Initially, I had no idea what RAM, #Cores, vRAM, HDD, and SSD meant. I used to think that more storage and a quicker CPU meant a speedier machine. If that’s the case, here’s a quick crash course. No worries… We won’t go into depth now; it will be covered later.
Beginner Guide to Reading Computer Specifications:
If you’re looking to purchase a computer, we’ll help you understand the basics.
1. Computer Terminology:
We will look at the terminology, parts, and functions of a few fundamental computer terms, components, and functions.
2. Processor (CPU)
An application is “executed” by a CPU (or processor). Application or job requiring a strong CPU will need one capable of “heavy lifting.” Heavy lifting includes gaming, video editing, and 3D animation.
Surfing the web, writing essays, and watching movies do not need a “superfast” CPU. The great majority of modern CPUs have no recognized concerns.
3. Clock Speed:
When running demanding applications, “clock speed” is the most important spec. “Fastness” is a common description. Intensive tasks may still be run on any CPU, although faster CPUs are more efficient (in GHz). Ex: 4.0GHz), the faster these activities will be.
The faster a CPU’s clock speed, the less helpful it is for light tasks. Unless you’re performing video editing or 3D modeling, you probably don’t need a fast CPU.
4. Cores:
The term “core” may be unfamiliar to you if you’ve heard of a CPU with more than two cores. Modern CPUs are made up of several little boxes rather than one huge one.
The “cores” are the processing units that run your programs. An increased number of CPU cores should result in faster program execution.
Most modern laptops feature several cores, usually four, which is plenty for most people’s crazy multitasking demands. Six or eight-core CPUs are handy for tasks that would take too long on a four-core processor (like making a movie).
5. Generation:
That is, if your CPU is newer, ignore the following advice. The first digit of a CPU model number may indicate its generation. Core i5 10300H vs. 11300H: 10th vs. 11th generation.
AMD Ryzen: 4th, 5th, and 6th generations.
9th, 10th, 11th Intel Core
Anything below is sluggish but not elderly.
6. Series:
This includes “letters” like U, G, and H. Core i5 10100U versus 11300H vs 114G35
The ‘H’ series of novels. It’s always HQ, HK, HX, or another combination of HQ, HK, HX, or another combination. They contain more cores and faster clock speeds, making them ideal for intense applications.
U, G: These “smaller” CPUs are substantially less powerful than “High Performance” CPUs (if brand and generations are equal).
7. RAM:
RAM is a kind of memory, but not storage. Because it’s close to the CPU, this memory is easier to read. The more RAM or “RAM Memory” you have, the better your CPU performs when processing large amounts of data and running multiple apps. Your OS or program dictates RAM requirements.
8. Size:
For most Linux distributions and Windows 10 S/Windows 11 users, 2GB RAM is sufficient for online browsing, word processing, music, and video playback.
4GB RAM: But only for multitasking users of the above operating systems (with more than 20 active browser tabs).
8GB RAM: This is required to operate Windows 10 Home or Windows 11 Pro at its best. Anything less is likely to create issues. This quantity can handle high-end gaming and video editing.
Pro video editors, 3D CAD designers, and photographers should need 16GB RAM. In short, this will improve heavy software performance. Even for gamers, this is a waste of time.
9. Generation:
There are three current generations, however, the first is older. Their “data-feeding” speeds vary greatly. For most programs and multitasking, any generation will suffice. But expect no substantial performance increases for heavy users like gamers, engineers, and video editors.
10. Storage
Computer storage drives work like phone storage. More storage implies more items can be installed and stored. But not all hard drives are equal. The most prevalent are SSDs and HDDs.
11. A solid-state drive (SSD)
SSDs are currently in practically every laptop and desktop computer. Modern hard disc drives (HDDs) replace older models (Hard Disk Drives). They can read and write quickly. So reading and writing files will be lightning-fast:
Adobe premiere, CAD, video editing, photoshop, etc. cloudy
Starting apps and programs takes just a few seconds.
Your PC will also start in under 10 seconds.
Instant access to all system files and text extracts.
12. Hard Disk Drive (HDD)
Ten years ago, we used these clunky CDs. However, they are really slow and will take a long time to complete the activities I described before.
13. Graphics Card(GPU)
Graphics cards are unneeded if you’re merely playing low-quality games, watching 4k movies, or performing other mundane tasks. When looking for a computer, you should KNOW the difference between an integrated and a separate graphics card.
Integrated graphics: GPUs will be standard on all PCs and laptops. Integrated, they share resources like “RAM” with the CPU. They’re all adequate for most easy tasks, movies, photo editing, and computer gaming.
AMD Radeon 7 is called Intel HD, Intel UHD, Intel Xe, etc. The newest integrated GPUs can handle photo and video editing, as well as high-graphics gaming!
Dedicated Graphics: Dedicated GPUs are thus named.
14. vRAM:
Unlike integrated graphics, discrete cards have far more vRAM, eliminating the need for the CPU to “lend” memory to them. They have more cores, shaders, and clock rates than an integrated GPU.
These machines are more suitable for high-end gaming, 3D modeling, video editing, etc. Look for the word “vRAM” in the device’s specs to see whether it has a dedicated GPU.
Quick Links:
- 5 Best Laptops For Solidworks: [Expert Recommendations]
- 5 Best Laptops For Law School Students: [Top Picks]
- 10 Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000: [Tested By Pro-Gamers]
- 10 Best Laptops Under $400: Best Buy
- 10 Best Laptops for Game Development
- 5 Best Laptops For Streaming: [Expert Choices]
Conclusion: Beginner Guide to Reading Computer Specifications
We studied the many terminologies, properties, and vital components of a computer before. We hope you’ve got it now and can assess any computer based on its features and capabilities. Thank you for reading.
