It can be difficult to choose the best desktop computer for your needs and budget if you’re thinking of upgrading. Thankfully, there are now more possibilities than ever before, ranging from mini-PCs to complete workstation tower systems.
You won’t require anything extremely fancy for word processing or other routine productivity chores. But, if you’re thinking about more taxing tasks like gaming, video editing, and model rendering, you’ll need a PC with some of the greatest processors and graphics cards out there.
If you choose the latter, we can create a whole guide just for you that highlights the top gaming PCs. On the other hand, creative types could discover that an Apple desktop is more suited thanks to the powerful M2 and M3 chips found inside the ultra-compact Mac Mini and the all-in-one iMac featured below.
1.Dell XPS Desktop (2024)
For good cause, we dubbed the Dell XPS Desktop (8960) a “formidable gaming PC dressed as an office cog.” Even while Dell doesn’t specifically market the XPS series as gaming hardware, it has significantly improved in the last few years, making it a competitive rival to the most fully equipped PCs for gaming and content creation in its highest settings.
And it accomplishes so without taking off its business wear, which is, in our opinion, a bit of a mixed bag. On the one hand, it blends in perfectly with almost any environment thanks to its simple form. On the other hand, at this time it’s gotten quite dated, monotonous, and uninteresting.
But in terms of performance, this new approach is everything but antiquated generation. Of course, if you just need something for office work, the lower configurations, which are much more affordable, should serve you well.
Although all of the current Dell XPS Desktop variants are high-end, Dell has stated that it intends to expand the 8960 series to include more reasonably priced versions in the upcoming weeks and months. As soon as the XPS Desktop (8950) is sold out, that will take place. If you really must have one right away, the 8950 is still in stock. If you can wait and like current-generation internals, I would suggest holding out till more reasonably priced 8960 options are offered.
There there was a time when everyone could find something they liked in the Dell XPS Desktop lineup, regardless of budget. Not to go too dramatic, but those days are over, just like the Dell XPS 2-in-1 that we all used to know and adore.
The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) is a versatile device that may be placed on top of or beneath your desk because it is neither too little nor too huge. But, because of the large GPU inside, it is rather hefty; instead, lift it with your legs.
By the way, Dell added vents to the front, one of the side panels, and the back to make sure those potent internals stay cool under load. Additionally, I’m very sure they aid in heat dissipation, which explains why this PC not only runs exceptionally well when untethered, but it’s also silent and cool even when undertaking demanding activities.
Pros
Sheer power for gaming and content creation
Ports, ports, and more ports
Cons
Better break open several piggy banks
2.Acer Aspire TC
The Acer Aspire TC is still pending our thorough review. However, we can already tell you that if you’re seeking to save money on your new PC, or if all you need it for is browsing, emailing, doing schoolwork, and streaming, it will undoubtedly provide you the best price-to-performance ratio.
Although the graphics options aren’t the most interesting, the specs should be sufficient for daily tasks and possibly some light gaming. Furthermore, it has more than enough connectors for the majority of users, including two HDMI ports that let you to connect two monitors if you’d like.
Yes, the design may be improved. It’s not unsightly by any means, but it is a little plain Jane, which shouldn’t matter if you’re more concerned about functionality rather than form. The one thing that could be a bit of a turnoff is its cooling – those fans tend to get loud when the hardware is pushed to the limit.
Pros
Good value for your money
DVD-writer drive included
Cons
Dull design
3.Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)
If you believed that the Mac mini could not get much better, you should reconsider. With Apple making improvements to the smallest Mac in every significant area, the Mac mini (2023) is currently the greatest little PC available for purchase. With the new M2 and M2 Pro chips, it’s more powerful than ever even if it’s still not upgradeable. The Mac mini fared incredibly well in our tests, which were identical to those conducted on the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023). It made editing 8K movie files and creating projects in Ableton Live 11 a breeze.
It also boasts a lower cost, or at the very least an admission fee, which opens it up to a wider audience, particularly small-scale operators. Additionally,its body is ever so slightly thinner so you can slip easily slip it in your backpack to take to the office or while traveling. If you’re looking for a compact PC to sit unobtrusively on your desk, in a studio, or even under a TV, this is an excellent choice – even die-hard Windows users may be tempted.
Alongside the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) and MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), the Apple Mac mini (2023) was released unexpectedly. Although the two new laptops have received a lot of attention, it would be a crime to overlook the Mac mini (2023).
Even while everyone was anticipating Apple to reveal the M2 Pro and M2 Max, as well as updates to the 14- and 16-inch MacBooks starting in 2021, the new Mac mini was a true surprise—and as more information became available, that surprise became even more enjoyable.
The M2 CPU, which powers the most recent MacBook Air (M2, 2022) and MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022), is now included in the Apple Mac mini (2023). This potent SoC includes a substantial boost in performance compared to the M1 Mac mini from 2020.
It’s not a bad thing that the Mac mini (2023) and the Mac mini (2020) share a nearly identical design. With a huge Apple logo on top and a sturdy metal casing, it manages to be compact and inconspicuous.
It is small enough to be placed practically anyplace. It might be transformed into an iMac-like gadget and concealed behind a monitor. Actually, Apple suggests doing just that with its Studio Display monitor. However, since I wasn’t a big fan of that display and there are better, more reasonably priced screens available, I’m not sure whether this is the best course of action for you. Check out our best displays for the Mac mini article for our choices.
