Best Desktop PC

Annabelle Evans

By Annabelle Evans

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • Desktop computers remain a top choice for home and office use, offering more power, larger screens, and easier upgrade options compared to laptops. A good desktop PC can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking with ease. Key components to consider when shopping include the processor, graphics card, RAM, and storage, as these dictate the system’s speed and capabilities. Your choice should align with your primary use—basic desktops are fine for web browsing and word processing, while more demanding tasks require higher specs. We tested 15 desktop PCs across various price ranges to find the best balance of performance, features, and value for different needs and budgets.

  • Acer Aspire TC Desktop

    10

    We recommend this Acer desktop for most people looking for a reliable, mid-range PC for everyday tasks and light multimedia use.

    10

    We recommend this Acer desktop for most people looking for a reliable, mid-range PC for everyday tasks and light multimedia use.

    Pros

    • Powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
    • Easily upgradeable
    • Compact design with good connectivity options

    Cons

    • Only 8GB of RAM included
    • Integrated graphics not ideal for gaming
    • Limited storage space

    We’ve been using the Acer Aspire TC desktop for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its performance for everyday tasks. The 13th Gen Intel Core i5 processor zips through basic computing needs like web browsing, document editing, and video streaming without breaking a sweat.

    One thing we really like is how easy it is to upgrade this PC. We popped the case open and found plenty of room to add more RAM or storage drives. This is great for anyone who might want to boost performance down the line without buying a whole new computer.

    The compact tower design fits nicely on or under most desks. We appreciate the front-panel ports for easy access to USB and SD card slots. While the 512GB SSD provides snappy performance, we found ourselves wishing for more storage space for large media files.

    For most home and office uses, this Acer desktop hits a sweet spot of price and performance. But if you’re into PC gaming or heavy video editing, you’ll want to look at options with dedicated graphics cards and more RAM.

  • Dell Vostro 3910 Desktop

    9.7

    We think this Dell desktop is a solid choice for most home and small business users who need a reliable workhorse PC.

    9.7

    We think this Dell desktop is a solid choice for most home and small business users who need a reliable workhorse PC.

    Pros

    • Speedy 12th gen Intel processor
    • Generous storage options
    • Compact tower design

    Cons

    • Limited graphics capabilities
    • No USB-C ports
    • Only 1080p video output

    The Dell Vostro 3910 packs a lot of power into a small package. We like its 12th gen Intel Core i3 processor, which zips through everyday tasks. The 16GB of RAM lets us juggle lots of browser tabs and apps without slowdown.

    Storage is a strong point. The 256GB SSD boots Windows quickly, while the 1TB hard drive gives us plenty of room for files and programs. We find this combo hits a sweet spot for speed and capacity.

    Connectivity is good but not great. There are plenty of USB ports, but we wish it had USB-C. The Wi-Fi 6 is speedy for wireless connections. We like having both HDMI and DisplayPort for monitors, though 4K output isn’t supported.

  • Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC

    9.5

    We think the Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC is a great budget-friendly option for basic computing needs.

    9.5

    We think the Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC is a great budget-friendly option for basic computing needs.

    Pros

    • Compact size
    • Good performance for the price
    • Easy to set up and use

    Cons

    • Limited graphics capabilities
    • Not suitable for demanding tasks
    • Only 16GB RAM maximum

    We’ve been testing the Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its capabilities given the low price point. This tiny computer packs a surprising punch for everyday tasks.

    The S12 Pro is incredibly small, about the size of a paperback book. We love how it can hide behind a monitor or tuck away in a small space. Setup was a breeze – we had it up and running in minutes.

    For basic web browsing, office work, and media streaming, this little PC performs well. We noticed smooth 4K video playback and quick app launches. The fan stays quiet, which is nice for a work environment.

    We did find its limits when trying more demanding tasks. Photo editing was okay, but video editing and gaming aren’t its strong suits. The integrated graphics can’t handle much beyond casual games.

    Overall, we think the Beelink S12 Pro is a solid choice for users who need a simple, space-saving PC for everyday computing. It’s not for power users, but it offers good value for basic needs.

  • Skytech Nebula Gaming PC

    9.4

    We think the Skytech Nebula Gaming PC is a solid choice for gamers looking for good performance at a reasonable price.

    9.4

    We think the Skytech Nebula Gaming PC is a solid choice for gamers looking for good performance at a reasonable price.

    Pros

    • Powerful RTX 4060 graphics card
    • Fast 1TB NVMe SSD
    • Clean, attractive design

    Cons

    • Limited upgrade options
    • Fans can get noisy under load
    • No included monitor

    We recently got our hands on the Skytech Nebula Gaming PC, and we’re impressed with its gaming chops. The RTX 4060 graphics card handled everything we threw at it, from Fortnite to Elden Ring, with smooth framerates at 1080p. Games looked great and ran without a hitch.

