There are hundreds of screen background PC you may buy from brands like HP , Dell , Apple , and Lenovo , but only a select few make it on our list of the good background . We ’ve reviewed oodles of desktop PCs across both Windows and macOS , and these 12 stand out from the mob .
TheDell XPS Desktop 8960remains the best desktop PC you’re able to buy in 2024 . However , we have several other options depending on your budget and needs , including desktop for play , remote work , and more . We ’ll leave a prompt overview here , but make indisputable to read our write - up onhow we review desktopsfor a deep look at our valuation appendage .
Quick overview
Why you should trust us
We ’ve reviewed hundreds of desktop PCs for years , looking for motorcar that stand out for play , dwelling house office enjoyment , exposure and video editing , and so much more . From miniature personal computer that can check on a bookshelf to behemoth desktop with custom liquid cooling system , we ’ve image literally everything , and we know what stands out and what does n’t .
Key considerations when selecting the best desktop
There are a few key areas we sharpen on when attend a desktop computer .
Performance
Performance is tycoon when it amount to a desktop data processor , but it ’s not an equal bar for every PC . Some car , like the Mac Mini , are offering power in a portable package , while a background like the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i goes all - out for gaming prowess . We meet desktops where they ’re at , evaluating what they ’re endeavor to accomplish , and at what terms .
Build quality
A desktop may look nice , but it ’s work up of cheap plastic and circular element , it wo n’t last for long . Our review process includes a teardown of every desktop to understand what the internal part look like . In addition , we expect at fan placement , ventilation , and cool to ascertain the desktops will stay quiet during operation without overheat .
Support
matter go amiss with microcomputer , so it ’s of import to have a robust support system in place . A one - year warrant is standard on most electronics , so we look for companies that go above and beyond what ’s involve with multi - year warranties and around - the - clock support .
Upgradability
One of the main benefits of a desktop PC is that you may elevate it in the futurity , but some steel have miss that memorandum . We keep an center out for proprietary components and seek to focus on screen background that provide some upgrade paths for users . This is n’t potential for all automobile , though , such as Apple ’s iMac , where upgrades are slick for end users due to the soma gene .
The best desktop computer
Dell XPS 8960
The good overall screen background personal computer is the one that will work for the most people , and that ’s the Dell XPS 8960 . It ’s understated in all the right way , fairly price regard the power you may pack inwardly , and come in a potpourri of conformation to suit employment , gaming , or both . prefer the highest - rated microcomputer is n’t leisurely , but the Dell XPS 8960 gets rid of that issue .
Regardless of what constellation you take , you ’ll find something that matches your demand . That ’s because Dell build up them custom ordered , which is the honorable feature film of the XPS 8960 . The option are near endless , with prices ranging from $ 750 to over $ 3,000 depending on the parts you choose . Some of the screen background come without adiscrete graphics card , have in mind they ’re more suited for work than games . However , you could get one of the more expensive I that include a discrete graphics card .
Dell is offer this new XPS desktop with Intel Raptor Lake and DDR5 RAM for those who are in search of thebest gaming personal computer . you could contribute up to an RTX 4090 graphics notice as well , which is a serious amount of top executive considering the size of the machine . Powerful computer hardware have in mind more heat , but the XPS 8960 gets rid of it well with optional liquidness cooling and a case with lot of room for air flow .
The best desktop PC for gaming
Starforge Navigator
personal computer builders are a dime a dozen these Day , but Starforge Systems still manages to stand out . Instead of eternal customization , Starforge offers a concise lineup of prebuilt gaming microcomputer that use off - the - shelf division . Even better , they ’re configured in a mode that puddle them look and perform like a custom microcomputer .
We ’re recommend the Navigator , which is a $ 1,900 body-build that comes packed with an Nvidia RTX 4070 and an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X. The CPU is a turn weak for the price , but you ’re getting an excellent GPU , along with an attractive XPG case and a flashy liquid cooler .
Glitz is one matter , but the Navigator do as skillful as it looks . In our examination , it was able to match a custom personal computer with an RTX 4070 without resort to crazy temperature . On top of that , Starforge adds extras like cable combs into the build , keeping the interior calculate as sporty as the microcomputer do .
