What computer is best for me?

When our customers ask us to quote for a new computer, we usually ask then, “What do you want to use it for?”

If they only want a computer for office work and Internet, then a budget computer with an Intel i3 CPU, 4 Gb of RAM and a 1 Tb hard disk drive will do fine.

However, if they want to do some photo and video editing, then things start to get a little more complicated.

One of the differences between an Intel i3 CPU and its big brother i5 and i7 CPUs is the number of cores. An i3 CPU is dual core. The i5 and i7 are quad core. In simple terms, the difference is the ability to multi-task.

For most photo and video editing an Intel i5 CPU with 8 Gb of RAM will do fine. If you want to speed things up a bit and you can afford the extra bucks, then an i7 CPU with 16 Gb of RAM is the way to go. You might also want to add a video card to the mix.

A 2 Tb hard disc drive will provide plenty of storage space.

A Solid-State Drive (SSD) will also speed things up, especially when first booting the computer.

For gaming, the sky is the limit. A computer with an i5 CPU will run many games, but if you want serious performance, then an i7 CPU is the way to go. A video card is essential – the best you can afford. At least 16 Gb of RAM

Finally, which is better, a computer with an Intel CPU or an AMD CPU? Both are good. AMD is often a little cheaper. Intel is the market leader. The average user probably won’t notice any difference between them in the user experience.

In summary, for most ordinary computer users, a desktop or laptop with an i3 CPU and 4 Gb RAM will serve their needs well. For a bit of extra speed, choose an i5 CPU. An SSD will significantly speed up the loading of any software,

For more advice and a quotation for your next computer, call Paul on 0417 34 28 54.