Two people on a sofa. One person sits on the backrest, while the other sits with a laptop on their lap.

Save or splurge – What features do you get when you spend more on a computer?

Computer prices range from a few hundred to several thousand euros. What determines the price, and what features do you get by paying more? This price guide focuses on new, regular-priced computers, but by choosing a used computer you can get the same features for hundreds of euros less.

Computer Components 101: A Quick Guide to the Terminology

  1. A close-up of a person installing a processor into a motherboard, with only their fingertips visible.

    Processors (CPUs)

    • Determines your computer's speed and overall performance.
    • PCs use either Intel or AMD processors, while Apple uses its own proprietary chips.
    • The model number indicates performance: a higher number generally means more cores and better processing power. Intel’s lineup includes the i3, i5, i7, and i9 series, while AMD offers Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9.
    • The name also indicates the generation—for example, the i7-13700K is an older model than the i7-14700K.
    • A more powerful processor will increase the overall price of the computer.
  2. A close-up of a person installing a RAM module into a laptop, showing only their fingertips.

    RAM (System Memory)

    • RAM provides your computer with short-term memory, also known as random access memory.
    • The amount of RAM determines how many applications or demanding tasks you can run simultaneously.
    • If you run out of RAM, applications may freeze or crash.
    • Computers typically come with 4, 8, 16, 32, or 64 GB of RAM.
    • More RAM generally increases the price of the computer.
  3. An M.2 NVMe SSD.

    Hard drives and storage

    • A computer's storage capacity determines how many files, programs, videos, and photos you can store.
    • While you can expand storage with external drives, internal storage is typically faster.
    • Common storage capacities include 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB.
    • More storage generally increases the price of the computer.
  4. A side-by-side comparison of an integrated laptop iGPU and a larger desktop graphics card.

    GPUs & Graphics Cards

    • The graphics card is responsible for rendering images on the screen.
    • Computers designed for basic use feature an integrated graphics card.
    • A dedicated graphics card provides more power for gaming, graphic design, and video editing.
    • A more powerful dedicated graphics card increases the price of the computer.
An iMac centered between two laptops, with a keyboard, mouse, pen, and ruler in the foreground.

Budget category – computers under €500

Entry-level computers have a lighter build and are more susceptible to wear. They feature basic components sufficient for everyday tasks like web browsing. These budget models may not have a long lifespan, as their processors can struggle with increasingly demanding software updates over time.

Typical features

  • Entry-level processor, e.g., Intel i3 and i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
  • Memory (RAM): 4 or 8 GB
  • Storage: 128, 256, or 512 GB
  • Plastic chassis (laptops)
  • Laptop screen resolution: Full HD

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