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AMD's disruptive Ryzen processors and Intel's supercharged 8th-gen Core CPUs have sparked a wave of interest in PC building, but some people still hesitate at the idea of crafting a custom PC. Don't! Building your own PC isn't some arcane art or esoteric skill that only the most hardcore of hardware geeks can pull off. In fact, assembling a DIY PC is pretty straightforward once you've settled on your parts list.

Rosewill 45 Piece Premium Computer Tool Kit RTK-045

Rolling your own computer offers a number of advantages that boxed desktops just can't match, even though inflated component prices have made DIY computers less of a deal these days. You still get granular control over every single aspect of the hardware. You still get to choose not only the nuts-and-bolts-level details like processing and graphical performance, but also deeply personal touches like the PC's case design and cooling capabilities. There's no need to settle for a boring black box, unless you want a boring black box.

Looking to build a hulking PC brimming with top-of-the-line hardware and closed-loop water-cooling? Go for it! (If you can convince your significant other to OK the expense, that is.) Or maybe you prefer a more well-balanced rig, or a delightfully small system with big gaming chops. When you're building your own computer, the choice is yours.
[ Further reading: The best SSDs ]

Brad Chacos

We built this PC with a liquid-cooled 8-core AMD Ryzen chip and Nvidia's powerful GeForce GTX 1080 Ti.

AMD Ryzen 7 1800X processor

Even better, when you're building your own PC you can shop around for the best price for each of your chosen components, rather than paying a single marked-up cost for the whole-hog system. AMD's new Ryzen processors have sparked a brutal price war in CPUs. DIYers can benefit from that! The superb PCPartPicker.com website makes comparison shopping dead simple. And when you're done building your PC and successfully power it up, it feels glorious -like you've truly accomplished something, rather than simply yanking a prebuilt tower out of a box.

Building a PC for the first time can be intimidating, though.

Even though PC assembly's fairly simple once you know what you're doing, staring at a giant pile of disparate parts and knowing you not only need to piece them together correctly but also wire them correctly afterwards is enough to bring a lump to a newbie PC builder's throat.

We're here to help.

Brad Chacos

Building a PC lets you opt for an SSD the size of a gum stick.

Corsair Hydro Series H100i v2

PCWorld has detailed installation guides-often with supplementary buying advice-for every major PC component you need. This comprehensive superguide explains how to build your PC from top to bottom, from case fans to CPU to cable management.

Need help installing a particular component? Here are links for each piece of hardware in your PC:

How to avoid common PC building mistakes -a must-read before you even buy your first part.
How to install or replace a case fan How to install a power supply in your computer How to install an Intel or AMD CPU in your PC How to install new memory in your PC How to replace your PC's motherboard How to install a graphics card How to install a hard drive in your PC
The ultimate guide to proper PC cable management -you want your PC looking nice and pretty, after all.

Even veteran PC builders stumble into trouble every now and again (though our guide to avoiding common PC building mistakes should help you avoid most of it). If your system won't start after it's all together, check out PCWorld's guide to troubleshooting your home-built PC. It's a few years old, but still very applicable today. And once everything's up and running, consider checking out these free programs that your new PC needs first. They all rock!

Then sit back, relax, and enjoy a cold beverage. You just built a PC with your own two hands. That wasn't so hard, was it?

Editor's note: This article was most recently updated to mention current components and the pricey state of today's DIY hardware market.

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AMD's disruptive Ryzen processors and Intel's supercharged 8th-gen Core CPUs have sparked a wave of interest in PC building, but some people still hesitate at the idea of crafting a custom PC. Don't! Building your own PC isn't some arcane art or esoteric skill that only the most hardcore of hardware geeks can pull off.

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Evertek.com - Wholesale Computer Parts, Wholesale Computers, Computer Distributors, Wholesale Electronics

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Evertek is the World's Largest Wholesale Computer Parts Specialist; Wholesale Computers, Computer Distributors, Wholesale Electronics, Computer Hardware Supplier, Wholesale Computer Parts...

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Building a computer used to be a complicated process, where careful selection of delicate parts was a necessity. When that collection of components finally booted for the first time, it was a triumphant experience. Knowing how to build a computer made you quite the tech-head.

Nowadays it's easier than ever, with clear standards of compatibility, obvious choices for performance and value, and an actual building process that's straightforward and well documented. That said, there are pitfalls to avoid and assumptions experienced builders make that newcomers won't know.

To help out new PC builders and experienced enthusiasts alike, we've compiled this handy step-by-step guide that will take you from a pile of parts to a working computer in just a couple of hours.

Getting started

This guide is all about putting your components together. If you haven't selected and purchased all the hardware you need, stop reading and go check out our PC build guide, which outlines recommended components for a variety of builds.

Have your parts? Good. Let's get started.

Before you dig in, ensure there's a clean workspace with plenty of room to open boxes and put parts together. Hopefully there's already a pile of them in front of you, but if not, our PC build guide can walk you through that process.

There are a couple of safety issues to discuss before we actually start ripping open those boxes.

You can feel it

There's an invisible risk when building a computer that can crush the most powerful system: Static electricity. The same force that lets you shock your friends when you wear wool socks can also fry components in a heartbeat. Fortunately, it's easy to all but eliminate with a few simple steps.

One easy solution is to purchase an anti-static wristband. One end wraps around your wrist, and the other clips somewhere on the computer case, keeping the wearer constantly grounded. Touching the case frequently with the PSU plugged in, but turned off, achieves the same effect.

Apart from that, it helps to build in a room with a bare floor - carpets generate a lot of static - and wear rubber-sole shoes rather than socks. Many components are packaged in anti-static bags, and it's a good idea to leave them there until just before installation.

Need help? Just ask

Building a PC for the first time can be a little tricky, but the good news is there are many resources to help. People who like building computers don't often get the opportunity. If you have an enthusiast friend, they may jump at the chance to help put it together.

This guide is meant as a general overview of the process, and the instructions your parts came with may vary from our suggestions. When they do, default to the included instructions, and use our guide as a road map for the whole project.

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Building your own PC is the best way to earn geek cred - here's how to do it

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Building a computer used to be a complicated process, where careful selection of delicate parts was a necessity. When that collection of components finally booted for the first time, it was a triumphant experience. Knowing how to build a computer made you quite the tech-head.

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Every business needs to routinely purchase computer hardware and software, from the smallest startup to the largest corporation. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration, but which should you prioritize when it comes time to make that buy?

The three most important factors to consider when purchasing computer hardware and software are:

Quality

Price

Service after the sale

Because these three points are all related, they should be considered together to ensure the best purchase.

Quality

The quality of a product is essentially its goodness or "badness." You can determine quality by asking yourself the following questions:

How well does this product meet my specific needs?

Does it have the features and functions I require?

How well is it made?

How long will it last?

Online reviews can help you answer these questions, especially those found on respected sites such as Newegg, which are authored by real men and women in the tech sphere who actually use the products they're reviewing.

