Gaming computer
Usually a player faces a serious dilemma – is it better to invest in a gaming computer or maybe in a console ? The question is no longer only about limited resources, but also about which equipment will cope better with the game requirements and environment, especially in the case of more demanding games. And more importantly, should the purchased equipment also be used for work ?
Computer vs Console
For many years a fierce battle between proponents of gaming computers and those of consoles has been taking place. There are many differences between those devices and solutions they bring with them. The basic one is that PC games are cheaper than those produced for consoles, they do not require a subscription and offer many possibilities. In turn, consoles have greater stability of the operation of games, as they are more simple and provide a better comfort in use.
Another undoubted difference between the PC and console is the price. Currently, consoles can be purchased for one, essentially fixed price. On the contrary, the cost of buying a desktop computer that should be used for gaming ranges from several hundred to even several thousand zlotys. Generally a decent desktop PC can be purchaced at a price of a console, but the cost of a mouse, a keyboard and a monitor need still to be added to the final price of a gaming device. On the other hand, in the case of a console, one needs to remember of an appropraite TV that will not have problems with “keeping up” with the new generation of games.
What to look for when buying a desktop gaming computer?
1. Motherboard
When choosing the motherboard, you need to pay attention which processor can be mount on it. The size standard (mini atx / atx / extended atx) is of an importance as well, as it determines the capabilities of slots. The right amount of RAM and hard disk space is equally important. The AsRock AB350M-HDV motherboard is recommended. It has a solid power section, two slots for memory chips, the Micro AXT standard, and it is based on the B350 chipset.
2. Processor
Users who seriously consider ganes should choose a minimum 4-core processor. The clock frequency is also important – the higher it is, the more efficient the processor is. In addition, one shoud pay attention to the equipment markings. The OC, X or K symbols indicate the possibility of subsequent overclocking and upgrading of the equipment. The most suggested type of processor is AMD Ryzen 3 2200G with 3.5 GHz clock frequency. This processor has an unlocked multiplier and the integrated graphics Radeon Veha 8. Equally good choice is AMD Ryzen 5 1400 3.2 GHz, also 4-core.
3. Graphics card
Undoubtedly, the most important characteristics of the graphics card is GPU timing, and the higher it is, the better. At this point, it is worth remembering that for example the most popular Nvida or AMD create a subassemblies based on a different architecture. For this reason, they should not be combined in a 1: 1 ratio.
The most effective choice will therefore be the Gigabyte RX 560 OC 4GB GDDR5 card. This card offers GPU clocking at 1176 MHz (in the boost mode up to 1199 MHz). In addition, it is fan-cooled and provides CrossFireX support, which is important for future investments. Somehow more expensive, but at the same time also more efficient, option that offers better gaming results is the MSI Radeon RX 570 Armor 4GB OC graphics card.
4. RAM memory and hard disk
For gming PC, the absolute minimum is 8 GB of RAM, two 4GB dice in DDR4 technology. Given these parameters, GoodRam DDR4 8 GB works best. Equally important is choosing the right disk, necessarily SSD . In case of a limited budget, the best suggestion is SSD ADATA SU800 256 GB. However, if the amount of the disk space and not the performance is the key issue, you should go for the Toshiba P300 HDD, because it is characterized by a capacity of 1 TB and a rotation speed of 7200 rpm.
5. Power supply and housing
In order to complete your gaming equipment, you need a 400W power supply. However, if you prefer better quality and stability in operation, over aesthetic aspects, it is recommended to invest in Logic Concept K3. This is a Midi Tower housing that fits all necessary components. The low price, up to PLN 100, and the existence of a built-in fan with a diameter of 12 mm are of advantege in this case.
Office computer
Although laptops are currently the most popular type of computer for work, many lovers of classic PCs consider desktop computers to be definitely a better option. This is mainly due to the parameters and the price, especially in the case of computers designed to work with multimedia – photo and video processing.
Multimedia – what computer to work with?
Regardless of how extensive our laptop is, nothing can replace work on desktop computers. When more computing power is needed, desktop devices show much better performance than the portable ones.
Photo and video processing is technically a very demanding job for computers. In addition, if the movie is prepared in high definition, with a lot of transitions and effects, its rendering can easily take up to several hours. Investing in equipment that will significantly reduce this time is advisable in such a case.
