Table of Contents Here in 2026, mobile computing may get most of 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, and we 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, thanks to its solid budget configuration that leaves room for upgrades. Below, see more of our current product recommendations and a deep-dive guide that lays out everything to consider when making your desktop purchase. Our Top Tested Picks Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11 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. Dual HDMI supports two monitors Antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E Front-panel card reader Intrusive fan noise under heavy loads 512GB SSD fills up fast Boot POST takes longer than expected Apple Mac mini (2024, M4 Pro) 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. 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 Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) 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. 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 CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 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. 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 CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme MA-01 A head-turning wraparound-glass case, easy parts upgrades, and tactile RGB knobs distinguish CyberPowerPC's Gamer Xtreme MA-01 gaming desktop. Plus, it serves up dominant CPU productivity numbers and solid 1440p gaming frame rates. Attractive, fun case design Fast 1080p and 1440p gaming Speedy overall performance Highly configurable Even more potent GeForce RTX 5070 Ti systems aren't much pricier Velocity Micro Raptor Z55i (2026) Don’t let Velocity Micro's sensible, workstation-style chassis fool you—the Raptor Z55i delivers raw muscle for serious gamers in understated style, and at a surprisingly aggressive price for the parts. It shines brightest when everything is pushed to the max. Blistering performance Surprising value for a top-tier gaming rig Highly customizable No options for a PCI Express 5.0 SSD Limited USB-C ports Dell 24 All-in-One (2026) The 2026 Dell 24 All-in-One delivers the right mix of performance, features, and value to make it the everyday all-in-one desktop most families should consider first for their next PC. Compelling value Capable everyday performance Colorful touch screen Wi-Fi 7/Bluetooth 6 VESA-compatible stand Impactful speakers and webcam Bundled wireless peripherals No swivel or height adjustment Sharper screen is tied to Dell's 27-inch model Most ports are positioned behind the screen Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 (27-Inch) 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. 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 Dell Pro Max Tower T2 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. 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 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. 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 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. 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 The Best Desktop Computer Deals This Week* Dell Slim Intel Ultra 7 512GB SSD 16GB RAM Desktop — $1,299 HP OmniDesk Intel Ultra 5 256GB SSD 8GB RAM Desktop — $772.49 With Code "LABORDAY25" Dell Tower Plus Intel Ultra 7 1TB SSD 32GB RAM Desktop — $1,869 ($1,929) Save $60.00 Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 50s Intel Ultra 5 256GB SSD... — $984 ($1,119) Save $134.28 Dell Tower Plus Intel Ultra 7 RTX 5060 Ti 1TB SSD... — $2,849 Get the Best Prices On Desktops — Download Our Free Price Comparison Tool $0 Best Budget Desktops Best All-in-One Desktops Best Business Desktops Best Mini Desktops August 20, 2026: With this update, we added the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme MA-01 as our latest Best Midrange Gaming Desktop, replacing the iBuyPower RDY Element Pro R07. We also swapped in the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55i (2026) in place of the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55a (2025) as our Best High-End Gaming Desktop. Finally, we added the Dell 24 All-in-One (2026) as our latest Best All-in-One Windows Desktop for Most People, replacing the Lenovo Yoga AIO 27-Inch. Our remaining picks have been vetted for currency and availability. Since our last update, we reviewed and evaluated seven new desktop PCs for potential inclusion in this roundup and our other desktop roundups. We currently have five more desktops in PC Labs for evaluation for possible inclusion in this story and our other desktop guides, from makers including Asus, HP, and Lenovo. Best Basic Windows Desktop for Most People Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11 Dual HDMI supports two monitors Antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E Front-panel card reader Intrusive fan noise under heavy loads 512GB SSD fills up fast Boot POST takes longer than expected Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations Best Mac Desktop for Most Buyers Apple Mac mini (2024, M4 Pro) 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 Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations Best Midrange Windows Desktop Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) 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 Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations Best Budget Gaming Desktop CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme 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 Why We Picked It CyberPowerPC's latest budget-minded gaming desktop is a terrific on-again/off-again configuration via Costco, with components that vary slightly from our initial review. 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 at times than a three-digit wonder, you might struggle to find similar parts at this cost from other manufacturers. It could make getting a Costco membership worth it on its own. 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 about their interest levels. Specs & Configurations Best Midrange Gaming Desktop CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme MA-01 Attractive, fun case design Fast 1080p and 1440p gaming Speedy overall performance Highly configurable Even more potent GeForce RTX 5070 Ti systems aren't much pricier Why We Picked It CyberPowerPC isn't well known for its original case designs, but the brand is poised to change that with its Gamer Xtreme MA-01 gaming desktop. Using its new MA-01 case with wraparound glass and analog-knob-controlled RGB lighting, CyberPower can craft a consummate and attractive midrange gaming rig for slick 1440p play. That, plus the approachable price for an RTX 5070 GPU paired with 32GB of memory and an Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus CPU, is what won the Gamer Xtreme MA-01 our Editors' Choice award in the category. PC gamers seeking consistent 1440p play: If you're looking for a new gaming rig to pair with a 1440p monitor, start with this CyberPowerPC MA-01 rig. It's well-equipped for the price and comes in a case with plenty of room for upgrades and replacements. Style-first PC gamers: This is one of CyberPowerPC's most attractive and functional cases, the MA-01, making it a build worth showing off in your gaming room or den. That glow you see in the pictures is not a photography glitch; rather, it's a feature that you can control via knobs on the case. Specs & Configurations Best High-End Gaming Desktop Velocity Micro Raptor Z55i (2026) Blistering performance Surprising value for a top-tier gaming rig Highly customizable No options for a PCI Express 5.0 SSD Limited USB-C ports Why We Picked It Velocity Micro enjoys back-to-back placements in this category, this time with the Intel-based Raptor Z55i for 2026. Once again, the Raptor Z55 line delivers top-end performance at some of the lowest pricing we've seen, getting you into a GeForce RTX 5090 system for as much as $1,500 less than competing builds. It achieves this with a low-glitz case and a smaller-than-tower design. The Raptor Z55i is the ultimate sleeper gaming PC, earning our Editors' Choice award in the high-end category. Discerning PC gaming enthusiasts: You'll save the most cash possible for top-end performance with the Velocity Micro Raptor Z55i for 2026. It's far from the flashiest system out there, but that's not the point. Instead, it's all about enabling the fastest speeds in a small package.

