Computers are complicated machines with a lot of components and elements to them. As such, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the technical specifications and information. However, there are a handful of particular things to look for in a desktop computer. Once you know what to look for and what all the various specs mean, it becomes easy to find the right system for your needs.
Memory
The memory, or RAM, in a desktop computer is responsible for the overall speed of a system. This refers to the active memory used by your computer when you are running a program, not the storage memory used for permanent data retention. When you activate a program or open a file, the memory in your computer is used to run it.
More memory, measured in Gigabytes (GB), generally means your computer can handle multiple programs at once, or run a single program fast. RAM also runs at different speeds, indicated in Megahertz (MHz) or Gigahertz (GHz), and higher numbers indicate faster speeds.
There are different kinds of memory, however, such as DDR3 and DDR5 RAM. A higher number refers to newer and faster memory; a computer with 8GB of DDR4 memory will typically run much faster than one with 12GB of older DDR3 memory, so consider the quantity, speed, and type.
Processor
Cores
Modern CPUs also have multiple cores; each core basically acts as a mini-processor within the larger chip. A quad-core or four-core processor acts like having four CPUs in a single system. Performance isn’t increased in a strictly multiplicative manner, but more cores does equate to better performance. One thing to keep in mind is that AMD and Intel, the two major CPU manufacturers, use different standards for their systems.
Threads
When you compare them, you should look at how many “threads” an Intel chip has in addition to the number of cores. An Intel CPU with four cores and eight threads will probably run faster than an AMD chip with four cores, but it also depends on your overall setup and other components.
For in-depth information on processors, cores, and threads, check out our processor buyer's guide.
Graphics Card and Video Memory
While computers include RAM that provides memory for running general programs and applications, they also frequently include video cards with dedicated graphics memory. These cards are designed to run video applications faster, help the system display streaming media, render 3D graphics, and load websites with multimedia elements.
Good video cards include dedicated video memory, measured in Gigabytes (GB), which is only used by a computer to run graphics. Some high-end systems even run multiple graphics cards together, providing additional memory, and even higher performance. New computers have GDDR5 memory in their graphics cards which is much faster than older cards with GDDR3 memory. You’re better off with a card that has 2GB of DDR5 memory than one with 3GB of DDR3 video RAM.
For more information, check out our graphics card buyer's guide.
Storage
Mechanical Drive
Mechanical drives are usually larger and less expensive since they require the disk to physically spin around inside the drive. However, this means data can become corrupted or damaged much more easily.
Solid-State Drive
Solid-state drives don’t physically move inside the drive, so they can sustain shocks without losing data. However, they’re usually more expensive and typically smaller in terms of data quantity.
If you want both options, there are many prebuilt systems that have a large mechanical drive for file storage, with a smaller solid-state drive for your operating system and common programs.
Power Supply
As you look at different desktop computers, there are a few very good reasons to consider the power supply in them. Power supplies connect to a power socket and distribute power throughout your computer, with better models providing higher amounts of maximum power, measured in watts (W). More power in a system allows for better and more components in a system.
While a 500W power supply might be sufficient for a budget system, you’ll want 800W or more in a high-end gaming rig. Make sure you choose a computer with enough power for the components you need, and a power supply that can handle any additional hardware you might want to install in your system.
For a better look at these components, check out our power supply buyer's guide.
System Cooling
Computer hardware requires a good deal of power and typically generates a lot of heat because of it. That’s why it’s very important for your system to have adequate cooling to remove and disperse heat from sensitive components that can be damaged otherwise. Most midrange systems include air cooling from a number of fans and it’s important to ensure the computer has at least two, if not more, case fans.
High-end systems usually require four or more fans; conversely, they can make use of liquid cooling. Liquid is a better conductor of heat than air, so a liquid-cooling system can handle much more heat than fans alone, which is very important in a computer with multiple hard drives and numerous video cards.
Additional Components and Hardware
A lot of prebuilt systems also have other components either as part of the motherboard or installed in expansion slots in the computer. Consider the type of networking you need, including wireless options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, as well as wired connections via an Ethernet port. You’ll also want to look at the number and types of USB ports on a computer case as well as the availability of DVD or Blu-ray drives.
While all-in-one systems include the computer components within a display, there are also desktop systems that come with a separate monitor. Most computers come with a basic mouse and keyboard, and there are some manufacturers that provide options for high-end mouse and keyboard sets, audio speakers, and printers.
Customization Options
Even though a prebuilt desktop computer can rarely match building your own computer in terms of customization, many manufacturers do give you options in terms of components and hardware. Consider your needs and then look at and compare the customization options provided by different manufacturers. Companies like Origin let you choose from dozens of different components or even special order a particular piece you want installed into your prebuilt system. Toshiba, on the other hand, usually sells a single build of a computer without options for customization which makes it easy to order a good system without having to consider a range of different components.