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Simple Laptop Buying Guide

Simple Laptop buying guide

Buying a Laptop for the New Term?

Choosing a laptop for the new school term can feel overwhelming; from different brands, specifications & price points, it’s easy to spend more than you need or end up with a device that isn’t suitable.

Whether you have a child starting secondary school, heading to college or going to university, our handy guide will help you understand what really matters for each scenario.

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At a Glance: PC Specifications

CPU (Processor)

The brain of the system, it handles all tasks. You’ll typically want to go for an Intel Core series or AMD Ryzen for reliable performance.

RAM (Memory)

The “workspace” of your computer, the more you have, the more programs you can run without slowing down. You’ll want a minimum of 8GB

Storage

Where the laptop stores data after shutdown. The more you have, the more you can save locally. Aim for a minimum of 256GB.

Everyday School Work

For web-browsing, homework, emails and document creation, an entry-level Windows laptop is often more than enough for these basic tasks.

Take our Lenovo V14 laptop for instance; it’s perfect for students on the go and provides a platform that can be used for multiple years so you won’t have to worry about it going out of date within critical schooling years

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College Students

College students may need something a little more powerful for researching, multi-tasking and completing coursework.

For this scenario, we’d normally recommend something with a better CPU alongside some extra RAM and storage, like one of our Asus VivoBook laptops.

Equipped with an Intel Core 5 120U processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, you’ll be able to handle multiple workflows with ease.

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University Students

Laptop requirements can vary depending on the course you’re studying; some engineering degrees may require simulation or CAD software, whereas a degree focusing on linguistics or literature is probably going to focus more heavily on report writing with little to no mathematics, modelling, etc.

If your course focuses on report writing, our Asus VivoBook above is a great choice. For those who might need some extra processing and graphics power to run CAD or 3D software, we’d recommend looking at gaming / creator laptops with dedicated graphics like the Asus V3607VH as a starting point.

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Back to School Essentials

Back to School Essentials

Get the most out of your studies with advice from your local experts

Whether you’re just starting school for the first time or returning to further education after a break, having the right tech makes all the difference. At Creative Computing, we’ve got everything IT related covered: from reliable laptops with stylish bags to critical software like Microsoft Office and Norton anti-virus to stay productive and safe online throughout your studies.

Find the Perfect Laptop

Whether you’re writing essays, attending online lessons or editing creative work, we have a wide range of laptops suitable for every student.

From Windows based laptops to the new Apple MacBook Neo, we’ve got options for all scenarios. We also supply refurbished laptops as well, for those looking for a cheaper, eco-friendly upgrade.

Why buy from us?

  • Expert local advice
  • Competitive prices
  • Device setup available
  • Ongoing local tech support
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Protect your new PC

A quality laptop deserves a quality bag. Our range of laptop cases and covers offer protection, comfort and plenty of space to store books, chargers and other accessories.

So whether your travelling to school by bus or train or need somewhere to store all your equipment throughout the day, you’re best to invest in a quality bag.

Features

  • Protective padded compartments
  • Lightweight designs
  • Multiple storage pockets
  • Sizes for 14″, 15″ and 17″ laptops
  • Stylish and practical options
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Stay Safe & Productive

We offer a range of Microsoft Office packages alongside comprehensive online security in the form of Norton.

From homework to coursework, spreadsheets to presentations, Microsoft Office provides the essential applications you’ll rely on every day during term time. With options for multiple devices to one-off purchases, you’re in control when it comes to your package of choice.

And why not bundle your new office software with award-winning anti-virus protection from Norton. take advantage of some of its features like real-time protection, secure browsing, password management, cloud backup and built-in VPN.

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Not sure what you might need? Give us a call or come down to the store and speak to a member of our sales team!

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Shop Ducky Keyboards: Premium Mechanical Keyboards Now Available

Premium Mechanical Keyboards

Performance Driven – Work or Play

Designed to meet the demands of gamers and professionals alike, Ducky mechanical keyboards are renowned the world over.

Enrich your typing experience with satisfying tactile keystrokes or beat the competition with super-fast switches that make your games feel more responsive.

Ducky keyboards come with a host of great features such as double shot PBT keycaps, adjustable feet, detachable USB cable and most importantly, Cherry MX switches for best-in-class performance.

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  • Ducky Shine 7 – Cherry MX Red
  • Ducky Origin – Cherry MX Blue
  • Ducky One 3 Classic TKL – Cherry MX Red
  • Ducky Mecha Mini – Cherry MX Black

Explore what makes Ducky worth your desk space.

Cherry MX Switches – The Gold Standard

Ducky keyboards make use of industry leading Cherry MX Switches, a choice that reflects a focus on reliability and proven performance. Among the most widely used mechanical switch design and valued for their consistent actuation and long lifespan, Cherry MX switches are rated for tens of millions of keystrokes without degrading the feel or accuracy.

