Best Desktop Computers of 2023

What is a desktop computer and how does it work?

These electronic devices are intended for use at a fixed location, such as a desk, table, or any other piece of furniture. While they originally included large towers, their design has been dramatically transformed in recent years. In that sense, you can now find much more compact models.

Desktop computers generally require a keyboard, a mouse, and a monitor that must be connected to the central processing unit (CPU). Nowadays, however, touchscreen and all-in-one models are different alternatives. This is why you have to understand the concept of the desktop computer as a constantly evolving reality.

Desktop computers have countless benefits that other electronic devices don’t. You can compare their pros and cons in the list below:

Advantages

They are the most powerful computers available
You can find a great variety of models and designs
These devices are very versatile
You can upgrade them to increase their durability
They offer a better value for money than laptops
Working with a larger monitor and keyboard is much more comfortable in the long run

Disadvantages

You cannot carry them as easily as laptops
They require a monitor, keyboard, and mouse to function

Shopping Criteria for a Desktop Computer

You will have to consider a series of key shopping criteria before you can purchase your own desktop computer. These aspects generally relate to the hardware components and technical specs of the device. To make your life easier, we have detailed the most important ones in the section below. Pay attention to them, and you’ll know exactly how to get the best bang for your buck!

Use
Motherboard
Graphics Card
Processor
RAM
HDD vs. SSD

Use

In order to purchase the best desktop computer for you, the first thing you want to ask yourself is how you plan on using it. If you’re a gamer, you will need a powerful model with a quality processor, enough RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. To watch multimedia content, on the other hand, home theater PCs are an excellent option.

If the desktop computer is intended for a store, to manage your accounts, or any other business-related program, you can opt for a device with more basic features. In fact, you may be interested in a mini PC, whose compact size and affordability are undeniable advantages.

Motherboard

Just like the power supply, this piece of hardware is often not given the attention it deserves. All or most computer components are connected to it. This is why it is essential that you purchase a high-quality motherboard. Looking into the future, this will also allow you to upgrade your computer to increase its durability to best fit your needs.

Graphics Card

If you need a device for office automation tasks, browsing the web, or playing multimedia content, a computer with integrated graphics will be plenty enough. If it’s for gaming or graphic design tasks, on the other hand, a model with dedicated graphics – NVIDIA or AMD – is essential.

If your budget is more limited, you will be interested in devices that integrate cards from previous generations, such as the GIGABYTE GeForce GTX 1050 D5 2G.

When you can afford it, high-end, next-gen graphics cards like the GeForce RTX 2070 or the Radeon RX 5700 are incredibly powerful.

Processor

Intel and AMD are the two leading manufacturers, offering very similar performances in their chips. In that sense, pay close attention to the characteristics of the processor. First of all, have a look at the architecture it is based on and its generation. You can then move on to the number of cores and their working frequency.

We identify two different types: the base frequency and the turbo frequency. The latter is the maximum that one or more cores can reach under specific working conditions. Multithreading technology is another exciting feature to have, allowing each core to manage two processes simultaneously.

RAM

Today, the RAM (random-access memory) has become a relatively inexpensive hardware component. However, it plays a major role in the performance of a computer, especially when it comes to gaming and multitasking. Besides, you can easily expand it if need be. This is why we encourage you to choose a model with at least 4GB of RAM.

For intense gaming sessions in optimal conditions, don’t bother with anything inferior to 8GB. But quantity isn’t everything; you have to factor in that not all RAM is the same. The DDR4 SDRAM is the latest version and, therefore, the one that offers the best performance. Nowadays, the most powerful models can work at up to 4600 MHz.

HDD vs. SSD

A safe bet is always a great bet. So, when it comes to choosing between a traditional hard drive and an SSD, the best thing you can do is purchase a desktop computer that includes both. SSDs offer higher access and data transfer speeds, but they remain more expensive than HDDs today.

FAQ

What are the types of desktop computers?

Nowadays, classifying the different types of models on the market and finding the best option has become relatively challenging. We can start by setting Apple computers (macOS) apart from other PCs, which run Windows-based or GNU/Linux operating systems. Their primary use is another way to organize desktop computers. We will find home theaters PCs, gaming computers, workstations, and servers, among others. Their size or structure is another aspect that can differentiate them. In that regard, we have towers, mid-towers, mini PCs, all-in-ones, and barebone computers. Not to mention touchscreen models!

What are the primary uses of desktop computers?

The possibilities they offer are virtually limitless, but you should be familiar with the most common ones: Playing video games: You will need a more or less powerful model, depending on the type of games you want to play. If you want a truly immersive gaming experience, we encourage you to opt for a specialized gaming PC. Media center or HTPC: These small computers present an elegant design and are mainly intended to play multimedia content, although you can also play video games and perform productivity tasks. Productivity: This includes everything from the most basic office automation tasks to much more demanding applications such as graphic design and programming. Servers: In that case, they will provide services and resources to other equipment within a set network. While any type of computer can theoretically do this, manufacturers have developed specific models to operate within networks.

Can I build my own desktop computer?

Absolutely, although we don’t recommend it if you are inexperienced. Advanced users generally prefer to design their equipment from scratch by choosing the components that best suit their needs and budget. Others will turn to desktop computers that are ready to be used upon purchase. If you choose to build your own model, don’t forget to read our complete guides on motherboards, RAM, graphics cards, power supplies, and the different hard drives available. They will be a great starting point to help you understand the importance of each component, its compatibility, and the options you have.

Which model do I need to play at 4K resolution?

If you’re an avid gamer, you’ll undoubtedly want a model that allows you to enjoy the latest games at a good resolution and with a high refresh rate. In that sense, 4K resolution is gaining in popularity. Your goal should be to play games to at least 30 frames per second (fps), although 60fps is ideal. In the end, the minimum and recommended requirements will vary from one game to the next.

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