The definitive guide to choosing a computer: A thorough explanation of the specs!

When buying a computer, it is very important to understand which specifications are best for you. Various factors affect performance, especially CPU, RAM, storage, GPU, and display. In this article, we will explain the main specifications that are essential for choosing a computer in an easy-to-understand manner and help you find the one that is right for you.

CPU ( Processor )

The "brain" of your computer, it performs calculations and processing. Clock speed (GHz) and number of cores (e.g. dual-core, quad-core) are important. A higher clock speed and more cores make it easier to process more tasks at the same time.

Manufacturer

The main competitors are Intel and AMD, each with their own characteristics. Intel's Core series (i3, i5, i7, i9) and AMD's Ryzen series are popular.

• Intel

1. Core Series

Core processors are the main CPU series for desktops and laptops. They have different performance depending on the number of cores and threads. For example, Core i3 usually has 2-4 cores, Core i5 has 4-6 cores, Core i7 has 6-8 cores, and Core i9 has 8 cores or more. The higher the number, the better the multi-threaded performance. Core i7 and Core i9 in particular perform well in creative tasks and games. And each model has a different clock speed (GHz), with Core i3 usually having the lowest speed and Core i9 having the highest speed.

i3: Entry level. For light work (browsing and office apps).
i5: Mid-range, suitable for gaming and multitasking.
i7: High-end. Suitable for heavy apps and games.
i9: For professionals. Top-class performance, ideal for video editing and high-load processing.

2. Alder Lake

Alder Lake is a 12th generation processor designed for desktops and laptops. It uses a hybrid design that combines performance cores (P-cores) and efficiency cores (E-cores). This allows for faster processing of tasks. This allows for efficient processing and helps save power.

• AMD

AMD's CPUs are mainly the Ryzen series and Athlon series, which are widely used for desktops and laptops. Below is a brief introduction to each series.

1. Ryzen Series

Ryzen excels in multi-threaded performance and is ideal for creative work (video editing, 3D rendering, etc.) and gaming. The latest Ryzen 5000 series and 7000 series use the Zen architecture to achieve high clock speeds and efficiency. The number of cores and threads varies depending on the model; for example, Ryzen 5 is usually 6 cores and 12 threads, Ryzen 7 is 8 cores and 16 threads, and Ryzen 9 has 12 cores or more. Ryzen 5 and 7 have excellent cost performance and are popular for gaming and creative work.

Ryzen3: Entry level. For basic tasks.
Ryzen5: Mid-range. Very good cost performance.
Ryzen7: High performance. Suitable for multitasking and creative work.
Ryzen9: Top class. Delivering the best performance.

2. Athlon Series

Athlon is an entry-level CPU, suitable for basic tasks (web browsing, document creation, etc.). Its performance is inferior to Ryzen, but it offers good value for money. Athlons usually come in models with 2 to 4 cores, and their multi-threaded performance is lower than Ryzen.

In general, AMD offers higher multi-threaded performance at the same price range, and is especially cost-effective. Intel has a higher single-threaded performance, which may give it an advantage in certain games, but AMD's latest generation is also competitive. If you have a budget, it's best to choose according to your intended use (gaming, video editing, general work). If you value cost-performance, AMD's Ryzen series is particularly recommended.

Number of cores

The more cores there are, the easier it is to process more tasks at the same time. In general, dual-core processors are better for light tasks, while quad-core processors and above are better for multitasking, gaming, and creative work.

Clock Speed

It is expressed in GHz, and the higher the number, the faster the processing speed. However, performance also varies depending on the number of cores and architecture, so care should be taken when making simple comparisons.

Number of threads

Threads are the number of tasks a CPU can process simultaneously. Hyper-Threading (Intel) or Simultaneous Multithreading (AMD) technology allows one core to process two threads.

Cache memory

This is fast memory inside the CPU. A larger cache allows frequently used data to be accessed quickly, improving overall performance.

TDP (Thermal Design Power)

This indicates the maximum power consumed by the CPU. A CPU with a lower TDP consumes less energy, generates less heat, and is easier to cool.

RAM (Memory)

It's like a workspace, and it affects how many applications you can run at the same time. Generally, 8GB or more is comfortable, but if you use heavy apps, 16GB or more is recommended.

capacity

The amount of memory affects how many applications you can run simultaneously. Generally, 8GB is the standard, but if you use heavy apps or games, you should consider 16GB or more.

speed

RAM also comes in speeds. Generally, there are standards such as DDR4 and DDR5. The higher the number, the faster it is and the better its processing power. Check to see what standards your motherboard in your country supports.

channel

Dual channel is a technology that uses two memory slots to improve data transfer speeds. Using two identical RAM slots will improve performance.

