Purchasing a computer capable of meeting everyone’s demands is a tricky affair.

On one hand, you are mainly using the computer to browse the web for news and entertainment, and on the other, your partner will need it to edit videos as a side gig, for example.

Is it not just easier to get the best parts, you might ask, since this will cover all aspects of usage?

Unfortunately, this might not be the most budget-friendly choice, and you might even be paying more in terms of electricity bills.

Here are some of the top choices to consider when looking for parts that will build a great computer that works for everyone and every purpose.

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

One of the best upgrades you could do is for the CPU (Central Processing Unit), as it acts as the brain of your computer system.

Two brands hold a tight duopoly in this market, namely AMD and Intel. Both offer a great selection of products to meet every workload criteria, with Intel being the market leader for the past decade.

The last few years, however, have seen AMD emerging from its slump and releasing phenomenal products that are generating positive buzz.

Unfortunately, demand has far outstripped supply, creating a situation that is unhealthy for consumers. Scalpers, people who upsell hard-to-get products at an exorbitant rate, are cashing in on this demand.

This makes it a bad time to do your CPU purchase unless you are the lucky few who are able to pay near the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price).

If you are not able to fork that sum out, it is suggested that you wait for a few more months for supply to catch up. If not, look for older offerings that can still meet your requirements, as these are usually very stable in pricing.

Graphics card

A graphics card can easily be the most expensive part of the computer. As there are plenty of brands out there, it can be difficult to pinpoint an exact model to pick.

Top-tier graphics cards cost well above RM4,000 and are catered to professionals and enthusiasts. Cheaper graphics cards tend to be below the RM1,000 mark, marketed as entry-level products for the mass market.

There are lower to mid-tier graphics card offerings in the market recently that meet the demands of the budget-conscious buyer. Brands such as Asus and MSI provide a baseline of good and stable products with feature-rich offerings.

It is a good idea to get a graphics card from a reputable brand that has a good track record of quality, reliability, and customer service.

Before finalising your purchase, do not forget to consider the power requirements and also the dimensions of the graphics card. Newer models are getting bigger than ever and might not be able to fit into your current desktop case.

Some cards require more power, necessitating a power supply upgrade. All these extras can be an additional burden to your budget, so keep a close eye on that.

Monitor

Getting a monitor that suits your workspace aesthetics while providing visual acuity and comfort can prove to be the most worthwhile investment after a CPU and graphics card upgrade.

There is a multitude of features and settings you will need to familiarise yourself with to ensure the monitor of your choice meets your demands.

Low latency or low input lag helps provide snappy and quick feedback that can help during those intense gaming sessions. High refresh-rate monitors give a better viewing experience, while a color-accurate monitor helps content creators get better editing results.

Finally, the higher the resolution, the sharper and clearer the display.

RAM, Storage, and Motherboard

RAM or Random Access Memory, is an integral part of any system. Most systems will work fine with 16GBs of RAM.

Going higher than the 16GBs of RAM will result in diminishing returns while going lower than 16GBs can result in sluggish performances.

Always check on the software you will be running on the computer, as the software’s stated minimum requirements will help you in this matter.

Choosing a storage media is slightly more complicated. The current consensus is to go for a solid-state drive (SSD) for your primary drive and operating system installation, and a secondary hard disk drive (HDD) for content storage.

The motherboard is the least looked at part but works as the backbone of the entire computer.

All of the parts mentioned above are connected via the motherboard, so it is crucial that the motherboard you select is compatible with all these parts.

One thing you would want to avoid is to purchase a motherboard that has features you will not be using, such as overclocking or a WIFI router.

This article first appeared in MyPF. Follow MyPF to simplify and grow your personal finances on Facebook and Instagram.