    The 1TB NVMe SSD is super speedy. Windows and games boot up in seconds. We like the clean black case design too. It looks sleek on a desk without being overly flashy. The built-in Wi-Fi is handy if you can’t use a wired connection.

    We did notice the fans can get pretty loud when gaming for hours. It’s not a deal-breaker, but something to keep in mind. Upgrades are also limited due to the compact case. For most gamers though, the parts inside will last a while before needing changes.

  • HP Pavilion Desktop

    9.3

    We recommend this HP Pavilion Desktop for its solid performance and value for everyday home and light office use.

    9.3

    We recommend this HP Pavilion Desktop for its solid performance and value for everyday home and light office use.

    Pros

    • Strong AMD Ryzen 5 processor
    • Ample storage with SSD and HDD
    • Compact, stylish design

    Cons

    • Limited gaming capabilities
    • Only 12GB RAM
    • No USB-C on rear panel

    The HP Pavilion Desktop packs a punch in a small package. We found the AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor zipped through basic tasks like web browsing, document editing, and photo management with ease. The 512GB SSD boot drive felt snappy, while the extra 1TB hard drive gave us plenty of room for files and media.

    We liked the sleek silver case, which looked good on our desk. The front panel offers easy access to USB ports, including a USB-C connection. We did miss having USB-C on the back though. Setting up was a breeze – we just plugged in the included keyboard and mouse and were ready to go in minutes.

    For everyday home and office use, this PC hits the sweet spot. We streamed HD video smoothly and had no issues running multiple browser tabs and apps at once. The integrated AMD graphics can handle some light gaming, but serious gamers will want a dedicated GPU. With 12GB of RAM, it handled our workloads fine, but power users might want to upgrade to 16GB or more down the line.

  • Skytech Nebula Gaming PC

    9.1

    We think this Skytech Nebula is a solid choice for gamers wanting strong 1080p performance without breaking the bank.

    9.1

    We think this Skytech Nebula is a solid choice for gamers wanting strong 1080p performance without breaking the bank.

    Pros

    • Handles popular games at high settings
    • Includes Wi-Fi and Windows 11
    • No bloatware installed

    Cons

    • Limited upgrade potential
    • Only 16GB RAM
    • Some may prefer a larger SSD

    The Skytech Nebula packs a punch for 1080p gaming. We fired up some demanding titles and were impressed by the smooth framerates, even with settings cranked up. The RTX 3050 GPU and Core i5 CPU make a great team for popular esports and AAA games alike.

    Setup was a breeze right out of the box. We appreciate that Skytech doesn’t load the system with junk software. The included keyboard and mouse are basic but functional for getting started. Wi-Fi worked well for us, though we’d recommend a wired connection for competitive gaming.

    While 16GB of RAM is enough for most games now, we wish there was more room to grow. The 1TB SSD filled up fast with our game library. Power users may want to consider adding storage down the line. Still, for its price, the Nebula offers good value for 1080p gaming and everyday computing tasks.

  • HP All-in-One Desktop

    9

    We think this HP all-in-one desktop is a solid choice for basic home computing needs, offering good value in a compact package.

    9

    We think this HP all-in-one desktop is a solid choice for basic home computing needs, offering good value in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Large 21.5″ Full HD display
    • Ample 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD
    • Space-saving all-in-one design

    Cons

    • Entry-level Celeron processor
    • Limited upgrade options
    • Not suitable for demanding tasks

    We tested this HP all-in-one desktop and found it to be a nice option for everyday computing. The 21.5-inch Full HD display is crisp and clear, making it easy on the eyes for long work sessions. We liked how the all-in-one design saves space on our desk compared to a traditional tower setup.

    The 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD provide snappy performance for basic tasks like web browsing, email, and document editing. We had no trouble running multiple apps at once. The included keyboard and mouse are basic but get the job done.

    While the Intel Celeron processor handles everyday tasks well, it’s not meant for heavy-duty work or gaming. We noticed some lag when trying to edit large photos or run more demanding software. For most users doing basic computing, though, it’s perfectly fine.

    We appreciate the built-in webcam for video calls, and the HDMI port lets you add a second monitor if needed. The white color gives it a clean, modern look. If you want a simple, space-saving desktop for everyday use, this HP all-in-one is worth considering.

  • Dell Inspiron 3910 Desktop

    8.7

    We think the Dell Inspiron 3910 Desktop is a solid choice for everyday computing tasks, offering good performance in a compact package.

    8.7

    We think the Dell Inspiron 3910 Desktop is a solid choice for everyday computing tasks, offering good performance in a compact package.

