Desktop Computer Buying Guide

With so many choices, styles, and specs to consider, buying a desktop computer can be a daunting task. The first thing you should consider is what you’ll be using it for and then you’ll be able to narrow down the many options you’re faced with.

The Basics

The three most important features you’ll find in every desktop are the processor, RAM, and the hard drive; and with the right combination, you’ll have a system that will be best suited for your needs.

The processor (or CPU) is the brain of your computer. And whether you’re looking for a basic PC to do homework and play online or one that lets you work with processor-crushing editing applications or something in-between, you’ll want to be sure you’ve got the right CPU

Dual-core

Intel Atom, Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, AMD A series, AMD E series, AMD Athlon II X2

Using two cores to compute data, these processors can be found in most desktops. They’re designed to let you multitask so you can work with basic applications simultaneously without slowing down your machine

Quad-core

Intel Core i7 and i5, AMD A6, A8 and A10 series, AMD Athlon II X4, AMD Phenom II X4

For even more power, a quad-core processor will let you work and play with basic applications, as well as HD content, graphics-hungry games, processor-crushing video editing applications, and more all at the same time.

Random Access Memory (RAM)

RAM, or pre-installed system memory, provides space for your computer to read and write data that your CPU can access to help applications run smoothly and quickly. If you have less than 4GB of RAM, you might find that the more you try to multitask, the slower your machine performs. A simple RAM upgrade is as easy as adding another stick of DDR, DDR2 ,DDR3 or DDR4 RAM in your desktop to give it a performance boost.

Hard Drive

The hard drive of your computer is where you’ll store documents, images, videos, photos, and other digital content. Measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB), it can be broken down into two types: 

1 .Hard disk drives (HDD)

2 solid state drives (SSD)

Hard disk drives (HDD) :  are the most common type of internal storage that use spinning magnetic discs, one on top of the other, to record digital information. This process works a bit like a record player with an arm that writes data to and reads it from the discs

solid state drives (SSD) : Unlike the spinning discs of an HDD, solid state drives (SSD) contain no moving parts, making them less susceptible to physical shock due to accidental drops and bumps. In desktop computers, these drives are usually made available in a much smaller capacity, and often accompany a much larger hard drive.

Types of Operating Systems