Welcome to AppsRS – Your Gateway to Innovative Solutions and Exceptional Digital Experiences! The market for advanced desktop computers is currently thriving. Regardless of your needs – whether you’re a content writer, a gamer, or someone who juggles multiple tasks, the right desktop can greatly enhance your computing experience. In our latest blog, we take a closer look at the top contenders for the title of the best desktop computer of 2024. We highlight their exceptional features, strong performance, and cutting-edge designs.
What is the best desktop computer overall?
For most individuals, Apple’s new iMac with an M3 processor is the greatest desktop. It has all the features you could ask for in an all-in-one and combines the display. The iMac, which costs a fair amount, has an excellent design with a 24-inch high-resolution display that runs on Apple’s latest M3 processor. Without a question, Apple’s newest silicon offers outstanding performance in every way. If your needs for screen real estate exceed what a laptop can provide, the 24-inch iMac offers you additional space for work and entertainment. However, the iMac is portable, thanks to its small size and magnetic power cable that snaps into place. There are seven vibrant colors available for the PC, along with matching accessories.
Continue reading for our recommendations if you’re searching for a small-form-factor PC or a conventional tower desktop in instead of an all-in-one like the iMac. Additionally, we have preferred all-in-ones running Google’s ChromeOS and Microsoft Windows.
Though our editors spend most of their time and energy on laptops for CNET’s hands-on reviews, desktops are occasionally tested in the CNET Labs. A large number of our desktop suggestions now are derived from earlier iterations that we examined and tested. We also offer broad configuration recommendations for PCs that are based on our experience with similarly equipped systems, but which we haven’t tested in-depth. When designing a PC to order, these criteria should prove useful in determining the best value for your money.Periodically, we’ll update our list of the top desktop computers.
List of Best desktop computers of 2024
Join us as we explore and celebrate the extraordinary capabilities and functionalities that these top desktop computers bring to the table in the ever-evolving world of technology. Welcome to the future of computing – where innovation knows no bounds!
1. Apple iMac M3 (2024)
If you’re looking for a computer that’s easier to travel from room to room instead of a laptop, the 24-inch iMac is a great option. It’s large enough to stretch out your work, relax and stream a movie, or do some light gaming, but still compact enough to fit into confined areas like a kitchen nook. The newest version of Apple’s M3 processor makes the iMac a far more powerful device for creating and playing video games.
Starting at $1,299, the iMac is equipped with an M3 chip that has four performance cores, four efficiency cores, eight cores for the CPU, eight cores for the GPU, and sixteen cores for the Neural Engine. In addition, this entry-level model has two Thunderbolt USB-C connections, a 256GB SSD, and 8GB of RAM. It also comes with Apple’s Magic Mouse and Keyboard. You have the option of upgrading to an M3 chip with two extra GPU cores, as well as increasing the RAM and SSD capacity.
2. Apple Mac Mini (2024)
One of Apple’s most enduring product lines is the Mac Mini desktop, which debuted in 2005 (in a version before Intel), one year ahead of the original MacBook. Even after all these years, it still has the same general form and attracts to most of the same crowd. The Mini is made to function in the background, taking up less room than Apple’s MacBook Pro and Air laptops or the iMac desktop. It may be paired with any display and input device of your choosing.
Starting at $599 (£649, AU$999), the M2 Mac Mini is still, by far, the most affordable option for purchasing a MacOS computer. It is frequently on sale at Amazon and other internet retailers. The nearest contender in terms of pricing is the somewhat dated M1 MacBook Air from 2020, which retails for $999. Starting at $1,299, the Mac Mini M2 Pro model is available.
3. Dell XPS 8960Desktop
All-in-ones are convenient, but if they can be upgraded at all, it’s not always easy to do so. Though it can accommodate a 13th-generation Core i9 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 graphics card, up to 32GB of RAM, and 3TB of storage (with space inside for more), Dell’s XPS 8960 Desktop is still small and quiet enough for a small workspace. The base XPS 8960 with RTX graphics starts at $1,550 and is regularly discounted if you have moderate needs now but want the flexibility to add components later. Should you decide to upgrade later on, consider paying a little more for a power supply that is either 750- or 1,000-watts.
4. Origin PC 5000T (Best Desktop Computer)
The easiest method to satisfy your appetite if you’re not happy with the limited configuration possibilities offered by prebuilt gaming desktops is to use a custom builder. A fully loaded, custom-configured system may be beyond expensive for PC users to afford. Even for gaming, many individuals don’t need everything to be at maximum capacity, but you can obtain decent configurations for roughly half the cost of the $5,000+ machine we tested.
