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Today's revolutions in mobile computing get all the glory, but desktop PCs endure. Whether for high-powered gaming, rendering complex 3D scenes, or crunching data-drenched spreadsheets, the best desktops just do it better. At PCMag, we've tested thousands of desktops since our beginnings in 1982, and our analysts and editors have more than a century of combined experience reviewing and testing desktops. We use standardized methodologies to measure CPU and graphics performance against relevant comparison PCs and assess all models on design, usability, upgradability, connectivity, and value. Our reviews encompass business PCs and workstations, gaming PCs, all-in-ones, and even mini PCs. Our current pick for the best mainstream desktop PC for most people is the Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11, for its solid budget configuration with modern features and some room for upgrades. Below, see more of our constantly updated recommendations and a deep-dive buying guide to everything to factor into your desktop purchase.
Our Top Tested Picks
Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Acer's Aspire TC-1775-UR11 is a solid-value budget desktop packing a 14th Gen Core i7 processor, Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and a compact design that tucks under your desk.
Pros
- Dual HDMI supports two monitors
- Antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E
- Front-panel card reader
- Good value
Cons
- Intrusive fan noise under heavy loads
- 512GB SSD fills up fast
- Boot POST takes longer than expected
Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 delivers solid midrange performance, with speedy graphics, high configurability, and room to grow. It’s a versatile PC that handles productivity, content creation, and mainstream gaming with ease.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Potent review configuration
- Broad port selection
- Solidly built and reasonably sized
- Easy access to components
Cons
- Lowest- and highest-end configurations aren't the best values
- Some quirky component combinations in Dell's prebuilt configs
- Proprietary motherboard and power supply design
Apple Mac mini (2024, M4 Pro)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Apple has outdone itself with its 2024 Mac mini, crafting a smartly redesigned micro-desktop that leads budget PCs on value in its lesser configurations, but can square up with the best at the high end.
Pros
- Excellent high-end performance for work and play in a small chassis
- More memory in base model for the same low price
- New space-saving design
Cons
- Storage capacity in base model is still scanty
- Fans can be noisy under load
- Internal memory and storage are not upgradable post-purchase
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme pairs a sharp-looking chassis with strong budget-tier performance and generous RAM and storage. Our test configuration is a standout desktop for first-time PC gamers and value seekers.
Pros
- Impressive price-to-performance ratio
- Solid value for the component mix
- Sleek glass design
Cons
- Fans can get loud
- Power supply wattage may limit future upgrades
- Side glass panel is tricky to seat
iBuyPower RDY Element Pro R07
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
iBuyPower’s Element Pro gaming desktop delivers standout liquid-cooled gaming performance in an attractive glass case, accompanied by effective included accessories, all backed by an above-average warranty.
Pros
- Excellent gaming performance
- Quality glass case
- Liquid cooling and Wi-Fi 7
- Generous warranty
- Decent included peripherals
Cons
- GPU ships separately
- Limited lighting customization
Velocity Micro Raptor Z55a (2025)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Velocity Micro's Raptor Z55a packs a lot of power in a modest-looking micro-tower. With many configuration options, this no-nonsense gaming PC will rise to any game's demands.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Ferocious gaming speeds
- Speedy productivity performance
- Ideally sized case
- Plenty of configuration options
Cons
- No Wi-Fi 7
- No-window case design may be off-putting for some shoppers
Lenovo Yoga AIO 27-Inch
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Lenovo Yoga AIO 27-Inch delivers standout value and performance in a stylish, entertainment-ready package.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Impressive screen, with flexible stand adjustments
- Simplified port access
- Solid speakers
- Sharp webcam
- Wireless peripherals included
Cons
- No alternative mounting options
- Tops out at 16GB of RAM
- Touch screen is not standard on all models
Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 (27-Inch)
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 builds on Lenovo's previous-generation AIO for offices, offering faster performance, broad configuration options, an excellent screen, and above-average options for storage expansion.
Pros
- Excellent productivity performance
- Sharp, bright, and flexible IPS display
- Three M.2 SSD slots for storage expansion
- Premium build, with lots of ports
- Extensive configuration options
Cons
- Review configuration is light on storage
- No option for a touch screen
- Some ports are inconveniently placed
- Audio is just OK
Dell Pro Max Tower T2
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Dell’s worthy mainstay desktop workstation starts modestly but has elite upgrade headroom—capable of transforming into a full-blown pro powerhouse with an Intel Core Ultra K-series CPU and Nvidia RTX Pro 6000 graphics.
Pros
- Reasonable starting price for a premium desktop workstation
- Highly scalable performance
- Generous connectivity mix
- Quiet cooling system
- Easy serviceability
Cons
- No CPU liquid cooling or options for AMD CPUs
- Proprietary mainboard design
HP Z2 Mini G1a
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
HP’s Z2 Mini G1a compact desktop is a tiny powerhouse, packing a serious wallop for workstation tasks and AI dev work with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ processor and 128GB of unified memory.
Pros
- Powerful Ryzen AI Max+ processor
- Enough memory for local-model AI development
- Compact and mountable
- Plentiful connectivity for its size
Cons
- Fans can get loud under load
- Memory, while generously apportioned, is not upgradable
Geekom A9 Max
Bottom Line
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Geekom's A9 Max combines elite mini PC performance, a refined design, and robust connectivity in a compact, Mac mini-size Windows machine. It isn’t cheap or silent, but few desktops this compact are as fast or as capable.
