For many people, buying a new computer is a significant investment. But only a few people know how to get the right computer that suits their needs. When you want to buy a computer, there are certain factors to look out for. So, what are these factors one must consider before buying a computer?
When you want to buy a computer, you need to consider if the CPU, graphics card, storage size and space, type and size of RAM, number of cores, and so on are ideal for your needs. But in all, getting the best computer for you depends mainly on your use of it.
There are several types of computers on the market with varying features to meet the needs of every user. So, whether you are a business person that handles a lot of data, a video editor, or simply an avid gamer, there is that one computer that is ideal for you.
This guide will enumerate more on the essential features of a computer to look out for when buying one to suit your needs.
10 Key Factors To Remember When Purchasing a Computer
There are so many things to consider when you want to buy a computer. This section will discuss the ten key factors to buying a computer that meets your needs.
Factor #1: Budget
The first thing to consider when buying a computer is your budget. Although it is expected that you want what is best, you must ground yourself in what you can afford. Having a budget will help you avoid confusion, and you will know the type of specification to expect from your computer.
If your budget is too low, it will force you to give up on many tangible benefits. A budget of at least $800 to $1000 is optimal. Although this budget can’t buy you everything, it will at least buy you an excellent computer.
Factor #2: Laptop or Desktop
Next, consider the type of computer you want, a laptop or a desktop. Laptops and desktops are great, but they have their benefits and drawbacks. Your needs will determine the type of computer that suits you best.
If you want a portable computer, then buy a laptop. Laptops also come with a backup battery, whereas desktops don’t. But on the other hand, desktops tend to perform better for long hours of use than laptops. Also, desktops allow you to upgrade more of their hardware, unlike laptops.
Factor #3: Processor
The processor is the most crucial part of any computer. You can choose from many options of processors such as the Intel Core-X series, AMD Ryzen series, and so on.
Also, the number of cores on the processor determines its ability to multitask. Its base speed is also a crucial feature that determines how fast the computer performs tasks. And more importantly, check the generation of the processor, as newer gens perform better than older ones.
Avoid dual-core laptops if you do a lot of heavy processes. Instead, aim for quad-core and higher.
Factor #4: RAM
The more RAM you have on a computer, the more tasks you can open. When reviewing the RAM on a computer, consider its space, generation, and clock speed. The generation of RAM includes DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5.
The most recent generation of RAM, DDR5, has the highest clock speed. Note that having 4GB of RAM is sufficient to perform basic tasks. But if you open lots of highly demanding processes, it helps to consider a much bigger RAM such as 8GB or 16GB.
Aim for at least 8GB of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM as they are much faster.
Factor #5: Storage
Regarding the storage on your computer, there are two things to consider: the type of storage and the storage space. There are two main types of storage for computers, hard drives and solid-state drives.
Solid-state drives are lighter, faster, and quieter than hard drives. But sadly, solid drives are limited in how much storage capacity they have compared to the traditional hard drive. Also, solid-state drives are more expensive than hard drives.
The best thing to do regarding storage is to adopt a dual-drive setup, with an SSD as the primary and HDD as the secondary.
Factor #6: Graphics Card
The graphics card on your computer is responsible for handling graphic processes. All computers come with a form of graphics. The graphics can either be integrated or a separate piece of hardware.
Integrated graphics come with the processor and are often limited in their performance. You will need a dedicated graphics card for modern visual effects and gaming.
Factor #7: Screen
A computer must surely have a screen for optimum display. However, there are different types of screens ranging from their size to their type and even picture quality. The screen size can vary from anywhere around 13-inch to 16-inch.
There are three types of laptop screens; organic light-emitting diodes (OLED), in-plane switching (IPS), and twisted nematic (TN). Each type of screen has its advantages and disadvantages.
Don’t forget to take note of the screen refresh rate and resolution.
Factor #8: Battery Capacity
All laptops come with a battery, but their battery capacity is different. How long a laptop battery will last depends on the tasks you execute on the laptop and its capacity.
When buying a laptop, you want a battery with a large enough capacity that can run for hours before requiring that you charge it.
Li-ion and Li-ion polymers are excellent choices as they are light and last long.
Factor #9: Ports
It’s also vital that any computer you get comes with all the correct ports to suit your needs. Ports like USB, HDMI, VGA, audio jack, thunderbolt port, and type C port are essential for a computer. Also, consider the number of these ports available on your computer.
Factor #10: Other Essentials
Other essentials to look out for when buying a computer include the keyboard and whether it features a numeric keypad and has a backlit. Also, its connectivity functionality, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, are essential. You should also look out for the camera quality, especially if you do a lot of live streaming.
Conclusion
In conclusion, buying a computer may seem challenging initially as there are numerous options, but it is easier than you think. Once you know what you want and how much you are willing to spend helps you narrow your search to a handful of computers. The trick is to find the right balance between cost and your needs.