The best desktop for photo editing
Apple iMac 24-inch
Apple ’s iMac 24 - inch has n’t see a lot of love , but that all interchange with the founding of the M3 cow dung . Sporting the same stunning design and beautiful CRT screen we fell in sexual love with a few years ago , the iMac Apple is selling today truly is the same , but well .
That all fare down to the M3 chip . compare to its M1 predecessor , the young manakin is at least 20 % quicker , and often much more . The graphics central processing unit , in particular , is impressive . It even manages to beat some of Apple ’s old Pro series chips , going as far as to have playable performance in games likeLies of P.
Apple did n’t change much else about the iMac , but it did n’t ask to . The 4.5 K Retina display is still arresting with a in high spirits pixel tightness , and the utterer are second to none . The upgraded webcam is exceptional , too , volunteer up a 1080p resolution for crisp picture calls . If you ’re looking for an all - in - one that justworksin 2024 , the iMac M3 is for you .
The best desktop computer for home
Apple Mac mini M2
We rarely give products a perfect score , but that ’s precisely what Apple ’s Mac mini M2 take in in our full reexamination . The updated mini personal computer features the same succinct step that Apple has used for over a 10 , but now with a major update under the hoodlum .
The base M2 model is a big rise over 2020 ’s Mac miniskirt M1 , but the update screen background really shines with the M2 Pro chip . That takes the Mac miniskirt from being a MacBook without a screen to a full - fledged Lord motorcar capable of tackle the most demanding tasks you may bemuse at a computer today .
The only problem is the base conformation , which come with a much slower SSD . We wholeheartedly recommend the Mac mini M2 , but check that to understand ourMac mini M2 buying guideto pick the correct configuration .
The best desktop computer for work
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
It ’s really hard recommending an all - in - one over Apple ’s iMac , but the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i is certainly a contender . It ’s a 4 K desktop that impress with groovy execution , a solid price , and one of the better incorporate displays we ’ve seen , as well as some unparalleled feature of speech .
The simple machine is power by Intel ’s Core i9 - 13900H , which is one of the most hefty mobile mainframe you may purchase . It ’s more than enough to handle work lotion , and it can even step up for some photograph or picture editing . More telling , you’re able to configure the motorcar with a mobile RTX 4050 graphics carte du jour , pay you a little play grunt if you require it .
The Yoga AIO 9i establish this list due to its screen and features , however . The 32 - inch 4 honey oil display is stunning with its calendered finish , and it comes with great semblance accuracy out of the boxwood . It has some tricks in the base , as well , include a wireless institutionalize domiciliation for your telephone set .
The best mini gaming PC
Corsair One i500
The Corsair One i500 is a behemoth , and you’re able to tell that just from the spec sheet . It comes with an RTX 4090 and a Core i9 - 14900 K , so you ’re produce the most hefty hardware money can buy . What ’s surprising is that Corsair manages to fit such powerful part in a tiny shell , and with raft of sound looks in towage .
How does Corsair deplume it off ? Liquid cooling system . Corsair includes liquid coolers for both the CPU and GPU inside the One i500 , which not only keeps temperatures in check , but also helps the simple machine stay smooth under load . Even with such a tiny a footprint , the Corsair One i500 barely sacrifices any carrying into action . It ’s within a few portion points of a impost background with an elaborate temperature reduction scheme .
As you might distrust , Corsair control a high cost of $ 4,700 for such a atrocious personal computer . Although expensive , the Corsair One i500 is n’t unreasonably priced . It ’s only a few hundred one dollar bill more than the cost of work up a interchangeable PC yourself , and that ’s ignoring the gorgeous wooden finish usable on the casing Corsair uses .
The best desktop for video editing
Apple Mac Studio
It feels like the Mac Studio has eventually find oneself its basis . It straddle a strange line old , not quite gain the level of the Mac Pro while falling shortly of the value - focused Mac miniskirt . With the M2 Ultra or M2 Max , the Mac Studio finally feels like agiotage , Pro - degree Mac Apple fans have wait for .
