STACK #247 May 2025

TECH FEATURE

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RAM Random Access Memory (RAM) is essentially your computer's short-term memory, and the higher the RAM, the better your PC will perform. 16GB of RAM is plenty for most PC use cases, although mileage may vary depending on what you want to use the PC for. Always check minimum requirements for any software you intend to use. GPU The Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) determines not only how your PC will handle games, but also other graphically-intensive programs. Someone using architectural software, for instance, will want a stronger GPU than someone who works with spreadsheets. The power of a GPU is a little harder to track just by looking at the numbers, so it's important to do some research. WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A DESKTOP PC continued

What else should I look out for?

emerging technologies mean that standards shift often. For a big recent game, the minimum specs will typically require at least 12-16GB of RAM and 100GB of space on the SSD. The graphics cards and CPU are more difficult

Check how many ports the unit has, especially USB – don’t assume it will have enough for what you need to connect. It's also worth knowing what grade of Wi-Fi the system supports. Your new Wi-Fi 6 modem might not be able to reach its full potential if the system doesn’t support Wi-Fi 6, for example. Generally speaking, the best way to buy a desktop PC is to determine what you need from it and work backwards. If you're looking for a desktop for WFH days that can browse the web and run Zoom calls and word processing, basically any all-in-one unit with the feature set you need will suffice. A desktop tower is a little less convenient, but the best choice if you need more power or an upgradeable system. Again, it really comes down to how you intend to use your desktop PC.

Display resolution For both an all-in-one and tower desktop PC, a good quality screen is a must. A Full HD 1080p display or monitor is generally more than adequate for web browsing and most everyday work. But If you're looking to use your PC for media or games, or art and design, it might be worth looking at a WQHD (Wide Quad High Definition), which delivers a bigger and sharper image than FHD, or a 4K (Ultra High Definition) panel for even more detailed visuals. What makes a desktop PC good for gaming? If you want a PC that will play the latest big games to a high standard, it's important to pay even closer attention to what you're buying. Games on a PC can be finicky, and new and

to quantify, but a good general rule is that a PC with 32GB of RAM or above is going to have everything necessary to run modern games to at least recommended specs. If there's a specific game you want to play, check its recommended specs before buying your PC and cross-reference them, but be aware that to really get the ultimate experience – to play new games with ray tracing turned on and uncapped frame rates – you'll need a hefty system, and the cost will be greater. A desktop tower will usually be better equipped to run games than an equivalently priced all-in-one. Being able to upgrade the system over time will make it much easier to keep up with new tech without needing to shell out for a whole new PC. Better still, if you’re a hardcore gamer with deep pockets, a dedicated gaming desktop with all the bells and whistles is the way to go.

48 MAY 2025

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