Best Computer to Work From Home

What to look for in a work from home desktop computer

The work-from-home setup became the norm during the pandemic and has since been a favoured option by many. It allowed employees to spend more time with their loved ones and save more money on their daily commute. And when people are happy, they’re likely to be more productive.

To make sure that you can work efficiently, you need a computer you can rely on. The machine you need will depend on your tasks. To help you get the best PC for working from home in 2022, here are some things to consider while on the lookout:

Processor

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) or processor is the heart of a computer. Think of it as its engine that helps keep the entire machine running. It’s the primary component that determines the speed of your desktop.

There are two major manufacturers of processors, namely Intel and AMD. Both offer four tiers of products that have varying speeds. The higher it is, the more powerful your PC can be.  However, this doesn’t mean that you should always get the fastest one. You might end up overspending.

Buy a PC with a processor fit for the tasks you need to do. For example, if you’re only going to use it for administrative duties or writing articles, settle for those in the middle range, like an i5 from Intel. It’s more than enough to help you finish your everyday tasks.

Meanwhile, if you work on processor-heavy tasks like video editing, then go with an i7 like those found in Silent 12th Gen Workstation, so you can render what you’ve worked on faster.

RAM

Another essential computer part to consider is the RAM or Random-Access Memory. It takes into account all the applications you use for work. In a way, it’s your PC’s fuel. Your RAM should match your workload. Otherwise, your PC has a greater tendency to stall or crash.

The rule of thumb is to get at least 8GB of RAM to keep the desktop running smoothly. Getting less could cause you problems since the operating system alone typically takes up to 2GB. If you only have 4GB, you’re already working with half the total capacity, even if you haven’t opened any app yet. This means you’re working at a disadvantage from the start.

Video and photo editing apps take up a greater chunk of memory than other apps, so you’ll need higher RAM. Look for desktops with at least 16GB of RAM to ensure that your system won’t lag when working.

Storage

Spacious storage drives are needed to save your documents and install necessary work applications. Hard Disk Drives (HDD) have always been the go-to component. But recently, more people use Solid State Drives (SSD). Although they cost more, they’re way more efficient than their predecessors.

Some PCs come with a combination of both. Usually, SSDs have a smaller capacity since they’re only meant for the essentials like the operating system and essential applications. HDDs have greater storage capacities, so you have more room to store larger files.

Graphics Card

Next to the CPU, the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) or Graphics Card has the most significant impact on a PC’s performance. It contains an additional processor that focuses on translating data into images that can be rendered into your display or monitor. Additionally, modern GPUs can process complex 3D graphics meant for different applications.

Design applications like AutoCAD and 3D graphics software tools like Blender and Unreal Engine are GPU-intensive. If you’re an animator, game designer or architect, you’ll need a desktop with a powerful graphics card since a good CPU alone won’t be able to handle your tasks. One good example would be the Silent ATX Intel 12TH Gen Alder Lake RTX 3090 since it’s equipped with one of the best GPUs today.