🖥️ Expert Advice: Buying a new computer | How to buy a computer | PC Shopping Guide 💡

Summary

In this informative video, Jason, an experienced I.T. professional, guides viewers on selecting a new computer by emphasizing the importance of the processor (CPU), memory, and hard drive type. He advises on finding the best deals in office stores and online, recommending solid-state drives for faster performance. Jason also shares tips for comparing processors using cpubenchmark.net and suggests considering pre-built PCs for general use, while noting their limitations for gaming. He concludes with advice on choosing Macs and laptops, stressing the importance of initial specifications for long-term performance.

Takeaways

• 💡 When purchasing a new computer, look for sales and discounts at office supply stores like Best Buy.
• 🧠 Prioritize the processor (CPU) as it's the 'brain' of the computer; a faster CPU equates to a faster overall system.
• 💾 Aim for a minimum of 8GB of RAM for most uses, but 16GB is preferable for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming.
• 🚀 Opt for a solid-state drive (SSD) over traditional hard drives for significantly faster performance and quicker boot times.
• 🛒 Check for 'in-stock' or 'in-store pickup' options to find popular, current models that are likely to perform well.
• 🔍 Filter search results by Intel processors for a straightforward choice between i3, i5, and i7 chips, which correspond to increasing power.
• 💻 Consider the total storage capacity; while SSDs are fast, they often come in smaller sizes, so balance speed with storage needs.
• 💰 Look for deals that offer high-performance components at a discount, such as a computer with an i7 processor and an SSD on sale.
• 🔧 Use websites like cpubenchmark.net to compare processor speeds and ensure you're getting the best performance for your budget.
• 🖥️ For Mac users, the choice is simplified by Apple's own chips like the M1, but still consider upgrades in RAM and storage for future-proofing.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Jason's video?

The main purpose of Jason's video is to guide customers on how to choose a new computer by focusing on important specifications and finding the best deals.

What are the three important factors Jason mentions to consider when buying a computer?

The three important factors Jason mentions are the processor (CPU), the amount of memory (RAM), and the type and size of the hard drive, with a preference for solid state drives (SSDs).

Why does Jason recommend looking for computers that are on sale at office stores?

Jason recommends looking for computers on sale at office stores because they often have machines at great prices due to weekly sales, which can offer significant discounts like $200 off.

What does Jason suggest about the size of the hard drive for a new computer?

Jason suggests that for a new computer, a solid state drive (SSD) is almost a must-have and recommends against drives smaller than 256 gigabytes, with 512 gigabytes or 1 terabyte being preferable for most users.

How does Jason feel about AMD processors compared to Intel processors?

Jason finds Intel processors more straightforward and easier to understand in terms of performance compared to AMD processors, which he finds a bit more confusing to navigate.

What is Jason's advice on the processor when buying a computer?

Jason advises to choose an Intel processor, preferably an i5 or i7, and to look for the highest generation number possible for better performance.

How does Jason recommend narrowing down the selection of computers online?

Jason recommends narrowing down the selection by choosing 'In stock for delivery' or 'In store for pickup', sorting by price, and filtering out low-powered chips like Pentium or Celeron.

What website does Jason suggest using to compare processor performance?

Jason suggests using cpubenchmark.net to compare processor performance and understand the speed differences between various CPU models.

Why does Jason say that pre-built desktops from retail stores may not be suitable for gaming?

Jason says pre-built desktops may not be suitable for gaming because they often have a limited power supply and lack the space to accommodate a high-performance graphics card necessary for gaming.

What advice does Jason give for buying a Mac computer?

For buying a Mac, Jason advises focusing on the same three factors: processor, memory, and storage, and recommends upgrading the memory and storage at the time of purchase since these cannot be changed later.