What are good websites to find computer deals today ?
Finding the best computer doesn’t require endless scouring of random sites that sell computers if you shop smart. Over time, I’ve learned that chasing best deals without a plan leads to frustration, so smart shopping depends on the time of the year. During holidays and popular sale periods like Black Friday and back-to-school, a new computer is often cheapest on first party vendor websites and official retail storefronts of computer manufacturers such as HP, Dell, and Lenovo. Outside these windows, between sales periods, large third-party retailers like Amazon, Adorama, Walmart, BestBuy, and Newegg offer limited deals, Deals of the Day, and clearance of excess stock, where decent PCs appear at a steep discount and genuinely save time.
When’s the best time to shop for a PC computer?
The best time to shop usually aligns with PC computer shopping during a prominent sales period. The biggest sales periods include Black Friday and Cyber Monday in late November, plus Amazon Prime Day in early-to-mid July, when the best sales appear leading up to events and help you grab a new PC computer at cheap prices. Smaller holiday shopping periods like New Year sales in January, President’s Day sales in April, and the back-to-school sales event in August also bring solid discounts on computers.
What type of desktop should I get?
A desktop computer generally fits into four main categories: productivity tower PCs, gaming PCs, mini PCs, and all-in-ones (AiO). The right buying decision depends on user needs and real computer usage. For a home office or family room, a productivity PC or AiO with a solid CPU, lots of RAM, and enough storage works well. If gaming concern drives your choice, gaming PCs deliver more bang for your buck than a laptop alternative, especially when targeting the best GPU. For basic computing, a mini PC with compact size or even a min footprint is ideal.
What CPU, GPU, memory, and storage should I get?
A new computer CPU should start with Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, offering enough processing power for everyday computing tasks. If PC gaming isn’t a focus, you can save money using integrated graphics; otherwise, discrete graphics cards like Nvidia GeForce 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT support ray tracing and cutting-edge lighting effects. Budget options such as RTX 3050 and Radeon RX 6600 still handle 1080p gaming performance at lower prices, while RTX 5070 is a midrange card for high settings at 1440p, RTX 5080 suits 4K gaming, and RTX 5090 remains the best performance option. For RAM, aim for 16GB minimum for productivity and gaming, while family computers and internet browsing can manage with 8GB. Choose SSD storage over a standard HDD for faster storage; 512GB suits light work tasks and web browsing, while 1TB storage or 2TB storage handles large files, games, and content creation projects, with options to upgrade SSD or add an external drive for more storage options.
Is it a good idea to buy a refurbished computer?
Refurbished computers are used machines that are repaired, upgraded, and cleaned for reselling, often from open-box returns or overstock. Minor cosmetic damage like scratches and scuffs makes them appealing to a bargain hunter, since they’re often in good condition and help you save money.
