Is your laptop not keeping up with your workload? Maybe it's time to upgrade. AI PCs are now popular and powerful machines designed to handle demanding tasks, but what are the aspects we should focus on when choosing the right AI computer?
Check the CPU of your AI PC
At the heart of any AI computer is its processor or CPU. But not all CPUs are created equal. When shopping for an AI computer, look for a neural processing unit (NPU). This specialized hardware is designed to handle heavy AI tasks, freeing up your CPU for other tasks.
Intel's Core Ultra and AMD's Ryzen 8040 series are leading the way in integrating NPUs. While their performance numbers (measured in TOPS: how many trillions of operations can be performed per second) are impressive, focusing on this part is not enough to be able to choose a good AI computer.
You'll also need a CPU that can handle everyday tasks. Look for a balance of single-core and multi-core performance for the best overall experience. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9, as well as AMD's Ryzen 9 8945HS, are an excellent combination of AI prowess and general-purpose computing power that currently offers.
Don't forget about the GPU
Powerful GPUs are essential for handling the complex calculations involved in artificial intelligence. Nvidia has dominated this space for years. Their RTX series, from the RTX 2060 to the powerful RTX 4090, offers top-of-the-line performance thanks to NVIDIA's CUDA ecosystem and TensorRT technology.
AMD has also made significant progress with its Radeon lineup. These GPUs offer powerful performance for AI tasks at a more affordable price. While their software ecosystem isn't as extensive as NVIDIA's, they're a solid option for consumers on a tight budget.
Intel's Arc GPUs are a new player in the game. Integrated with Intel's Core hyperprocessors, they provide a seamless CPU-GPU combination for AI workloads. Intel's AI Playground software makes it easy for beginners to try out AI.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Elite and X Plus chips are equipped with enhanced Adreno GPUs to boost AI processing power. High-performance AI workloads can push GPUs to their limits, so it's important to confirm that the AI you choose to buy has a powerful power and cooling system to prevent performance throttling due to overheating.
Running memory is also a factor to consider
RAM, or random access memory, is essential for running AI models smoothly, especially large language models (LLMs). While some systems can use 8GB, don't be fooled – for serious AI work, you'll need more. Aim for at least 16GB, preferably 32GB or even 64GB if the budget allows.
The type of RAM is also important. DDR5 is the latest standard, with twice the performance of DDR4. If you're building a powerful AI, choosing DDR5 can significantly increase the speed of AI processing.
System software
While hardware is crucial, the software ecosystem is just as important. For AI PCs, Windows 11 is the current benchmark. Microsoft has invested heavily in AI integration, which includes features like Windows Copilot and Windows Studio Effects. Look for a laptop with a Copolot or a domestic autonomous large model to make it clear that this is a device focused on artificial intelligence.
What else do you have for buying an AI PC?
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