The information in the article was updated on March 7, 2023, and a new set of products has been added for each type of component mentioned.
To understand how a computer actually works, one must first enter the roles of each elementfrom the processor to the hard drive, including the video card and power supply.
But when you specifically need a reactive device, you must focus on very specific criteria. Indeed, some components have a much greater impact than others on the efficiency of the machine and therefore on the speed as well as the overall smoothness of the ride.
In this article, we will return to the main parts to study them carefully to see if the computer in question will be fast enough or not. For each of them, we will give you some guidelines to help you in your purchases.
1. Processor: a few things to consider
Various parameters characterize the processor, starting with the number of cores. Today, the “Dual Core” version, with two cores, already allows you to perform multiple tasks at the same time without losing responsiveness. But to go further and use greedy software (photo editing, audio processing), it is preferable to have four cores (“Quad Core”), knowing that there are parallel eightcore models.
The frequency expressed in GHz is also important. The higher it is, the better the performance. However, now we agree on a simple principle: it is better to give preference to a processor with more cores. After all, at the same frequencies, the number of cores remains the most important performance criterion.
In the field of processors, two brands are fighting in the market: Intel and AMD. As far as Intel processors are concerned, “Pentium” and “Celeron Dual Core” models are suitable for office use, while i3, i5, i7 or i9 (from least to most powerful) is preferred for office use. .
As for AMD, the Ryzen 5, 7 and 9 models compete with the i3, i5 and i7. Ryzen 3 supports up to 4 cores for complex use. In addition, AMD has developed processors with 3D VCache technology specifically for highend gamers.
2. RAM: it’s not just the numbers that matter
RAM, expressed in gigabytes, stores all the tasks that are performed on the computer. The more efficient it is, the faster the interface will be … But this cannot be measured only in numbers! For example, instead of installing a 16 GB module, it is better to install two 8 GB modules: you will have the same power, but the interface will be smoother if it is based on the use of RAM in pairs.
You should also be aware that there are several types of RAM, one of which is an improvement on the first: DDR4 and DDR5. DDR5 RAM is said to be more efficient, but also less power hungry, which limits overheating. However, DDR4 is not yet compatible with all configurations, and we can still be content with a DDR4 system without any problems.
Finally, the more RAM, the faster the computer will run. Feel free to ask before purchasing if you can add new rods for more power. Sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a model with less RAM and then make the changes yourself.
3. Hard disk: different analysis depending on its nature
For many years, the primary consideration when choosing a hard drive has been rotational speed: a minimum of 7200 RPM is required for universal use.
But you should also consider looking at cache memory, which refers to the amount of potentially reusable data a device can store. Ideally, for classic use, you need at least 16 MB of cache to keep a minimum of comfort.
Today, more modern SSD hard drives are becoming more common in the market. They become affordable because their price has dropped significantly in a few years. Working without any mechanics, they are shockresistant and, above all, much faster. Some computers have a traditional hard drive for storage and an SSD for the system: this already allows you to enjoy smoother everyday use. On the other hand, NVMe SSDs also offer better responsiveness and take up less space on the machine.
4. Video card: essential for gamers and video professionals
All video game enthusiasts or professionals who work with video or photography need a great video card in their computer. This is one of the most competitive components because new models are constantly being released from it – and it quickly becomes obsolete, even with a recent computer.
Several elements will help you choose a graphics card: frequency, memory, and consumption. If you choose a very sophisticated model, you will also need to bet on a beautiful screen, otherwise you will not benefit from the performance of the part.
It is impossible to determine which processor is best or which hard drive will be the most efficient: it all depends on the use, needs and budget of each person. So, in order to choose the right computer for you, you need to understand the role of each element, as well as put it in perspective with what exactly you are looking for. Feel free to ask for the opinion of the community in our consultation forum before buying equipment or consult our various configurations for office automation, multimedia or video games.