It ’s unbalanced fast , getting close and sometimes even beating top - level PC components like the Core i9 - 13900 K and RTX 4090 . That ’s all the more impressive consider the size of the Mac Studio , which barely learn up a fraction of your desk space . Even considering the high price , the performance and size of it of the Mac Studio make it find like a downright passel .
It has all of the professional trimming you ’d expect , too , let in support for monumental storage regalia and gravid outside monitor support . The Mac mini is still good for most people , but if you could take vantage of the power of the Mac Studio , it ’s tough to beat .
The best desktop for visual effects
Falcon Northwest Talon
No one build data processor like Falcon Northwest . It ’s one of the few remaining boutique personal computer constructor that really endure the extra knot to assure you get something that ’s of the highest tone possible . Its customizable Talon midtower is a prime model of that . You have a long ton of options to configure the microcomputer , and it comes with a quality that ’s unmated in the PC industry .
Falcon Northwest charge a hefty premium , but you get what you bear for with the Talon . Our recap building block came with the high - end consumer computer hardware you could buy , but Falcon Northwest has options for workstation - family hardware , too . you may stuff a Threadripper , Threadripper Pro , or Xeon W CPU in the PC , along with up to dual RTX 6000 Ada workstation GPUs .
Although it ’s on-key that you’re able to get the same component for cheaper elsewhere , Falcon Northwest ’s attention to item stands out . Not only do you get a PC that ’s expertly crafted internally but you also get a full report with a serial of test Falcon Northwest has extend on your accurate machine . If you want something that will stand the test of time , the Talon is for you .
The best desktop computer for home office
HP Envy Move
The HP Envy Move is one of the most unequaled desktop we ’ve ever see . It ’s a screen background , but it ’s also portable , and it ’s the perfect convulsion for the hybrid employment style so many of us have fallen into .
It ’s a basic all - in - one at its core , but the Envy Move ’s thaumaturgy is that the leg automatically fold in , allowing you to beak it up and carry it with you . There ’s a carrying handle on the back , and activating it will automatically pucker in the leg . And with an include shelling , you really can pick up your PC and take it anywhere . There ’s even a sleeve in the back so you could tuck in the included keyboard / trackpad combo .
HP does n’t charge a monolithic premium for this purpose , either . The Envy Move starts at just $ 750 for a mobile Intel 13th - gen CPU , which offers satisfactory performance for basic home office tasks .
The best desktop workstation computer
Lenovo ThinkStation P620
The Lenovo ThinkStation P620 is a workstation in every sense of the Bible . This is a background designed to perform the most resourcefulness - heavy task out there . Created specifically for engineering , data science , machine acquisition , 3D modeling , telecasting redaction , and more , the ThinkStation is the form of PC that will find uses across many fields , aiding professionals in their daily tasks .
More importantly , it ’s the only workstation available now with AMD ’s Threadripper 5000 Pro CPU . you’re able to bundle in up to a Threadripper Pro 5995WX C.P.U. , which bundle in 64 effect and 128 threads , along with an dumbfounding 256 MB of L3 stash . likewise , you may tote up up to two Nvidia Quadro GV100 GPUs , which is powerful enough for even the most demanding tasks .
The other specs are just as telling – eight Aries the Ram slots for up to 512 GB of storage , as well as six driving slots for up to 24 TB of storage . Windows 11 comes default on the machine , but you may also have it pre - configured for Red Hat Enterprise Linux or Ubuntu as well .
The Lenovo P620 is n’t for everyone . It ’s an insanely expensive workstation that can cost upwards of $ 40,000 fully tricked out , but for master who demand blossom performance , nothing can touch the ThinkStation P620 .
The best NUC desktop
Asus ROG NUC 970
Asus has taken over the NUC brand from Intel , and its first gaming - focused NUC equipment is mighty impressive . The ROG NUC 970 is an impossibly humble gaming microcomputer , clocking in at just 2.5 liters in volume . Despite its flyspeck size , Asus was able-bodied to cram in the more powerful Intel Core Ultra central processor currently available , as well as peregrine RTX 4070 art card .
You ’re not getting full background performance , but considering the sizing of the NUC 970 , this thing is a monstrosity . It ’s grotesque for 1440p gaming , and with Nvidia ’s DLSS 3.5 available to the graphics card , it can even push demanding rubric likeCyberpunk 2077andAlan Wake 2 .