Stealth PC gamers: If you're a PC gamer but don't necessarily want to shout that from the rooftops, the Raptor Z55i has you covered. It's a top-end rig with little in the way of flash and a lot in the way of power—all for a lot less than much of the competition. Specs & Configurations Best All-in-One Windows Desktop for Most People Dell 24 All-in-One (2026) Compelling value Capable everyday performance Colorful touch screen Wi-Fi 7/Bluetooth 6 VESA-compatible stand Impactful speakers and webcam Bundled wireless peripherals No swivel or height adjustment Sharper screen is tied to Dell's 27-inch model Most ports are positioned behind the screen Why We Picked It As a middle-road desktop PC that should fit easily into most people’s lives, the Dell 24 All-in-One hits the mark with style. It’s a relatively affordable midrange system with a colorful touch screen, fast connectivity, full-sounding audio, and an effective webcam. Dell even includes a wireless mouse and keyboard in the box. If you’re looking to please everyone in the family with a den PC, start your search with the Dell 24 All-in-One. Family-room PC buyers: As the head of household responsible for buying the family’s next big computer, you want the process to be fuss-free. That’s exactly what the Dell 24 All-in-One is designed to address, with performance and features tailored to please as many people as possible. Amateur photo editors: With a relatively potent processor and a colorful screen, the Dell 24 All-in-One can be an ideal desktop for your photography hobby. The chip will handle photo editing software just fine, and the panel's color coverage will help you achieve vibrant results. Specs & Configurations Best All-in-One Business Desktop Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 (27-Inch) 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 Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations Best Mainstream Business Workstation Desktop Dell Pro Max Tower T2 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 Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations Best Compact Business Workstation Desktop 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 Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations Best Mini Desktop 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 Why We Picked It 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. Specs & Configurations 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 $400 to $700. 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 $600. 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 $300 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 are customizable or upgradable 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 mid-size 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 typically target 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- and laptop-class chips to system manufacturers; however, the CPU model names are often similar, making them 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 the laptop version; laptop chips are designed for environments with less thermal and power-delivery headroom. 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 ending in "U" or "H," whereas most desktop chips have a "T," a "K," or a zero at the end of their model numbers. However, this guidance is not 100% ironclad today. Some newer laptop-class Core and Core Ultra Series 3 chips don't have any suffix, though they're decidedly not desktop-class, socketed chips. So, this guidance may vary for the newest Intel CPUs. Checking Intel's Ark processor database should clear up any confusion regarding what's a desktop-class chip versus a mobile one. Why does this matter? 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. (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 5, Core Ultra 5, or AMD Ryzen 5; the Core i7, Core 7, 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, workstation-class 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 . The "Arrow Lake" Core Ultra 200S processors are Intel's current desktop CPU family, with Core Ultra 200S Plus chips the very latest releases. These chips, starting with the PCMag-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 to Intel's 200S Plus chips at their price points, but it has doubled down on its 3D V-Cache on-chip memory-stacking technique, most recently with the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 Dual Edition . These processors use additional on-chip cache to speed up certain task types, especially 3D rendering and media editing in applications like Photoshop. 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 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 higher) will require a very powerful GPU to display games at the monitor's full 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 5050, 5060, and 5070 classes are Nvidia's budget to midrange cards.) 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; the difference in 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 that's 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, each with at least 4TB of storage. Such a setup can be more affordable than you might think. 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 host a PCI Express SSD as the primary boot drive, as this will enable the fastest throughput. (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 since the previous generation. 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, though the trend is toward DisplayPort over USB-C. 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 outputs 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. Recommended by Our Editors 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. Other Key Factors: AIO 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 in a tower tucked 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 and may have proprietary form factors you can only source from the manufacturer. Again, this is where a careful reading of reviews comes in. (Proprietary power supplies and 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 are on a tight budget, opting for a desktop with 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 and Newegg. 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 . About Our Experts I’m a managing editor at PCMag.com focused on PC hardware. Reading this during the day? Then you've caught me testing gear and editing reviews of Wi-Fi routers, printers, laptops, and tons of other personal tech. (Reading this at night? Then I’m probably dreaming about all those cool products.) I’ve covered the consumer tech world as an editor, reporter, and analyst since 2015. I've covered most major consumer tech events, including CES, Computex, Google I/O, and IFA. I've also appeared on CBS News, in USA Today , and at many other outlets to offer analysis on breaking technology news. Before I joined the tech-journalism ranks, I wrote on topics as diverse as Borneo's rainforests, Middle Eastern airlines, and Big Data's role in presidential elections. A graduate of Middlebury College, I also have a master's degree in journalism and French Studies from New York University. Get Peak Wi-Fi Speeds Everywhere In Your House With These September Mesh Network Deals The Best Scanners for 2026 Mac mini 2024 vs. Mac mini 2026: Apple's Littlest PC Muscles Up for AI. 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