Pros
- Attractive and well-built
- Small, unobtrusive chassis design
- Solid productivity performance from Ryzen AI chip
- Generous connectivity options, including four front USB ports and dual Ethernet
- Upgradable memory and storage
Cons
- Cooling fan can get noisy under load
- Single available config is a bit expensive, if you don't need all the ports and CPU power
The Best Desktop Computer Deals This Week*
- Dell Tower Intel Ultra 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $949 ($1,169) Save $220.00
- HP OmniDesk Ryzen 7 1TB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $899 ($1,329) Save $430.00
- Dell Tower Intel Ultra 7 1TB SSD 32GB RAM Desktop — $1,149 ($1,769) Save $620.00
- Lenovo IdeaCentre Intel i7 512GB SSD 27" AIO Touch Desktop — $967 ($1,289) Save $322.00
- Dell Tower Plus Intel Ultra 7 RTX 5060 1TB SSD Desktop — $1,399 ($2,099) Save $700.00
EDITORS' NOTE
May 8, 2026: With this update, our lineup of recommended desktop PCs remains unchanged. Our existing picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated two new desktops for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other desktop roundups. We currently have eight more desktops in PC Labs for evaluation, from makers including Asus, Dell, HP, and Origin.
- Dual HDMI supports two monitors
- Antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E
- Front-panel card reader
- Good value
- Intrusive fan noise under heavy loads
- 512GB SSD fills up fast
- Boot POST takes longer than expected
Acer continues to dominate the budget zone with its Aspire desktop series, currently the most recommendable budget desktop PC for most people. The Aspire TC-1775-UR11 runs on 14th Gen Intel Core processing with the same 8GB of memory and 512GB SSD capacity as before. With this model, Acer's Aspire TC continues to outshine every budget Windows tower we've tested. You can find it for far less than its list price, which pays for decent power, space for upgrades, and modern amenities like a front USB-C port and card reader, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and dual HDMI ports for two monitors.
Budget-strapped shoppers: The Aspire TC-1775-UR11 is a smart PC choice if you're on a tight budget seeking a high-value PC for your family or household—or if you just don't want to spend a lot on an essential appliance. Its contemporary array of components continues to surpass what we see from most budget PCs, including features typically found in higher-end machines, and it has room for upgrades to maximize value.
A secondary or kid's first PC: Thanks to its approachable price, the UR11 is also a fine PC to serve as your kids' first desktop. With its upgrade potential, the PC can grow with them for several years. Acer's desktop is also priced and positioned well to function as a home theater PC or a public web server for small self-hosted projects.
- Highly customizable
- Potent review configuration
- Broad port selection
- Solidly built and reasonably sized
- Easy access to components
- Lowest- and highest-end configurations aren't the best values
- Some quirky component combinations in Dell's prebuilt configs
- Proprietary motherboard and power supply design
Dell's latest mid-level desktop can fit a broad range of budgets and needs, starting right at the middle of what we'd call midrange pricing and expandable up to a dominant rig for a whole lot more. We gave the Tower Plus our Editors' Choice award in the midrange category for its deep level of customization and potent performance in our review configuration for its price. It's also a high-quality build with a premium chassis containing the latest in connectivity standards. It's a capable desktop that can grow with you (within reason); all told, it's an easy pick for a midrange PC.
Amateur and hobbyist content creators: This is an excellent desktop for editing your home photos or powering your content-creation hobby or side hustle. The Dell Tower Plus can work as a home media machine or configure up to a high-power editing and streaming rig with advanced cooling for more powerful parts.
Families with lots of different needs: This desktop will work like a charm for your family with lots of varied needs, from paying the bills to playing the latest PC games. The Tower Plus features configurations that can address demanding computing needs in a mainstream-looking device, making it an excellent shared desktop via Windows 11 user profiles.
- Excellent high-end performance for work and play in a small chassis
- More memory in base model for the same low price
- New space-saving design
- Storage capacity in base model is still scanty
- Fans can be noisy under load
- Internal memory and storage are not upgradable post-purchase
Skipping the M3 generation of processors proved well worth it for Apple's smallest Mac. The latest Mac mini takes on Apple's M4 processors to incredible effect, particularly in the M4 Pro we tested for our review. The M4 Pro Mac mini blew away like-configured mini desktops and challenged workstations several times its size in some tests. This is before even getting to Apple's redesign, which introduced more ports and better cooling. Whether at its starting budget-priced configuration (which has 16GB of unified memory, twice as much as in the previous generation) or tricked out to get serious work done, the new Mac mini is a no-brainer.
As of this writing, many Mac mini configurations are currently out of stock, with Apple seeing "higher than expected demand" for the diminutive desktop due to its popularity as a platform for running AI agents.
Budget-strapped Mac users: At its starting configuration, the Mac mini is the best budget Mac—period. This desktop presents the most power in its price range that we've seen since its release, featuring 16GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD. Thanks to Apple's pricing, the Mac mini delivers the ample M4 processor to more aspiring Mac users than ever in a solid block of slick aluminum.
Demanding Mac veterans: If you're a power user, then the Mac mini also has you covered. When equipped with the M4 Pro processor, as we reviewed it, the Mac mini becomes a high-power mini workstation or media production box for a still-decent price. This beefed-up version of the M4 model laps its entry-level counterpart, which is impressive given the starting model's already peppy performance.
- Impressive price-to-performance ratio
- Solid value for the component mix
- Sleek glass design
- Fans can get loud
- Power supply wattage may limit future upgrades
- Side glass panel is tricky to seat
While the promotion on CyberPowerPC's latest budget-minded gaming with an almost impossible configuration via Costco has ended, the desktop is still available with half as much memory directly from the manufacturer. A 2TB SSD is still plenty of space for the price, and the system comes tucked into a gorgeous glass-sided chassis with lots of lighting and cooling. RAM and storage price surges in 2026 have challenged our existing sense of "budget," so the Xtreme is our leading budget pick for PC gamers, with midrange models easily blowing past $2,000 today.
