What Specs Do You Need In A New Computer!?

CPUs:

Both Intel and AMD employ a numbering system to classify their CPU models based on their respective performance.

AMD Ryzen Series:

• Ryzen 3: Entry-level processors suitable for basic tasks.
• Ryzen 5: Mid-range CPUs with good performance for multitasking and light gaming.
• Ryzen 7: High-performance processors designed for demanding tasks, including content creation and gaming.
• Ryzen 9: Top-tier CPUs for power users, professionals, and enthusiasts.

Intel Core Series:

• i3: Entry-level processors for everyday computing needs.
• i5: Mid-range CPUs offering a balance of performance and affordability.
• i7: High-performance processors suitable for gaming, content creation, and productivity.
• i9: Premium CPUs with exceptional performance for intensive workloads.

Higher model numbers generally indicate better performance, but it’s essential to consider other factors like clock speed, cache size, and core count. We usually recommend CPUs be 2Ghz or higher.

Hard Drive(s):

In this day in age, we are already a few generations deep into SSD generations and have a few "types" to choose from. But first, let's break down the difference between traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and Solid State Disks (SSDs).

SSDs vs. HDDs:
SSDs use flash memory to store data, while HDDs rely on magnetically charged plates and mechanical moving parts.

Advantages of SSDs:

• Speed: SSDs load data faster than HDDs due to their lack of moving parts.
• Durability: SSDs are less likely to break since they don’t have mechanical components.
• Quiet Operation: SSDs operate silently, unlike HDDs and can generate noise.

Advantages of HDDs:

• Cost: HDDs are cheaper per gigabyte compared to SSDs.
• Storage Capacity: HDDs offer more storage space.

Types of Solid State Drives:

• NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) drives are faster than SATA SSD drives.
• NVMe drives use the PCIe interface, while SATA drives use the older SATA interface.
• Speed Comparison:
• NVMe PCIe 3.0: Up to 3,500MB/s (sequential read/write).
• NVMe PCIe 4.0: Up to 7,500MB/s.
• SATA SSDs: Typically up to 500MB/s.

SSD Storage Size Recommendations:

• Budget Users: A 256GB SSD is sufficient for basic tasks.
• General Users: Consider a 1TB SSD for a balance of performance and capacity.
• High Storage Needs: Opt for a 2TB or larger SSD.
• If you need 4+ Terabytes of storage, traditional hard drives can get up to 10+TB in size!
• We recommend using a 7200RPM Standard HDD for general storage use.
• Due to their higher storage sizes.

Remember: Always check the technical specs to determine the approximate speed of your storage drive, especially when buying a pre-built system. But the better the SSD, the better your system will perform; noticeably!

RAM:

Last but not least, the Random Access Memory aka RAM. When it comes to RAM, there are different generations available, each with its own characteristics. Let’s break down the differences between DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5:

• DDR3:
• Older Generation: DDR3 was widely used in systems from around 2007 to 2015.
• Speed and Performance: It has lower data transfer rates compared to DDR4 and DDR5.
• Compatibility: Not recommended for new systems due to its outdated technology.
• Capacity: Typically available in capacities up to 16GB per module.
• DDR4:
• Mainstream Standard: DDR4 became the standard from around 2015 onwards.
• Performance: Faster than DDR3, with higher data rates and improved efficiency.
• Compatibility: Suitable for most modern systems.
• Capacity: Available in capacities up to 128GB per module.
• Recommendation: 
• DDR4 is recommended for most users due to its balance of performance and availability.
• DDR5:
• Newest Generation: DDR5 is the latest RAM technology.
• Performance Leap: Offers higher bandwidth and faster data rates than DDR4.
• Availability: Still relatively new, but becoming more common.
• Capacity: Can potentially reach up to 2TB per module (for servers).
• Recommendation: 
• If your system supports DDR5, it’s worth considering for future-proofing and performance gains.

Regarding RAM Capacity:

• 16GB is usually sufficient for general usage, including web browsing, office work, and light gaming.
• 32GB or more is beneficial for heavy multitasking, content creation (video editing, 3D design), and running demanding applications simultaneously.

You can get 32GB, 64GB, and even 128GB of RAM for a computer nowadays! But unless you are using software that can utilize those kinds of RAM sizes, you are likely just wasting your money.
I personally run 32GB's in my own personal system. But I play a lot of games, I also do 3D CAD design work, 3D printing work, video and photo editing, and also do some pretty heavy-duty (and consistent) office work. So I can fully utilize that amount of RAM when I am putting my system under a HEAVY load. 

RAM requirements are ultimately based on individual needs and usage patterns. Consider your specific workload and budget when choosing the right RAM for your system!

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Typical Recommended Specs for a General Use PC (No gaming, etc):

• Intel i5 CPU, or AMD Ryzen 5 or higher CPU - 2Ghz or more
• 1TB (1000GB) SSD; NVMe if possible
• 16GB RAM DDR4

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Things to Consider ~ Buying a Laptop:

• What size of screen?
• We almost always go with 15.6" as the golden standard.
• You can however get screens as small as 13", and as large as 17".
• Do you need your keyboard with a 10-key number pad?
• Do you need a CD/DVD drive?
• Does the system have the USB connectivity that you need?
• Newer computers will have both USB-C and USB-A ports.
• Make sure the system has enough ports, or make sure to get a USB hub.
• Some laptops can come with backlit keyboards to assist with using the system at night which some users look for and prefer having.
• Do you want a touch/non-touchscreen?
• Tip: Touchscreen replacement is more expensive than non-touch.
• Does the system have the connectivity that you need?
• USB Ports (as previously mentioned)
• Video output such as HDMI or DisplayPort.
• Ethernet Port
• SD Card/Media Card Reader
• Do you need a WebCam?
• It's far and few between, but some laptops will not have a webcam.
• Do you need a Finger Printer reader or any other type of special security/encryption technology?
• The system will come with Wifi, but does it also have Bluetooth?

Things to Consider ~ Buying a Desktop:

• Do you need a CD/DVD drive?
• Will the computer have enough and the correct USB ports?
• Newer computers will have both USB-C and USB-A ports.
• Make sure the system has enough ports, or make sure to get a USB hub.
• Does the system have a video output that will match your monitor? Or do you need to get a newer monitor or a new cable that will connect the two together correctly?
• Does the system need to have Wifi to be able to connect to the local network/internet?
• Does the system need to have Bluetooth?

Jon Pienkowski

Pacific NW Computers

www.linktr.ee/pnwcomputers