what to know
- A 1.3 GHz processor and 2 to 4 GB of RAM are enough to use the Internet and watch Blu-ray movies.
- For CPU-intensive games, a 3.5 GHz processor and at least 8 GB of RAM is recommended.
- Check the individual RAM, processor and internet speed requirements of the program you want to use.
The processor speed you need depends on how you plan to use your computer. Most computers aren't powerful enough for the average user, so unless you play a lot of CPU-intensive online games, you can probably get away with an affordable desktop computer or a budget laptop.
Processor (CPU) and RAM are the two most important components to consider when evaluating your computer's speed. RAM is usually measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB), while processing speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
The day-to-day tasks most users perform are very minimally hardware intensive, so the lowest-end processors in newer computers are fast enough. For example, 2 to 4 GB of RAM and a 1.3 GHz Intel Core i3 processor are more than adequate for browsing the web, watching Blu-ray movies, and basic productivity tasks.
Most people only use computers for Internet-related things, such as sending emails, browsing the web, checking social media networks, and streaming content. While such tasks may be limited by the speed of your Internet connection, they are not limited by processing power.
Creating documents, editing spreadsheets, and creating presentations for school or work all fall under the category of productivity. With web-based tools like Google Docs, you can write and edit documents without running software.
Many people use their computers to watch movies or listen to music that is stored on physical media (CDs or DVDs) or in local digital files (MP3 audio files, MPEG video, etc.). Even with HD video, computer hardware (CPU, HDD, and RAM) is optimized to handle various standards, so watching 1080p HD video requires very little computing power.
If your computer has a Blu-ray drive, you'll have no problem watching Blu-ray movies; however, picture quality is limited by the screen resolution.
If you plan to use your computer for any of the following purposes, speed should be a factor in your decision:
- video editing
- 3D animation
- CAD software
- gamble
Before buying a PC, check the individual RAM and processor requirements of the programs you want to use.
You should also test your internet speed to make sure it meets the minimum requirements for online tasks like streaming videos and playing online games.
Video editing requires a computer to count individual frames one by one and then stitch them together with the audio track. This is something that low-end computers can't do in a timely manner. With faster machines, you can see a live preview of your edits as you edit.
Building 3D models from polygons requires a lot of computing power, and rendering 3D models is even more laborious. That's why companies like Disney have tons of computers to create amazing animated movies.
Computer-aided design (CAD) is used to create blueprints for products and buildings. CAD is demanding as it requires various calculations involving physics and materials to ensure that the design will function when it is finally assembled. It may involve a lot of advanced mathematics involving calculus and scientific formulas to ensure accuracy.
All the 3D graphics, high-definition audio, and sophisticated artificial intelligence make PC gaming hardware intensive. If you're a hardcore gamer, you might want a computer designed specifically for gaming, with multiple monitors (such as an Ultra High Definition (4k) monitor) to get more screen real estate. A system with at least 8 GB of RAM and a 3.5 GHz processor is sufficient for most video games.
Check the graphics hardware requirements for individual games to make sure your computer can play them.
Chromebooks are a popular alternative to PCs due to their low price and portability. These systems have fewer features and less storage space than traditional computers.
Chromebooks are primarily designed for Internet connections, so they don't support the same programs on Windows or Mac devices. So, since the operating system is limited, you don't need to worry about RAM and processing speed when buying a Chromebook.
Chromebooks also have limited upgrade potential. While it's possible to add more RAM or upgrade the CPU on a desktop computer, Chromebooks don't offer this flexibility.