Cash-strapped PC gamers: If you're hard up but still want to game well, start your search with this rig. While the Xtreme is pricier than a three-digit wonder, you might struggle to find a 2TB SSD paired with a current entry-level CPU and GPU, even at this cost. You'll find some cheaper gaming desktops out there, but their reduced power is hardly worth it beyond niche applications like compact builds for space savings.
A kid's first gaming PC: Buying this gaming PC for getting your kids into the hobby is a no-brainer. It's a relatively low-cost system that sacrifices nothing in the way of power, with resolution upscaling and frame generation techniques helping it keep pace in many popular games. Price is key when shopping for kids who can be fickle with their interest level.
- Excellent gaming performance
- Quality glass case
- Liquid cooling and Wi-Fi 7
- Generous warranty
- Decent included peripherals
- GPU ships separately
- Limited lighting customization
For a high-end gaming experience at a lower price (and a little less power), the iBuyPower RDY Element Pro R07 is easy to recommend. It brings a potent power level for 1440p play (or some 4K play at lower settings), thanks to its liquid-cooled Ryzen 7 9800X3D CPU paired with a GeForce RTX 5070 Ti GPU. Topping it off is a gorgeous RGB rave of a case with the latest in connectivity and room for upgrades. Plus, iBuyPower includes surprisingly effective peripherals in the box. It all adds up to an Editors' Choice-award-winning gaming rig for people with a little more scratch than the budget set.
PC gamers seeking consistent 1440p play: This is a top-notch gaming PC for play at 1440p and high settings. The Element Pro aced all our benchmarks at 1440p, even showing fortitude at 4K resolution in some games. iBuyPower gave this rig every modern convenience it could for the cost, too.
Style-first PC gamers: Buy this gaming desktop if you want a flashy rig for your space. This case has lots of customizable RGB lighting elements throughout that you can match to the colors of your desk or room using Asus' Armoury Crate software. Want a rainbow generator in your gaming space? Check out this desktop.
- Competitively priced
- Ferocious gaming speeds
- Speedy productivity performance
- Ideally sized case
- Plenty of configuration options
- No Wi-Fi 7
- No-window case design may be off-putting for some shoppers
Among high-end gaming desktops, the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55a is one of the best deals around. You can get the ultimate set of components inside one of these sawed-down towers for much less than several competing models we've tested. With access to the most potent components available, the Z55a achieves viciously fast frame rates at all resolutions while also delivering superior project rendering and transcoding times. The Z55a accomplishes all of this in a chassis that is significantly shorter than a conventional tower, while promoting optimal airflow for enhanced performance.
Discerning PC gaming enthusiasts: You're a sharp-eyed, fortunate gamer who still values quality at a reasonable price, so you know about Velocity Micro if you didn't already. Not every PC gamer is after the flashiest build possible; you just want the most power for the lowest price. The Raptor Z55a excels in this discipline, presenting top-end components for significantly less than many competitors in a still professionally built system.
Stealth PC gamers: If you're looking for a "sleeper" or "stealth" gaming PC, you should start here. The Raptor Z55a comes in a build that could easily be mistaken for a high-power workstation, and while Velocity Micro sells those, too, this is explicitly a gaming rig in a subdued chassis. Velocity Micro does the low-key gaming PC build right while charging much less for the aesthetic.
- Powerful performance
- Impressive screen, with flexible stand adjustments
- Simplified port access
- Solid speakers
- Sharp webcam
- Wireless peripherals included
- No alternative mounting options
- Tops out at 16GB of RAM
- Touch screen is not standard on all models
Lenovo's Yoga AIO 27 serves as a potent and visually appealing all-in-one that doesn't sacrifice much in any area, presenting a well-rounded PC product with a decent starting price and reasonable scaling for component upgrades. This is a true "home hub" PC, featuring a gorgeous, flexible screen, simple port access, and even a wireless charging pad on its base. We also enjoyed its sharp webcam and wireless peripherals in the box, making this a truly complete AIO for the average family.
Family room PC owners: With its kitchen-sink approach to features and design, the Yoga AIO 27 helps get a handle on your digital life with a complete feature set and potent output speeds. This PC can cater to the unique needs of each of your family members by utilizing Windows user profiles to silo their access to its powerful hardware.
Amateur content creators: If you're a home video or photo editor who posts your work on social media, then you will appreciate the Yoga AIO 27's advanced integrated graphics, which can power creative apps like Photoshop and Premiere from Adobe, yielding acceptable results for friends, family, or even fans online. Naturally, the 1440p screen with decent color coverage and brightness will help make those edits easier.
- Excellent productivity performance
- Sharp, bright, and flexible IPS display
- Three M.2 SSD slots for storage expansion
- Premium build, with lots of ports
- Extensive configuration options
- Review configuration is light on storage
- No option for a touch screen
- Some ports are inconveniently placed
- Audio is just OK
Work-focused AIOs are rare, but Lenovo regularly keeps the genre alive with its ThinkCentre desktops. Exhibit one? An excellent Gen 6 sequel to last year's award-winning ThinkCentre M90a. Just as before, this model has a desktop-grade processor, ample memory, and a decent amount of storage in our review configuration. Lenovo upgraded the display to 1440p resolution, and it still supports mounting and tilting. The M90a Gen 6 also has room for up to three SSDs and plenty of ports to support a complete working environment. Lenovo continues to rule the roost among AIO business machines.
Unique professional spaces: You should buy this desktop for workers in specific roles that beg for an all-in-one solution, such as public-facing desk work. The M90a Gen 6 works particularly well in front-desk secretary and public kiosk scenarios that are space-limited but require quick, reliable performance.
Offices requiring simple PC deployments: If you run or buy equipment for a business that's less concerned with avoiding multiple potential failure points and more with creating an easy ramp to productivity, then look to this ThinkCentre device. As a complete system, top to bottom, that's exactly what the M90a Gen 6 delivers.