Origin PC creates reliable, sturdy systems. You can put together something you enjoy at a price you can live with, unless you’re searching for something really inexpensive. The Neuron series from Origin starts at about $2,000, while the top-tier Genesis line starts at about twice that much. For instance, a pre-configured Orgin Genesis 5000T with a Core i9-13900K, 64GB of RAM, and GeForce RTX 4090 graphics costs $5,796.
5. Apple Mac Studio (2024) (Best Desktop Computer)
The Mac Pro, which starts at an astounding $6,999, has long been the top model in Apple’s computer portfolio. The mainstream Mac Studio, on the other hand, starts at a far more reasonable $1,999. The entry-level model has a 512GB SSD, 32GB of RAM, and Apple’s M2 Max CPU. The step-up $3,999 model doubles the RAM and SSD capacity and upgrades you to the more potent M2 Ultra processor. For anyone who doesn’t want to spend the money on a Mac Pro, either model is a terrific option for running creative-focused Mac apps like animation, graphics, video editing, and audio editing software. It’s basically a Mac Mini on steroids.
6. HP Envy 34 All-in-One PC (Best Desktop Computer)
As one of the few premium big-screen all-in-one desktops still available, the HP Envy 34 AIO is by default nearly the best option in its class because both Apple and Microsoft have discontinued their larger-screen models.
You’re paying for looks more than functionality with this system, but it’s still lovely and has a nice 34-inch display and some handy features like a Qi charging station in the base and a webcam that you can connect magnetically. When we looked at a prior generation of the HP Envy 34 AIO last year, we were impressed, and it feels like a decent home or traditional office system for those who require huge screens in a compact space. The two versions offer a 12th-generation Core i5 or i7 and are one generation behind Intel’s current 13th-generation CPUs. While the latter provides a more powerful yet portable RTX 3060 GPU for creative work and even light gaming, the former offers mobile GTX graphics.Although the 12th generation model lists at $2,000, it is nearly always available for hundreds less.
7. Acer Aspire TC-1770-UR11 (Best Desktop Computer)
The Acer TC-1770-UR11 is a budget-friendly Windows PC with a traditional tower design. It does not come with a monitor, and you’ll probably want to upgrade to a wireless mouse and keyboard. This version of the computer has an entry-level configuration that’ll nicely handle everyday computing tasks.
A 10-core Intel Core i5-13400 processor, clocked at 1.8GHz in ordinary mode and 4.6GHz in turbo mode, is built into the computer. You receive Intel UHD Graphics 730 for the GPU. With the use of the computer’s two DDR4 SDRAM memory slots, the 8GB of RAM that comes with it may be expanded at any moment to 32GB. Additionally, the computer has 512GB of SSD internal storage out of the box, though this can also be increased later.
In addition to having two PCI slots, an SD card reader, a respectable assortment of ports, and wireless networking choices, the TC-1770-UR11 is upgradeable. If all you require is a computer with minimal computing capacity, this is a very cost-effective, functional, but basic alternative.
8. HP Chromebase AiO 22
Small all-in-one desktops work well as the hub of the family computer. By combining one with the straightforward and safe Chrome OS—the same operating system that most Chromebooks your children use in school—the HP Chromebase goes one step further. The desktop resembles a larger version of Google’s Nest Hub smart display, complete with a 21.5-inch touchscreen affixed to a gray fabric-covered base (you can use it as one, too). There is an Intel Core i3-10110U processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD located inside. Even better, the full-HD display can spin vertically, making it ideal for surfing through your favorite websites, watching vertical videos, and following recipes.
Factors to consider when buying a desktop computer
Price (Best Desktop Computer)
You can find a good PC tower from brands like Acer, Asus, Dell or HP for between $500 and $600 that will prove useful for years for general use. The specs we’d suggest for a basic Windows 11 machine:
- Intel Core i5 (12th- or 13th-gen) or AMD Ryzen 5 (5000, 6000 or 7000 series)
- Default integrated graphics (such as Intel UHD or Iris or baseline AMD Radeon)
- 16GB of RAM or more
- 512GB or larger NVMe SSD drive
- Four or more USB 3.1 or 3.2 ports with USB-C and USB-A formats (at least one or two on the front)
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless
- At least one PCI-E (x16) expansion slot (for adding a video card)
Do you want to do some PC gaming, or do you spend time editing photos or videos? You’ll want to level up the configuration with more RAM and better graphics options. Expect price points to be between $800 and $1,200 (or even higher) if you go for a more bleeding-edge video card.
