Processor, Graphics Card

The CPU is one of the most important things to consider when buying a desktop PC. The processor choices are a bit more confusing these days. If you go for an Intel CPU, you get to choose from the Core i3, i5 or i7 line-up of processors. The Core i3 processor from Intel is designed for basic computing tasks, such as surfing the web, listening to music, watching movies or working on Microsoft Word, PowerPoint or Excel.

The Core i5 processors are ideal for moderate use and mid-range gaming. They are designed to offer efficient performance while consuming less power. On the other hand, the Core i7 processors are designed for ultimate performance, such as playing graphics-intensive games and running photo, music and video editing software. Look out for the latest generation of these processor for the maximum benefits. AMD is another processor manufacturer. Similarly, they do have their series of processors, E series, A series and the Ryzen series of processors.

In terms of price and performance, there isn’t a lot of difference between Intel and AMD processors. Before you zero down on a CPU, do look at the number of cores and the clock speed it operates at. Having multiple cores is good for multi-tasking and thus, you should look for a CPU with at least two cores. Processors these days now come with built-in graphics, which is decent enough for playing slightly older casual games. However, when it comes to playing some of the newer gaming titles, you are sure to need a PC with a dedicated graphics solution.

AMD and NVIDIA are two GPU manufacturers. AMD’s Radeon RX 400 and RX 500 series are among the range of graphic cards you can find. When it comes to NVIDIA, the GeForce GTX 9, 10 and 20 series are among the latest ones as of December 2018. Depending on your budget and gaming needs, you can choose between the basic and high performance ones.

RAM, Storage, Operating System

Most desktop PCs today support DDR3 or the newer DDR4 memory and having 4GB of RAM in a PC is considered essential. Unless you intend to go for some heavyweight tasks like photo and movie editing, 4GB memory should be sufficient. However, if you want a smoother and better long-term performance, consider a system with 8GB of RAM or more. Having free memory slots is a good thing as you can add more RAM in the future if required.

While most PCs and laptops still use hard disk drives (HDD) for storing data on them, newer models may come equipped with solid state drives (SSD). Depending on the amount of data you want to store on your PC, you can choose a HDD with storage space of 1TB right up to 4TB.

SSD uses solid-state chips for storage that does not need any motor or disk. As there are no moving parts, SSDs are slim, fast and more energy efficient than hard drives. However, as the technology is relatively new, SSDs can cost more than hard drives. These prices are quickly dropping though. Solid state drives in laptops and all-in-one PCs can be found in the 128GB to 1TB capacity.
Nearly all laptops, all-in-all and desktop PCs today now come pre-loaded with a licensed copy of Windows 10. Depending on the type of work you do and the kind of software you need, you can choose between Microsoft’s Windows 10 and the free, open source Linux OS.

In you want to run Mac OS, then you can opt to buy one of the offerings from Apple. If you want to know what makes the Mac Mini an interesting option, don’t forget to read our feature on the latest one. Some of the other options are the iMac and the Mac Pro. If you’re looking specifically for a laptop, the MacBooks are worth considering.

Screen Size and Speakers

Gone are the days when heavy and bulky CRT monitors were used with PCs. LED monitors of different sizes are now available at very reasonable prices. They not only help in saving considerable amount of space on your desk, but also are more energy efficient and don’t emit as much heat either. You can choose an LED monitor from 19 inches right up to 27-inches based on your requirements and budget. Apart from the screen size, also look for the resolution of the screen. Larger resolution displays are crisper and offer more workspace. Many of the models today boast of full HD resolutions, some even QHD (2560 x 1440) and higher.

Depending on the kind of setup you have in your home, you can either go with the basic speakers or a home theatre system. The speakers on most all-in-one PCs are basic and good enough for basic music listening and watching TV shows. With a home theatre system, you get more flexibility. You can choose between stereo speakers that sit on your desk. There are also 2.1 speakers which include a subwoofer along with the two satellite speakers. Those using the PC for watching movies and gaming, surround-sound 5.1 speakers are also recommended.

Keyboard & Mouse, Add-on Software

While almost all desktop PCs come with a wired mouse and keyboard, you may want to add in a wireless model as it cuts down on some clutter on your desk. If you are getting a gaming PC, there are also gaming keyboard and mice available for that purpose.

While desktop PCs now come pre-installed with an OS, you may need some additional software for different tasks. Most of us will need Microsoft Office suite complete with Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Some minor things to keep in mind

While buying a desktop PC, you may also want to consider the connectivity options it comes with. Look for PCs with many USB ports; USB 3.0 ports are preferable. They are faster, and are the future. They’re also backward compatible, so you can use USB 2.0 devices on them but you won’t see the USB 3.0 speeds. Other connectivity options like HDMI-out are now standard. They let you connect your PC to even larger displays such as a TV or projector.

Do check if the desktop PC allows for upgrading of components such as the RAM and storage drive in the future. This might help improve the longevity of your investment. Some more RAM and a larger drive will allow you to use the PC for a lot longer.