- Reasonable starting price for a premium desktop workstation
- Highly scalable performance
- Generous connectivity mix
- Quiet cooling system
- Easy serviceability
- No CPU liquid cooling or options for AMD CPUs
- Proprietary mainboard design
Our reasons for picking the Dell Pro Max Tower T2 largely come down to pricing and configurations. The Tower T2 starts at an approachable sub-$2,000 price and can scale up to meet demands from deeper-pocketed organizations and contractors. Likewise, this desktop can bring the heat when needed (and as configured), it runs relatively quietly under load, and it has lots of connections for acting as a work hub. Finally, the PC is also deeply serviceable, which you IT administrators and at-home troubleshooters will appreciate.
Offices seeking scalability: The Dell Pro Max Tower T2 is excellent if your business wants to minimally invest in new technology first, but also have the option to scale up when needed. This desktop can do that without issue, with our configured model flying past the $14,000 mark.
Businesses that want quiet offices: If you're trying to promote a quiet office environment for your employees that is conducive to getting work done, then the Pro Max Tower T2 is a shoo-in for that role. The Tower T2 operates with little noise, whether at idle or crunching on a task, thanks to an advanced cooling system.
- Powerful Ryzen AI Max+ processor
- Enough memory for local-model AI development
- Compact and mountable
- Plentiful connectivity for its size
- Fans can get loud under load
- Memory, while generously apportioned, is not upgradable
HP’s Z2 Mini G1a small-form-factor desktop workstation is a diminutive dynamo, with ample power for workstation-level operations and AI model development. That's thanks to a top-end AMD Ryzen AI Max+ chip and 128GB of unified memory on board. We found its performance to be on par with a powered-up Mac mini with an M4 Pro processor, and far beyond the other mini PCs we stacked against it. This generation's Z2 Mini also has plenty of ports for its size, and it's mountable behind a display, making it a possibly smart buy for your business trying to keep up with the AI craze while hedging its bets.
AI-curious offices: This is an excellent mini workstation for your business that's trying to keep up with AI in the workplace or catch up quickly. As configured in our test model, the Z2 Mini G1a can handle full AI model development using its massive memory stores and a fiery processor capable of up to 50 trillion AI operations per second.
Demanding businesses with limited space: Even if you don't need cutting-edge AI hardware, the Z2 Mini works just as well as a traditional workstation desktop for tasks that don't require dedicated graphics. You'll find lots of workstation-level apps that don't rely on extreme GPUs, and this Ryzen chip's integrated graphics soar with 96GB of that memory available to visual processing. It won't top a tower with an Nvidia RTX Pro GPU, but it's a lot smaller and likely cheaper.
- Attractive and well-built
- Small, unobtrusive chassis design
- Solid productivity performance from Ryzen AI chip
- Generous connectivity options, including four front USB ports and dual Ethernet
- Upgradable memory and storage
- Cooling fan can get noisy under load
- Single available config is a bit expensive, if you don't need all the ports and CPU power
This mini rig from Geekom is proof that mini PCs can house as much power and connectivity as comparable laptops and even some traditional desktops. Meet the Geekom A9 Max, a PC that combines elite productivity speed, a high-quality build, and broad connectivity in a tiny, Mac mini-like system. While you can't call the A9 Max cheap or silent, few PCs this small are as quick or as versatile. It even has upgradable memory and storage for later expansion.
Space-starved PC users: If you're tight on space but need a lot of power, then you will especially appreciate the A9 Max. It's a tiny box that you can mount behind a monitor to create even more desk space, either for more items or a cleaner overall look. Geekom's A9 Max will blend in regardless of where you place it.
Windows fans with Mac envy: Geekom continues to pay homage to the desktop that helped inspire this whole category, the Mac mini, helping you Windows die-hards to get a taste of that experience without having to switch to macOS. While even this souped-up version of its mini PC can't keep up with Apple's Mac mini when outfitted with an Apple M4 Pro chip, it has more ports and far more expansion potential.
The Best PCs (Desktop Computers) for 2026 Compare Specs
To help you make the right decision in your search for the best desktop, we've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions on the topic, as well as a few additional helpful facts to inform your choice.
How Do I Choose a Good Desktop Computer?
Based on our pick list, we've reviewed an impressive variety of the best desktops, right? We don't deny that a laptop or tablet is a better choice if you engage in business travel or your computing consists mostly of basic surfing and typing from the living room couch. However, desktops are often the best choice and provide the best value for small offices, families, creative professionals, gamers, and tech enthusiasts.
While desktops don't come in as many distinct forms as laptops, you'll find lots of variation in computing power and room for upgrades and expansion. The key is to spend as little as possible to get exactly what you want from your next desktop computer, whether that's a budget buy or a high-performance PC.
Which Brand of Computer Is the Most Reliable?
Reliability is a nebulous concept when it comes to computers: It could mean consistency of performance, or it could also mean the strength and support of its warranty, just to name two interpretations. Certain brands have developed reputations for reliability, notably computer makers such as Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo. However, no single brand can lay a blanket claim to any such title.
You can also check out our Readers’ Choice award winners for desktops, which show which computers PCMag readers prefer and why. Once you have winnowed down models based on other, more solid criteria, the wisdom of the crowd might help you develop an idea of the most reliable brands to count on in your search for the best PC for you.
Is It Still Worth Buying a Desktop Computer?
For many of you, absolutely yes. One of the most alluring promises of the best desktops is the value they deliver. With desktop PCs and their components, your money simply goes further. Instead of buying a $700 laptop with a competent Intel Core i5 or Ultra 5 processor, you might get an $800 desktop with a more powerful Core i7 or Ultra 7 CPU and maybe even a dedicated graphics card.