- Nvidia RTX or AMD Radeon RX graphics card (GPU)
- 16GB of RAM or more
- 450-watt (or more) power supply
Operating system (Best Desktop Computer)
Though they accomplish different tasks, Apple’s MacOS and Microsoft Windows essentially perform the same functions. Choose the program you are most comfortable with, unless there is one that is necessary for your operating system. While Apple’s MacOS is available on desktops such as the iMac, Mac Mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro, most desktop computers run Microsoft Windows. A peculiar Chromebox option that runs on Google’s ChromeOS is also available. Although a Chromebox cannot run Mac or Windows software, it is typically less expensive and easier to use than a Windows computer or Mac.
Processor (Best Desktop Computer)
A desktop’s CPU, sometimes known as the processor, is its brain. The two primary CPU manufacturers for Windows computers are Intel and AMD. Both provide an incredible array of CPU options. For further information to ensure you obtain the performance you desire, visit the websites of AMD or Intel. As of right now, Intel is shipping 13th generation Core chips; 14th generation processors are anticipated in early 2024. The Ryzen 7000 series is AMD’s desktop CPU lineup at the moment. However, in general, performance will be better the faster the processor is and the more cores it has.
For Macs, Apple produces its own chips, which simplifies matters a little. The new iMac is the first Mac desktop with the M3 CPU, and the Mac Mini has an M2 or M2 Pro processor. The Mac Pro is built around the M2 Ultra, whereas the Mac Studio has either an M2 Max or an M2 Ultra. Once more, in general, performance improves with the number of cores.
Graphics
The graphics processor (GPU) drives the screen, produces displayed content, and expedites numerous procedures related to graphics and, increasingly, artificial intelligence. Apple’s M2 and M3 processors for Macs integrate the GPU.There are two kinds of GPUs for Windows desktops: integrated (iGPU) and discrete (dGPU). A dGPU is a distinct chip with dedicated memory (VRAM) that it communicates with directly, making it faster than sharing memory with the CPU. As the names suggest, an iGPU is a part of the CPU package.
The limitations of space, memory, and power restrict the iGPU as it shares those resources with the CPU. It isn’t nearly as efficient as a dGPU, but it does support smaller desktops like an SFF PC or all-in-one. As a matter of fact, several creative applications and games won’t launch unless they detect a dGPU or enough VRAM. The majority of productivity software, web browsing, streaming videos, and other general-purpose apps are compatible with an iGPU.
You’ll need a dGPU for demanding graphics tasks like design, gaming and streaming, video editing, and so on. Nvidia and AMD are the only two legitimate manufacturers, whereas Intel sells CPUs with iGPU technology branded under the names Xe or the previous UHD Graphics.
Memory
A minimum of 16GB of RAM is highly recommended for memory. RAM can quickly fill up since it houses all of the operating system’s data for open programs. It then begins switching, at a reduced pace, between RAM and SSD. Some less expensive models only come with 8GB, which when combined with a slower drive can cause Windows to operate painfully slowly.
All-in-ones and SFF PCs might not have available internal slots for additional RAM sticks, although tower PCs typically do. It might be challenging to get into those DIMM slots even if they do.
Storage
Faster solid-state drives (SSDs) have virtually supplanted hard drives, while you may still find larger hard drives in gaming PCs and cheaper hard drives in budget desktop computers. They have the power to significantly alter performance.Affordable desktop computers typically feature slower drives, and manufacturers do not produce all SSDs equally. If your computer only has 8GB of RAM, it might eventually switch to that drive and you might notice a sudden slowdown in the system while you’re working.
Purchase what you can afford, but for most people, a PC should have at least 512GB of memory. We recommend 1TB or more for storing huge media or game libraries. A tower PC typically supports adding a second internal drive if you need a smaller disk. An external drive or cloud storage is typically a simpler option to support a small internal drive in all-in-ones and small form factor PCs.
Display
An all-in-one combines the display with computer components that are either behind or in the base of the display rather than in a tower or small-form-factor enclosure. This streamlined, space-saving design comes with fewer upgrading choices as a trade-off. You should have a big screen with good resolution for the display. The sweet areas that we recommend are:
- 24 inches at 1,920×1,080 pixels (aka 2K or 1080p)
- 27 inches at 2,560×1,440 pixels (aka 1440p)
- 32 inches at 3,840×2,160 pixels (aka 4K)
Conclusion
As we conclude this journey, it’s essential to consider various factors when purchasing a desktop computer. From price considerations to the choice of operating system, processor, graphics, memory, storage, and display, each element plays a crucial role in determining the desktop that best aligns with your unique needs.
In the ever-evolving world of technology, innovation knows no bounds. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of the top desktop computers of 2024, welcoming you to the future of computing, where performance, design, and functionality converge to redefine the desktop computing experience.