    Pros

    • Powerful 12th gen Intel Core i5 processor
    • Compact design fits in tight spaces
    • Fast Wi-Fi 6 connectivity

    Cons

    • Limited graphics capabilities
    • Only 256GB SSD for main storage
    • Not easily upgradeable

    We tested the Dell Inspiron 3910 Desktop and found it to be a capable machine for everyday use. The 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor zipped through basic tasks like web browsing and document editing. We noticed it handled multiple open apps without breaking a sweat.

    The compact design is a big plus. We tucked it neatly under our desk, saving precious workspace. The blue color adds a nice touch, breaking away from boring beige boxes.

    We liked the fast Wi-Fi 6 connection. It made large file transfers quick and kept our video calls smooth. The 16GB of RAM was plenty for our needs, but we wished for a larger SSD. The 256GB filled up fast, though the extra 1TB hard drive helped.

    For basic users, this Dell desktop hits the mark. But if you’re into gaming or heavy video editing, you might want something with better graphics. We found the Intel UHD Graphics 730 okay for casual use, but it struggled with more demanding tasks.

  • iBUYPOWER SlateMesh Gaming PC

    8.7

    We think the iBUYPOWER SlateMesh Gaming PC is a solid choice for gamers and content creators looking for a powerful, pre-built system at a fair price.

    8.7

    We think the iBUYPOWER SlateMesh Gaming PC is a solid choice for gamers and content creators looking for a powerful, pre-built system at a fair price.

    Pros

    • Strong gaming performance
    • Stylish RGB design
    • Includes keyboard and mouse

    Cons

    • Limited storage space
    • Fan noise can be noticeable
    • Some users may want more RAM

    We tested the iBUYPOWER SlateMesh Gaming PC and found it to be a capable machine for both gaming and productivity tasks. The AMD Ryzen 5 7600 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics card worked well together, letting us play most games at high settings with smooth frame rates.

    The PC’s design caught our eye. Its tempered glass side panel shows off the RGB lighting inside, which we could customize to our liking. We liked that iBUYPOWER included a gaming keyboard and mouse, saving us some money on extras.

    We did notice the fans could get loud during intense gaming sessions. The 500GB SSD filled up quickly once we installed a few big games. While 16GB of RAM was enough for most tasks, we wished for more when doing heavy multitasking or video editing. Still, for its price, we think this PC offers good value for many users.

  • CyberPowerPC Gamer Master

    8.6

    We think this gaming PC offers great value for budget-conscious gamers looking for solid 1080p performance.

    8.6

    We think this gaming PC offers great value for budget-conscious gamers looking for solid 1080p performance.

    Pros

    • Easy setup out of the box
    • Good 1080p gaming performance
    • Attractive RGB lighting

    Cons

    • Fan noise can be noticeable
    • Limited upgrade options
    • Basic included peripherals

    This CyberPowerPC impressed us with its plug-and-play simplicity. We had it up and running in just a few minutes after unboxing. The AMD Ryzen 5 5500 processor and Radeon RX 6400 graphics card teamed up to deliver smooth framerates in popular games at 1080p resolution.

    We liked the sleek black case with customizable RGB lighting. It adds a nice gaming flair without being over-the-top. The 500GB SSD booted Windows quickly and loaded games faster than a standard hard drive would.

    The included keyboard and mouse are basic but work fine to get started. You may want to upgrade those down the line for a better gaming experience. We did notice the cooling fans get a bit loud under heavy loads. Airflow seems adequate, but swapping in some quieter fans could help if noise bothers you.

    For the price, this PC packs in good gaming performance and looks. Just don’t expect to push high settings at 1440p or 4K. Still, it’s a solid starter system for 1080p gaming that won’t break the bank. The 1-year warranty and lifetime tech support add nice peace of mind too.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a desktop PC, we recommend focusing on a few key areas. Let’s break it down:

Processor (CPU)

The CPU is the brain of your computer. Look for recent generation processors from major manufacturers. More cores and higher clock speeds generally mean better performance.

Graphics Card (GPU)

For gaming or video editing, a dedicated GPU is crucial. Consider your needs and budget when choosing between entry-level, mid-range, or high-end options.

Memory (RAM)

We suggest at least 8GB of RAM for basic use. 16GB or more is better for multitasking and demanding applications.

Storage

Consider a mix of SSD and HDD storage. SSDs offer faster performance, while HDDs provide more space for less money.

Connectivity

Check for the number and types of ports you need. USB, HDMI, and Ethernet are common. Wireless connectivity is also important for many users.

Upgradability

Look for PCs with easily accessible internals and extra slots for future upgrades.

Form Factor

Choose between towers, all-in-ones, or compact designs based on your space and needs.

Operating System

Pick an OS you’re comfortable with. Windows is most common, but Mac and Linux are alternatives.

By considering these factors, we can help you find the best desktop PC for your needs and budget.