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PC Buying Guide

Desktop PCs come in all shapes, sizes, and features, which can make it daunting to choose the right one for you. That's where this guide comes in! This easy-to-follow guide will walk you through the key factors to consider when buying a desktop PC, so you can make an informed decision and find the best PC for your budget and needs.

What are the different types of Desktop PCs?

Desktop PCs come in a variety of sizes and types, known as form factors. Each form factor has its own benefits, so it's important to choose the one that's right for your needs.

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Tower PCs

Tower PCs are the most common type of desktop computer. They have a tall, rectangular design, and you connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse separately. Tower PCs are easy to repair and upgrade because the components are not sealed inside the case. This makes tower PCs a good choice for people who want to customize their computer or upgrade it to the latest hardware.

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All-in-one PCs

All-in-one PCs are a space-saving and convenient computing solution. They combine all of the essential components, such as the CPU, memory, storage, and monitor, into a single chassis. This makes them ideal for users who work in confined spaces, such as small home offices, dorm rooms, or any other setting where space is limited. All-in-one PCs offer the same powerful computing capabilities as traditional desktop PCs, but they take up much less space. This is because the monitor and other components are integrated into a single unit.

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Mini PCs

Mini PCs are even smaller than all-in-one PCs and are typically used for light-duty tasks. They are ideal for users who do not need a lot of memory or processing power, such as browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos. Mini PCs are also very portable, making them easy to take with you on the go.

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PC by Use

Before you start shopping for a PC, it's important to understand your needs. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the right features for you.

GAMING PC.

Gaming

A gaming PC offers a powerful processor, such as an Intel Core i9, is essential for smooth gaming. You will also need a PC with at least 32GB of RAM and an SSD of at least 1TB for ample storage space for your games and other files.

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BUSINESS PC.

Business

A business PC is a powerful desktop PC with a Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM is a good starting point. You will also need an SSD of at least 512GB to store your work files.

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REMOTE WORKING PC.

Remote Working

If you're working from home, an all-in-one desktop computer may be a good option. They have a sleek and modern design that saves space on your desk, and they're often more affordable and easier to set up and maintain than traditional desktop computers.

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GRAPHIC DESIGN PC.

Graphic Design & Video Editing

PCs for graphic design and video editing need a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card, and at least 16GB of RAM to handle the large files and complex tasks involved in these applications.

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Features To Consider

PC Storage.

Storage

Your computer needs storage to keep your programs, files, and other data. There are two main types of storage: solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs are highly recommended for any PC as they are faster and quieter than HDDs. SSDs consume less power than traditional spinning hard drives and help to boost performance, especially when running multiple applications at once. The amount of storage capacity you choose depends on your usage and what you intend to store on your PC.

 
PC RAM.

RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is the computer's short-term memory. It stores data that the computer is currently using, such as open programs and files. The more RAM a computer has, the more tasks it can handle at once and the faster it can access data. For general use, 6-8GB of RAM is sufficient. This will allow you to run most programs and games smoothly, even if you are multitasking. If you need a machine that can handle the most demanding games and tasks, you should opt for at least 16GB of RAM. This will give you the extra headroom you need to run multiple applications at once without experiencing any slowdown.

 
PC PROCESSOR.

Processor

The processor is the central processing unit (CPU) of your PC. It is responsible for carrying out instructions and processing data, making it one of the most important factors to consider when buying a PC. The most common CPUs are from Intel's Core range and AMD's Ryzen range. Both produce low- to high-end processors, which are defined by the number of cores they have and the frequency at which they run.

 

Intel's Core Range

  • Intel Core i3 processor PCs are designed for basic computing tasks, such as browsing the web, listening to music, watching movies, or working on Microsoft Office documents. They are the most basic line of Intel Core processors and offer the best value for money.
  • Intel Core i5 processor PCs are designed for moderate use and mid-range gaming. They are efficient and consume less power, making them a good choice for users who want a balance of performance and power consumption. They offer better performance than Core i3 processors and are a good choice for users who do more demanding tasks, such as editing photos or videos.
  • Intel Core i7 processor PCs are designed for demanding tasks, such as playing graphics-intensive games and running photo, music, and video editing software. They offer the best performance available and are a good choice for users who need the most powerful computer possible.
  • Intel Core i9 processor PCs are a high-end processor designed for demanding tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D rendering. It is the most powerful processor in Intel's Core lineup.
 
PC OPERATING SYSTEM.

Operating System

The operating system (OS) of your PC is the software that controls how it looks, how it works, and the type of software you can use. There are two main operating systems: Windows and macOS. Each OS has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the one that is best for your needs. Windows 11 is the most recent version of Microsoft's Windows operating system. It is designed to be more user-friendly and efficient, with a new user interface and a focus on productivity. Most new PCs will come pre-installed with Windows 11.

 
PC GRAPHICS CARD.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is responsible for displaying images on the screen. There are two types: integrated and dedicated. Integrated graphics are sufficient for basic tasks, such as home and office applications. However, if you plan on running graphically demanding applications, such as gaming, design, and photo and video editing, we strongly recommend using a dedicated graphics card.

 
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Refurbished PCs

A refurbished PC is a previously owned PC that that has been restored to a like-new condition. This process typically includes repairing any defects, cleaning the PC, and testing it to ensure that it meets the manufacturer's standards. Refurbished PC are often sold at a much lower price than new PCs, making them a great way to save money and help the environment.

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