Video Call Issues? Maybe It’s Time for a New Computer

Freezing video. Echoing audio.

These video call issues are a nightmare to deal with and a productivity black hole for your organization.

More often than not, poor video call quality is due to slow internet speeds. But if your internet speeds are not the problem, then it may be time to consider a new computer.

Let’s talk about how a new computer can help with everyday tasks like video calls, and if you need to invest in the newest tech to get perfect call quality.

Look for More RAM and Processor Speed

Other than a stable internet connection, RAM and processor speed are the two key hardware components that will allow you to enjoy a smoother video calling experience.

• RAM: We recommend 16GB for a fast and lag-free experience. This will allow you to interact with your meeting while running other apps with no lag. If you’re a power user who holds multiple video conferences a month (or keeps more than eight browser tabs open at all times), you might want to consider the 32 GB option.
• Processor: A dual-core 2.0 GHz or faster processor will cover most employees. For optimal performance, consider a quad-core 2.5 GHz or faster processor. Bigger meetings will require more processor speed, so keep that in mind.

Other things you can consider include:

• Dedicated graphics card: Computers either have an integrated graphics card within the CPU or a separate graphics card to handle demanding applications. A dedicated card will offload some of the CPU’s work, improving video performance.
• Webcam: Most modern laptops come with an integrated webcam, but it’s usually lower quality (720p or 1080p resolution). A standalone webcam can support up to 4K resolution, providing a crisp, clear picture for your meeting attendees.

NPUs: Essential Upgrade or Overrated Gimmick?

Recently, the industry has made a big push to promote NPUs (neural processing units) as a must-have when buying a new computer.

NPUs are chips designed specifically to handle AI-related tasks like:

• Background noise suppression for video calls
• Real-time video enhancement, like background blur or auto framing
• Live transcripts or closed captioning for those hard of hearing
• Real-time translation to communicate with those in other countries

The goal of an NPU is to offload work from the CPU (central processing unit) and GPU (graphics processing unit), enabling the computer to run more efficiently and save power, resulting in longer battery life for laptops.

Additionally, chip manufacturers have touted the NPU as a way to future-proof computers as AI rapidly evolves and requires more resources for new workloads.

But is it actually necessary?

An opinion writer for The Register, an online tech and news publication, states that most people won’t notice the performance difference in a computer with an NPU. He goes on to say everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing and watching videos don’t require AI optimization, so it’s not necessary for the average person.

The truth is, while NPUs are a slight upgrade, it’s not a must-have feature at this point (unless you’re a power AI user). The vast majority of people simply don’t rely on AI-enhanced features.

And as far as the future-proofing arguments go, there’s debate about whether that’s actually true.

Will a computer manufactured in 2026 be able to handle the AI workloads in 2029? With how quickly AI is evolving, it seems unlikely. Furthermore, you’ll still need to replace your computer in three to five years, so it’s not as if an NPU chip buys you extra years of use.

Don’t Let an Old Computer Hamper Your Productivity

If you’re constantly dealing with audio and video call issues, consider replacing your computer. You don’t necessarily need the most expensive computer on the market, but it will ensure a smooth experience.

Reach out to us, and we’ll help you find a computer that suits your needs.

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