Although you ’re a spot restricted in upgrades due to the unique NUC form factor , Asus still allows you to swap our the RAM and tote up additional SSDs . There are three SSD slot in total , generate you blank space for upward of 24 TB of computer storage .
The best budget gaming PC
Lenovo Legion Tower 5i
For a while , it seemed like the era of play desktop under $ 1,000 was behind us . The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i proves that ’s not the suit . you could pick it up for as little as $ 950 , and it comes with enough carrying into action to act even the most demanding plot at mellow circumstance . combine with some smart upgrade paths , the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is an excellent introduction into PC gaming .
The RTX 4060 pulls the most exercising weight , and it ’s a great GPU for 1080p gaming . It ’s not quite brawny enough to bear on light beam trace in games likeAlan Wake 2 , but Nvidia ’s DLSS 3.5 allows high-pitched frame rates at maxed - out computer graphic configurations through a combination of upscaling and skeleton coevals . The Intel Core i5 - 14400F in the PC is n’t the most powerful CPU , but it ’s more than enough when it comes to play .
Lenovo negociate to keep estrus under ascendancy , and the personal computer barely makes a whispering during gameplay . You have some compelling rise pick , too . Lenovo pre - routes transmission line to the two hard driving force sleds , and there ’s a spare NVMe time slot . alas , the motherboard uses a unparalleled designing , so you ca n’t do a full platform swap down the line .
Frequently Asked Questions
Dell , HP , Lenovo – how do you know what brand of desktop PC is best for you ? Brand loyalty is n’t the best way to approach background PC , but stain have certain long suit . Apple is focused on rock - upstanding performance and a clean user experience for a slightly higher toll , for model , while Dell creates several PC that have the bandwidth for a rest home power and a gaming setup .
The honorable thing to do is look at individual desktop review rather than relying on what someone say is the " in effect brand name . " Some brands come in out with fantabulous PCs one generation and poor desktops the next , so it ’s important to check in on follow-up when you need to upgrade .
The best CPU will depend on how you ’re using your desktop . Gamers who want the utmost carrying out will require an overclockable Intel Core i9 - 14900 K set up on most in high spirits - terminal system , while creatives looking at hoodwink large sensitive single file will want something with more magnetic core . That mean AMD , which put up 12- and 16 - center chips in the sort of the AMD Ryzen 7900X and 7950X.
If you ’re working primarily on Office files and utilise your desktop to browse the vane , scaling down to an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 , or an AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 5 central processing unit , would serve make material nest egg without impact performance much .
USB - C is beginning to show up in more desktop builds , but it ’s still more usual on laptop computer . It ’s not strictly necessary , as there are plenty of USB - A to USB - C cable out there , but if it ’s a must for you , keep an eye on the case that your new system comes in . That will or wo n’t have USB - C as standard .
Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB - C form factor but it offers the most bandwidth of any USB - based wired connection available at this fourth dimension , giving speed that scorch standard USB porthole . However , it is even less plebeian on screen background than plain honest-to-goodness USB - C. If you desire it , you ’ll need to go with an Intel or Apple arrangement , though if you opt for the former and Thunderbolt 3 is not standard on the chassis or motherboard , you could always get a PCI - Express tot up - in poster that has it .
The good time to bribe a desktop is when your current calculator is n’t able to handle the applications you desire to utilise . Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day ordinarily bring the steepest discounts on screen background computers , but the reality is that you could make a stack on a personal computer almost any time during the year . verify to keep our roundup of the best screen background deal handy for when you desire to upgrade .
Choosing between a desktop and a laptop computer come down to portability and comfort . you may take a laptop nearly anywhere , but they ’re not as comfy to habituate as desktops with a larger covert . On the other hand , a desktop is more flexile and allow you to apply a keyboard / mouse combo you wish , but it ’s restricted to one domain .
Consider what you ’ll use your machine for . If you ’re gage , for example , a desktop makes more common sense . If you ’re answer email and browsing the internet , a laptop is probably skillful a option .
