If you are currently learning data science and machine learning, a laptop is a crucial requirement. This is because in order to get the hands-on experience that you need to get your qualification and become a data scientist or analyst, you will need to practice writing and running your own code. A laptop is often the better option in comparison with a desktop in terms of portability and ease of use. However, a traditional laptop might not be enough for data science and machine learning tasks. It’s important to carefully consider laptop specs to make sure that you choose the right one for you. Here are some of the main requirements to look out for.
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Choosing the Right Processor
Before you choose the right laptop or PC for you, it’s important to consider the processor. Always go for a newer generation processor if necessary, as the new hardware compatibility, processing power and thermal management will significantly increase with each new generation. The latest machines such as these Deep Learning Lenovo PCs are designed to have the latest processor and other internal specs. It’s also worth looking into the number of cores; the higher the cores, the better as this will speed up the processor significantly.
Graphics Gard
For a PC or laptop that will be used for data analysis and data science tasks, a graphics card is an important factor to consider. AMD and NVIDIA are the two main graphics cards brands available today. While they might be better known for their gaming capabilities, they can also be a great addition to a deep learning laptop. A NVIDIA GPU is a great choice for deep learning tasks; go for a GTX 1650 or higher, and as many cores as possible.
RAM Size
RAM size is something that will be considered by most people looking to buy a laptop or PC for deep learning tasks such as data science and analysis. However, it’s important to remember that when you increase the RAM size, this won’t necessarily speed your computer up. However, higher RAM will make it easier for you to multi-task and get more done at once on your machine, which is often necessary for deep learning tasks. At least 8GB of RAM is the recommended minimum amount for a computer that is required to do such resource-heavy tasks.
Storage Type
One of the most crucial things to think about before choosing a deep learning laptop is the storage type. A traditional laptop will usually come with a hard disk drive (HDD) but the problem with these is that they are really slow, and not a great fit for data analysis and data science programs at all. Because of this, when you are buying a laptop for deep learning purposes, a solid state drive (SSD) is the better choice, as they offer significantly more power in comparison.
Whether you are in the process of learning deep learning strategies like data analysis and data science, or are starting a new career in this field, a laptop that can do the job easily is crucial.
