A functional and practical advantage of Windows-powered machines is always a variety of configurations (combination of processors, to hit, Storage And graphics) depending on the needs and requirements. But as a coin has two sides, this advantage also comes with its own quirks and creates a huge confusion in the minds of the buyers as to which configuration is best suited for them.
Now, we have already solved the processor question for you (here), but to buy a Windows PC Or laptop, you need to decide on more than just the processor. For example, if you are choosing intel core i9 The question remains open about the processor, however RAM, storage and graphics.
So, here we tell you which is the best configuration based on your needs and uses.
Let’s start with the general configuration that we find in pre-configured machines in the market. So, processor + 4GB/8GB/16GB/32GB RAM + up to 1TB SSD drive + integrated graphics or dedicated graphics.
Basic Configuration: Suitable for students, home use
A basic system with an Intel Core i3/Intel Core i5 processor with 4GB of RAM, 1TB HDD is more than enough for students and home users. Mostly suitable for those who want to browse, consume multimedia and word processing.
There is one thing you should consider adding to the equation- SSD instead of HDD. Laptops with SSD are available at entry into the budget range.
If you have budget constraints, choosing a Core i3 processor with an SSD will give you better day-to-day performance than a Core i5 with an HDD. Even a generation old CPU will not be a big problem as it helps you to keep the pricing under control. If your budget allows, you can opt for machines that also have 8GB of RAM.
Mid-Rage Configuration: Suitable for office, students as well as light gaming
Mid-range configurations have an Intel Core i5/Intel Core i7 processor with at least 8GB of RAM or more, a 256GB SSD or more, or a 128GB SSD with a 1TB HDD.
This configuration is ideal for office use, students who need a little more performance from their laptops. This segment also includes ultra-thin laptops from companies like Dell XPS, Asus Zenbook, HP Envy etc.
The need for a graphics card is optional at this price point, but if you need one, you can get Nvidia entry-level options like the GeForce 1650, Nvidia MX330, etc. It can enable you to do more graphics. It will also bring the cost of graphic-intensive work on the machine. But laptops will get a bit expensive.
Premium-tier configuration: Suitable for hardcore gamers, content creators
This level is basically the best place for a laptop that offers a balance between price and performance. The premium-level configuration includes an Intel Core i5/Intel Core i7 processor as the mid-range configuration, but it offers a bit more. Without going too deep into the naming details and meaning of the U series, H-series or H-series, the processors on most of these laptops rank high. Some may have more cores.
For example, a regular laptop from mid-tier running intel core i5 The 1135G7 has a 2.4GHz base clock and 4.2GHz max boost clock. Laptops in this category will offer a base clock of 3GHz and a maximum clock of around 4.4GHz or higher. The same applies to Intel Core i7 processors.
The rest of the configuration includes 8GB or more of dual-channel RAM clocked at 3200MHz. With this, SSD storage becomes an essential feature here.
The main difference comes in terms of graphics capabilities. In this tier, you’ll find dedicated graphics cards in laptops starting from the entry-level Nvidia GeForce 1650 to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060, RTX 3070, depending on the price bracket.
Top Tier Configuration: The best you can get in the market
If you are looking for the best among the best available in the market, then only you need to enter this category. Because this tier is expensive and can go beyond Rs 2 lakh or even Rs 3 lakh at times.
This configuration tier comes with an Intel Core i9 processor with 16GB or more of RAM, 1TB or more of SSD storage, a high-end graphics card such as an Nvidia RTX 3080 or RTX 3080 SLI.
It 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, lenses etc.
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