Cherry MX switches come in different “colours” which define characteristics of the key; red and black tend to feel linear and offer quicker actuation making them great for gaming whereas brown and blue offer more of a tactile “bump” response with greater actuation force required to register a keystroke – particularly pleasant for long typing sessions. Some Ducky keyboards even have hot-pluggable switches so you can change the feel of your keyboard without replacing it!

True PBT Double Shot Keycaps

The seamless legends are formed through a double-shot technique where two plastics are molded together, allowing characters to never fade away even after multiple years of use.

Finished with a frosted surface, you can take control with confidence. These keycaps are shine and stain resistant, made for fast movements and non-stop use, all while maintaining their original look.

Three Keyboard Angles

Find your best angle with this 3-stage setup. Ducky’s small attention to detail in their three-stage adjustable feet makes a noticeable difference in everyday use.

Unlike other brands which offer just a single flip-out leg, Ducky keyboards offer two levels of extension, giving you three typing angles: flat, moderately raised, and steep for greater control to fine-tune the keyboard’s tilt depending on your desk height, wrist position, or personal comfort preference.

Detachable USB Cable

It’s one of those practical design choices that quickly proves its value. Instead of a fixed cable, you can unplug and swap it out as needed, whether that’s for easier transport, replacing a damaged cable, or simply choosing a custom cable that matches your setup.

Beyond convenience, the detachable design adds a layer of longevity and flexibility. Cables are one of the most common failure points on peripherals, so being able to replace one without opening the keyboard is a big plus. It also makes packing the keyboard safer, since there’s no permanently attached cable to bend or strain.

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Best Gaming CPUs

Best Gaming CPUs

Find the perfect processor to power your ultimate gaming rig.

Choosing the right CPU is one of the most important decisions in any gaming build – it can dictate how smoothly your entire system runs now and years down the line. In this guide, we break down the crowded CPU market into five clear winners, helping you find the best option whether you’re chasing peak gaming performance, building on a budget, or looking for the perfect all-rounder.

Best Gaming CPUs

Best Gaming CPU
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D earns its reputation as the best gaming CPU primarily because of AMD’s second-generation 3D V-Cache technology. By stacking a massive amount of L3 cache directly on the chip (96MB), it dramatically reduces memory latency, which is one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern games.

The result is consistently higher frame rates and, more importantly, far better 1% lows, meaning smoother gameplay with fewer stutters. This cache advantage allows the 9800X3D to outperform even higher-core or higher-clocked CPUs in real-world gaming scenarios, where fast data access matters more than raw frequency.

It handily beats the competition from Intel and is only rivalled by the more expensive Ryzen 9 3D V-Cache options. For future contenders looking to be named the best gaming CPU, the 9800X3D remains the benchmark to beat.

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Best Gaming CPUs

Best Overall CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D

Combine AMD’s highest core count Ryzen processor with their latest second-generation 3D V-Cache and you’ll get one of the best processors currently on the market; the Ryzen 9 9950X3D.

It offers exceptional in-game performance that rivals the 9800X3D, while its 16 cores and 32 threads provide the raw horsepower needed for demanding tasks like content creation, rendering, and multitasking.

It falls just short of being named the best gaming processor due to a number of small factors like additional latency between the two 8-core CCDs and its large 3D V-Cache which may result in some lower performance vs the 9800X3D as well as its higher asking price. Make no mistake though, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D is currently the best CPU for a mixture of productivity work and gaming.

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Best Gaming CPUs

Best Mid-Range Gaming CPU
Intel Ultra 5 250K Plus

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus earns its place as the best mid-range gaming CPU by striking an exceptionally strong balance between price and performance.

Delivering gaming performance that rivals and often beats it closest competitor in the Ryzen 5 9600X, the 250K Plus is the first real signs of a fight back from Intel as they try to regain their crown from AMD.

It also excels in multi-core performance thanks to its 18-core configuration, making it a great choice for PCs with a mixture of productivity and gaming workloads.

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Best Gaming CPUs

Best Budget Gaming CPU
Intel Core i3 14100F

The i3 14100F focuses on what matters most in a budget gaming CPU; strong single-core performance and exceptional value. For less than £100, this plucky quad-core CPU goes toe-to-toe with the likes of AMDs Ryzen 5 5500 and often trades blows or outperforms it across multiple titles.

Having the option to use DDR4 RAM at a time when RAM prices are soaring also factors in to this CPUs budget prowess; paired with a cheap H610 or affordable B660 motherboard you’ll be able to spend more of your limited budget on the graphics card to increase your computer’s overall gaming performance.

While it doesn’t offer the high-core counts of the processors we’ve already covered, it excels in “Bang for buck” which is essential for this category.

