Desktops are powerful machines , if you have a lot of work load, you will definitely require one. Below, we are going to look at best desktops in Kenya, features to check for and even give recommended features for different users e.g professionals, video gaming, home use and more.

If you are looking for a computer to perform lightweight tasks, a laptop is is more recommended. You can check a detailed guide on best laptops in Kenya and a buying guide here

A computer uses hardware and software to process information, store it and even perform various operations such as; playing audio and video files, accessing the internet, accepting and storing documents, design from various fields etc. To perform this operations the desktop hardware and software must be up to the task.

Mainly the hardware is what determines the software that a computer can handle. We are hence going to look at a detailed, the features that you should check for in computers hardware.

Features to check for in desktop computer

Below are some features you should not miss checking in order to end up with a computer that best suits your need.

Processor

You have probably had that the Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of the computer. Sure enough it is, one main component of the CPU is the processor. The most popular processors are offered by Intel and hence we are going to look at them and see how different versions perform.

Although Intel has produced various processors in the past, the recommended versions you should consider for now are; Intel core i3, Intel core i5, Intel core i7 and Intel core i9.

Each of the named versions have its own performance, although there is no major difference between core i5 and core i7 the later (core i7) is known to have better performance. Below is a look at the performance of the three versions of processors.

Inter core i3

This can be considered as a light weight processor suitable for users carrying normal computer operations, e.g using Microsoft office, accessing the internet and watching videos. The following are some of its main features:

• Number of physical cores- 2 (dual-core)
• Cache size- 3MB
• Turbo boost- NO
• Graphics- low
• Hyper threading (allowing cores to do different things simultaneously) – Yes
• Speed- 1.30GHz to 3.5GHz

Intel core i5

This can be considered as mid-range, it is suitable for users with more task requirement e.g small businesses and students doing courses requiring design software e.g architecture, engineering, fashion design.

The core i5 has this features;

• Number of physical cores- 2-4 (quad-core)
• Cache size- 3MB-6MB
• Turbo boost- Yes
• Graphics- High
• Hyper threading (allowing cores to do different things simultaneously) – No
• Speed- 1.90GHz to 3.80GHz

Intel core i7

This processor can be classified as high performing and is recommended for people with more work load at hand. Such users include; content creators, for video gaming, professionals such as architects who have a low budget and businesses with large work load.

Below are some feature of the core i7 processor:

• Number of physical cores- 2-4 (quad-core)
• Cache size- 4MB-8MB
• Turbo boost- Yes
• Graphics- Very High
• Hyper threading (allowing cores to do different things simultaneously) – Yes
• Speed- 2.90GHz to 4.20GHz

Intel core i9

This is very high performing processor, in fact, if you are a normal user, you should not even bother considering it since you will use a lot of cash and your work won’t be requiring the amount of performance this processor offers.

Mainly, large businesses, professionals such as Engineers, Architects, graphic designers, fashion designers can go for desktops with this processor. Below are some features of the core i9:

• Number of physical cores- 8 to 18 (tri-core)
• Cache size- 8MB-16MB
• Turbo boost- Yes
• Graphics- Very High
• Hyper threading (allowing cores to do different things simultaneously) – Yes

• Speed- 3.60GHz to 5,30GHz

RAM

Random Access memory (RAM) is the perhaps second thing that will determine how fast your computer will be. The RAM is responsible for storage of the information being currently needed by the computer software. If you have different softwares running, more information will be required, this means a larger RAM will be needed.

From the above, we can see that a larger RAM will be required. A computer with at least 4GB RAM is recommended, a 8GB RAM is even better.

Graphic cards

The graphic card is responsible for rendering image into your computer screen. A good graphics card will produce an even smooth image. As we have seen above, the processors comes with their graphics card, in some cases the manufacturer will add another integrated graphic card, some computers will even come with a way to add your own separate card.

For most users, the graphics card which comes with the computer is adequate. For users such as video editors, designers and gamers, the graphics card should be a major consideration and it should be high performing. Nvidia’s graphic cards are considered as the best.

ROM

ROM or the internal storage of the computer is another important feature you should check, this basically has to do with the amount of storage space you will have. A 500GB internal storage and above is recommended.