What to look out for in such a situation ? First of all, the most important is the appropriate amount of DDR4 RAM, which should be at least 16 GB. Equally important is an efficient processor. It is recommended to choose at least an Intel Core i5 processor, preferably 8th generation or newer, or a AMD Ryzen 5. It is known that the better the processor, the more effective the results. Therefore, Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 will definitely be a better solution, which in many cases perform incomparably better than Intel.
However, this is not all ! Another very important step when assembling a desktop computer for work is the selection of a suitable graphics card, which is not at all an element designed only for computer players, as one might think. Today’s movie and graphics-processin gprograms are constructed in such a way that they use the full computing power of processors. A properly dedicated graphics card can reduce the rendering time of multimedia to a minimum. Therefore, a graphics card from the GeForce GTX 1660 Ti series is the absolute minimum.
It is also worth investing in a fast disk. It is currently recommended to purchase a SSD with a minimum capacity of 240 GB, although the best solution is 480 GB or a large HDD drive of at least 1 TB. One should not forget about a good monitor that will reproduce colors accurately. This plays a key role when one works with graphics.
Office work – what kind of computer to choose ?
The situation is completely different when choosing a computer for office work. This is because the requirements will not be as high in this case as when working on multimedia. Every computer will be able to handle the web browser, Office suite or spreadsheets, and investing in equipment that is more advanced in terms of parameters will be just an unnecessary cost.
What to look for when choosing a computer for office work ? The processor is the foundation. Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 is the minimum as far as the computing power is concerned. Moreover, there should be not less than 4GB of RAM, although nowadays, without doubt, the RAM of 8GB is more efficient. The hard disk is an equally important element to pay attention to. Necessarily it shouldbe an SSD one. The minimum recommended capacity is 240 GB. A disk of this size can easily accommodate the operating system and the most necessary programs. One can also buy an HHD disk for storing files. However, when it comes to graphic aspects, there is no need to invest in graphic cards for office work. It is worth, however, to get two Full HD monitors, as it can significantly improve daily work.
Office laptop
In times when technologies develop dynamically, it is difficult to imagine doing business without computers. However, laptops are increasingly being chosen for work, mainly due to their portable nature. You can take such device with you wherever you go – to home, to a meeting or on a business trip.
The office is seemingly the least demanding place when it comes to equipment, but in practice it turns out that even working on several documents at the same time or using the Internet browser can give a significant load to the laptop. Therefore, it is worth ensuring comfort of work by choosing devices that meet the user’s expectations.
What to look for when choosing a laptop for the office?
1. Processor
The processor in the laptop that is used for office-work is primarily to cope with the smooth operation of the Office suite, web browser or email. However, it is not worth overpaying and buy equipment with too high properties. The Intel Core 5 dual-core processor is the minimum for comfortable work. The quad-core model will be suitable for more demanding users.
2. RAM memory
This is one of those elements of the computer that has a key impact on its efficient operation. It turns out to be particularly important when the user works on a large files or spreadsheets, on several documents or has several tabs open in the browser. The larger the RAM, the better. The absolute standard is currently 4 GB of RAM. In case the user wants an even smoother operation, it is worth investing in a computer with min. 8 GB of RAM.
3. Graphics card
In a situation where the computer is to be used only for office work, the graphics card is the element to which you do not need to pay any special attention. The option which is integrated in the given equipment should normally be sufficient.
4. Hard disk drive
Currently, the best and at the same time the most valuable type of a hard disk is SSD, Even an older computer can be given a second life when given such a disk. Of course, this does not mean that for office work you should immediately buy a computer equipped with the most expensive SSD. The most efficient solution will be a laptop with a SSD disk of 120 GB capacity for the operating system and programs and about 500 GB to 1 TB for data.
5. Screen
When thinking about buying a laptop for office work, you don’t have to focus on choosing the one with the best display. On the other hand, it is important that work in front of the monitor is not tiring, so the optimal solution will be a screen with a minimum resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, but definitely the best will be a laptop with a Full HD screen. However, when it comes to size, it all depends on the user’s needs and the intended purpose of the equipment. If the device should be used mainly stationary in the office, a 15.6-inch screen is enough, if the computer will be taken on a trip, it is better to invest in a smaller, 13.3-inch or even 12.5-inch, monitor.
6. Connectors
Currently, most laptops already have a sufficient number of USB connectors, so those built-in equipment is enough. As a last resort, you can buy a USB Hub that will solve any problem with too few ports.