Which type of computer should buy?

Which type of computer should  buy?

We cannot imagine our life without computers, and yet many do not know what constitutes the “stuffing" of a PC. Therefore, the question "how to choose a computer?" baffles many people. What parameters to look for when choosing a computer for home or office - about this in an accessible language in our article.

Which computer is right for home?

First you need to decide what type of computer you need for your home - stationary (desktop) or miniature (laptop, all-in-one, nettop). They differ not only in size. Of course, a laptop, a candy bar or a nettop is much more compact, and this is important if you live in a very small apartment or studio. In addition, the laptop is mobile, you can take it with you anywhere - this is a plus if you travel often and do not want to part with it.

Laptop

Nettop

  

 

However, there are other fundamental differences. Laptops are usually much less productive than desktop computers (with the exception of laptops designed specifically for games), the possibilities for upgrading laptops are very limited - if you can replace almost any component in a stationary PC, then upgrading the laptop is more difficult. You can only replace the RAM and hard drive, as well as purchase an external video card, but even this is not possible for each model. In stationary models, the ability to select components allows you to design the perfect PC that will meet your needs. Another important point - a computer monitor can be of almost any size and quality, the choice is huge now. But the laptop monitor is almost never more than 18 inches diagonally, and you cannot replace it.In general, if mobility is not a priority for you, then you need a stationary PC, and in the future we will talk about it.

So, a home computer - how do you intend to use it? Typically, people buy a PC for study, for games and entertainment, such as watching movies, and surfing the Internet. How to choose a computer for each of these tasks and what to look for?

 

Computer for games

Microprocessor: Games require a balanced processor. Pay attention to 4-core 8-stream models with a frequency of 3 GHz or more. For example, AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or Intel Core i7-7700 are suitable.

RAM . 8 GB is the minimum for a gaming computer. But its better not to waste time on trifles and acquire 16 GB RAM - this is enough for most tasks. For gaming computers, a special game memory is developed, for example, from the Kingston HyperX line.

Graphics card. Gamers cannot do without a good video card. Games require at least 3 GB of video memory. The best choice would be the GeForce GPU, since most games are optimized specifically for it. Pay attention to video cards based on the GeForce GTX 9 and 10 series, as well as the Radeon RX 500 and Vega cards.

HDD. The required amount of hard drive for a gaming computer is 2 TB for storing media files and video content.

SSD - a disk of small volume, but high speed. An SSD is required to install the operating system and quickly download and run programs. For games, SSD is necessary because they are usually very "heavy." Gamers should pay attention to SSDs with a capacity of 240 GB. Samsung 840 Pro or less voluminous and more affordable Intel 730 Series 240 GB is perfect.

Motherboard . This is the "foundation" of the computer. The most important indicator is the board chipset. For games, Z370 (for Intel) or B350 (for AMD) are suitable.

Power supply unit. You have to spend money on a powerful power supply (from 600 watts).

Monitor. Monitors with a diagonal of at least 20 inches are well suited for games, preferably Full HD. Such a monitor will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the graphics. Pay attention to such an indicator as response time. Look for a monitor with a response time of not more than 5 ms, otherwise fast-moving objects on the screen will look somewhat blurry.

It is important!

Particular attention when choosing any computer should be given to the processor. After all, this is the "brain" of the computer. Over the past decade, technology has stepped far forward, processors have become more powerful, productive and intelligent. Modern processors - for example, AMD Ryzen ™ 6-core CPUs with up to 12 threads and up to 16 MB cache or AMD Ryzen 7 octa-core processors with 16 threads and up to 20 MB cache - provide high-end gaming performance, creation content and performing several demanding tasks. Moreover, thanks to the AMD Ryzen Master program, you can independently adjust the processor performance depending on the needs. Powerful AMD Ryzen PRO series processors are suitable for premium graphics stations and desktops. They are equipped with an integrated security system.

 

Entertainment computer

Microprocessor. Choose machines with a 2-core processor and a frequency of about 2-3 GHz. Such processors can be either 2- or 4-line, but if you use a computer to watch movies, listen to music and explore the Internet, this indicator is not important, a 2-line processor is quite enough for you. We advise you to take a closer look at the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 and Intel Core i5-7400 processors.

