Tips and tricks before you buy a computer in 2026

What you should do before the Buying a new or used computer or laptop Here's what you should consider when buying a computer in 2026. Computers are an essential part of our daily lives. Especially in office environments, but also at home, fast PCs are needed for work or using multimedia services like YouTube. When buying a computer, you need to make sure you buy the right PC or laptop. Unfortunately, computers are technical devices and therefore become outdated after a few years. If your PC was the best in its class five years ago—fast and quiet—it might no longer be able to meet the demands of many software programs today. If you need a new computer but don't know what to look for, you've come to the right place. We'll explain what you should consider when buying a computer in 2026.

PC or laptop: Which makes more sense?

Perhaps you are still facing the question of whether to buy a used desktop PC or a good new one. used laptop which is better for you and your needs. First, you should ask yourself the following questions: Do you always work at the same workplace, or sometimes in the office, sometimes from home, sometimes in a café? Do you work with very demanding programs, such as CAD software, or are you a gamer? Do you need a high-performance graphics card? Or are streamlined programs like MS Office sufficient for you?

Advantages of desktop PCs:

• Cheaper than laptops: Prices for good PCs range from €300-400.

• Expandable at any time, as upgrading graphics cards or hard drives is usually not a problem.

• Desktop PCs offer more power, better value for money, and are ideally suited for large programs and games.

• Monitor, mouse and keyboard are freely selectable and do not necessarily need to be purchased when changing computers; they can run for up to 12 hours on battery power.

• Laptops are more difficult to clean and upgrade.

• They usually need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair, which can sometimes take several weeks.

High-performance laptops Laptops are more expensive than standalone PCs: Good standard laptops suitable for word processing and internet browsing start at around €400. If you really need the laptop for work or watching movies, you shouldn't spend less than €700. As an alternative to the classic tower PC, there are also mini-PCs, which are only the size of a small box.

They can easily be placed on the desk next to or behind the monitor. This looks much better than traditional PCs and saves space (but be careful, the cables need to be routed neatly!). Mini-PCs don't compromise on performance either. The only drawbacks are that they can't be individually upgraded and that additional components must be connected externally.

2. The processor: the heart of a computer

Choosing the right processor determines your PC's overall performance and is therefore a crucial factor when buying a computer. What is a processor? The processor is also known as the CPU (Central Processing Unit). The CPU serves as the central processing unit for handling tasks. It is found not only in computers but also in many electronic devices such as washing machines, dryers, and other household appliances (Internet of Things, IoT 4.0). The two best-known CPU manufacturers are Intel and AMD.

Processors perform computer operations and control parts of the computer. Since the processor only understands binary code, i.e., only zeros and ones, every number or digit must be rewritten into binary code, which is then processed by the processor. The clock speed, or clock frequency, of a processor determines the computer's performance. The higher the clock frequency, the faster the processor processes instructions.

The speed of the clock cycles is measured in Hertz. One Hertz is one cycle per second. Computers usually make noise when they are working. This is often due to the fan, which is designed to cool the processor. At high clock speeds, significant heat loss occurs, which must be compensated for by a fan. Otherwise, the processor can be damaged.

Which processor is right for me?

You need to consider beforehand how much performance you require and what you intend to use the computer for. Is it purely a business PC with simple word processing programs? Do you want to use powerful software such as CAD programs, graphics programs, or a document management system? Or should it be a gaming PC? The higher the requirements, the more powerful the processor should be.

Around the Processor performance To increase performance, multiple processors are combined without increasing the clock speed. This is called multi-core processing. A distinction is made between processors with one core (single core), processors with two cores (dual core), processors with four cores (quad core), processors with six cores (hexa core), and processors with eight cores (octa core) or higher. Generally, the more processors are connected, the better the performance (there are limits, as the processors themselves need to be controlled!). Therefore, your new PC should have at least a dual-core processor.

Multi-core processors are better. Intel manufactures good processors in various classes, distinguishing between Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, and Core i9. It's also important to differentiate between processor generations within the i-family: for example, i7 – 7th generation or 8th generation. There are significant differences in performance and power consumption, and you should generally opt for a processor from the latest generation. There are large price differences between computers with the respective processors.

Generally speaking, i5 processors are suitable for good business PCs and laptops. An i7 is only necessary for intensive use and gaming. Laptops with i3 processors will be virtually nonexistent on the market by 2026. The trend is therefore naturally towards increasingly powerful processors, which should be taken into account when buying a computer. Tip: In most cases, we recommend i5 or i7 processors, like ours. Top laptop from Lenovo.

3. RAM for more performance

The choice of RAM is also a crucial factor for PC speed. It's best not to skimp on RAM, because if it becomes scarce and data has to be temporarily stored on other storage media, work processes will slow down significantly. Sufficient RAM allows for smoother operation and reduces the load on the system.

What is RAM memory?

Random Access Memory (RAM) is the storage space of a computer that contains the programs or parts of programs that are currently running, and the data required for their execution. The processor accesses the RAM directly; therefore, its size and performance are crucial for the overall performance of the PC.