You can find complete mini PCs for super light work and display-signage tasks for less than $400, and perfectly serviceable small towers for $300 to $600. Gaming desktops with dedicated graphics cards start at around $900. You can also find all-in-one desktops, with the display and all of the computing components built into a single device, starting at around $500.
The thing with desktops is that opting for a cheap one does not carry some of the same risks you'd face with a like-priced laptop. A $250 Black Friday special or a steeply discounted refurbished desktop could perform just fine for basic computing, and you wouldn't need to worry about the wear and tear on cheap materials that you might with a laptop of a similar price. That inexpensive laptop would be subject to the vagaries of daily commuting and the occasional drop from a coffee table. The desktop, in contrast, would need to remain stationary and simply function.
At the top end of the market are business workstations, tricked-out gaming rigs, and magnificently engineered all-in-one PCs that cost several thousand dollars. Not only will a $3,000 gaming tower provide immense computing power today, but it should also come with ample room for expansion and potential upgrades. Then, of course, you have the world of custom PCs, complete with automotive-grade paint jobs, liquid cooling, and fanciful lighting and wiring.
IT-manageable, security-conscious business desktops—most of which are now manufactured by Dell, HP, and Lenovo—have their own pricing dynamics and tend to cost more. That's because of their premium warranty or support plans, as well as the possible addition of enterprise-specific silicon focused on manageability or security. Sometimes, part of the cost premium of business desktops reflects the PC maker’s guarantee that it will stock replacement components and upgrades for that line of machines for a fixed future period. That allows IT pros to count on the ability to continue servicing a fleet of a given business machine over that period.
Windows vs. Mac: Settle on an Operating System
The Mac versus PC debate is one of the oldest in modern technology, and we won't take sides or try to settle that here. If you're not wedded to one or the other by years of habit (or the peripherals and software you own) and are open to switching, here's a quick rundown of your choices.
Windows 11 is the latest iteration of Microsoft's operating system. Most of you typically rely on desktops that use it and previous versions of the OS, so you'll be assured of the best compatibility and the widest selection of third-party software. Desktops running Windows are also readily available for less than $500, making them an attractive option for casual users, families seeking a second PC, and budget-conscious shoppers.
Macs are an excellent choice if you're already in an Apple-centric household since macOS is seamlessly compatible with iPads and iPhones. You can also send and receive messages on any device connected to your iCloud account. However, the cost of entry will be higher than with the least expensive PCs.
Google's ChromeOS is a viable alternative to Windows and macOS, but desktops running it (called Chromeboxes) are rare and best suited for niche uses, such as powering a restaurant menu display. A fourth option is to purchase a desktop with no operating system and install an open-source one of your choice, such as Ubuntu Linux. We don't recommend going this route unless you're technically savvy, willing to experiment, and OK with fixing software compatibility issues and other quirks.
What Desktop Form Factor Do I Need?
Macs and Windows PCs are available in all three major desktop form factors: mini PCs that can fit on a bookshelf, sleek all-in-ones with built-in (and usually high-resolution) displays, and traditional desktop towers that are bulky but provide more expansion space. Each of these three forms has strengths and weaknesses, and none is an obvious best choice for everyone. You'll need to choose based on what you plan to do with your desktop and where you intend to place it.
For truly cramped quarters, light workloads, and those of you who appreciate an efficient use of space, a mini PC may be the top choice. They come in sizes ranging from tiny sticks not much larger than a USB thumb drive to small-form-factor (SFF) towers that may be nearly a foot tall but have compact footprints. The smallest sizes have the benefit of disappearing behind an HDMI-equipped monitor or TV, and they contain a processor, memory, storage, and ports to hook up keyboards and mice. They're economical and power-efficient, and they can serve as adequate web browsing or multimedia viewing platforms. However, most models have no room for adding extra internal components, and their preinstalled parts can be difficult or impossible to upgrade.
Regardless, you can find a fair mix of mini PCs that can be customized or upgraded with better components. They're bigger than the "stick"-style PCs but much more flexible and expandable.
Traditional tower desktops are capable of even more flexibility, but they also bring a lot more bulk. Nowadays, the differences between midsize and full-size towers are less well-defined, and some of the new PC case designs—from cubes to glass boxes—defy easy categorization. Still, nearly all desktop towers have generous amounts of interior space and full-size (a.k.a. ATX) motherboards, so you can install one or more (sometimes, many more) secondary storage drives, more RAM in empty slots on the motherboard, a video card if one isn't installed, and in some remote cases, even a second graphics card for extreme gaming or graphics-accelerated tasks. (Note that not all desktop mini-towers and towers can accommodate a graphics upgrade. That is where reviews come in.)
An all-in-one (AIO) desktop is quite a different animal from both of these form factors. An AIO can save you some space since the display is built in. An AIO's value proposition comes down to space-saving and whether you are shopping for a desktop display at the same time. Although you can find budget AIOs with basic feature sets, lower resolutions, and non-touch screens, many new models include touch-enabled screens, and some AIO panels have exceptionally high native resolutions of 4K (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) or even 5K (5,120 by 2,880 pixels). Touch displays make them excellent choices for watching movies or serving as a multimedia hub in the kitchen or other public areas of your home, but the absolute highest resolutions are typically targeted at content creators rather than consumers.
With a few exceptions for business-oriented models, you will give up a lot of room for expansion in an AIO versus a traditional desktop tower. Cracking open an AIO for an upgrade or fix, while not impossible, is a bigger deal than opening the side of a desktop tower. Apple's recent iMacs are particularly impervious to opening up.
How Much Processing Power Is Enough?
One of the main benefits of a desktop tower is that it will use a desktop-grade CPU. That may sound obvious, but it's a key distinction.
