Are you terrified of shopping for new desktop computers? Do you feel like you just don’t know enough about them to make a sound decision? Do you want to learn as much as you can before you take the plunge? If so, check out this article and all of the great advice inside.

Join an online group for people who know about computers. They can help you find a desktop computer that suits your needs. And because they know computers, they can help you avoid the brands that will not serve you well. Try to soak up as much information as you can, and you’ll get a computer you can be proud of.

Don’t overlook the quality of the desktop computer monitor when considering your purchase. The specs of the actual computer may be amazing, but if the monitor is poor, your overall experience will be bad too. Remember, it’s the monitor that you’ll have the most interaction with, so be willing to spend more to get one you like.

Which processor you need depends on what you want to do with your computer. If you aren’t sure, then you are likely better off with something cheaper and less powerful, such as an i3 or i5. If you are playing video games, go for something bigger like an i7 instead.

When shopping for a computer, don’t assume that a system new to you is new. Many of the greatest deals are refurbished systems, which is openly acknowledged. However, sales clerks will often say that these were just systems sitting on display shelves or bought and quickly returned. In some cases, these systems are as old as a decade and just came back from a business lease.

If you want to run many programs at once, you’ll need at least 4GB of RAM. If you just want to do simple tasks, less than 4GB will be okay. Want to play video games? Look for 10GB and above to ensure your games aren’t lagged and are hard to play.

If you want to save money on a new computer, check out refurbished models or open box systems. These can typically be had at deep discounts or even fractions of the retail price of a new one. Do check out what kind of warranty and certification they come with. Ideally, you want a refurbished system that has been checked out twice.

This article has provided you with a ton of expert advice that will make shopping for a computer easier than ever. Whether you need it for home or work or school, you’ll locate the best unit for your needs now. Just use the tips you’ve read here and start looking for a new computer!