RAM . The necessary and sufficient capacity of the "RAM" in this case is 8 GB or less.

Graphics card . Most likely, you don’t need a video card at all, since integrated video on the motherboard is enough for surfing the Internet and watching videos.

Hard disk . For entertainment, a 1 TB disk is enough. This is enough to store movies and music, but if you have a very large collection, look for something more voluminous.

The SSD . If you use a computer for multimedia, you will have enough 120 GB SSD.

Motherboard . For a multimedia computer, B250 / H270 (for Intel) and A320 (for AMD) are suitable.

Power supply unit . 400 W is enough power for a home computer. If you plan to upgrade, you can take the power supply "with a margin" - 500 watts.

Monitor . If you intend to use the computer as a home cinema, you will need a Full HD monitor with a diagonal of 23 inches and above. To watch movies it is better to choose a wide-format matrix (16: 9). If you use it primarily to access the Internet, then 18-20 inches is enough. As for games, to watch movies you need a monitor with a short response time of 8 ms or less.

 

How to choose a computer for office and work?

 Computer for solving basic office tasks

Microprocessor . For an office computer, you need the same processor as for a home PC for entertainment, that is, a 2-core 2-stream with a frequency of 2-3 GHz. For example, AMD A8, A10 series, Intel Pentium G4620.

RAM . For office work, 4 GB will be enough.

Graphics card . A separate video card is not required for an ordinary office computer, such machines have a motherboard with integrated video.

Hard disk . You do not need a disk larger than 1 TB.

The SSD . For an office computer, a 240 GB SSD is suitable, for example, Silicon Power S60.

Motherboard . Enough and a simple motherboard - B250 / H270 (for Intel) and A320 (for AMD).

Power supply unit . A 400 W power supply is enough for an office computer.

Monitor . Since such a computer will be used mainly for office programs such as Word and Excel, there is no need to splurge on a large monitor - an inexpensive matte monitor with a diagonal of 20 inches will be more than enough.

On a note !

Looking for a good computer for home or office, you need to pay attention to the model of factory assembly. Their components are selected by engineers according to basic needs and compatibility. Assembling a computer yourself makes sense only if you are an enthusiast and love to see how it works. If you have special requirements for the car - as a rule, this is necessary for gamers, professional designers, videographers, editors, etc. - you need to use the service "custom assembly", where the seller will take into account all your wishes, but taking into account the quality of components, their compatibility and price. But for study and office work it is easier and more reliable to buy a turnkey solution. If you still want to assemble the car yourself, you can use the configurators to select components: there are a lot of them on the Internet, "F-Center . "

Workstation for specific tasks

Microprocessor . The processor requirements for working with graphic and video editors are similar to the processor requirements for a gaming computer - you need a 4-core 8-thread processor with a frequency of 3 GHz or more. In the event that you need the most powerful processor (for example, for serious work with 3D), you can pay attention to 6-core and 8-core processors, but they already belong to the hi-end category and cost much more. For example, an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 processor with 16 processing threads and 20 MB of cache.

RAM . Look for "RAM" with a capacity of 8-16 GB. Graphic programs require large amounts of memory and are processed on the "RAM".

Graphics card . A powerful video card with a memory of at least 3 GB is necessary for working with 3D and video. If you work in programs like Photoshop, in some cases you can get by with integrated video.

Hard disk . To work with graphics, you need a disk of 2 TB or more.

An SSD with a speed of 550 Mb / s and a capacity of 240 GB is a must for a professional computer.

Motherboard . The basic requirement for a motherboard for professional machines is reliability. Take a closer look at the Asus Prime X370-PRO or GIGABYTE-G1.Sniper-Z97.

Power supply unit . You will need a good supply of power, so choose a power supply of about 600 watts or more powerful.

Monitor . If you work with graphics, you can’t save on the monitor. A Full HD monitor with a diagonal of 23 inches and a good IPS or PLS matrix, necessarily matte, is best suited.

 

As you can see, the equipment, and therefore the price, depends on the purposes for which you are going to use the computer. That is why it is worth trying to delve into the intricacies in order not to overpay for extra functionality - or, even worse, not to buy a computer that does not meet the tasks.