As a student, you need a reliable PC that can keep up with your busy schedule. Whether you’re writing papers, studying for exams, or unwinding with video games after class, the right computer is essential for getting everything done.
The student PC you choose will directly impact how efficiently you’re able to complete your coursework. It’s what you’ll rely on for researching topics, taking notes, writing drafts, revising documents, and more. You don’t want to be stuck with a slow or laggy machine that causes unnecessary delays.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at everything you must consider before choosing the perfect student PC for both work and play.
Consider Your Budget
The first step is to think about how much money you have to spend. Student budgets can be tight, so it’s important to be realistic. Do some research on average prices for desktops and exclusive student deals to get a ballpark figure. Don’t forget to budget for accessories like a mouse, headphones, an external hard drive, and more over time as well. Setting a price range will help narrow down your options.
Laptop vs Desktop
Portability is usually important. However, desktop student PCs can offer more power for less money. Think about where and how you’ll primarily use your computer—in classes, at the library, in your dorm room, etc. Laptops let you easily move between locations, but desktops have bigger screens and components. Consider if you need the flexibility of a laptop or if a desktop makes more sense for your needs.
Operating System: MacOS vs Windows vs ChromeOS
The operating system (OS) you choose will depend on what software you need for classes and personal use. Windows is the most popular overall, but MacOS may be better if you need iOS or iPad integration. ChromeOS is great if you primarily need a web browser and cloud-based apps. Think about any specialized programs you’ll use and what OS they support best. Don’t forget to factor in your familiarity with different platforms too.
Processor (CPU)
The processor (CPU) is the brain of your student’s PC and determines overall speed and performance. For general student use, any Intel Core i3, Ryzen 3 or higher processor will suffice. Look for quad-core or more recently as multi-tasking demands have increased. Only splurge on an i7 or Ryzen 7 if you need intensive tasks like video editing, 3D modeling or coding.
Random Access Memory
RAM, or memory, is so important for students because it allows you to seamlessly switch between multiple programs and browser tabs without long waits.
- With 8GB of RAM, you’ll be able to have a few programs, like a web browser with 10+ tabs open, your word processor or coding editor, a video streaming in another, and your music player, all at once without things slowing down.
- This level of multitasking is essential for productive study and getting work done efficiently. Whether you’re researching online, writing papers or coding projects, bouncing between resources is very common. With only 8GB of RAM, you may start to see lag or apps reloading from time to time if you have too many things running simultaneously.
- As operating systems and software advance, the minimum requirements tend to increase as well. Programs are becoming more complex and memory-intensive over time. With more RAM installed now, your computer will remain speedy even as you update to the latest versions of Windows, MacOS, or ChromeOS in the future.
- Additionally, having extra memory means better long-term performance. As you accumulate more files, photos, downloads, and general junk on your student PC over multiple years of use, the extra RAM helps compensate for the increasing clutter and prevents slowdowns. Clearing out temporary memory files stored in RAM helps reboot your computer’s performance.
Internal Storage Space
Look for at least 256GB of internal storage space, but 512GB or 1TB would provide more room for your files, photos, videos and games without relying on external drives. Opt for a solid-state drive (SSD) over a hard disk drive (HDD) for faster boot times and load speeds if possible. You can also add affordable external hard drives later on for expanded storage.
Graphics Card
An integrated graphics card that comes with the CPU will suffice for general use like web browsing, streaming and schoolwork. But if you want to do any gaming, video/photo editing, or other graphics-intensive tasks, invest in a dedicated graphics card—even a basic one. Consider your creative hobbies and coursework when deciding how much graphics power you need long-term.
Ports and Connectivity
The ports and wireless capabilities on your new student PC are important to consider, as they will determine what accessories, displays and devices you can easily connect. As a student, you’ll likely want to use external drives, cameras, displays and more at some point.
- Make sure to check that both USB-A and USB-C ports are available. USB-C is handy for newer devices and charging, while USB-A is still very common.
- An HDMI or DisplayPort is necessary for hooking up to larger monitors or TVs when giving presentations. Many students also use their laptops as a second screen by connecting to a monitor in their dorm room.
- In addition, look for an SD card reader. If you shoot photos or videos with a digital camera, this lets you easily import files.
- Whether you like listening to music or using a microphone, the headphone jack shouldn’t be overlooked.
Brand and Customer Service
Choose a reputable brand you’re familiar with for peace of mind. Check online reviews to see how they handle tech support, repairs and warranty claims. Educational or student discounts are also common from brands like Dell, HP and Lenovo. Apple tends to have best-in-class service but may not be the most budget-friendly.
Extras to Consider
Think about extras that enhance your student PC experience, like a backlit keyboard for late-night writing sessions, a fingerprint reader for easy logins, front-facing speakers for Netflix watching, or a touchscreen if you’ll use digital art programs. Also factor in the costs of any software you need to purchase separately, like Microsoft Office or Adobe Creative Cloud.
Final Words
Taking the time to thoroughly research your options and priorities will ensure you choose the perfect PC for all your student needs. Focus on processors, memory, storage and displays that meet your academic requirements while fitting your budget. Consider accessories, warranty and customer service too for long-term satisfaction. With the right machine, you’ll be set up for success in and out of the classroom!