How to choose a desktop computer
If your be personal computer is so slow it can scarce run Windows Solitaire , let alone video editing software , do n’t fret . There ’s some expert news for computer users face the inevitable upgrade : There ’s never been a better time to bribe a new microcomputer .
cost are at an all - clock time low gear , while at the same sentence , computers are becoming unbelievably knock-down and full of convenient feature . But choosing the right computer to match your needs and budget can be an overwhelming task – specially for technical school - shy ethnic music intimidated by geeky terminology and pushful salespeople .
Here ’s how to choose a computing machine that ’s just good for you .
Laptop or desktop
If you postulate portability , then a laptop computer ( also refer to as a “ notebook ” ) personal computer is for you . But if you want the flexibility of add a bigger display or upgrade other portion ( such as adding a gravid backbreaking drive or adept video card ) , then perhaps a desktop PC is the direction to go .
If you buy a background computer , you will also ask a display to secure into it to see anything , unless you buy anall - in - one computer , such as Dell All - in - One or an Apple iMac , which have the display built instantly into the social unit . If you ’ve decide on a laptop , you ’ll need to consider portability like weight unit and size of it . A orotund screen is skillful , but do you desire to contend with the added size and exercising weight ? The enceinte the screen ( e.g. 17 inches as opposed to 12 inches ) , the bigger and heavier the laptop will be .
While laptop computer are becoming more powerful , a screen background is still better suit for graphical - intensive applications such as computer gaming , video redaction , or animation interpretation . But if portability is a antecedence , then laptop are the only way to go .
Other things to keep in mind when deciding between a laptop and a desktop computer include upfront monetary value , noise and cooling , and peripherals . You should expect a laptop to cost a bit more than a desktop of similar specification , as you ’re buy the presentation and stimulation mechanics at the same clip , as well as paying for a battery – though there are great budget laptop out there .
laptop are also often very compact , which mean they are more likely to be noisier when the fan ramp up to keep the computer cool . While desktops can also get noisy when under heavy loads like gaming or video editing , they tend to still be quieter than laptops under the same load due to the improved air flow in the case – and you’re able to always alter the chilling to improve it . That ’s not so easy with laptops .
As for peripherals , desktop be given to have more ports than laptops , meaning if you want to connect a bunch of peripherals ( e.g. printers , external storage , loudspeaker system , microphone , etc . ) then a background may be a better choice . The previous port standards admit USB - C and Thunderbolt 3 , which are excellent connections to depend for .
Mac or Windows
Personal predilection and experience dictate the operate organization of selection more than anything , making it arduous to recommend one over the other . The best way of life to tell which one is ideal for you is to seek both out to see which one feels more visceral for you to work on , and which one will run with your favored programs . macintosh computing equipment are generally more expensive than Windows - free-base personal computer , though they tend to be a lilliputian more unafraid . With fewer macOS microcomputer out there , hackers are less interested in name viruses for them . The closed - ecosystem approach Apple employs for its intersection also form it grueling to distribute malware – though not out of the question .
Windows PCs have a much more rich gaming ecosystem to revel and are by all odds good for gamers .
Outside of that niche , the app ecosystem for both macOS and Windows is very salutary – there are so many apps for both platforms so no matter what you ask to do , you ’ll in all probability be able-bodied to determine an app to accomplish the labor . at last , you need to make the call for yourself , but decidedly keep in judgment that today ’s Mac computers can also guide the Windows operating system through political program such as Boot Camp , Parallels , or VMWare Fusion .
Power and performance
carrying out is arguably the most important metric of any personal computer , and the processor is the heart of that . You require at the very least a treble - core processor with simultaneous multithreading / hyperthreading , but a space - core will make a self-aggrandizing difference to your everyday PC performance . Intel ’s Core i3 and AMD ’s Ryzen 3 CPUs are antic in this respectfulness , though especially the latter .
If you need a bit more superpower for any kind of photo or video editing or are design to play the modish games , then ideally you will want to count for a calculator that frolic a six - centre ( or well ) central processing unit such as anIntel i5 or i7or an AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 .
For more in - depth CPU buying information , learn out our guide onhow to take a CPU .
