Best Computer Brands

Purpose

When choosing a computer, the first thing you should consider is how you’re going to use it. Workstations, portable computers, high-performance gaming machines and casual entertainment systems all fulfill different needs.

• Workstations: Desktops or laptops designed for basic functions can serve as workstations for businesses. If you’re buying a workstation computer, make sure it can run all the required applications to perform your job.
• Home offices: Like workstations, home offices can often run on basic systems, depending on the applications your work requires.
• Entertainment centers: If you’re looking for a computer to serve as an entertainment center, you’ll want a machine capable of high definition graphics and visuals. If your entertainment goals include gaming, you’ll want a powerful machine to keep up with the graphical demands of modern games, often requiring more advanced video cards, power supplies and even cooling systems to prevent overheating.
• Creative studios: If you’re planning to use a host of creative suites for photography, video or sound editing, you’ll want a computer capable of producing high definition visuals and running complicated editing software. Creative suite software often requires faster processors, more memory and more advanced video and sound cards to run effectively.

Power

Once you know what you plan on using your machine for, you can begin thinking about components, the first of which should be how much power you need.

• Processor: The processor, or central processing unit (CPU), is the workhorse of the computer. When choosing a processor, you will likely have a choice between Intel and AMD chipsets, though each manufacturer has various individual models characterized by the number of core chips each CPU has. Each core is essentially a small processor, and the more cores a CPU has, the easier time your computer will have running multiple processes at once. Single-core processors (1.8GHz) should run most basic programs. Dual-core processors (3.4GHz) work more taxing editing and gaming programs. Quad-core processors (3.2-3.5GHz) are best for high-end programs. If you want to ensure your computer’s longevity, it’s generally a good idea to spend more on the processor than other components because the processor is the most expensive piece to upgrade.
• RAM: Random-access memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage that keeps small pieces of application data available for quicker access. Not to be confused with hard drive that stores the large amounts of local data, RAM essentially allows the computer to run faster by allowing the computer to keep applications readily accessible. Many computers will start with at least 4GB of RAM, but it is usually worth the investment to purchase 8GB to keep your computer running smoothly. Programs that require more power, like games or video software, will benefit from having more RAM, up to 16GB or more.
• Power supply: An often overlooked component, the power supply unit (PSU) provides the electrical energy to the motherboard and all the components. More powerful components require PSUs with greater wattage. PSU wattage runs from 400-600W for low-end models, 600-800W for mid-tier models, 800-1000W for high-end models and 1000W or greater for deluxe models. Basic programs can work with low-end PSUs, but computers built for performance will require PSUs capable of providing more power.

Other components

Power is only one aspect to look for in a computer. Other options to consider are storage space, video capabilities, sound fidelity and cooling options.

• Hard drive: The hard drive stores the computer’s program and operating system data and any files you may have. Basic computer models start with 500-800GB of hard drive space, but for high-performance computers for gaming or multimedia software, you’ll want to upgrade to a hard drive that can store up to 1-3 Terabytes or more of data. There are also cloud storage and external hard drive options that work with most computers.
• Video card: If you plan on using your computer for watching high definition video or gaming, you will want to invest in a powerful video card, maybe even two for dual monitors. Video cards contain chipsets and memory dedicated solely to video, rendering your computer capable of producing images at greater speed and clarity. In purchasing a PC built for performance, you’ll want to look at some more powerful video cards than those that come standard on the motherboard.
• Sound card: Sound cards are slotted into the motherboard and allow the use of audio components. If you plan on hooking up high-quality speakers, microphones, mixers or other sound equipment, you will want a good sound card.
• Cooling: Computers running one or more high-end video cards, massive power supplies and quad core processors can overheat quickly, which causes parts to wear out more quickly or could immediately damage the machine. Buying a computer case with vents can help keep the system cool, but liquid cooling systems, fans and heatsinks can keep your computer system from overheating and burning out.

Expandability

Technology changes so fast that new computers come out at a steady rate. To safeguard against obsolescence, you may want to choose a computer that can be upgraded. Expandability options are far more limited on laptops than tower PCs.

