So you’re buying a new computer? You’re probably asking yourself, “what specs should i look for in a computer?”  To a non-technical person buying a new computer can be an overwhelming experience. What do all the numbers and specifications mean? Can I rely on the sales person? I imagine buying a new computer for most people is like buying a car for me. I’m worried I’m gonna get ripped off by some salesperson that I can’t trust who is just worried about their commission.

Hopefully I can help guide you in the right direction by telling you the specs you should look for in a new computer.

What specs should i look for in a computer? Here are some guidelines to look for:

Processor: Intel: i3, i5, i7 (in order of performance – i7 is fastest). AMD: Athlon II X2, Athlon II X4, Phenom II X6, Phenom II X4, FX. Intel processors are generally faster and more energy efficient than AMD.
RAM: Minimum 4 GB (gigabytes). I’d shoot for 8GB or more.
Hard Drive: At least 250GB unless you can get a Hybrid drive or SSD (Solid State Drive) which are MUCH Faster. Its okay to sacrifice space for speed. Hard drives are the speed bottleneck in a computer.
Operating System: Windows 7 64-bit or x64 – same thing. Make sure it’s NOT Windows 8 or Windows 7 32-bit. 32-bit is for older computers and Windows 8 has been a big FAIL. Windows 7 is a solid operating system that is easy to use and will be around for years.

So what do these specs mean?

• The processor is like the engine of your computer. You want something that can power all the intensive applications of today. I’d recommend at least the i5 processor, i7 is better, and always at least a quad core.
• RAM, or “random access memory” is like your computers “desk” or workspace. It is very fast memory. Your computer keeps things its using in RAM (like keeping everything out in front of you on your desk while working). If it doesn’t have enough RAM then its like having a small desk and having to put stuff on the floor next you. The computer WILL work with less RAM but will have to store stuff on the hard drive aka “the floor” (which is called “virtual memory” because its not real memory, real memory is RAM). Looking on the floor for stuff is slow. Get a large desk for your computer, that’s 8GB of RAM. 4GB, pronouced four gigabytes, is the minimum. If a computer has less then 4, skip it. Read More
• The Hard Drive is where your computer stores your stuff and its stuff. Its like your garage and closets. If you store lots of pictures, movies and music you’ll want a large hard drive. 500GB should be enough for most people. 1TB, pronounced one terabyte, is 1000GB.
• Operating System. I’m gonna keep this short and sweet… Get Windows 7 64-bit. It will keep you happiest. If you have no choice and MUST get Windows 8, get Start8. For $5 it will give you your Start menu back and make Windows 8 bearable.

Its worth mentioning the old adage.. “you get what you pay for.” Saving money now will typically cost you more later. For example, purchasing that $300 laptop that’s on special at BestBuy will probably be costing you money in upgrades or a replacement later. The cheapest laptops and desktop are typically outfitted with the minimum requirements to run Windows, meaning they’ll be running slow very soon, if not immediately. You’re better off spending more on your initial purchase for a product that will last longer and give you a better daily experience. A responsive, snappy computer makes daily use enjoyable. Waiting for things to load makes daily use miserable.

When someone asks me “what specs should i look for in a computer?” I tell them this: “get a computer with an i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and send me the link so I can verify what your looking at is a good deal.” I typically charge $25-$75 for this service depending on the time spent. If I need to FIND the computer for someone I may charge the full amount but rest assured, my clients aren’t getting weaseled by a sales rep.
 
 

About Lambros Computer Solutions:

Lambros Computer Solution is a full service computer solution provider, headquartered in Lehigh Acres, FL, specializing in small business and home users. Their services offered include Fort Myers computer repair, PC repair, laptop repair, laptop screen replacements, data recovery, starter websites, website design, website hosting, hosted exchange, wireless setup, servers and networking. Lambros Computer Solutions operates with integrity, fairness, and a passion for helping people. For more information, call 239-303-4343.