Budget-Friendly Desktop for new Windows users
As a dedicated Mac user and an animation graduate student, my journey has been marked by numerous achievements in motion graphics, illustrations, and design. I’ve truly savored the Mac’s exceptional speed, user-friendly interface, and visually pleasing design. The Mac’s reputation as an ideal design tool is well-deserved, particularly in its ability to streamline workflows and minimize the need for excessive mouse clicks. However, as I delve deeper into the realm of design, particularly in the context of 3D rendering projects, I’ve come to realize Mac’s limitations. Moreover, as a passionate gamer, I’ve grown frustrated with Mac’s limited selection of available games.
With my career evolving beyond the realm of 2D design and my desire to immerse myself in the world of Steam games, the urgent need to build a PC has become undeniable.
Processor
Considering the CPU/GPU as the brain of the entire system, selecting the right type that suits daily needs simplifies the rest of the decision-making process. The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is a specialized processor designed for rendering images on the computer’s screen, allowing for faster graphics processing. On the other hand, the CPU (Central Processing Unit) enables designers to work with larger projects that require more storage capacity. It’s crucial to note that the CPU excels in processing data, while the GPU focuses on handling images. Both are vital, but considering my requirements for graphic design and gaming, a superior CPU processor is necessary.
RAM
However, comprehending the processor type isn’t enough; I also need to determine the storage size I require. In essence, having more cores allows for multiple tasks to be processed simultaneously. To meet my needs for 2D and 3D rendering, I will need a processor with 64-bit quad-core, and 16GB, RAM (ideally 32GB RAM).
So far based on my research and personal brand preference (HP), the ideal economic component would be an i7 processor, coupled with an RTX 4080/ 4090/ 4070 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB storage space.
External
After determining the internal requirements, let’s shift our focus to external needs such as a monitor, microphone, speaker, and camera.
When it comes to the monitor, which is a crucial external component, I am content with my current choice: the ASUS ProArt Display 27" monitor (model PA278CV). It boasts exceptional color accuracy with ΔE < 2 and covers 100% of the sRGB color space, making it perfect for graphic design, motion design, and gaming. This monitor is priced at $279. As for peripherals, I prefer simple solutions, opting for a $20 wired gaming keyboard and a $20 wired mouse. Since this is my first time building a PC, I’m not looking for high-end speakers, as I can upgrade them later for an improved experience. Thus, I’ll settle for basic wired desktop speakers, priced at $19. In terms of microphones and cameras, I use them sparingly, so I’ll keep these components simple as well.
Overall
With all the components selected, I’m now ready to click the “order” button on Amazon. The HP OMEN 40L Desktop GT211–1490xt desktop (pricing $1,899.99 with discount) aligns perfectly with my needs for graphic design, 3D rendering, and gaming. Considering both the internal and external equipment, my estimated budget totals $2,218.99. It remains an affordable and worthwhile investment in my future career.
However, the configuration of a computer is based on personal preferences. You are free to choose components to assemble or, like me, select a suitable pre-built desktop computer. For users accustomed to the Mac system, this configuration may be the most suitable for Windows beginners, and it offers great value for money. Of course, for users who frequently engage in 3D modeling, this configuration is far from sufficient.
