3 Tips on How To Pick a PC Computer

Are you in the market for a brand-new PC but feeling overwhelmed by the many options available?

No worries, we’ll provide some information in this article that’ll help you get the PC that’s best for you.  How to pick a PC computer can be a daunting task, but with some useful information and a little guidance, the process doesn’t have to be as difficult, as if you were doing it all yourself.

Whether you’re a casual user who only needs basic functionality, an avid gamer requiring high-performance graphics, or an office executive who needs a PC computer for work, this article will help you with the essentials in choosing the ideal PC for you.

So sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the exciting world of PC shopping!

Consider Your Specific Needs

As I alluded to a few sentences ago, the type of PC you will need will be based on the type of user that you are.  What’s the real reason you want a new PC computer?  Is it for general use or personal use at home? Are you in need of a basic system for your office at work?  Are you a gamer that needs a nice rig to play their online games on?

Most users usually fall into one of those three categories.

Considering your specific needs is a crucial place to start in picking the PC that is right for you.  While it may seem obvious, many people often overlook this step and end up with choices that don’t align with what they really want.

Once you have a solid idea of why you want a new PC computer, this will allow you to filter out all the unnecessary bells and whistles that you may not need in a future PC computer.  By understanding what aspects of a product or service are essential for your satisfaction, you can prioritize those elements and make an informed decision.

Having your specific needs in mind first, also allows you to hold strong and be true to what you want, rather than succumbing to societal or external pressures.

Believe it or not, more of us fall for this when shopping, more than you would think.

Taking into account our unique needs ensures that we make choices that resonate with our authenticity and values rather than conforming mindlessly.  So take some time here to figure out what type of computer user you are, and what’s the essential reason for getting a PC.

Compare Different Brands and Models

There are several brands of computers to choose from, and this too can cause one to feel overwhelmed if they’re not familiar with the different brands that are out there.  So here’s a breakdown of some of the major brands of PC computers that have been on the market for many years now.

Dell

Unless you’re living under a rock, you have at least heard about Dell computers.  They have a very wide selection of PC computers to satisfy all types of users.  As an IT Consultant, I usually recommend Dell computers to my clients, because of their versatility and durability.

They have PCs for home users, gamers, office executives, and server admins.  Their inventory is vast!

I’m sure there are other techies out there who’ll debate me on this and say otherwise about Dell computers, but I have been working with Dell computers for many years and have rarely had any issues with them.

You can shop for a computer at Dell’s website at www.dell.com.

Hp

In my opinion, Hp computers are designed more for home users.  You’ll most likely see more Hp computers at your local Walmart, Best Buy, or Costco than you would any other brand.  The reason is that they tend to have a lot of bundles that come with them that are appealing to the average home user.

Such as free one-year anti-virus protection (which is always good to have), an all-in-one design, and/or a touch screen.

All these are fine if you just need something basic to get you up and running and to have fun with when you’re at home.  But not ideal when you’re in the office because that computer may lack some features that are needed for an office environment.

Also, Hp computers tend to be at a lower price compared to other brands.  Which makes them even more appealing for home users.

To shop for Hp computers, you can check them out at www.hp.com.  You can also check them out on Amazon.

Lenovo

This brand of PC is more for the office environment.

According to Lenovo, their computers are ideal for professionals and students alike.  Their computers offer a seamless user experience that maximizes productivity.

One of the key advantages of Lenovo computers is their versatility.  Lenovo computers are ideal for anyone seeking reliable performance combined with stylish design. Whether you need a laptop for work or play, or require a powerhouse desktop for demanding tasks like video rendering or data analysis projects.

Again, more so for the working environment, than for home or personal usage.

You can go to www.lenovo.com to learn more about their computers.  You can also find some good deals on Amazon and Best Buy.

Custom Built PCs

This is more for gamers and techies than for any other group.  Sometimes, the branded computers just don’t have the specs that suit your needs, in which case, building a PC for yourself might be your best option.

This gives you the most flexibility out of any other option, and that’s why many users opt for this option.

Keep in mind, however, that this can be very expensive, as the pricier hardware components can add up. One of the main advantages of building your own PC is the ability to customize it exactly to your needs.  

Want more storage space? No problem! Need a fast and powerful processor for gaming? You got it. By hand-picking each component, you have complete control over every aspect of your computer’s performance.

Moreover, building a PC can be an incredibly rewarding experience.

It allows you to gain a deeper understanding of how computers work and gain a sense of accomplishment when you successfully assemble all the parts and power on your creation for the first time. It’s like bringing your own little Frankenstein to life…” It’s alive, it’s alive!

I’ve done this myself a few times, and that feeling of accomplishment is so awesome.  I recommend trying it at least once if you’re technically inclined or curious.  Or you can get someone to build one for you.  There are many tech companies out there that’ll do that for you.

A few places you can shop online for custom-built computers are Amazon and New Egg.  You can also find computer parts to build your own rig, should you choose to take on the journey yourself.

Consider Hardware Specifications and Performance

When it comes to picking a PC computer, one crucial factor that should never be overlooked is hardware specifications and performance.  I talked about this in the previous section, but let’s delve a bit deeper into this area to see what this means.

Let’s face it, it’s really all about the specs when it comes to purchasing computers.  It’s one of the first, if not the first things that we look at to determine what the performance of that computer would be like.

The hardware specifications determine a computer’s capabilities and overall performance.  So you do want to spend some time to carefully consider this area before making your purchase.  For the not-so-tech-savvy reader, the hardware components that you want to pay attention to on a computer are:

• The Processor – The brain of the computer.
• RAM (Random Access Memory) – Used for short-term storage.  The more RAM you have the more applications it can run simultaneously without slowing down.  Anything 8GB or more is good.
• Hard Drive – This is where all your data will be stored on your computer.  SSD (Solid State Drives) are awesome, and much faster than traditional hard drives.  500 GB or more is great for the average user.  For gamers and multi-media users, I’d recommend 1 TB or more.
• Graphics/Video Card – This is the component that allows you to have video output through your monitors.  For the average user, the basic video cards that come built-in with the computer that you purchase will do a great job of providing good video output.  For the video editors and gamers, however, you will need a more high-end video card.

Again, keep in mind that hardware specifications go hand in hand with the type of tasks you’ll be performing on your computer. If you’re planning on using your PC for basic activities like web browsing and document editing, a mid-range processor with 8GB of RAM should suffice.

However, if you’re into graphic design or video editing without any lags or delays, then opting for a high-performance CPU with 16GB or more RAM would be a wise decision.

To Conclude

In conclusion, picking a PC computer doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task.

By considering your specific needs first, doing thorough research, and if needed seeking expert advice, you can find the perfect PC computer that meets all your requirements.

Remember to prioritize factors such as processor speed, storage capacity, graphics capabilities, and expandability options. Take the time to compare different models and brands, and read customer reviews.  Different brands and models come with different features and qualities.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to make an informed decision when it comes to selecting the PC computer that is just right for you.