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Best Gaming CPUs

Best Gaming APU
AMD Ryzen 7 8700G

The Ryzen 7 8700G stands out as the best APU for gaming because it delivers something no other desktop chip currently can: genuinely playable gaming performance without a dedicated graphics card. Its integrated Radeon 780M GPU, built on RDNA 3 architecture, is widely regarded as the most powerful iGPU available, capable of running modern games at 1080p with low to medium settings and smooth frame rates.

What makes it even more compelling is how it fits into a long-term upgrade strategy. Built on AMD’s AM5 platform, the 8700G gives you access to AMD’s current and future CPU ecosystem, meaning you can start with a GPU-free system and later drop in a powerful discrete graphics card without replacing your motherboard. You’ll even have the option of dropping in a new CPU once you’ve added a discrete solution, extending the life of your PC and giving it a performance boost.

It’s a solid choice for those looking to dabble in PC gaming without taking the full plunge and offers great upgrade options for the future.

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Best Resolution for Gaming

Best Resolution for Gaming

Find out which resolution is best for you

When it comes to gaming, resolution matters. Whether you’re chasing ultra-smooth performance or breathtaking visuals, choosing the right resolution can dramatically shape your experience.
In this guide, we’ll break down the three most popular gaming resolutions – 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, along with their pros and cons, so you can decide what’s best for your setup.

Why Resolution Matters for Gaming

Picking the right gaming resolution isn’t really about choosing the “best” number but rather what matters most to you.

Some players care about getting the highest frame rates possible for competitive games, whilst others want their games to look as sharp and as detailed as they can. For a lot of people, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle: good visuals without needing to spend a fortune on upgrades.

That’s why resolution matters. The higher the resolution, the more detailed your games can look – but the more work your PC has to do. A higher resolution can make open-world games feel more immersive, but it can also lower your frame rate if your hardware can’t keep up.

Once you know what matters most to you, choosing becomes much easier.

Before You Choose, Ask Yourself:

Do you mostly play fast-paced shooters or esports titles?

Do you care more about smooth performance or visual quality?

What kind of graphics card and monitor do you already have, if any?

Are you trying to stay within a budget?

best resolution for gaming

Comparing 1080p, 1440p and 4K

See which option might be best for you!

1080p – Budget / High Frame Rate Gaming

1080p remains one of the most popular gaming resolutions for a reason: it’s reliable, affordable and easy to run.

If you’re in to your competitive games like Counter Strike, Valorant, League of Legends or even COD, you’ll usually want to maximise your frame rate at the expense of some visual fidelity. This is where 1080p gaming excels; reducing graphical bottlenecks in favour of highly responsive, low latency gameplay.

FHD gaming is also great if you’re on a budget; you’ll be able to play the latest titles without needing a top of the range computer and you’ll save a bit of cash on the monitor as well.

Pros:

  • Easier to run on entry / mid-range specs
  • Affordable options for PC and monitors
  • Great for esports with a mid-range system

Cons:

  • Reduced sharpness
  • Can look blurry / soft on large monitors
  • Less visual fidelity for cinematic games

1440p- The New Mainstream

Although 1080p is still the most widely used resolution, 1440p is making waves with it’s noticeably sharper image quality and strong balance between frame rate and visuals.

Once considered niche, Quad-HD is now seeing increased uptake as a middle ground between competitive, high frame rate gaming and cinematic single player experiences. You’ll need a better graphics card to run games maxed out at 1440p versus its 1080p counterpart but its considerably less demanding than 4K and gives great visual improvements.

If you play a mix of online and single player titles and have the hardware and budget to run a 1440p monitor, you should strongly consider it.

Pros:

  • Noticeably sharper than 1080p
  • Better balance of frame rate and visuals
  • Great for both single and multiplayer

Cons:

  • Requires better hardware than 1080p
  • Monitors usually cost more than 1080p
  • Not as sharp as 4K

4K – Cinematic / Enthusiast Gaming

If your priority is stunning graphics, 4K is hard to beat. It offers excellent visual fidelity and sharpness that, at the moment, can’t be beaten.

Games look incredibly detailed; textures pop and everything feels more immersive, especially on larger screens. Story-driven games, racing games, and visually rich open-world titles can look amazing in 4K but you’ll need some top of the range hardware to run it. It’s possible to run 4K at high frame rates as well but not without a graphics card that costs £1000+ and that is to say nothing of the cost of the 4K gaming monitor itself.

If you’re focus is story-driven games and you have a state of the art computer and want a matching state of the art screen, 4K is hard to argue with.

Pros:

  • Incredible sharpness and visuals
  • Great choice for cinematic experiences
  • Excellent on larger screens (32″+)

Cons:

  • Requires top of the range hardware
  • Hard to push high frame rates
  • Cost prohibitive

Needing help finding the right graphics card or monitor for your setup? Check out our previous guides on the best gaming monitors and our GPU selection guide for more helpful advice!