Building a PC

Thinking about getting a full PC that I could use now (in college) and after for a WFH setup. Is it worth it to drop a decent amount on a nice PC with a monitor/keyboard or just buy a decent computer I can plug in? Not really planning on running anything crazy, just work + occasionally gaming.

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Based on the most helpful WSO content, here are some recommendations for setting up a work-from-home (WFH) setup that can also be used for college and occasional gaming:

Equipment Recommendations:

  1. Monitor:

    • A 34" widescreen monitor is a good investment for multitasking with applications like Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel. It provides ample screen real estate for both work and gaming.
  2. Keyboard and Mouse:

    • Mechanical keyboards are often recommended for their durability and typing experience.
    • A good quality mouse that is comfortable for long use.
  3. PC Specifications:

    • Processor: Aim for at least an Intel i5 or i7 (9th gen or newer) for a balance between performance and cost.
    • RAM: 8GB DDR4 RAM or more to handle multiple applications smoothly.
    • Storage: SSD for faster boot and load times. A hybrid SSD/HDD setup can also be considered for additional storage.
    • Graphics Card: While not necessary for work, a mid-range graphics card can enhance your gaming experience.
  4. Additional Recommendations:

    • Chair: Invest in a great chair for comfort during long hours of work or study.
    • Standup Desk: If you prefer working while standing, a standup desk can be beneficial.
    • Massager: A back or leg massager can help relieve stress and improve comfort during long work sessions.

Budget Considerations:

  • You mentioned not wanting to spend more than $600. Prioritize the monitor and essential peripherals first, and consider upgrading the PC components as needed.

Conclusion:

Investing in a good PC setup with a quality monitor, keyboard, and mouse is worthwhile for both college and WFH. It ensures you have a comfortable and efficient workspace, which can also handle occasional gaming.

For more detailed discussions and personal experiences, you can refer to the WSO threads on similar topics.

Sources: Life Hacks during WFH | How do you avoid burnout?, #RonaRig Setup recommendations, Best purchases you've made to improve quality of life in IB, https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/investment-banking/computer-science-is-paradise?customgpt=1, Life Hacks during WFH | How do you avoid burnout?

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

RAM and monitors - splurge on those two things and you'll be fine.

"If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else, it will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them." - Bruce Lee
 
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Isaiah_53_5 💎🙌💎🙌💎

RAM and monitors - splurge on those two things and you'll be fine.

Agreed.  I've tested, and you CAN run a BBG Terminal on something as low as the top spec Surface Go 2, which is basically a souped-up netbook. (5yr old intel m3, 8GB RAM)  I wouldn't recommend it though. the screen's too small.

Screens and RAM. Although, I'll add in keyboard and mouse.  If you're typing for eight hours a day it pays to do it on something that feels good.

For screens, you want size over gaming features, because I promise that that cell updating at 240hz isn't going to help you at all. You need a lot of RAM to hold the data for all the programs on those screens.

GPU is pointless, all your work will have it in 2D mode, and very rarely will you max out any moderately decent CPU.

The only difference between Asset Management and Investment Research is assets. I generally see somebody I know on TV on Bloomberg/CNBC etc. once or twice a week. This sounds cool, until I remind myself that I see somebody I know on ESPN five days a week.
 

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