The bottom line: Doing your research and reading reviews is an important component of gauging a product's quality. If a product has good reviews and comes from a respectable brand, you may be tempted to pull the trigger on your purchase. However, you also need to understand how the product will interact with the technology you already have in place. Getting a second opinion is an absolute must, whether it be from a managed services provider or another type of IT consultant.

Price

Everyone has a budget, but that doesn't mean buying cheap is necessarily the way to go. After all, if you purchase a product that breaks easily or doesn't fully meet your needs, you'll end up needing to replace it, thereby busting your budget.

The bottom line: Keep in mind that the actual cost of a product is only one part of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - the sum of all costs incurred over the product's useful life. In addition to the initial price, quality and service after the sale also impact TCO, reaffirming that buying based on the lowest available price alone is not a smart move.

Service after the sale

Quality and price are both important factors, but you need to consider them alongside service after the sale to get the full picture. Here are a few aspects you'd be wise to look into before purchasing:

Return policy: If the product isn't satisfactory, how much will it cost to return, including shipping costs and restocking fees? How much time will your staff waste dealing with a cumbersome return process? Will your operations be impacted by not having a working product in place? Since many IT purchase decisions are made to mitigate costly problems, the financial hits will likely continue until the issue is resolved, so it's best to avoid returns whenever possible. Most importantly, make sure you can return your purchase in the first place! Sometimes, products are final-sale - especially those that are very low-cost (i.e. used goods or items sold by cut-rate vendors).

Warranty: Warranties apply to the state of the product when you purchased it. If something is wrong with the product, the vendor will repair or replace it at no charge, as long as the warranty - or subsequent warranty extension - is in effect. Does the seller you're interested in offer a good warranty, or any warranty at all? Check reviews to make sure the company stands behind its warranty policy and is easy to reach when problems arise.

Service agreement: When you're dealing with IT hardware and software, you can expect ongoing improvements to be released and applied in the form of updates and new versions. These updates are made for a variety of reasons, including boosting general performance, introducing specific features and addressing recently discovered security vulnerabilities. Service agreements are essential for IT products that are critical to business functions because operational losses due to outdated hardware or software can be very costly.

The bottom line: Usually, the more complex an IT purchase is, the more service after the sale impacts TCO. If you're not careful, the cost of poor service can easily exceed the initial investment.

Combining the 3 factors to make a successful purchase

Many companies without experienced IT departments are often tempted to make price the driving factor in their IT purchase decisions. As a managed services provider with a wealth of experience in hardware and software, we urge companies to evaluate not just cost, but quality and service after the sale as well. And remember above all else, the best thing you can do when purchasing hardware and software is to get a second opinion from a competent IT provider.
The purpose of this blog is to answer the questions you ask! Whether interested in managed services or just needing more information around IT, we encourage you to contact us or check out our resources section. Visit our Budgeting for IT blog section for more tips and tricks around planning and purchasing for your IT needs!

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The 3 most important factors when purchasing computer hardware and software

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Every business needs to routinely purchase computer hardware and software, from the smallest startup to the largest corporation. There are a lot of elements to take into consideration, but which should you prioritize when it comes time to make that buy?

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If you are deciding between which device to get I would lean towards the laptop. They have the convenience of a tablet with the capabilities of a desktop computer. It really depends on what you would be using the device for though. Hopefully some of these articles can make that decision a bit simpler.

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My first choice is always Apple. I gravitate towards this brand due to growing up with it. Apple products are simple to use and other than having some applications that are unavailable I have never had a problem with them.

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Congratulations on your decision to buy a new laptop. Don't be overwhelmed by all of the choices there are for laptops. We help you breakdown the selection process to seven easy steps.

Step 1: Choose Your Screen Size

Laptops screen sizes generally fall into two main sizes: 15.6″ approximately or 17" and will use either LCDs, that use active matrix technology, or LEDs, that are brighter and have better contrast.

The larger screen will be more comfortable for daily use, but will make your laptop heavier and may drain the battery faster. Smaller, lighter laptops are great for frequent travel, or as a companion to your desktop model.

Weight will be crucial if you are toting your laptop around campus or through airports every day.
ComputerGeeks2Go recommends that you concentrate on size rather than worry about the type of display.
Step 2: Processors

With advances in processor power and power consumption, laptop processors are sometimes the same as their desktop cousins. It is not uncommon to find a quad-core laptops now-a-days. Mobile versions of some processors are still available on budget laptops and are cut-down versions of their desktop versions. These cut-down versions feature better battery life but it comes at the expense of some speed.
ComputerGeeks2Go recommends that you buy the best processor you can afford. The extra expense will pay for itself in your satisfaction with your new laptop and you'll avoid having to replace the machine every couple of years.
Step 3: Battery

This feature is often overlooked. Look for a machine with a longer battery time. It's not worth buying a budget laptop if you have to plug it in every hour!

Also, if you intend to be on the road or away from wall power, consider buying a second battery as backup.

Step 4: Wireless

Most of today's laptops come with some sort of wireless capability built into them. The more budget laptops will have wireless b/g built in. This will be fine for reading email at home or at your local coffee shop.

However, if you want to stream music or movies, consider looking for a laptop with wireless b/g/n built in. If your laptop doesn't come with built in Wi-Fi capability then don't despair. You can buy a USB Wi-Fi connector or a Wi-Fi card which will slide into the side of your laptop.
ComputerGeeks2Go recommends that if you experience poor Wi-Fi connections with the built in wireless then purchase an external card or connector as these offer superior range.
Step 5: Memory

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the working memory in your laptop. Just like a desktop, RAM is second biggest factor in system speed. As your computer operates, it uses RAM to process programs and information. If you start to fill up available memory the computer will automatically move the less used parts of memory to your hard drive. This is called paging.

Paging is very slow so it's better to have more memory to reduce or eliminate paging. The more memory you have, the faster you will be able to load, print, and download your files.
Modern operating systems can use nearly 2 Gigabytes (GB) of RAM before doing anything else. To play games or surf the Internet you'll want to start with at least 4GB of RAM.

Many budget systems will only have 2GB RAM. You may be told this is all you need but in reality your machine will slow down with excessive paging.
ComputerGeeks2Go recommends upgrading to 6GB or even 8GB of RAM if you multi-task or work with large files.
Step 6: Graphics

You'll see many systems advertise things like "512MB shared system memory." While graphics cards that use shared memory are not bad, be aware that this is using your computer's RAM and you're losing that from your total system memory, which we discussed in Step 5.

Many modern video games are requiring more and more from graphics cards. As a result, 1GB of memory is becoming increasingly common. If you choose a machine that uses shared graphics memory, look for a video card yourself and upgrade as soon as possible.

Step 7: Hard Drives

The hard drive provides the permanent storage space for your laptop's programs and frequently-used data. Most hard drives today are rated in gigabytes (GB). Programs, images, music files, and data take up a lot of space on your hard drive, so make sure you start with plenty of room.

If you do happen to fill it up, there are options such as external plug in hard drives (which are cheap and plentiful) as well as cloud storage.