Display

The monitor of computers comes with different display capabilities. The one you choose should have at least 1080p display. Below are other displays that you can choose:

• Full HD- 1080p
• 4K/Ultra HD-2160p

 

Ports

Ports in a computer will help you connect with other external devices. Below are some of the ports you should check on a computer:

• USB port- this is mainly used to connect to storage devices such as flashdisks. also through this port, you can use a USB cable for smartphone tethering and connect to the internet.
• Ethernet port- this mainly is used to connect to WiFi ports through the Ethernet cable to help you access the internet, it can also be used to share between computers through the Ethernet cable and a software such as dukto.
• HDMI port- this port is used to transfer audio and video content maybe from the computer to TV screen through a HDMI cable.
• Audio ports- a computer should have both an input and output audio port.

Size

A desktop will come with a lot of hardware including; CPU, Keyboard, mouse and monitor. This might occupy a lot of space, if space is something you are struggling with, then the size/design of the desktop should be compact for minimum space usage.

Wireless capabilities

With advancement of technology, the computer you choose should have hardware to allow for wireless connections. This include WiFi connections and Bluetooth connections.

Other features

Some computers have more advance features such touch screen enabled, it is important to check for more features that will boost the performance of the computer.

Software you should install when buying your computer

After buying you computer either new or refurbished, you will realize you need to also buy an operating system and install other softwares which some are also bought. Below are some that you should not miss.

Operating System

The operating system is what runs your computer, unlike in other devices such as smartphones where the OS is installed by the manufacturer, in desktops you will have to buy and install the OS. The most popular in Kenya is Microsoft Windows.

Microsoft Windows

This is a very popular OS offered by Microsoft, it is highly preferred since there are a pool of Softwares (desktop apps) available for this Operating system. Windows comes with various versions, each version comes with its own user interface and performance improvements.

The most recommended versions of Windows are; Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. Windows 10 being the latest.

Other Desktop OS

Apart from Windows, other Operating System that are used for comptures include MacOS and Linux. The availability of this OS in the Kenyan market might be limited, also the number of desktop apps made for this OS systems are less compared to Windows.

Other software

Apart from the Operating system software, below are some more softwares which can be considered as desktop apps that you should not miss installing after buying your desktop.

Microsoft office

This is a software that you will have to buy but is very important in a computer. The Software comes with different packages, the most used package is the Microsoft word that is used for typing word documents. The Microsoft office comes with the following packages and uses:

• Microsoft word- word processing.
• Microsoft excel-creating and editing spreadsheet
• Microsoft access- maintaining databases
• Microsoft PowerPoint- creating and showing presentations
• Microsoft OneNote- taking notes
• Microsoft Outlook- managing email and calendars
• The Microsoft office package comes in various versions, each version comes with an improvement in performance and capabilities. Some of the versions include; Microsoft office 2007, Microsoft office 2010, Microsoft office 2016 and Microsoft office 2019.

Video and audio software

Though the Windows OS comes with its own media player, the most preferred player is VLC which is free desktop app that you can download over the internet. Other similar players include portplayer, Kmplayer etc

Depending on your intended use of the computer you will of course need more softwares than the above mentioned which might be free or bought.

Best desktops computers

Below are the top computer brands that you can apply the above stated considerations to pick the best model.

Dell Desktop computers

Dell is a global computer brand with its availability in Kenya, the brand offers different models with robust features for super performance. From compact designs to some having up to 1TB storage space, others will even come with high preinstalled graphic cards include Nvidia cards. Recent designs come with the 4K display, definitely you can pick a model from Dell.

HP Desktop Computers

Hp is probably the most popular computer brand in Kenya and is preferred by most users. From gaming, design to normal use, you will find a model from this brand that will help you achieve your aim. Models will come with high display capabilities, different RAMs on different models and more.

Lenovo Desktop Computers

Another global brand with its computers in the Kenyan market is Lenovo. The brand offers different series with each unleashing new features. From high speed processors, good display and long time serving. You can hence consider choosing from this brand pool of models.

Toshiba Desktop Computers

This is yet another brand that you can pick a computer from, just like the above mentioned brands, it is available globally.  It is highly competitive with other types of computers proving that the quality is no less, you can hence pick one of their models.

Above are some of the top brands that you can pick desktop computers from, you will however find more brands in the market. If you find one with good user reviews and passes the recommended features according to your need, you can definitely pick it. Cheers!!