Planning to buy a Windows PC? Here’s the best configuration you can choose based on your usage/needs – Times of India

One functional and practical benefit Windows-powered machines have always had is the ability to opt for different types of configurations (combination of processor, RAM, storage and graphics) based on the needs and requirements. But as a coin has two sides, this benefit too comes with its quirks and brings a big confusion in buyers’ minds about what configuration is best suited for them.
Now, we have already got the processor question sorted out for you (here), but to buy a Windows PC or laptop, you need to decide on more than just the processor. For instance, if you are choosing the Intel Core i9 processor, then the question still remains open about the RAM, storage and graphics.
So, here we tell you which is the best configuration based on your needs and usages.
Let’s start with the usual configuration that we get in the pre-configured machines in the market. So, Processor + 4GB/8GB/16GB/32GB RAM + up to 1TB SSD drive + integrated graphics or dedicated graphics.
The basic configuration: Suitable for students, home usages
A basic system with Intel Core i3/Intel Core i5 processor paired with 4GB RAM, 1TB HDD is more than enough for students and home users. Mostly suitable for those who want to browse, multimedia consumption and word processing.
There’s one thing that you should consider adding to the equation– SSD instead of an HDD. Laptops with SSDs are available at entry to budget range.
If you have budget constraints, then choosing a Core i3 processor with SSD will give you better day-to-day performance than a Core i5 with HDD. Even a generation older CPU will not be a big of a problem given it helps you keep the pricing in check. If your budget allows, you can opt for machines that have 8GB RAM as well.
The mid-rage configuration: Suitable for office, students as well as lightweight gaming
The mid-range configuration features an Intel Core i5/Intel Core i7 processor with at least 8GB RAM or more, 256GB SSD or more or 128GB SSD with 1TB HDD.
This configuration is ideal for office usages, students who require a little more performance from their laptops. This segment also includes ultra-thin laptops from companies like Dell XPS, Asus Zenbook, HP Envy, etc.
Requirement for a graphics card at this price point is optional, but if you need one, you can get Nvidia entry-level options like GeForce 1650, Nvidia MX330, etc. This can enable you to do more graphics. It will also bring the price up of graphic-intensive work on the machine. But the laptops will become slightly more expensive.
The premium-tier configuration: Suitable for hardcore gamers, content creators
This tier is basically the sweet spot for laptops that offer a balance between price and performance. The premium-tier configuration includes Intel Core i5/Intel Core i7 processor as the mid-range configuration, but it offers more of everything. Without getting too deep into the U series, H-series or HK series naming details and what they mean, the processors on most of these laptops are in a higher state of tune. Some might even have more cores as well.
For instance, a regular laptop from the mid-tier running Intel Core i5 1135G7 has a 2.4GHz base clock and 4.2GHz max boost clock. The laptops in this category will offer a base clock of 3GHz and the max clock will be around 4.4GHz or more. The same applies for Intel Core i7 processors as well.
The rest of the configurations includes 8GB or more dual-channel RAM clocked at 3200MHz. Along with that, SSD storage becomes a mandatory feature here.
The main difference comes in terms of graphics capabilities. In this tier, you will find dedicated graphics cards in the laptops starting with entry-level Nvidia GeForce 1650 all the way to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, RTX 3070, depending upon the price bracket.
The top-tier configuration: The best of best you can find in the market
If you are looking for the best of the best available in the market, then only you need to foray into this category. Because this tier is expensive and can go beyond Rs 2 lakh or even 3 lakh at times.
This configuration tier comes with an Intel Core i9 processor with 16GB or more RAM, 1TB or more SSD storage, high-end graphics card such as Nvidia RTX 3080 or RTX 3080 SLI.
This is for those who are into hardcore gaming as well as content creation and work a lot on 3D renders, designing, machine learning stuff like creating 3D avatars, lens, etc.