Let us help

Still not sure what to get? Click on the box at the top of the page to see a good example of a powerful, yet affordable, quad-core laptop. If you have questions about how to select a laptop computer, call us at 1-888-863-3033 or email us at sales@computergeeks2go.com and we'll be happy to help you pick out the right computer for you.

Related Articles

These tips and tricks are to you by ComputerGeeks2Go. Feel free to print a copy and tack it to your wall or keep it in a handy file. If you need to share it though, we ask that you respect our copyright and give us credit with a link back to our website: http://www.computergeeks2go.com. Also, let us know! If you're reprinting it, we'd love to post a link to your site.

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7 Steps to Buying a New Laptop - ComputerGeeks2Go 101 Guides

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Congratulations on your decision to buy a new laptop. Don't be overwhelmed by all of the choices there are for laptops. We help you breakdown the selection process to seven easy steps. Step 1: Choose Your Screen Size Amazon.com Widgets Laptops screen sizes generally fall into two main sizes: 15.6″ approximately or 17" and will ...

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Buying a computer is no easy task, and with the cost of many of the machines out on the market today, you want to make sure you're making the right purchase so you don't blow your money on something that stops meeting your demands within a year. Not all machines are created equal, and unless you're pretty familiar with computer hardware, you might have a hard time determining just how unequal they are. Of course, not all computer users' needs are equal, so you might not need certain things included in a computer, especially not if those features are pushing up the price.

This guide should help you get a better understanding of what all the components of the computer will mean for you and make it easier to decide what you want, need, and which elements to prioritize. That way, you'll be better equipped to get the right computer for you, and to avoid spending any more money than you must.

1. Desktop or laptop?

This is probably one of the simplest choices to make, and one that can have a big impact on the overall cost of your computer, including expenses that might not come right at the time of the purchase. In general, if a laptop and desktop are boasting all of the same performance specs, the desktop will be cheaper. It might not make sense, since it's a bigger piece of hardware, but the ability to cram a lot of components into a small space and the need for a battery is what ups the price of the laptop - notice the premium paid for Apple's thinner devices.

If you plan on having a steady workstation and don't need to run around with your for-all-purposes device, consider getting a desktop and saving yourself some money, or spending what your budget allows and getting a computer with higher specs. An added benefit of a desktop is that it's easier to keep cool, since there is more room for powerful fans, which will help the machine have a longer lifetime and maintain optimum performance levels. Additionally, it's easier to change out parts and upgrade components in a desktop, which will keep your machine from falling behind the constantly increasing demands of the digital world.

If you often need your computer on the go, the choice is simple: laptop. If your need for portability is only occasional and you don't need much more than a browser or word processor, you may be able to find a cheap tablet or netbook to do the job, and could potentially afford it with the money you save by getting a desktop as your primary computer. Keep in mind that you'll still have to buy a monitor if one doesn't come as a bundle with the desktop.

(Note on laptop screens: If you're planning to use your laptop for mostly work, consider a matte screen, which will have less glare and be easier on the eyes. If your laptop will be a media device, a normal glossy LCD screen should do the job.)

2. Know the processor and what it means

The simplest way to explain the processor is that it's the brain of the machine. If you want a fast computer that boots up programs in a flash, completes tasks as soon as you start them, and doesn't keep you waiting, then you want the strongest processor available - and who doesn't? You just have to know what you're looking at when you see a processor's details.

Basic: the short and simple of processors is in the number of cores and the speed (labeled in GHz or Gigahertz) of the processor. The speed of the chip will tell you how much data it can process in how much time, so the bigger the number, the better. The number of cores functions as a multiplier, as the processor is actually a stack of cores that each run at the listed speed (e.g. a single-core 2GHz processor is a lot slower than a four-core 2GHz processor).

Multiple cores can also help with multi-tasking, as each can be working on different tasks. If you don't use a lot of programs at the same time, you may be content with just one or two cores and don't need to fork out the extra cash to snag a few more. Make sure to ask how many cores are on the chip and what the clock speed is. Two computers might both say they have an Intel i5 chip, but the number of models that go into the group are many, and their speeds and core counts can be leagues apart.

Advanced: If you want to get into really nitty-gritty bits of the processor, check out the benchmark tests at CPUBenchmark. You can compare a number of different CPUs to see if you're getting the best one, and even see if you're getting the best for your money. Also, check out the L1, L2, and L3 cache sizes - these are the closest and fastest memory spaces to the CPU and the bigger they are, the better. You can also see how many threads the core has - again, the more, the merrier.

3. RAM isn't just a type of goat

Just as the number of processor cores in a computer affects its speed and ability to multitask, the amount of Random Access Memory, or RAM, in a computer can affect just how much multitasking it can handle and how fast it will be. RAM is basically a small, extra-fast form of memory (like L1, L2, or L3 cache, but bigger and slower).

Basic: Nowadays most RAM is measured in gigabytes, and as is often the case, the more, the merrier. By having more RAM, your computer is able to keep more data close at hand, rather than having to go digging around through the slower hard drive for the information it needs. Of course, because RAM is smaller, there is only so much room for data. That's why it's useful to have more RAM if you want to keep multiple tasks going at the same time, and to be able to jump between them relatively quickly. If you're also guilty of having too many web browser windows open at the same time, more RAM will make that a lot easier.

Advanced: There is, of course, a bit more to RAM than just the size of it. If you check out the specifics of the RAM in a computer and see that it's DDR2-800, you can get a quick sense that this is a faster memory than one labeled DDR2-400, as that last number signifies how many millions of data transfers the RAM can make each second. RAM also has clock speeds, similar to processors, and the faster, the better. However, that speed is limited to the speed of your computer's motherboard, so if you're buying RAM separately from your computer, figure out the speed of your motherboard and don't buy RAM that's any faster - as it will probably cost you more for no reason - and don't buy RAM any slower - as it will force your motherboard to run at the slower speed. One final number you can note is in the module name, where you may see something like PC3-8500, which indicates that the memory can transfer around 8,500MB per second - once again, the bigger, the better.

4. Hard drives aren't hard choices

Every computer needs data storage, and though that is something RAM does, the majority of it will go onto your hard drive. There are typically a few different options you'll need to consider in the search for a hard drive, but what it really comes down to is how you plan to use your computer.

Basic: If you plan to just have your computer and no peripherals, you may want to opt for the biggest hard drive you can (measured in gigabytes, or terabytes for extra large drives), since all of your files and programs will be stored on the computer. If you don't plan to have many applications on your computer, and won't store media on it, then you can opt for a smaller hard drive and save yourself some money. If you can handle a small hard drive but want to it be extra fast and you have the cash, consider going for a solid-state drive, or flash hard drive.

Advanced: The size of your drive is one thing. If it's a disk drive, the spin speed is another. Naturally, the faster your hard drive disk is spinning, the quicker information can be gathered from it. So, between a 5400rpm drive and a 7200rpm drive, the second would be faster. If you can handle having only a few larger programs installed on your computer at a time, and plan to keep everything else stored on an external device, you can probably get a quick device with a solid-state drive to keep the computer zippy at all times, and still manage to stream high-quality media through a USB connection - some applications may even be able to run from an external hard drive. You'll also want to pay attention to data transfer bandwidth. The higher, the better.