When it comes to system of rules memory board , or RAM , you want to make trusted you have enough , and not too much more . A electrical capacity of 8 GB to 16 GB is the sweet spot for most users , include heavy gamers ; 32 GB and beyond is only really recommend if you ’re doing a lot of grueling video editing , and will very much calculate on the particular software package you want to use .
A art card can be the most expensive part of a personal computer and is only necessary if you ’re looking to play games . If you are , buy a GPU that fits your want and budget . There ’s no point in buying a $ 1,000 graphics plug-in if all you require to represent isMinecraft , but you ’ll be disappointed if you endeavor to dally the late AAA games on a budget GPU . Check out the specification of the plot you want to play to aid determine which graphics card is ripe for you or check out our list of thebest GPUsyou can buy .
Want to game on the go ? stop out our inclination of thebest gambling laptopsavailable .
Storage
The sizing of ahard crusade or solid - United States Department of State drivedetermines how many program and file you could fit on it before run for out of space . Unless you ’re buying something like a Chromebook where cloud depot is a bounteous feature , a computing gadget with at least 500 GB of space is a good start point . If you have a heap of games or flick that you want to salt away , then you ’ll want to moot a secondary drive with a tebibyte or two of additional distance .
Today , most computers have at least one SSD , or solid - body politic driving force , for storage . SSDs are much faster than older HDDs ( hard phonograph recording driving with move , magnetic portion ) , which intend you’re able to open and find files quicker . SSDs are your good bet for a boot drive , with traditional punishing drives best suit as extra computer memory blank space and secondary drives .
If you ’re concerned about running out of infinite on your crusade , do n’t be . There are so many options to flourish your storage for either a laptop or desktop with an inexpensive external tough drive or even cloud storage . international drives ( you may find both external hard drives and external SSDs ) are great , and these days , depending on which one you buy , can be just as fast as your internal drive thanks to new technologies such asThunderbolt 4 .
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
If you ’re shopping for a laptop computer , prospect are it ’ll have integrated wireless networking features . This think of you’re able to log on to the internet at broadband speeds when in range of a Wi - Fi net , be it at home , work , schooling , or one of many thousand “ hotspots ” around the world , let in cafés , hotels , airport lounges , and so on . The latest laptops have 802.11ax ( Wi - Fi 6 ) engineering – which offers a 30 % to 60 % speed boost over the sometime 802.11ac ( Wi - Fi 5 ) technology and is a dependable bet if you need to prepare for succeeding devices .
Bluetooth is another mutual wireless feature that most laptop computer ( and some screen background ) have , which can make phone syncing easier ( read : cable - free ) and even add support for headsets and headphones , take into account you to roam freely while on a voice call or listening to medicine . Any desktop you opt should also declare oneself Wi - Fi 5 or 6 wireless networking capability ( offered via a built - in or optional attachment ) , or come with an desegregate Ethernet interface , which enables connection to the internet via an Ethernet cable .
Going Chromebook
While Windows and Mac are the common choices for operating arrangement , there is an choice for new user – a Chromebook . Chromebooks run on Chrome OS , a lightweight operating arrangement designed for ultra - portable laptop computer .
Chromebooks are a give - and - take proffer : They tend to be very low-priced , very light to habituate , and idealistic alternative for more insouciant exploiter , students , and those who want to carry through money while still pay back a laptop . They also have growing compatibility with Android apps . On the other hand , they typically have limited power , very little storage ( reckon on cloud storage for many body process ) , and limited capability to run more demanding package or program without Chrome OS compatibility .
If you ’re interested in a laptop with a light step , we indicate you check out ourguide to Chromebooks , and our current list ofbest Chromebookson the market place .
Build your own computer
If you ’re feeling a little adventurous and are looking to do something a moment different , there ’s always the option to build your own reckoner . It ’s quite a lot of fun too , plus these days it ’s easier than ever to find and corrupt all the parts you will need , and all the advice above still applies .
If you ’re concerned in progress your own computer , the best lieu to start up compiling a parts list isPCPartPicker . At PCPartPicker you may compile a list of parts from various retail internet site admit Newegg and Amazon . What ’s even nicer is if you pick parting that are n’t compatible , PCPartPicker will let you bang .
