What To Consider When Purchasing a Desktop Computer

One of the biggest pull factors for a desktop is the value-for-money quality.

10:45 25 October 2021

As technology evolves and the age of mobile devices continues to reign stronger than ever, one would wonder about the future of desktop computers. Yet, unbeknownst to many, there are many advantages to purchasing a desktop computer over its mobile competitors (i.e. laptops and tablets), especially if you are looking for an economical option that is both simple to upgrade and customizable to your demands. If you’re on the lookout for a new desktop, take note of the following key factors to consider when shopping before settling. Here’s our take on purchasing the best desktops when you browse through your favorite online computer shops.

 

Budget Planning

One of the biggest pull factors for a desktop is the value-for-money quality. With the average price you pay for a laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor, you could easily find a desktop with a faster processor. Why purchase a $700 laptop with an Intel Core i5 processor, when you can get a $700 desktop with a better Core i7 CPU? 

 

Even the most minimal desktops on the market can run a basic workload for no more than $300, while slightly better systems are priced between an affordable range of $300 to $600. Desktops specially built for gaming programs with quality graphic cards are available from $500 and classic all-in-one set-ups begin at $400. 

 

Finally, at the top of the tier are business desktops that are valued at a few thousand dollars. Before discarding the idea of getting a business desktop, be informed that not only are you paying for the supreme computing power, long lifespan, and the endless possibilities of customization, but also for the well-prepared customer service, support, and warranty from the brands that make these computers. 

 

Choosing An Operating System

Microsoft’s Windows 10 is their most up-to-date operating system (OS) in the market, and users can be guaranteed its compatibility with a vast selection of external programs. Desktops equipped with the latest OS can easily be attained even with a budget of $500, making it wallet-friendly.

Apple products, on the other hand, tend to be pricer. However, they would be a good choice if you are an existing user of Apple products as their seamless connectivity and compatibility across their devices would prove to be very convenient. 

 

A less commonly explored option, Google’s Chrome OS, Chromeboxes, is more suitable for specific functions like operating a digital menu display, and an unorthodox alternative would be to purchase a desktop unequipped with an OS, then install one on your own if you’re a tech expert. 

 

Desktop Form Factors

Computers running either one of the two most highly-demanded OS, Macs, and Windows, are commonly available in three different form factors, small, medium, and large. For users who like to go light and only execute light workload on a day-to-day basis, a mini PC would be the ideal choice. Wallet-friendly and reasonably powerful, these computers are good enough for a regular workload but do not have the capacity for upgrades. 

 

Classic medium-sized desktops give more workable areas in this aspect as they have a decent amount of space for additional enhancements. 

 

Meanwhile, the all-in-one (AIO) computer is on a whole different tier altogether. With built-in displays, touch screens, and quality resolutions, the AIO desktop helps to save space in exchange for the opportunity to upgrade and is best used for watching movies.

 

Processing Power

Desktop-grade processors and laptop-grade processors often differ greatly in performance with the former outdoing the latter by leaps and bounds. Desktops are more power-consuming and heat-generating than laptops which are purposefully adapted to generate less heat and power. Furthermore, the higher the processing power, the more likely it is to require cooling systems which would take up a lot of space in the CPU.

 

While the Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor should suffice, regular users could also opt for the Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 which are slightly more powerful. Anything beyond that is almost unnecessary unless you are a hardcore gamer, or your daily workload requires a lot of heavy processing.

 

Graphics Card

Laptops and light-weight desktops use integrated graphics processors (IGP) which are generally good enough for most user activity from surfing the net to streaming media. However, heavy-processing games, design, or video renderings could benefit more from an actual graphics card instead of an IGP as it is an external processing unit apart from the CPU.

 

Storage and Memory Space

500GB and 512GB Solid-State Drives (SSD) are often sufficient for regular use, but 250GB and 256GB SSD are also popular choices for users who might require more local storage space. While the computer’s SSD is where information is kept, the Random-Access Memory (RAM) of the computer is what determines the loading capacity of the processor to multitask. Again, if you don’t intend to use the computer for heavy-processing applications and activities while multitasking between applications, 8GB or 16GB worth of space is more than plenty. 

 

Connectivity Demands

Bigger PCs mostly carry more variety of ports to enable a complete link up with all the relevant output devices. On top of keeping a lookout on the type of connection the computer supports (i.e. lightning, USB, HDMI, and so on), you should also consider the position of the ports and how accessible they are. 

 

Time and Place

There is no perfect season to purchase a desktop. Sure, there may be annual slash sales and tech exhibitions where you could snag a good bargain for your loot, but it’s not every day you find something that fits your needs. As long as you think you’ve found the one, bag it home. 

 

When sourcing a new computer, consider the location of the shop you are going to purchase it from, for the shorter the distance traveled, the lower the risk of damaging it on the way home. It is also less of a hassle if you need to bring the desktop back to the shop if there are any issues. Of course, this convenience would come in exchange for potentially greater options in the market as it limits you to the nearby stores. 

 

Warranty

Desktop manufacturers usually grant a one-year warranty on their products, and sometimes warranty extensions for up to five years can be issued with extra cost. 

 

Second-Hand Options

New gadgets are certainly exciting, but the option of getting refurbished computers instead can also bring good value for money. Often priced between $150 to $250, second-hand desktops are affordable picks for users who are looking for medium-sized computers that may not have the latest OS but are still able to process a decent workload. 

 

Conclusion

Well-equipped with all the key pointers and notes on what to look out for, you’re now prepared to go shop for your new desktop!