5. Check your peripherals

The peripherals on your computer are going to be pretty specific to your needs, so you'll need to think about whether you'll need them, and just how many of them you want. You may want ten USB ports but not have a care in the world about having a DVD drive. On the other hand, you may do everything online and just want as few holes in your machine as possible for soda to spill into and frazzle the circuitry.

USB: There is, thankfully, a standard that most computer peripherals opt to use, and it can be for anything from mouses and keyboards to hard drives and monitors - heck, you can even plug a guitar in via USB if you've found the right cord. A modern version of USB, called USB 3.0, is faster than its predecessors, but there's an even newer version of USB, called USB Type-C, which offers gigabits of bandwidth and the ability to handle enough current to power a laptop. While USB Type-C will eventually become the single technology that you'll use to connect all your devices, and is a good thing to have on a new machine, you'll need to avoid off-brand cables that can fry your brand-new computer.

If you plan to transfer a lot of data, make sure you have a fast USB port- or a fast wireless network. An alternative for some major externals (like CD drives and hard drives) is to get a computer with an eSATA port, which will let you plug in those peripherals on the fly with high data transfer rates.

HDMI: If you're going to use your machine for entertainment, you'll probably want an HDMI output. This will allow you to connect it to most modern televisions for a high-quality visual display, and it will also run the audio out if you're planning to use the TV for sound.

SD slot: If you work a lot with photography, an SD slot can be a handy way to get the files from your camera over to your computer. For computers with small hard drives, an SD card can also function as a small, out-of-the-way addition to the computer's overall memory. For the slightly more savvy users, SD cards can even be used to speed up the system.

Wi-Fi: if you plan to connect to a lot of networks a lot of places and want to do it wirelessly, you're probably best off getting a built-in Wi-Fi receiver rather than working with some sort of external Wi-Fi device. If you're running a desktop computer, you can probably get away with running an ethernet cable straight into the computer without being constantly annoyed by the need for a wire to get internet.

Bluetooth: Just like Wi-Fi, you can get a built-in Bluetooth receiver with your computer, and that may be a smart move if you want to be a true wireless warrior. Whether it's for sending audio to headphones or to a 7.1 channel surround sound set up that will keep your neighbors on their toes, Bluetooth is a handy way to make those connections easy and tangle-free. It may be worth it for these types of uses, otherwise, you can probably save yourself a few bucks by not seeking it out.

6. Mac OS, Windows, and Linux, oh my!

The short and simple of it is that you should probably stick with what you're familiar with, as it can be hard to adjust to a new operating system unless you're ready to put in the work. If you know what Linux is, you probably don't need to read this section. If you don't know what Linux is, you almost definitely don't want it.

If you want an easy-to-use system that keeps most things basic for you, check out Mac. If you like a little bit more control of your computer's nitty-gritty, you'll probably have an easier time getting to do that on Windows. If you're comfortable with an operating system, stay with it. However, it's worth noting that not all software is available for every operating system; so, if you absolutely need Final Cut for that feature film you're shooting on the weekend, don't buy a Windows computer expecting it to run Mac-only software.

7. There's more to graphics than a sticker on your computer

Lately, computer makers have been tagging stickers on their computers to boast about the AMD or NVIDIA graphics cards they have included in their machines. Unfortunately, those mean thousands of different things, and it's pretty hard to tell just what.

Basic: If you just want to know whether the card in the computer on the left is better than the one in the computer on the right, you can do a quick search on PassMark's site for the graphics components in each. Some buzz words to be aware of are "integrated" and "dedicated." The former is built into the computer's processor and relies on the computer's memory - typically this is a lower performance graphics component. A dedicated graphics card will include its own processor and memory, and will tend to be higher-performing - though a very old card might not best modern integrated graphics.

Advanced: If you're looking into the specifics of graphics processors, you will have to think of them like their own pair of a processor and RAM. This is another case of the more, the merrier. Higher speed, higher capacity RAM in the graphics card will let it handle a more intense graphic load and do it quicker. This will allow for better, more fluid visuals. The card's processor speed will be similarly important and can be looked at much the same as a computer's processor. You can dig into the details and see how many shaders it has and what its core speed is, but in the end, it will probably be most valuable to check out a benchmark score that has evaluated its actual performance.

8. Oh, so you want to get into PC gaming?

To play the latest games with the graphics on high (or ultra) and keep a high frame-rate, you'll be needing to look into a truly high-performance machine. Modern games take up a lot of space, so a big hard drive is a must if you plan on having more than one game installed at a time - you'll want it to be a fast drive, too. Running those games also takes a lot of processing power, so a heavy-hitting processor will be important. You can do without too many cores in your processor if each is extra-fast, but if you're planning to play your games and keep other programs open in the background, consider bumping up the core count.

Integrated graphics? Forget about it. Unless you want to sputter out low-quality visuals on the newest games, you'll need a dedicated graphics card, and a good one at that. You can probably get by with something in the mid-range of graphics cards, but a high-end card is your best bet. Be sure to get plenty of VRAM on that card. When it comes down to making your choice, you'll still probably be best consulting the benchmarks mentioned on the last page.

Thinking about anything other than Windows? Reconsider. Some games are made available for Mac and Linux, but there will be a great number of games unavailable to you if you aren't running Windows - though there is the tricky option of dual-booting.

Thinking about a laptop? Reconsider again. As mentioned in the beginning, there is a premium to be paid for cramming high-end hardware into an extra small box, and a PC gaming rig requires a lot of high-end hardware. There are plenty of quality gaming laptops out there, but in most instances, they will be more expensive than an equal desktop. Then there's the problem of overheating, which a laptop will be much more prone to do. An added benefit of going with a desktop is that you will be able to swap out components or add more when the games' demands start to trump your computer - upgrading to a new graphics card is much easier in a desktop, and in some cases a second graphics card can be added to share the load. With a little careful shopping, you might be able to grab a gaming rig and a cheap netbook for the same price you would have paid for a gaming laptop.

9. Great, now how do we buy it?

One of the most important things to do when buying a new computer - as with any expensive purchase - is to be very patient. Technology evolves fast, and if you buy a new computer today, you might not have noticed a newer one was set for release tomorrow - and would have likely cost the same as the one you just bought, or made yours less expensive to buy. You could get into a logical loop that has you waiting indefinitely, but choosing the best time to pounce is key.

Check refresh cycles for products. If you know 'Computer Maker A' comes out with a new model around the same time every year, expect to get a discount on an old model just before a new one comes out, or wait until the new one is out so that you have the latest technology.

It can also be useful to get friendly with the computer maker's website, as they often allow you to customize a computer rig with the components you want. On top of it all, you're much more likely to stumble across an incredible sale if you shop regularly for a good stretch of time instead of just spending the better part of a day to make your pick and purchase it then and there. Also, don't be afraid to spend a few more bucks to nudge up your computer's specs - this can be helpful down the road, as it will ensure your computer can handle the more intensive tasks that will only start to show up months and years down the line. If you make the cheapest purchase, you might be looking at buying another new computer much sooner than you would otherwise.