AMD and Intel, the two largest manufacturers of PC processors, provide desktop-class and laptop-class chips to system manufacturers; however, the CPU model names are often similar and can be tricky to distinguish. For example, you will see versions of Intel's Core i7 or Core Ultra 7 in laptops and desktops, but having a "true" desktop CPU versus one made for a mobile device makes a big performance difference.
A desktop CPU gives you more power for complex content-creation work, PC gaming, or math and scientific projects. Faster processors with eight, 16, or even more cores will benefit software that utilizes all those cores. The desktop version of a given CPU will consume more power and generate more heat than a laptop version; laptop chips are designed for environments with less thermal and power-delivery leeway. A desktop CPU also provides greater flexibility to incorporate a key feature, multithreading, which allows each CPU core to address two processing threads simultaneously instead of just one. When engaged with suitably equipped software, multithreading (which Intel refers to as "Hyper-Threading") can deliver a significant performance boost. However, this technology has fallen out of favor in Intel's latest chips.
AMD's and Intel's highest-end desktop chips (the Core i9, Core Ultra 9, and Ryzen 9 classes) may require liquid-cooling systems, limiting their use to larger towers with ample interior space; however, exceptions exist. Processors in these families are specialized and expensive, and you’ll only want them if you have specific software needs that you know, explicitly, can leverage their higher base and peak clock rates, as well as all of their addressable cores and threads. These are not casual purchases.
Conversely, many AIO desktops and mini PCs use the same efficient, cooler-running types of CPUs that you'll find in laptops. Intel typically labels these mobile-first chip designs with a CPU name containing "U" or "H," whereas most desktop chips instead have a "T" or a "K" or just a zero at the end of their model numbers. A mobile CPU might have the same number of processor cores as its desktop counterpart, but its maximum power consumption will often be far lower. Also, the typical base and boost clock speeds may be lower, and the chip may not support multithreading. Nevertheless, some of you will be satisfied with these lower-powered CPUs for everyday tasks and a bit more. (Many mini PCs and AIO PCs tend to use mobile versions of Intel and AMD CPUs.)
For a typical tower using a true desktop-grade CPU, mainstream users should look for an Intel Core i5, Core Ultra 5, or AMD Ryzen 5; the Core i7, Core Ultra 7, and Ryzen 7 are also excellent, powerful choices, but overkill if you aren’t a serious PC gamer, an intense multitasker, or a prosumer video or image manipulator. If CPU power is critically important, though, these should suffice. The Core i9, Core Ultra 9, Ryzen 9, and AMD's hyper-powerful Ryzen Threadripper are worthwhile only if you know that having too few cores or threads is holding back your workflow, or you have extreme needs in terms of internal storage (for which the Threadripper can help with expanding access to internal resources, or "lanes"). For a deeper understanding, refer to our in-depth analysis of desktop CPUs.
With Intel's "Arrow Lake" Core Ultra processors on their way out, the Intel Core Ultra 200S Plus desktop CPUs are here. These chips, starting with the award-winning Core Ultra 7 270K Plus and Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, provide significant improvements in both mainstream gaming performance and pricing. AMD has yet to respond in kind at these performance tiers.
Do I Need a Powerful Graphics Card?
All computers have a CPU, but most laptops and many budget desktops lack a dedicated graphics processor, also known as a GPU. Instead, their display output comes from a portion of the CPU, a slice of silicon known as an integrated graphics processor (IGP). An IGP is suitable for basic tasks, such as checking email, browsing the web, or streaming videos. Doing productivity work on an IGP is completely within bounds. Indeed, most business desktops rely on IGPs.
In any case, an IGP is not the answer if you want to run intense 3D games, render architectural simulations, or perhaps train an artificial intelligence algorithm. Times like these call for a graphics card, which will bring its own GPU to the game, and the most powerful of these are found in the best PCs for gaming.
Choosing a graphics card is a complex affair. Gamers should consider their monitor's capabilities first. A 4K monitor or one with a high refresh rate (144Hz or greater) will require a profoundly powerful GPU to display games at the monitor's maximum potential. If you're just looking to do some middle-of-the-road gaming on a 1080p monitor (and not looking to win any professional esports crowns), a mainstream card will do just fine.
Meanwhile, creative professionals and other power users should consider the graphics-acceleration recommendations of the apps they plan to run, using the software maker's system requirements as a guide. Graphics-accelerated video rendering and AI programs can benefit from the same types of GPUs as those used in intensive 3D games. Professionals eyeing workstations will want to consider Nvidia's RTX A series lineup or AMD's Radeon Pro models.
Check out our deep-dive guide to graphics cards for much more on the nuances of today's video cards. Nvidia's GeForce RTX 50 series is the current leading edge, with RTX 5080- and 5090-class cards comprising the latest top end. (Cards of the RTX 5060 to 5070 class are Nvidia's budget and midrange classes, respectively.) Rival AMD is currently in contention with the Radeon RX 9060 XT and 9070 series as its midrange offerings, and the older Radeon RX 7800 and 7900 series cards as its highest-end selections for consumers.
How Much Storage and Memory Should My Desktop Have?
While powerful CPUs and GPUs are mostly relegated to desktop towers, nearly every desktop form factor can handle ample storage. This is thanks to the advent of solid-state drives (SSDs), which occupy vastly less space than the spinning hard drives of the past.
It's still possible to find desktops with only spinning hard drives. (These will be refurbished or used models, at this point.) Avoid these and insist on an SSD as the primary boot drive; boot times and overall performance "feel" is no comparison. A scattering of current gaming desktops feature a single-drive combination of an SSD as the boot drive and a hard drive for secondary storage. A "true" SSD is the only way to go as a boot drive today.
Note that RAM and storage prices are rising these days due to the ongoing memory shortage, driven by relentless demand from the AI cloud giants. Simply put, expect to spend a lot more this year for systems with the same amount of RAM and SSD capacity as before.