Also known as "RAM" (Random Access Memory), all running processes and programs are temporarily stored in main memory. A RAM module typically has 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 gigabytes of memory. For very low demands, 4 GB of RAM is sufficient. However, we recommend at least 8 GB of RAM for PCs and laptops. RAM is relatively inexpensive and can be easily upgraded on standard PCs. Our advice: Don't skimp on working memory, otherwise you'll be frustrated by slow processes.

4. Which hard drive is the right one? Hard drive or SSD?

While the processor is often referred to as the heart or brain of a computer, the hard drive is its storage. Data is stored on hard drives. A distinction is made between SSDs (Solid State Drives) and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). Traditional HDDs consist of one or more magnetic platters, each with a read/write head. As the platters spin during operation, the read/write head moves across the platters and reads the stored data. SSDs, on the other hand, consist of many flash memory chips, similar to those used in USB flash drives. SSDs have become increasingly common in recent years due to their significant advantages over hard drives. Because SSDs contain no mechanical parts, they are considerably more robust than hard drives.

While defects and data loss are unavoidable with HDDs, SSDs are much less sensitiveThe most compelling argument for an SSD, however, is its significantly faster performance compared to a traditional hard drive—up to twice as fast. Furthermore, SSDs are lighter, more efficient, and therefore consume less battery power. Hard drives are (still) cheaper than SSDs and offer (still) more storage space. However, with future needs in mind, we recommend a high-performance SSD. A 256 GB SSD is sufficient for basic word processing, while a 512 GB SSD is recommended for higher storage requirements.

If you opt for a traditional hard drive, you should choose at least 1 TB of storage space or opt for the hybrid solution, an SSHD.

5.Grafikkarte

The Graphics cards Graphics cards are responsible for generating the graphics output, i.e., rendering the individual images (also called "frames"). A graphics processing unit (GPU) is integrated into the graphics card. The performance of the GPU also determines the price of graphics cards. The GPU handles the rendering of images that were previously sent to it by the CPU (processor). When choosing the right graphics card, the intended use is crucial.

Similar to CPUs, graphics cards vary enormously in price. If you're not a gamer or don't use other graphics-intensive programs, the integrated graphics cards in most desktop and laptop PCs are sufficient. These are mostly older models, but they are capable of handling most common home and business applications. If you use graphics-intensive programs like CAD software, image editing, or games, then you should invest in a high-quality graphics card.

As a rule, the CPU and GPU should be matched. Computers with a powerful processor therefore also need a graphics card with a powerful graphics processor, and vice versa. Otherwise, the performance offered by a powerful CPU cannot be fully utilized. High-end graphics cards for gamers are manufactured by companies such as ASUS and AMD. They are characterized by particularly high performance and are generally quite expensive.

6. Interfaces

Make sure your PC has USB 3.0/3.1 and HDMI/DVI ports. This will allow you to connect most devices and monitors to the computer. The multiple USB ports are ideal for connecting common devices like a mouse, keyboard, printer, and USB flash drives simultaneously.

7. The right monitor

If you need a new monitor, you must ensure that your PC has the correct interface. Monitors are typically connected to the computer via DVI or HDMI. Size is an important factor when choosing the right monitor. Screens used in office environments are usually between 22 and 27 inches. Monitors also differ in many other aspects. You should ensure that the monitor has an anti-glare screen, as non-glare screens can strain your eyes during extended use. Other important features are brightness and response time. The response time should not exceed 5 milliseconds to avoid complicating your work. Brighter screens are better in bright environments. There are height-adjustable monitors and those that allow you to adjust the tilt angle. Height adjustment is always recommended for ergonomic working. Monitors that filter blue light are now available. Blue light is harmful to health in the long term, so this is another useful feature.

8. Operating system: already installed?

Many PCs come with the operating system already installed. It's usually Microsoft Windows 11 or Apple's macOS. Some PCs don't have an operating system pre-installed. Keep this in mind if you need one and want to avoid additional costs.

PC accessories: mouse and keyboard

A desktop PC absolutely requires a mouse and keyboard. Wireless keyboards and mice are convenient because they only use one USB port and there's no cable to get in the way. Theoretically, you don't need a laptop mouse if the built-in touchpad is sufficient.

10. Quality pays off when buying a computer

Pay attention to quality! When it comes to computers, the saying "buy cheap, buy twice" applies. Here's why a poorly configured PC is immediately noticeable. While very inexpensive PCs often offer good performance, the components used are usually of inferior quality and show defects after only a short time. If you then have to send the computer in for repair, it will be expensive. It is therefore advisable to use high-quality manufacturers who use components from other reputable brands.

Furthermore, your PC should have a two-year warranty (laptops usually only have a one-year warranty). Choosing a German manufacturer is definitely a safe bet. Now you know what to look for most when buying a computer. As a systems integrator, we're happy to advise you on which PC best suits your needs. Need help buying a computer? Visit our Configurator.