One last tidbit: Go ahead and ask a salesperson to give you a deal. Maybe they won't bump down the price of the computer, but if you're going to need a mouse, a keyboard, a monitor, or any other device to go with your computer, see if they will cut off sales tax or give you some other discount for purchasing the items together. You will often be pleasantly surprised.

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9 Key Things to Know Before You Buy a New Computer

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Buying a computer is no easy task, and with the cost of many of the machines out on the market today, you want to make sure you're making the right purchase so you don't blow your money on something that stops meeting your demands within a year.

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Shopping for a computer? Read about types, features, and other must-know topics in our computer buying guide to make an informed choice.

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Even though smartphones and tablet sales continue to grow, most people still want to have either a computer at home or a laptop they can take wherever they go. If it's time to replace your old computer or get a new one for a family member, it's a good idea to brush up on what decisions go into buying one.

You can still wander into some stores and buy a computer, or you can order one online and have it shipped right to you. So now all you need to decide is what kind of computer you want. Here are the basic questions to consider:

Desktop or laptop?

Chances are, you already know whether you want a laptop or a desktop. But if you've only had a desktop and are wondering if you get more for your money with a laptop-a super-portable computer-then there are a few things to think about.

A desktop will generally be less expensive than a laptop, and that's not because it's a lower-quality computer or old-school technology. Simply, there's a lot more that goes into building a laptop than there is for a computer that will simply sit on (or under) a desk. Desktops have changed too, if you haven't noticed. They're not all "towers" anymore. Apple started the trend of building the monitor and computer into one piece several years ago, and a few PC makers have followed that. (Of course, you pay a little more for that technology.) If you don't need a laptop, stick with a desktop computer and save some money.

Mac or PC?

If you've never used a computer made by Apple-called a Mac (short for Macintosh)-here's your time to explore. In short, a Mac is more expensive, but it offers easier usability, a simpler operating system and isn't as prone to viruses as a PC. There are PC users who would NEVER buy a Mac and Mac users who would never buy a PC. Again, it doesn't hurt to explore both sides of the computer aisle.

What microprocessor should you get?

Microprocessor talk can get confusing very fast, and who needs that? At most, you simply want to make sure that you aren't getting a new computer with old or outdated technology, especially if you're expecting to do some serious computing or gaming with it. These days, one way to assess processors is to find out the number of cores and the speed. The speed of the processor tells you how much data it can process in how much time, so the bigger the number, the better...in general. A microprocessor that boasts 3.0GHz speed should, in theory, be twice as fast one running at 1.5 GHz. What about cores? Today, there are dual-core and quad-core processors. A core is the "working part" of the processor. A dual-core processor is like having an extra brain in your head to help you do things. Multi-core computers make it easier for you to run several programs at the same time. You'll notice that as you go up in price, you'll get "more" of everything. That sounds like a good deal, but you might just be buying more than you need. If you know a lot of this already, you might want to check out CPUBenchmark.com, which allows you to compare the features of the top CPUs at one time.

How much memory do you need?

All ads for computers (laptops and desktops) will tell you how much memory the computer comes with, measured in "gigs" (gigabytes). The higher the number, the better off you'll generally be, especially if you do a lot of multitasking, which means running lots of programs at once or watching videos while you're creating complicated spreadsheets and listening to music.

For reference, 2 GB is the lowest amount of memory you'll find on a new PC, and it goes up from there-4, 6, 8, 16, and so on. A computer with 2 GB of memory will probably do just fine if you just want to send emails, post notes on social media and browse the Internet. But you'll notice as you shop around that as you get a more robust computer, you'll automatically get more memory. Think of it like buying a car. You're not going to get a lot of power features with a low-cost car. But with a luxury model, you're going to get all the bells and whistles. If you're looking to spend under $400 on a PC, you'll probably end up with about 4 GB of memory. (Macs start at about $900.) Here's something to keep in mind though: You can add memory to any computer at any time.

How much "storage" do you need?

A hard drive is where the brains and information of your computer are stored. Whenever you load a program (Microsoft Word, for example), it gets stored on the hard drive. And whenever you create files of any kind and save them on your computer, they get stored on your hard drive.

Have you ever lived in an apartment or house that didn't have enough closets and cabinets to store your things? You know how inconvenient that can be. The same can happen on a PC if you 1) don't start with a big enough hard drive and/or 2) you are an active computer user and store a lot of data-space hogs (movies, video clips, music, large design files, etc.) on your computer.

Your computer's operating system and all the programs you run are also stored on your computer's hard drive. These days, most new computers come with sizable 1 terabyte hard drives (1 TB), which is the capacity of 1,000 gigabytes. Don't let these numbers scare you though. If you're a power user, you likely know what size hard drive you should get. Or if you're a photographer or musician, your friends and colleagues can give you an idea of what you should get.

Still, there are people who buy a computer and a year later discover they don't have enough room to store all of their files. Of course, the older data that doesn't need to be available all the time can be stored on an external drive instead of on your new computer. That same approach can be used with memory and a lot of other decisions you make when buying a computer.

Do a little homework, talk to a few friends and visit a few stores before you make a decision. It shouldn't be too hard to get just the right kind of computer you want for a price that works for you.

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5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Computer. A checklist for shoppers.

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Even though smartphones and tablet sales continue to grow, most people still want to have either a computer at home or a laptop they can take wherever they go. If it's time to replace your old computer or get a new one for a family member, it's a good idea to brush up on what decisions go into buying one.

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Which laptop should I get?

With so many laptops to choose from, selecting the best one to fit your budget can be like navigating a minefield. Even making sense of the ever-changing list of product specifications is no easy feat. Laptops vary greatly by CPU speed, graphics capability, size, drive storage, and RAM, among other things. What's more, your laptop needs may be completely different to someone else's, only adding to the confusion.

For some, a flashy 4K screen may be important. Others may want a high-performing CPU, like AMD's new Ryzen 6000 processors, to give them a competitive edge in games. Getting value for money can be tricky too, since newer technologies don't always mean better performance. For example, older-generation CPUs can sometimes outperform newer products in benchmark tests. For these reasons it pays to do your homework before you purchase a laptop.

To simplify the process for you we've put together a list of 12 criteria that you can use as a guide for what to look for. It may seem laborious delving into each category, but there are a lot of things to consider. At the end of the day, taking time to research your new device will mean you avoid making a costly mistake and get a laptop that's just right for you.

1. Size & form-factor

When it comes to laptops, size matters.

Depending on what you plan to be doing with your next laptop, you'll want to make sure you pick the size that's the right fit for you. Size isn't like the RAM or ROM of a laptop, you can't upgrade it later. You're locked into whatever form-factor you select up-front, so choose wisely.

