Desktop PC Buying Guide: What to Look For When Buying a Computer

Buying a desktop PC gives you complete control of customisation, and to a certain extent, it is cost-saving. Moreover, building a PC is not as difficult as you might think. And with our desktop PC buying guide, you’ll be well on your way to finding your ideal desktop PC.

Before you make your purchase, you need to consider your desired specifications and needs. In this desktop PC buying guide, we’ve listed the essential specifications you should look for when buying a computer.

Desktop Processors/CPU

First on our desktop PC buying guide, we cover the desktop processor. The desktop processor, or CPU, is a core component that processes and executes computer programs’ instructions. In other words, CPUs primarily act as the brains of the devices. 

The main difference between processors is the number of cores they offer and their relative speed. Higher clock speeds and core counts can significantly boost your desktop PC’s performance, especially when it comes to intensive tasks like video editing and transcoding. 

Although there are many different desktop processors in the market, most mainly come from just two manufacturers, AMD and Intel. Either option is a great choice since both produce reliable CPUs, unless you’re already set your heart on a specific brand. Keep in mind the CPU you choose will affect your motherboard options since each processor only works with specific CPU sockets and chipsets.

Operating System

The next thing to consider when buying a desktop PC is the operating system (OS). An OS affects the way you interact with your PC, providing an interface for installing and running applications, moving files around and so on. The most popular and common operating systems are Windows and macOS.

Other operating systems, such as Linux, are available, though they take more work and technical knowledge to set up. Be noted that macOS will be more expensive compared to Windows. However, they have higher vulnerability in terms of security and protection, especially from potential malware and unauthorised access.

Released in fall 2021, the latest version of macOS is called Monterey. Apple also releases several macOS updates free throughout the year to address any bugs, performance improvements and more. If you have any concerns about macOS Monterey, you can stick with Big Sur in the meantime.

RAM

The next item on our desktop PC buying guide is the Random Access Memory (RAM), commonly known as memory. The RAM temporarily stores your frequently used programs and instructions to speed up the overall system of your computer. It is also the component that is responsible for multitasking, allowing multiple applications to run and load simultaneously on your PC. Therefore, the higher the RAM, the more efficient your PC becomes. 

The price of a RAM stick will vary depending on the memory capacity available for you to expand. Non-gamers will probably need a minimum of 4GB of RAM. As for high-end gaming, it’s recommended to get at least 8GB of RAM, or even 12-16GB if you can afford it.

Hard Disks

There are two main elements to consider when shopping for hard drives: size and speed. Nowadays, a desktop hard drive should have at least 1TB of storage space.

Speedwise, most hard drives run at 7200 rpm. There are also some green or variable-speed drives that consume less energy. Most motherboards now also support RAID, allowing you to install several hard drives on your machine.

Desktop Monitors

Even if you’re going for pre-built desktop PCs that offer you built-in monitors, you might need to check the quality of the screen. The main difference between monitors is their size and cost. Other factors, such as colour accuracy, may be vital if you plan to use a desktop for graphics work.

When it comes to affordability and support for Full HD (1080p) graphics, most users tend to opt for 24-inch LCD monitors. Larger screens like 27-inch LCDs and 4K displays are also available, but the price will differ according to the general specs, quality and brand. 

Evaluate Your Needs

Ultimately, the perfect desktop PC setup varies from one individual to another. To build your ideal desktop PC, you’ll need to balance your needs and budget as you choose the specifications for each part. 

Besides the essentials listed in our desktop PC buying guide, you’ll also need other hardware, such as external peripheral connectors, Internet cards (support features like Bluetooth and 5G), dedicated graphic cards (for content creation or gaming purposes), liquid or air cooling system and a casing for the motherboard to avoid short-circuit.

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