• Motherboard: The motherboard is a computer board that hosts all the other pieces of hardware (sound card, processor, video card, RAM). Much of the hardware you upgrade in the computer depend on the motherboard that hosts them. Some video cards, for instance, work better with certain motherboards, so you must research your motherboard to make sure it’s capable of incremental upgrades.
• Computer case: As a rule of thumb, the more spacious the computer case, the more easily it can be upgraded. Choosing the right computer case for upgrades means thinking ahead to fitting it with new motherboards as they become available. This decision is more important if you’re thinking of using your computer for an entertainment or gaming machine.
• Modular computers: A few computers can be upgraded simply by connecting various modules together. With a modular computer, you can start out with a functional base and then add sound cards or DVD and Blu-ray drives as you decide to expand. The individual components that make up these modules, however, can’t be changed, so upgrades are limited.

Space

Computers and computer systems can take up a lot of space in your house or office. Some desktop models are designed to save space while other, high-end systems require a bit more real estate.

• Compact systems: Some basic computers come in space-saving towers that keep components in a smaller case. These machines don’t take up much space, but upgrading them can be more difficult.
• All-in-one PCs: PCs that combine the monitor with the computer components can help save space as well. It will, however, be very difficult, if not impossible, to upgrade.
• Notebooks and tablets: Laptop and tablet computers are the most compact and portable computers on the market. Power varies across brands and models, but they may provide the best option for the computer user with limited space options or who need to use their computer in multiple places.
• Entertainment centers: Using your PC for an entertainment hub will often require a good bit of space, especially if your plans include gaming and VR capabilities. Computers capable of high-power video and audio are often housed in larger cases to fit all the necessary components.

Price

Once you have decided on the components you want for your computer, the final step is finding a build at the right price. Monitoring sales, considering bundles or building your own are all options to consider when you start hunting for a good deal.

• Sales: Online and in-store retailers often have regular rotating sales for their stock of computers. These should be closely monitored if your needs are not immediate and you have the patience to wait for the right deal.
• System deals: Sometimes bundling a computer with a monitor or a number of other components can net you a good deal if you need all of those components. If you need a monitor anyway, look for a good deal that combines both it and the computer to save some money.
• Building vs. buying: If you know you’re going to need a computer with a lot of power, one way to save money may be choosing to build the computer yourself. You can purchase individual components like a case, a motherboard, RAM, a hard drive and more to put the machine together. If you know the parts you want, you may be able to build a machine cheaper than buying a pre-built system.

Basic desktops

Desktops, or towers, are the basic type of PC most people think of when they consider computers. These are the standard box PCs that require a monitor, keyboard and mouse to use.

All-in-one computers

Computers that combine a display with the CPU are all-in-one devices that keep clutter and cord management to a minimum.

Upgradeable

Consumers who like to customize their computers will want to look into upgradeable PCs. These types of computers are outfitted with as few on-board features (video cards, sound cards, processors etc.) as possible in order to upgrade them with new hardware as it becomes available.

Custom builds

Consumers who know precisely what they want can often purchase custom builds from different computer brands. Consumers can also purchase a computer in pieces, buying a case and hardware separately and putting it together. However, consumers should always make sure their hardware is compatible.

Gaming computers

Gaming computers focus on performance to power high-end graphic cards and to run the latest games.

Laptops

Laptops, also called notebooks, are portable laptop computers that fold up for easy transportation. 2-in-1 laptops are foldable computers that can function as either a laptop or a tablet computer.

Chromebooks

Chromebooks are laptops that run a Linux-based Chrome operating system. They are designed to be connected to the Internet at all times to run their applications, and they store most of their data in the cloud.

Tablets

Tablet computers are single-screen mobile computer with a touchscreen display. They are designed for maximum portability to perform basic functions on the go.

Families

Computers have become as common a family device as a television. Having one or more computers can help with the numerous needs of a modern family.

Businesses

In the digital age, businesses would have a hard time running effectively without computers. Some computer companies even offer discounts to businesses buying employee computers in bulk.

Gamers

Modern video games require a lot of power, and some computer brands have models dedicated to performance and high-powered gaming solutions.

Remote workers

Most people who work in business settings require computers, and this is especially true for remote workers. Employees working remotely can use their computers to keep in contact with their office.

Photographers, musicians and video content creators

Computers, laptops and tablets have the storage space for many programs required for photo, music and video editing software. The right computer can serve as an entire artist studio.

Students and teachers

For research, writing and classroom applications, computers are becoming one of the most important educational tools available to students and teachers.