Laptops sizes tend to start at 11.6-inches and go all the way up to 17.3 inches. Most brands and OEMS like HP, Dell, ASUS and Acer tend to offer three display sizes - 13.3-inch, 15.6-inch and 17.3-inches. However, some vendors do sell laptops that fall outside these sizes including 11.6-inches, 12.5-inches and 14-inches.

Obviously, if portability is your priority, you'll want to go for a smaller-sized Windows laptop. They tend to be thinner and lighter than their larger counterparts. Look for laptops that have a screen that is either 12.5-inches or 13.3-inches in size, and a weight between 1kg and 1.5kgs.

Credit: Razer

However, keep in mind that smaller-sized 13.3-inch machines often don't support the same high-end Intel Core CPUs or discrete graphics cards you'll be able to find in their 15.6-inch counterparts. Most of the time, they'll also feature a less-robust selection of ports. If the kind of work you intend to be using your new laptop for necessitates a larger display or standalone graphics, you'll probably need to look at a larger size.

Beyond specific sizings, there are several different classes of laptop to choose from. Ultrabooks tend to favor a slim and lightweight form-factor over high-end performance. Things like the Asus Vivobook Pro 15 OLED ( review here) and HP's Elite Dragonfly Max ( review here) devices fall into this category.

By contrast, Notebooks tend to offer a good mix of power and portability. If you're looking at notebooks, a good place to start is the Lenovo Yoga 9i and HP's Envy x360.

Convertibles (also known as 2-in-1 laptops or 2-in-1 PCs) expand on this by adding the ability to fold away (or remove) the keyboard and use your new laptop as you would a tablet. Products like Microsoft's Microsoft Surface Pro 7 and HP Chromebook x2 11 fall into this category.

Credit: Microsoft

Finally, traditional clamshell and gaming laptops tend to boast bulkier form-factors but significantly-beefier specs.

The most important thing to consider here when looking for the best laptop you can buy is what you're actually going to need that laptop to do. It's rarely ever a case of one size fits all. Some users need something lighter and more portable. Other users need discrete graphics for things like video editing or running high end games. If you need a PC with an optical drive or long battery life, you'll almost certainly have to look for something larger.

Once you've worked out the size and form-factor of laptop you're looking for, the search for the best one becomes that much easier - since you can begin to filter your search results by those parameters.

2. Display quality

Since you'll probably end up staring at your laptop display hours at a time, you'll probably want to make sure it's as painless as possible to do so. For this, you'll need a display that is comfortable to look at and feels natural to use.

To start with, you'll want to consider whether you want your next laptop to have a touchscreen at all. These days, touchscreens are very common and they can make some tasks easier than others. Some brands include this feature as standard. Others will demand a modest surcharge for its inclusion.

Unfortunately, opting for a touchscreen can sometimes add a glossiness to the display. Though not a universal trait among touch-sensitive displays, glossier screens are often a little more susceptible to glare. This can be a definite drawback if you're gaming, watching content or editing images and video content.

Modern touchscreens are much better than their predecessors but, some of the above details persist and if you're more of a natural typist, you might want to consider going for a laptop that doesn't have a touchscreen.

Next up, be sure to look at the resolution on any laptop you're thinking of buying. A 1920x1080-pixel resolution (Full HD) should be considered the minimum if you want plenty of space to line up windows and keep things in view. If you splurge on something a little sharper, you probably won't regret it though.

Select modern laptops also now offer 4K resolutions. However, these high-end display panels are generally a costly add-on to an already-expensive product. 4K is an extra that's only really going to be worth it for those who really need it such as content creation professionals.

Photographers and videographers will also want to go for laptops that offer better color accuracy and support wider color gamut and HDR standards over those that don't. The key things you're looking for here are Delta E < 1 color accuracy and 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
[Related Content: Everything You Need To Know About 4K]
If you're a gamer, it's also worth taking the time to check the refresh rate on the display of any potential laptop. A faster refresh rate can often provide a competitive advantage in online games, as it enables a smoother and more responsive play experience. Ideally, you want something with less than 5ms response time or a refresh rate greater than 144Hz. We're starting to see laptops now with 300Hz refresh rates - laptops like the MSI GS66 Stealth ( review here) and the super powerful Asus ROG Strix G15 Advantage Edition ( review here) and while this is considered exceptionally good right now, it might soon be the norm.

Lastly, viewing angles are extremely important. A laptop screen that touts IPS (in-plane switching) technology offers the widest viewing angles and the best user comfort. Chances are you're not always going to be using your laptop in its natural habitat, so a laptop with an IPS display is usually preferred over the opposite.

If possible, take the time to go into a store and try to feel out the differences between different displays for yourself. If your eyes can't see much of a difference between a laptop with a FHD display and one with a 4K one, it might not be worth paying the premium for the latter.

Just keep in mind that display models usually have the settings cranked to the maximum in order to catch your eyes. Otherwise, be sure to check out reviews like those on PC World to get a good overview of the product and whether or not its screen will be able to suit your needs. In 2022, most major laptop displays hit the mark but those that don't make themselves quickly known when subjected to the scrutiny of a professional reviewer.

3. Keyboard quality

For long typing sessions, you'll need to get a laptop that has a comfortable keyboard. You don't want to get a keyboard that packs in every key under the sun (think keyboards that have squished in number pads) because that can translate to a poor overall user experience when hunting for specifics like the arrow or delete keys.

Ideally, you want a keyboard that has a comfortable layout with full-sized keys and some space around the arrow keys. The keys should have adequate travel on the downstroke and snappy responsiveness when you let them go.

Make sure the keyboard is also backlit. At face value, that might seem like a superficial detail but backlit keys make it much easier to see what you're typing in dimly lit environments. Gaming laptops like the Asus ROG Zephyrus S17 ( review here) and MSI Katana GF76 ( review here) come with attractive RGB key backlighting to allow gaming at night or in dimly lit environments. Note: While backlit keys are useful, they will drain your battery sooner, so take that into consideration when choosing your laptop.
[Related Content: Four Alternatives To Cherry MX Switches]

As with the display, it helps to try before you buy - especially if your main task will be typing. Chances are, you're going to find the most comfort with what you know here. If you're used to typing on a laptop keyboard that stretches all the way to the edge of the chassis, you're probably going to find laptops that opt for the same or a similar layout to be easier to type on than the alternatives.

4. CPU

It's hard to go past any of Intel's Core-based CPUs when buying a new laptop. Even if you're not versed in the technical details, there's a good chance you've seen the stickers plastered on all new laptops for the silicon giant's Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 processors.

For many users, an Intel Core Processor offers the best performance when it comes to multitasking and multimedia tasks. Core i3-based notebooks are generally found in entry-level systems, while Core i5 and Core i7 make up the majority of mainstream computers.

Core i7-based systems are for those of you who want the best performance from your laptop. However, note that with a Core i7-based system, heat coming through the base of the laptop can be a cause for concern, especially if you plan to actually use the laptop on your lap a lot of the time.
[Related Content: How do I decide between a Core i3, i5, i7 or i9?]