Regarding details like weight and dimensions, the M2 Mac mini is identical to depth, at 1.41 x 7.75 x 7.75-inches (3.58 x 19.70 x 19.70 cm) and 2.6lbs / 1.18kg (the M2 Pro weighs more, however, at 2.8lbs / 1.28kg) and support for headphone jacks (the M2 Mac mini supports high-impedance headphones as well). However, when you look around the back, you’ll notice some slight changes.
Pros
More powerful than ever
Compact design
Cons
Not upgradable
4.Apple iMac 24-inch M1 (2021)
Although Apple’s iconic all-in-one computer bypassed the M2 chip generation, the M3 model from last year provides a great direct upgrade from the M1 version from 2021. This is by far the best all-in-one computer available thanks to its amazing performance for an AIO system.
Unaltered from the M1 model, the 24-inch 4.5K display is still stunning, with vibrant colors, a respectable maximum brightness, and a top-notch 1080p camera. The system is remarkably light and small for such a strong internal configuration, which makes it ideal for anyone with a little workstation. It’s a wonderful touch that the range of hues allows you to personalize the look of your desk.
The main drawbacks of this version are mostly carryovers from 2021; the port selection is a little bit restricted and annoying design choices with the peripherals (why does the Magic Mouse charge from the bottom, Apple?!) remain an issue. 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage in the base version is also a bit low for our liking – thou gh these are minor complaints against an otherwise nearly perfect system.
With the launching of the iMac (24-inch, 2021), Apple has successfully reinvented one of its most iconic products by not only outperforming its predecessor but also doing so in an incredibly stylish way. The 2021 model is a welcome change from the outmoded, hand-me-down appearance of the previous edition thanks to its sleek, modern design.
The screen’s size is one aspect of this redesign. The larger 24-inch display has taken the place of the previous 21.5-inch model (the 27-inch iMac is still available). The iMac (24-inch, 2021) is not that different in size from its predecessor, measuring 54.7 x 46.1cm with a depth of 14.7cm, although having a substantially larger screen. The previous 21.5-inch model was 52.8 × 45cm with a depth of 17.5cm. Incredibly, the screen on this iMac is only 11.5mm thin.
So, this model gives you all that extra screen real estate while not taking up much more desk space. And, considering the fact that it is slimmer and lighter as well – the 24-inch model weighs 4.48kg compared to its predecessor’s 5.68kg – it’s an even more portable and flexible all-in-one computer.
Pros
Excellent screen
Striking new design
Cons
Lack of ports remains
5.Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (2023)
The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is available in a limited number of configurations, and not all of them are concentrated in one location. For instance, as of the time of writing, Best Buy is the only place in the US where you can purchase our review unit. Nonetheless, it is worthwhile to look at, particularly if you’re searching for an inexpensive gaming PC. At a reasonable price, this mid-range alternative provides excellent 1080p performance.
In testing, it turned out to be a surprisingly good performer. We played Cyberpunk 2077 at over 70 frames per second on Ultra, which is fairly good considering that’s a tough game. We also ran Far Cry 6 and Gotham Knights at high settings, and the results were excellent.
Naturally, being a mid-range gaming PC,it does have its limitations. Both Control and Hogwarts Legacy struggled a little on max settings. After all, our review model – which is your best bet if you don’t want to spend a lot – only had an RTX 3060.
However, if you’re willing to give up ray tracing and play some titles at medium graphical settings, then it’s a great value. That’s especially true if having attractive RGB lighting and an elegant design is a priority to you.
In terms of design, the Lenovo Legion Tower 5i has that sophisticated gaming aesthetic that, in my opinion, distinguishes all Lenovo Legion products. I’ve always liked the way it looks, and this computer definitely fits that description, especially considering how big it is and how difficult it would be to covertly store it out of the way.
Storm Grey, Lenovo’s name for the nearly matte-black color, is one aspect of its design. However, a large part of it can be attributed to Lenovo’s ability to provide the case texture through the front and top venting without introducing angular lines, which are common on many goods targeted towards gamers.
Additionally, the RGB lighting is visible in multiple ways, giving you a beautiful light display rather than just one or two dimly lit areas. In addition to having “LEGION” sprayed over the front, the cooling fans—all of which have RGB lighting—can be seen via the front venting.
The back cooling fan’s illumination and the graphics card’s name are both clearly visible thanks to the glass side panel, which is secured in place by two screws. Naturally, the side panel allows you to look in and observe the neatly integrated internals.
Pros
Great 1080p performance
Attractive gamer design with lots of RGB
Cons
Can’t handle ray tracing
Frequently asked questions about PCs
Which computer configuration is best?
What you plan to use your PC for will determine the optimal configuration. For the best possible computer configuration, you should pay close attention to your tower’s CPU, GPU, hard drive and SSDs, and RAM. Each component needs to be adjusted separately.
Regular desktop PC use will not require a powerful CPU or graphics card; a regular SSD and RAM will be more than adequate. To support high-resolution gaming, gaming PC towers will need to have those powerful CPUs and GPUs in addition to enough of hard drive and SSD storage.
Which is the best computer brand?
The functioning and purposes of your PC determine which computer brand is appropriate for you. In addition to Apple, if you can afford it, makes excellent desktop computers. If you prefer Windows operating systems, Dell and Lenovo all manufacture excellent PCs for daily use.
Conversely, if you’re searching for the best gaming PC, you should consider companies like MSI, Corsair, or even Alienware, a gaming-focused brand owned by Dell.
The greatest computer brand for you will ultimately rely on what you want your PC to be able to do. Many computer manufacturers have the best PCs that are both high-quality and reasonably priced.