A single 500GB or 512GB SSD is fine for most basic use. A 250GB or 256GB SSD is also a common size for a boot drive in budget machines, but it may be too small if you store a lot of data locally. Anyone with large media and game collections will want to consider several terabytes of storage across multiple drives. Consider choosing a fast SSD as the boot drive and one or more large-capacity but slower hard drives for bulk storage of capacity-sapping video or games. A typical configuration in this case is one 512GB SSD and one or more hard drives with at least 1TB of space on each. Such a setup can be more affordable than you might think—an SSD plus one hard drive is sometimes seen on under-$1,000 desktop towers.
If you think you'll add storage later, consider how many expansion bays your desktop has. A combination of two or more 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch bays should be enough, as these can accommodate any type of traditional SSD or hard drive. You'll also want to ensure your desktop has at least one M.2 slot to accept a PCI Express SSD as the primary boot drive, as this will enable the fastest throughput speeds. (The boot drive will come as an M.2 drive in almost all new desktop systems nowadays.) These drives are quite small, the size and thickness of a stick of gum.
While a desktop's SSD stores your data, its system memory (or RAM) works in conjunction with the CPU to run applications and helps define its capacity to multitask. Memory capacities of 8GB or 16GB are fine for most users, and these are the most common configurations on entry-level or midrange desktops of all forms and sizes.
Few of you will see much benefit from memory amounts above 16GB, but you'll find exceptions. Quality gaming PCs should have at least 16GB of RAM, and 32GB is a prudent upgrade if you're an esports enthusiast who wants to play and stream in-game footage simultaneously.
Finally, assuming your professional software can handle higher memory amounts, professional workstations should have at least 32GB of memory, with error-correcting code (ECC) support to ensure everything runs smoothly. Some pro applications and usage cases call for ECC; in that case, you'll want to follow the software maker's guidance.
For more information on the topic, we have a guide on how much RAM you really need for a variety of use cases.
What Wired and Wireless Connectivity Does My PC Need?
You might be able to excuse a relative lack of input and output ports on a sleek AIO. The screen and speakers are built-in, and you'll likely use a wireless keyboard and mouse anyway. However, mini PCs and desktop towers require a suitable selection of ports. At a minimum, they'll have to connect to a display, speakers or headphones, and a power source.
On all but the absolute tiniest mini PCs, look for at least three USB 3.0 (or higher) ports, with at least one being the newer, oval-shaped Type-C variety, if you have any compatible peripherals that plug directly into this type of port. Future-proofers will want to seek out USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 options, both of which use the Type-C standard with increased speeds and bandwidth. Expect to see the even faster Thunderbolt 5 standard appear more frequently in the future, as Apple's Macs have already adopted it in their desktops featuring M4 Pro or M4 Max chips.
You'll also typically find an HDMI output (and perhaps another video output or two, such as DisplayPort or VGA), a 3.5mm audio jack, a connector for an external Wi-Fi antenna, and a receptacle for a physical lock. Note that some mini PCs use scaled-down "mini" versions of HDMI or DisplayPort, which require a different kind of input cable or a dongle. Ensure the machine's video outputs are compatible with your display and its corresponding cabling.
Larger tower PCs will have many more ports, supporting pretty much any peripheral you need to connect. Expect six or more USB ports, for starters. On larger towers, one or two of these should support Thunderbolt over USB-C. Also, a given: an Ethernet jack for wired networking and multiple DisplayPort and HDMI jacks on the dedicated GPU for connecting one or more external monitors. A tower with a graphics card may also have video outputs that originate from the motherboard; however, you should use only the GPU's video outputs.
Many towers will also have multiple audio ports, including possibly an optical output and ports for individual speaker channels in a surround-sound setup. Ensure that these match up with any existing gear you may have; the number of surround-sound jacks can vary depending on the PC and its motherboard. Note that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, while reliably present on even the cheapest laptops and many smaller desktops, are not a given on larger towers.
High-end workstations and gaming desktops often feature a second Ethernet port, enabling double the network bandwidth or always-on redundancy. In contrast, business desktops may include legacy connectors such as VGA video outputs, PS/2 peripheral ports, or serial ports. The throwback-style ports are included in case you still require them to use older, specialized hardware, such as point-of-sale scanners or industrial equipment. Of course, you can purchase dongles and adapters to meet these special port needs, but the possibility of having them built in is a key benefit of choosing a desktop over a laptop.
When evaluating a desktop, also consider the location of the ports. Are they easily accessible? Towers tend to have a few commonly used ports on the top or front (usually a headphone jack and a few USB ports). Some AIOs, in contrast, have some of their key ports hidden behind the stand in hard-to-reach places.
Screen Size, Expansion Bays, and More
Some buying concerns apply only to certain types of desktops. For instance, deciding on a screen size and type is crucial if you're considering an AIO desktop. A touch-enabled display with support for in-plane switching (IPS) to widen viewing angles is welcome for an AIO that serves as the family's calendar or photo album. Touch support is not available on Apple's iMac AIOs.
Consider the screen resolution regardless of panel size. A 4K or even 5K resolution makes for a breathtaking screen, especially one that's 27 inches or larger, but such resolutions often add significantly to the price. As a result, you may want to settle for a screen with a full HD or 1080p (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) native resolution and spend money to upgrade other components instead. Screens larger than 27 inches tend to only come in higher-than-1080p resolutions, though, and that is appropriate; at those sizes, 1080p starts to appear coarse.
Additionally, if needed, consider multiple cameras, one facing the rear, which could make an AIO a smart choice, for example, for an ID-card printing station. (Most AIOs have just one camera, facing you on the display side.) Fan noise is also a consideration with AIOs, since their components will be on your desk rather than hidden beneath it.
