I'm starting university soon and need a computer mainly for coursework, browsing, and everyday tasks, but I'd also like to play most games smoothly. My budget is around £800 for the PC itself, not including a monitor or other accessories. I don't know much about computer hardware, and I'm unsure which specifications offer good value or which used systems are best avoided. Should I buy new or used, and what parts or specifications should I focus on?
3 Answers
If you’re considering used systems, pay close attention to the exact CPU and graphics-card models rather than trusting labels like “gaming PC.” Avoid unknown-brand power supplies, very old graphics cards, systems with only a hard drive, and listings that don’t provide a full parts list. For new or used, 16GB of RAM is a good starting point, while 32GB is optional if you expect to multitask heavily. An SSD is strongly preferable for university work and game load times.
Before choosing specific parts, decide whether you need a desktop or laptop. A laptop is more convenient if you’ll be moving between lectures, libraries, and home, while a desktop will usually give you better gaming performance for the money. Also make sure any recommendations are for the PC alone, since that affects how far the £800 budget goes.
You can build a very capable new desktop for roughly this budget without buying used. A sensible target would be a modern six-core processor, 16GB of RAM, a 1TB SSD, and a dedicated graphics card suitable for 1080p gaming. Use a reputable power supply and a case with decent airflow, and check that all the parts are compatible before ordering. A parts-list website can help verify compatibility and compare prices.
The £800 is just for the PC. I’m mainly looking for advice on which specifications to target.