Some larger laptops also now incorporate Intel's i9 Core processors. Laptops running on Core i9 processors are even more powerful than laptops running on Core i7 processors. They're able to rival desktops for performance, but they do come with a significantly-higher cost than a laptop with an i7, i5 or i3 Core Processor.

Vendors also offer laptops and notebooks that run on AMD's Ryzen Mobile CPUs. If you're a gamer, this can be a particularly compelling option worth considering. Ryzen Mobile CPUs tend to be paired with AMD's own Radeon graphics chipsets.

There are a few caveats here but since laptops powered by AMD's Ryzen Mobile chips tend to be slightly cheaper than their Intel counterparts, they can represent better value for money. Just be sure to read up on our breakdown of the differences first.

5. RAM

In the old days, you rarely needed more than 4GB of RAM to get the best out of your system.

These days, you'll probably want to think about 8GB as a minimum. If you're a power-user, 16GB is the way to go. Meanwhile, gamers should look at dialing things upwards all the way to 32GB (or beyond) if they want the best experience.

More RAM allows for more applications to be run at the same time and for more data to be quickly accessible by the system at any one time, which comes in handy for tasks such as editing photos or video content.

There are a few interesting terms that you might see when looking into RAM specs, here's what you essentially need to know about them. Alongside the brand and capacity of any RAM stick, you're gonna find the letters DDR. There's also usually a number attached. For example, the MSI GE76 Raider laptop ( review here) has two 16GB sticks of DDR5 RAM. This acronym stands for Double Data Rate and the number that comes after it refers to the generation of component design.

Credit: Gordon Mah Ung

The most recent generation of RAM hardware is DDR5. As a rule, higher numbers are better than lower numbers here and most motherboards can only support certain generations of RAM. Thankfully, since you're looking at buying a laptop, you don't have too much to worry about since no sane OEM is going to stick incompatible RAM into a prebuilt machine.

The number after DDR also denotes the transfer speed. Similar to the clock-speed on a CPU, this number measures the default theoretical maximum transfer speed. Again, higher is better here. Higher speeds means stuff happens faster.

Another detail to note is whether or not the RAM in your laptop is single or dual-channel. In most everyday use cases, this might not make a huge difference but if you're trying to weigh up your options, a laptop with dual-channel is generally more desirable than one with an equivalent amount of single-channel memory clocked at the same transfer speed. This is because dual-channel RAM is able to transfer a greater amount of data at once.

In conclusion, while having more RAM is always going to be better than having less RAM, most users aren't going to feel the difference between having 16GB or 32GB unless they're running RAM-heavy applications where that 16GB or a secondary channel is going to make a big difference. Since RAM is relatively cheap and often easy to upgrade in modern laptops, it's usually smarter and safer to buy a laptop with RAM that you know you will need rather than what you think you might need.

6. Storage

Hard drives used to be all the rage, but these days they're mostly out of favor, especially for thin and light laptops. This is because they can be slow, somewhat bulky, and produce noticeable heat and noise.

A solid state drive (SSD), on the other hand, offers a lot more speed than a hard drive, runs silently, and can be installed in a form factor that doesn't add too much to the weight and bulk of a laptop. As a result of these clear benefits, most OEMs have embraced SSD storage as the standard for laptops.

Stick to an SSD for your new laptop and you'll love the speed with which it can load programs, access your data, and also how quickly it can boot up your system.

Just a few years ago SSDs didn't offer as much raw capacity as hard drives. Additionally, this kind of storage was often more expensive in terms of dollars-to-gigabytes than traditional hard drives. In 2022 these problems are no longer. Laptops now have comparatively large SSD drives to hard drives and aren't astronomically expensive.

The newest, fastest laptops have NVMe solid-state drives which are faster than traditional SSDs. If you're buying a new laptop in 2022, you'll preferably want one with an NVMe SSD. However, that being said, don't feel overly pressured to spend extra on the latest model here. While it is true that more recent SSDs boast better speeds than older models, the biggest advantages you'll enjoy are tied more to the fundamental advances that SSDs offer over traditional hard drive storage.

When it comes to the SSD storage capacity you should look for we recommend at least 512GB as the very minimum. Games and programs are getting larger every year as they become more advanced and complex so you'll want to ensure you have a little left in your storage after you load on your must-have programs and personal files. It's also worth noting that your operating system will take up some of that 512GB right off the bat, so you won't have exactly that number to play.

If you install a lot of programs or have an extensive game or movie library, you'll probably want to opt for 1TB or more of SSD storage. You'd be surprised how fast it is to fill up even 1TB or 2TB, but with the extra GB on board, you will have a greater capacity to branch out and get a little more things you like on there. Trust us, you won't decry the extra space when you can download that game you really wanted from Steam.

Another thing worth mentioning here is cloud storage. Cloud storage is extremely popular since it allows users to store any number of files safely and remotely, without the need for your device's storage. Software developers are starting to build cloud storage into their software ecosystems. The best example of this is Microsoft's OneDrive application which comes bundled with Windows at purchase.

If you intend to store most of your files in the cloud or on an external drive, you may choose to save money on a laptop by buying one with a smaller 128GB or 256GB SSD. If you do this though you'd be advised to remember that you will need to be connected to the Internet to retrieve your files when you need them.

7. Battery life

Manufacturer-quoted battery life is almost never indicative of what the real-world experience of using a laptop is like.

There are simply too many variables that affect battery life. There is the screen brightness, the screen resolution, the number of applications you have running in the background plus whether or not you actively remain connected to Wi Fi networks or Bluetooth devices.

Credit: ASUS

The operating system a laptop runs on can also play a major role in determining battery life. It's for this reason that ultrabooks and convertibles running on Chrome OS tend to offer superior battery life than those running on Windows 11.

If you run programs that need lots of processing, stream lots of online video, play graphics-intensive games or if you transfer lots of files over a wireless network, then your battery will drain a lot sooner than what the vendor has quoted.

A good practice here is to look at the rating of the battery in Watt-hours (Wh) or milliamp-hours (mAh). The larger these figures are, the longer the battery can last. For a 13.3-inch Ultrabook, for example, a battery with a rating from 50Wh to 60Wh will give you the best results.

Another key thing to look for here is fast-charging. Much like modern smartphones, many new laptops also support fast-charging, which is always good in a pinch.

8. USB Type-C

These days, if a laptop has only one USB Type-C port on it, you probably ought to look at buying another laptop. Ideally, you should look for a laptop that has at least a couple of these ports. They're the most common connector port in the industry and, while you can find a dongle for anything on Amazon, it's usually a better bet to just make sure your next laptop has them.

In addition to the baseline utility you get from USB Type-C ports (which allow you to plug in an external hard or SSD drive and backup your data or use conventional mouse or a fancy keyboard with your laptop), USB Type-C ports are substantially faster than USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports. This means that data transfers over USB Type-C ports take significantly less time.

Many modern peripherals also tend to deliver the best performance on or require USB Type-C to function at all.

Credit: Intel

Among the Type-C ports Thunderbolt 4 ports are the best option. Thunderbolt 4 ports have a peak data transfer speed of 40 gigabits per-second. They also offer faster charging and allow you to connect multiple 4K displays or one 8K display to your laptop, which is compelling functionality.