Intended Use

The amount of memory required varies depending on the applications you use. 8GB is enough for browsing the web and writing documents, but 16GB or more is ideal for video editing and gaming.

Upgrade possibilities

Consider whether you might need to add more memory in the future, as some laptops have memory soldered in, which can make upgrading difficult.

Storage

It is a place to store data. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) has a large capacity but is slow. SSD (Solid State Drive) is fast and makes your computer start up and load apps smoothly. A capacity of 256GB or more is recommended.

kinds

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

It has a large capacity and is cheap, but it is slow and vulnerable to shock. It is suitable for storing large amounts of data (photos, videos, etc.).

• SSD (Solid State Drive)

It is fast, shock-resistant, and makes booting and loading apps on your computer smooth. However, it is more expensive than a HDD for the same capacity.

capacity

The amount you need depends on your intended use. A general guide is:
256GB: Light work and basic usage (web browsing, word processing, etc.).
512GB: For more apps and files (including photos and music).
1TB or more: For video editing or handling large amounts of data.

speed

Storage speed indicates how quickly data can be read and written, and has a significant impact on computer performance. SSDs have faster read and write speeds than HDDs, which affects the overall performance of the system. SSDs in particular can significantly reduce the startup time of apps.

The unit of read/write speed is MB/s (Megabytes per second). It indicates how fast data can be read or written. Generally, the higher the number, the faster it is.

• HDD Speed

1. Rotational speed: HDDs have a disk inside that spins, usually at 5400RPM (revolutions per minute) or 7200RPM. 7200RPM is generally faster, but still not as fast as SSDs.
2. Average Latency: The time the disk waits to access data. On HDDs this typically takes 10ms or more.

• SSD Speed

1. Read and write speed: SSD uses flash memory, and the read and write speed is generally several to ten times faster than that of HDD. For example, the read and write speed of SATA SSD is usually around 500-600MB/s, while that of NVMe SSD can be over 3000MB/s, and sometimes even over 7000MB/s.
2. Access times: SSDs provide near instant access to data, with latency typically less than 0.1ms.

• Impact on actual use

1. System startup: SSDs start up the system much faster than HDDs, usually within a few tens of seconds.
2. App Launch: Application load times are significantly reduced, especially in heavy software (games, video editors, etc.).
3. Data transfer: SSDs are overwhelmingly faster when moving large files, improving work efficiency.

Durable and reliable

SSDs are resistant to shocks, but they have a limited number of write cycles. On the other hand, HDDs have many physical parts, so they are at higher risk of failure.

Scalability

Another consideration is whether you can add or replace storage later - some laptops and desktops are designed in a way that makes it easy to add more storage.

GPU ( Graphics )

It is responsible for graphics processing. If you play games or edit videos, it is a good idea to have a dedicated GPU. Built-in types are for light work, while external types are high performance.

Roles and Basic Functions

The GPU is primarily responsible for graphics processing, particularly for 3D rendering, video processing, and game graphics. It works in cooperation with the CPU, and is particularly good at parallel processing.

kinds

• Built-in GPU (integrated): Built into the CPU, it is sufficient for light tasks (web browsing, office work), but often lacks performance for games and heavy apps.
• External GPU (dedicated type): An independent graphics card with high performance. Suitable for high-load tasks such as gaming, video editing, and 3D modeling.

Important specifications

• VRAM (Video RAM): Memory used by the GPU to store graphics data. Generally, 4GB or more is desirable, but 6GB or more is recommended for games and high-resolution work.
• Clock Speed: A measure of the processing speed of a GPU, usually measured in MHz (megahertz). The higher the number, the faster the processing speed.
• CUDA Cores or Stream Processors: NVIDIA's CUDA Cores and AMD's Stream Processors are the basic computing units that GPUs use to process data. The more there are, the higher the parallel processing performance.

Performance evaluation

• Benchmark: This is a standard test for comparing the performance of GPUs. You can use benchmark software such as 3DMark or UnigineHeaven to evaluate the performance of different GPUs.
• Game frame rate: This is an indicator of how smoothly the game runs. Generally, 60 FPS (frames per second) is considered comfortable.

