Which computer should I buy? Countless people ask themselves this when they are ready for a new desktop or laptop. After some googling, you often end up with one of the countless lists that list the top models of the moment. But it is not said that those computers are the best for you.

Therefore, first check what you want to use the computer for. If you want to edit videos and photos, you have very different requirements than if you only want to answer your email. Below I have explained what to look out for for different usage scenarios. Everything applies to laptops and desktops as well as Windows and Mac computers.

A super-fast machine for professionals and other demanding users who want excellent performance

For whom: Professionals. Anyone who wants a computer that runs smoothly, without regard to price. People who have many tabs open in their browser, run several programs simultaneously or use programs that require a lot of computing power, such as Photoshop.

• Price: Around 1,200 euros and above. More for Apple computers.
• Processor: Core i7 or better
• RAM: 16 GB or more
• Storage: SSD drive of 250 GB or more
• Size and Weight for Laptops: Can be thin and light (called an ultrabook), but you pay extra for that.

Basic computer: Suitable for professionals and other demanding users on a budget, and for most people in general

For whom: Professionals and other demanding users with a limited budget. Patient people who have many browser tabs and programs open at the same time. Regular users who don’t often sit at the computer, but want a smooth experience when they do.

• Price: Between 700 and 1,000 euros. More for Apple computers.
• Processor: Core i5
• RAM: 8 to 16 GB
• Storage: 250 GB SSD disk or more
• Size and Weight: Can be thin and light, but you pay extra for that.

Budget computer: reasonable performance for the average user and people who don’t often sit at the computer

For whom: People who don’t often use computers. And when they do, it’s to send emails, look up something online, buy from a web shop, or file tax returns. Also suitable for demanding users with a limited budget, but they must have the necessary patience.

• Price: Around 500 euros.
• Processor: Core i3
• RAM: 4 to 8 GB
• Storage: 120 to 250 GB SSD disk or more
• Size and Weight: Can be thin and light, but you pay extra for that.

What is RAM and how much do you need?

RAM stands for random access memory. This is the memory where your computer stores things that you use now or need again soon. The programs you have open and running in the background are calling on the RAM. The more intensively you use your computer, the more RAM you need. You’ll also want to look for the top rgb fans on the market to prevent your computer from overheating.

In fact, according to some, the amount of RAM affects performance more than the type of processor. After all, you don’t need much computing power for many everyday programs such as a browser or Microsoft Word. Simple programs run fine on a processor that is slightly less powerful, but are slow if you have too little RAM.

Computers nowadays have 8 GB of RAM on board as standard. That is sufficient for most users. I personally always choose a laptop or desktop with at least 16 GB of RAM. Then I don’t have to pay attention to which programs I have open at the same time. You can also rent a laptop or rent a macbook for a shorter period of time.