9. Biometric security

Fingerprint readers are great for logging into mobile devices and the latest Windows 11 Operating System makes further use of them with its Windows Hello system. People can guess your password, but few can fake a fingerprint. In order to keep the contents of your laptop secure, a portable PC with a fingerprint reader is usually the best way forward.

Thankfully, this feature is a pretty common inclusion on many modern laptops from major OEMs like ASUS, Dell and HP. Some have even integrated the fingerprint sensor into the keyboard, making it feel like a more cohesive part of the package rather than a bolt-on.

What's more, some brands have even gone one step further and introduced FaceID-style facial recognition tech allowing you to unlock your laptop with a glance. As with Android phones, there's a distinction to be noted here between devices that rely on a 2D-model of face unlock versus those that offer full 3D biometrics.

It's cool to see the modern laptops continue to raise the bar on this particular front even if the degree to which it matters is largely personal preference. For most people, a standard fingerprint sensor is going to provide more than enough peace of mind.

10. Build quality

No matter how careful we are, most laptops are inevitably going to find themselves, dropped, thrown and knocked around by the rigors of everyday use. For that reason, it's worth checking out how much testing a laptop has undergone (the manufacturer usually crows about it) or whether there's any sort of certification that you can put your confidence behind.

Modern laptops are often ruggedized to withstand rain and dust. Some are built especially for the brutal educational environments - and come with military-grade protection certifications. The most common of these you're going to see is MIL-STD 810G.

MIL-STD-810G is a standard used by the US Military to indicate a guaranteed minimum level of durability. Compliant products have made it through a gauntlet of 29 separate tests that measure resistance to shock, heat, cold, humidity and more. Though originally developed as a way to win government contracts, MIL-STD-810G has become increasingly common in consumer tech in recent years.

On one hand, it's good for consumers that most major manufacturers have adopted the same language and standards for measuring durability at all. However, on the other, the reality is that having a product be MIL-STD-810G compliant doesn't always translate into the kind of ruggedness you'd hope it would.

Although the MIL-STD-810G standard was developed externally, there's no single independent party that's responsible for handing out certification to the standard nor any regulator that's able to call out bad actors for misusing or misrepresenting MIL-STD-810G.

Manufacturers can absolutely take their testing in-house, "ace" it and put the sticker on the box. There's no limit on how many attempts a product has to pass a certain test, nor even a limit on whether the same product sample needs to survive all 29 tests or whether they can replace it with a fresh model every step of the way. They don't even need to provide proof that the testing ever happened.

From the perspective of any everyday consumer, there's zero difference in how a product that was properly and independently tested to meet MIL-STD-810G looks and how a product that "fudged" their way into compliance with the standard looks. This is obviously problematic.

For those reasons, MIL-STD-810G is best used as starting place when it comes to thinking about durability and build quality in your next laptop. It shouldn't be your one and only consideration.

A better way to approach the problem is to look at the laptops design and what specific claims are being made around durability. Are the manufacturers talking up drop-tests or spill resistance that goes beyond the usual MIL-STD-810G spiel? That's probably a good sign.

11. LTE, Wi-Fi, or Ethernet?

When it comes to purchasing a laptop, a big question you should ask is: Should I buy a laptop with LTE? Unlike laptops with built-in network cards, laptops with LTE can connect to mobile data signals. That means instead of having to connect to a wireless network at home, in the office, or at Wi-Fi hotspots, your laptop can connect directly to a mobile ISP for internet access. The main benefit of this is you can use your laptop just about anywhere-when outdoors, traveling on the bus, or even on the beach. If that convenience sounds good, this option may be perfect for you. However, there are a few caveats.

LTE technology sits in the higher-end laptop category, so you will pay for the privilege. Also, just like with your phone, you'll need to either be on a data plan or buy prepaid data to use your LTE. And as such, your experience will be influenced by the speed of your laptop's network connection and by the amount of data in your plan.

Know what LTE network your laptop will connect to, since this will determine your internet speeds. The most common LTE technology in laptops in Australia today supports connection to the 4G networks. 4G is capable of maximum download speeds of 1Gbs, which is close to most home broadband speeds. But 5G laptops will soon be coming to Australia. These laptops, when available, will feature significantly faster speeds of between 10-30Gbs. If superfast internet is a priority, go for 5G.

If you are not fussed about having LTE or want to avoid the ongoing fees, a laptop with Wi-Fi-only functionality will do just fine. Most laptops come with built-in network cards so you won't need to fuss over installations or affix dongles. You can also use mobile Wi-Fi tethering as a source of Wi-Fi on the fly.

The last thing to consider with your internet connectivity, is whether you need an Ethernet (RJ-45) port. Most people don't use this functionality anymore, since Wi-Fi connectivity is so widespread. But, if you're plagued by a weak Wi-Fi signal, or lack Wi-Fi altogether, you should consider it. Otherwise, it's not necessary.

12. Wi-Fi speed

Wi-Fi speeds are determined by many different factors, such as signal strength and the level of interference between your laptop and your router, but the one factor that you should think about when purchasing a new laptop is the Wi-Fi speed of your laptop's network card.

The speed at which your laptop transfers data from an internet router to your laptop and back is called its link speed and it is measured in bits per second (bps). Even if your internet connection is fast, if your link speed is lousy, your Wi-Fi speed will struggle.

Most laptops with network cards connect to wireless hotspots on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz frequency band, meaning they are capable of maximum link speeds of 1Gbs or 3.5Gbs. When it comes to Wi-Fi generations, Wi-Fi 5 is getting a bit old now but will still perform well for almost anything you'd need to do online, such as browsing webpages, watching videos, and running browser-based applications.

Most new laptops though will have network cards that support either Wi-Fi 6 or the newer Wi-Fi 6E. If you are a gamer who likes playing fast-paced multiplayer content, or if you stream high-quality video, we recommend you look for either of these options. The main benefit here is lower latency - Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E offer substantial speed benefits (up to 9.6Gbs). Wi-Fi speeds won't always be listed in the product descriptions online or in retail outlets, but they will be listed in the detailed product specifications, so check there if you're unsure.

Meet your needs and budget
This article was updated by Dominic Bayley in May 2022.

Of course, you need to balance these features with your budget and your needs, and you might have to make some compromises. Rarely does a laptop come along that ticks all the boxes, especially when it comes to price.

Let us know in the comments below if you consider other aspects of a laptop to be more important (maybe you want better gaming performance or a rugged build, maybe you want a laptop that can turn into a tablet), and especially let us know if you've already found the perfect laptop for your needs.

Tags notebooks laptops checklist laptop buying guide laptop features buying tips

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What laptop should I get? Top 12 things to consider

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What laptop should I get? How should I decide? With a plethora of options, including powerful new laptops featuring AMD's Ryzen 6000 and Intel's 12th-generation processors, choosing a laptop is harder than ever. But by taking a little time to do some research, you can find exactly what you need.