-friendly operating system that you have already used before; you can feel confident and convenient to use it on a daily basis. Windows and macOS are two choices of operating system. Apple desktop computers contain macOS. While Windows is found in most of the other computers.

4.     Storage

It represents the long-term storage system that saves all your data, files, images, videos, applications and other programs. Most desktop computers have storage ranging from 500GB to 1TB. 1TB is a large enough space for an average user. It can easily store all your files without running into any issues. There are two types of storage- hard disk drive (HDD) and solid state drive (SSD). HDDs are traditional storage devices that are relatively cheaper and offer a large capacity. SSDs are a new form of storage devices that have exceptional processing speed. They contain memory chips that can ensure faster processing as compared to the HDDs.

5.     Peripheral parts to buy a desktop computer

This includes the monitor, keyboard, and mouse. It cannot affect the processing capability of a computer. But it determines the overall user experience for your convenience. When you buy a desktop computer, you can check the specifications like screen size of the monitor, resolution, and cost. Depending on your usage, you can opt for a mechanical keyboard if you do a lot of typing and coding. The right combination of the peripheral parts depends on your usage. 

There are different types of desktop computers based on the assembly, configuration, and arrangement. For example, an all-in-one desktop computer combines the tower and monitor into one. It has fewer wires and an aesthetic appeal. Another type is a tower PC that has the main components in a tower setup. It represents a powerful machine that does not require portability. Gaming PC, mini PC, and custom-build are some other types.