Then you have expansion to consider; desktop towers have many idiosyncrasies. If you like to tinker with components but aren't interested in building your own PC from scratch, then pay special attention to the number and type of expansion bays and free PCI Express slots, as well as how easily you can access power and data cables to feed devices like new graphics cards and hard drives.
Make sure to check the maximum wattage rating of the power supply unit (PSU) and ensure the case has sufficient clearance for larger coolers (or the mounting points for liquid cooling gear) if you plan to add a more powerful CPU later on. A low-wattage PSU, such as a 300-watt model used in a desktop with integrated graphics, may preclude adding a graphics card later on without upgrading the PSU as well. Some budget desktop PCs use low-wattage, custom-designed PSUs that can't support a graphics card and are also difficult to upgrade because they use non-standard connectors on the motherboard side. Again, this is where a careful reading of reviews comes in. (Proprietary motherboards aren't exclusive to cheap desktops.)
Desktop towers and mini PCs also require separate speakers or headphones to deliver audio. If you don’t already have them, you'll have to spend extra money to buy some, and in the case of dedicated speakers, they'll occupy space on your desk. If you don't care as much about audio quality and just want loud enough audio to hear family members on the other end of a Zoom call, the built-in speakers of an AIO should be sufficient.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Desktop?
You will not find a single best time to buy an inexpensive desktop tower. While traditional sale holidays, such as Black Friday, can net you the occasional bargain, when you find a system whose features, price, and performance match what you're looking for, take it home.
However, if you need copious amounts of CPU or GPU muscle (and you have a clear idea of what hardware moves the performance needle with the apps you use), then you should pay attention to PC-component release cycles. Traditionally, Intel has announced new desktop CPU generations once a year, with the new chips appearing in PCs in the fall or early in the holiday shopping season. (This has shown more variance in recent years, though, so don't always count on it.)
New graphics card releases are less frequent and depend on the vagaries of technical advances—Nvidia's highly successful GeForce RTX 40 series, for example, was the cutting edge for several years before the first GeForce RTX 50 series cards came to market.
Keeping track of PC component release cycles helps you become aware of what's new before you buy, as well as what is going off-market. If you're seeking maximum value or those on a tight budget, opting for a desktop based on a discounted last-generation (but still powerful) CPU or GPU can be a cost-effective solution.
Meanwhile, if you want an all-in-one PC, then pay attention to Apple's announcements. Many other manufacturers copy—and, sometimes, improve upon—the field-leading designs of the Apple iMac.
Where Should I Buy a Desktop?
Since you won’t be lugging a desktop around nearly as much as you would a laptop, it’s less important to handle the chassis and test-drive its build quality in the store before you bring it home. Still, if the desktop comes with peripherals included, it can be helpful to type a few lines and move the mouse around in the store. Setting eyes on an all-in-one desktop is more crucial than with a typical tower desktop or mini PC. The screen is an integral part of what you are buying, and eyes-on time matters, especially if you’re not well-versed, say, in the differences between a 24-inch and 27-inch panel or a 1080p screen versus a 4K one.
If you limit yourself only to the selection at your local electronics outlet, though, you’ll miss out on many excellent desktops. Some configurations can be exclusive to a single reseller, such as Best Buy, Costco, or Walmart. Other merchants, such as Micro Center, frequently have in-store-only deals that aren't available anywhere online.
This is where return policies come in handy. If you find the best desktop for you online but can't test drive it locally, a seller with a liberal return policy is your best friend. Just make sure you've got adequate time to return it if it doesn't work out.
How Long a Warranty Does My Desktop Need?
Most desktop manufacturers include a one-year warranty on parts and labor, with optional extensions available for up to five years at an additional cost. Before you pay to extend the warranty, though, check your credit card account benefits guide—your issuer might cover mishaps for a short period after you buy a new product and possibly extend the manufacturer's warranty, too. (For example, many MasterCard accounts include a doubling of the standard warranty period, up to one year.)
If your card issuer doesn’t cover you and you plan to keep your desktop for several years, look into the cost of adding coverage. Some manufacturers and resellers sell a wide range of extended warranties; expect to spend $100 to $300 for one of these options. Our rule of thumb is that if a warranty costs more than 15% of the desktop’s purchase price, you're better off spending the money on backup drives or services that minimize downtime and protect precious data that you can't replace.
Should I Buy a Refurbished Desktop?
If you're considering desktops in the $300-to-$500 range, then you should also consider a refurbished machine. In certain circumstances, they can be excellent values.
Large corporations lease fleets of desktops for a few years at a time, after which third parties refurbish them and resell them on eBay and through retailers such as Best Buy, Newegg, and TigerDirect. To find these systems, search or filter the product category pages for "off-lease" or refurbished systems.
Refurbished PCs are often affordable, and you can usually find desktop towers, making them easy to upgrade or service if a component fails. They do come with drawbacks. Their components are usually several years behind the cutting edge, they may be in imperfect cosmetic condition (some refurbishers grade condition on an A-B-C scale), and different refurbishers can have varying levels of attention to detail.
Still, refurbs can be a good option if you're looking for a budget-friendly desktop. Just be sure to buy from a seller with a reasonable return policy in case you get a dud.
Ready to Buy the Best Desktop for You?
Armed with all of the knowledge and decision points, you're almost ready to shop. The final consideration is how well a desktop PC performs. We review dozens of PCs every year, evaluating their features and testing their performance against peers in their respective categories. That way, you'll know which are best suited for gaming, which is our favorite general-purpose all-in-one, and which is the best if all you need is a small, powerful system you can get up and running quickly.
Still can't find anything that looks right for you? Check out the full feed of all of our latest desktop reviews, as well as our narrower-focused guides to our favorite all-in-one PCs, business desktops, and gaming desktops.