Cooling and Power

GPUs generate heat under heavy loads, so an appropriate cooling system is necessary. Also, external GPUs require a certain amount of power, so you need to pay attention to the capacity of your power supply unit.

display

The size of the screen (in inches) and the resolution (e.g. Full HD, 4K) are important. High resolution allows you to see finer details.

size

Inches: This refers to the diagonal length of the screen. Generally, laptops are 13 to 17 inches, while desktops are generally 20 inches or more. It is important to choose the size according to your purpose.

resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels displayed on a screen. Common types of resolution are:

• HD (1280x720): Basic resolution.
• Full HD (1920 x 1080): Clearer and better for general use.
• WQHD (2560 x 1440): Higher definition, especially suitable for gaming and creative work.
• 4K (3840 x 2160): Extremely high resolution, ideal for video production and working with high-definition images.

Panel Type

• TN (Twisted Nematic): It features a fast response time, but has a narrow viewing angle and poor color reproduction. It is suitable for gaming.
• IPS (In-Plane Switching): Good color reproduction and wide viewing angles make it suitable for photo editing and watching movies. Slightly slower response time.
• VA (Vertical Alignment): It has high contrast and deep blacks. It also has good color reproduction, but the viewing angle is inferior to IPS.

Refresh rate

This refers to how many times the screen is redrawn per second. A typical laptop has a refresh rate of 60Hz, but gaming monitors have higher refresh rates, such as 144Hz or 240Hz. A higher refresh rate translates to smoother movement and improved responsiveness.

Brightness and contrast ratio

• Brightness: This indicates the brightness and is generally expressed in "cd/m² (candela per square meter)". High brightness makes it easy to see even in a bright environment.
• Contrast ratio: This refers to the difference between light and dark areas. A higher contrast ratio results in more vivid colors.

Interface

The interface is a key element that determines how an external device connects to a computer.

USB (Universal Serial Bus)

• USB-A: This is the most common shape and is widely used for a variety of devices (mice, keyboards, flash drives, etc.).
• USB-C: A next-generation interface that can be plugged in on either side, and is capable of high-speed data transfer and power delivery. It is used in many of the latest devices.
• USB 3.0/3.1/3.2: Allows high speed data transfer, especially useful for transferring large amounts of data.

HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface)

An interface for simultaneously transferring video and audio, used when connecting to a TV or monitor. If you choose a model that supports 4K or HDR, you can enjoy higher quality video.

DisplayPort

Usage: An interface mainly used for connecting to a PC monitor, capable of outputting high resolution and high refresh rate video. It is particularly commonly used for gaming monitors.

Ethernet port

Used for wired network connections. If you need a stable Internet connection, it is important to check whether your device has an Ethernet port.

Audio jack

This is the port for connecting headphones or speakers. A 3.5mm jack is common, but some laptops use USB-C for audio.

SD card slot

It is used to easily capture data from cameras and other devices, which is handy if you are doing creative work.

Thunderbolt

This interface allows for high-speed data transfer and daisy-chaining, and is primarily used to connect to external storage or high-performance GPUs. If your USB-C port supports Thunderbolt, you can achieve even higher transfer speeds.

Expansion Slots

Desktop PCs have PCIe slots for adding graphics cards and storage, which can improve performance or add functionality.

battery

When it comes to laptops, battery life is also important. If you plan on using it for long periods of time, it's best to have one that lasts more than 10 hours.

Capacity (mAh or Wh)

• mAh (milliamp hours): A unit of battery capacity. The higher the number, the better the battery life, but actual battery life will vary depending on how the device is used.
• Wh (Watt-hour): A more accurate unit of energy storage. 1Wh=1V×1Ah. It is an indicator of how much power a battery can supply.

Uptime​

Battery life is affected not only by capacity, but also by computer hardware (CPU, GPU, display brightness, etc.) and the applications used. It lasts longer with light tasks (word processing and web browsing), but shorter with heavy tasks (games and video editing).

Charging time

You should also consider how long it will take for your battery to fully charge, and having a quick charge feature can be handy as it will allow you to charge your device in a short amount of time.

summary

When choosing a computer, it is essential to understand the role and performance of each specification. Depending on the purpose of use, consider the number of CPU cores and clock speed, RAM capacity and speed, storage type, GPU performance, etc. Cost performance and the possibility of future upgrades are also important points. Carefully determine these and get the computer that is best suited for you to enjoy a comfortable digital life.