Need serious grunt? Get a desktop
Desktop computers have been around for 40 years, but why have they survived, and what should you look for if you want to buy one, asks Blayne Slabbert.
As our tech lives become more focused on smartphones and tablets, it’s sometimes hard to understand how desktop computers have survived.
These big, sedentary machines go against modern tech trends where everything is small and mobile.
But desktop computers still have a place in many people’s digital lives despite the rise of powerful, ultra-portable laptops, and tablets, and smartphones that are as powerful as many computers.
Desktops are sought out by power users and gamers, but they’re also popular with families looking for an affordable computer.
Here’s why they’ve survived, and some tips if you’re looking to buy one.
Good value for your money
If you spend the same amount of money on a desktop as a laptop, the desktop would be more powerful.
The specifications will be similar but the desktop will have a more powerful processor and more storage.
The main reason is that it costs more to make parts small, so laptops are more expensive to make. This means you get more bang for your buck when buying a desktop.
Lots of power
Desktops are often also the best option for demanding users and gamers.
If you’re editing video, then you need lots of grunt. That means plenty of memory (RAM), a lot of storage and a powerful graphics processor.
These are expensive components that also generate a lot of heat, which means it’s hard to pack them into a laptop. Desktops have plenty of room so they’re easier to keep cool.
This is why gamers prefer them, despite there being lots of dedicated gaming laptops on the market.
Gamers need all the graphics and processing power they can get, and desktops do that best. The same applies to those who do a lot of photo or video editing, whether at home or at work
Cheaper to upgrade
There’s a whole industry dedicated to people who like to build or upgrade their desktops.
It’s not that hard to do and it can be relatively affordable to give your computer a performance boost. For example, replacing your old harddrive with a solid-state drive will make it run much faster.
If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself then there are plenty of computer shops around.
The same goes if you want a new display or more memory – two improvements that can be expensive if you own a laptop.
Also, if something goes wrong, desktops are cheaper to repair than laptops.
Family friendly
Another benefit of a desktop computer is that if it’s in the lounge or living area, it’s more familyfriendly.
That’s because teenagers won’t be skulking around on the internet if they’re using a computer where their parents are. It’s easier to keep an eye on what they are doing online than if they are in their room on a laptop.
It also makes being online or gaming a more social event rather than an individual activity.
What to look for
If you are considering buying a desktop computer then here are a few things to look for.
First, think about what you’ll use your computer for. If it’s for browsing online and using simple software, then you don’t need a high-end device. Only spend a lot if you really need it for video editing or gaming.
You then need to choose between a Windows computer, which are more affordable though the operating system is more clunky, or an Apple iMac, which is more expensive but easier to use.
Both have plenty of software that will allow you to do whatever you like, and many popular programs work on both platforms.
There are three components that determine how your computer will perform – the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage (hard drive).
If your needs are basic, then an Intel i3 Core processor, 4 to 8 gigabyte (GB) of RAM and 120 to 250GB of storage will be enough.
However, if you use your computer a lot and want it to run fast, then look at an i5 or i7 Core processor, at least 8GB of RAM and a solid-state drive (SSD) for storage.
SSDs are like memory sticks and have no moving parts, and are more reliable and faster than traditional hard drives (HDD).
It’s better to have a smaller SSD drive so your computer works faster day-to-day, and supplement it with portable hard drives than have a larger, slower HDD.
The other consideration is whether to get an all-in-one unit or one with a separate screen and tower.
All-in-one options are tidier (no cables) and often look better. However, you do lose the advantage of being able to easily upgrade as the computer components are often built into the screen.
Desktop computers have been around for more than 40 years but they’re still a valuable piece of technology that can suit most budgets and computing needs.