The Best Desktop Computer of 2022
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If you work from home and want to revamp your setup, you need a desktop computer to level up your work-from-home office. If you struggle with taking your laptop to the couch or working from the comfort of your bed, instead of at your desk, a desktop computer will motivate you to get out of bed and get work done from your desk. Desktops can be a sleek addition to your desk bringing the office motivation to your home. Not only are they great for work, but desktop computers are also great for gaming and personal entertainment. We reviewed the premier desktop computers in 2022 that ensure high-end professional and personal use.
As desktop computers give more value to your work and entertainment experience, it is imperative to invest in a popular and trustworthy brand with good reviews.
Top Picks
Best for VR gaming: Cyberpower Desktop Computer
Cyberpower PCs are designed for heavy-duty performance, whether you are a gamer or a digital creator.
The Xtreme VR gaming PC provides you the ultimate platform to play games such as Call of Duty and PubG at max resolution. This option is a great choice for professional use, but it is also perfect for VR gaming. It runs on Windows 10 Home operating system. Also included is an input mouse and keyboard. You may need more RAM for some software, however, it is upgradeable.
Key features:
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It comes with 8GB upgradeable RAM
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The CPU is a ninth-generation Intel Core i5
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The GPU is an NVIDIA GeForce 1660 6GB
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240GB SSD as well as a 1TB HDD for storage
Best storage: Dell Desktop Computer
The Dell Optiplex 7010 comes with an inspired design and reliable components, ensuring seamless integration into the office environment.
This desktop is designed for long-term professional use. It features a DVD optical drive, USB 3.0, DisplayPort, VGA, and RJ-45, providing enough ports for any external device. It also comes with Microsoft Windows 10 Pro 64, supporting English, Spanish and French, so you have a long-lasting and updated operating system. While this option is great for professional use, it is not suitable for gaming.
Key features:
Best all-in-one: HP Desktop Computer
This HP Desktop Computer features an all-in-one design, providing you with a monitor and PC together.
This desktop comes with everything you need: a monitor, webcam, mouse and keyboard. It features Bluetooth compatibility and Windows 10 Home which allow you to do all kinds of professional tasks with ease. The display is low-halogen and mercury-free with backlights, ensuring complete environmental safety. This option has limited use for gaming and limited storage compared to other options.
Key features:
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23.8-inch diagonal integrated display with widescreen (1920 x 1080) FHD and an anti-glare monitor
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AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Dual-Core CPU and integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
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Comes with 8 GB RAM (upgradeable to 16GB)
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256 GB M.2 SSD
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Comes with two USB 3.2 Gen 1 and two USB 2.0 ports, allowing you to connect external devices
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All-in-one monitor and PC design
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1 year limited warranty
Most versatile use: Acer Desktop Computer
Suitable for home and business needs, the Acer Aspire Series revolves around its 10th generation Intel Core i5-10400 6-core processor and 12GB RAM that lets you quickly manage different files and programs.
This PC includes multiple USB ports so there are no connectivity issues with external devices. It also comes with Windows 10 Home and a USB mouse and keyboard so it is ready to use once you have a monitor. It has a powerful processor and significant RAM making it suitable for professional and entertainment use. Use for gaming may be limited.
Key features:
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8x DVD writer with DVD-RW
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512GB M.2 SSD, providing you with reasonable amounts of storage accessible at lightning-fast speeds
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Offers Bluetooth compatibility
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Fast performance
Best design: Apple Desktop Computer
Designed as a personal computer, the iMac by Apple has an all-in-one design providing you with the perfect device for home and office use.
This desktop computer comes with Apple’s OS X Mountain Lion, offering you access to the Apple-specific application ecosystem. It also comes with an Apple keyboard, providing you with a soft and smooth typing experience. If you have other Apple products, these will connect and sync with the iMac seamlessly. This option is not widely suitable for gaming.
Key features:
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Intel core i5 processor and 8GB RAM which is enough to carry out all kinds of tasks and assure powerful processing
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You can choose between a 1TB HDD and a 512GB SSD for storage
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Intel Iris Pro graphic processor
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High-quality media viewing
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Large storage capacity
Buyer’s guide to finding a desktop computer
Investing in a desktop computer can be a big deal. Our buying guide provides you with enough information to help you confidently make a successful purchase.
What Factors to Consider When Buying a Desktop Computer
Here are the top factors you must keep in mind when buying a desktop computer.
Purpose
The first thing to remember is the PC’s designated purpose. You should choose a desktop computer that fits your needs. For instance, people who need a desktop to manage files and use writing software don’t require fast processing and additional RAM. On the contrary, if you wish to use your desktop to run heavy-duty software like Adobe Photoshop or for gaming, better processing and good graphics are essential.
Processor
The processor determines the performance and speed of your desktops. You can differentiate between processors based on the core and generation. The power of your processor has a direct impact on the computer’s speed; so it is essential to look for the best core processor in your budget.
Memory
Memory is another key consideration factor as it also plays a massive role in the performance of your system. Computers with a higher RAM and ROM have better speed in accessing and running files and programs. You can typically choose between 8,12,16 and 32GB RAM, with 8 delivering basic results and RAM above 16GB delivering top-of-the-line results. The ROM depends on how much data you plan to store.
Storage
Most older desktop computers came with a hard disk drive (HDD), but these are growing less typical. Newer PCs often come with a solid-state drive (SSD) that delivers faster, more efficient results than an HDD. Some PCs also come with both a larger HDD and a smaller SSD, so you can choose to store more frequently used programs on the faster storage drive.
Connectors
Examine the number and kind of external ports accessible on the computer for devices. A wide range of high-speed peripheral connections is now available. It is preferable to get a PC with at least six USB ports, especially since a wired keyboard and mouse will take up two ports by default. eSATA and Thunderbolt ports are two more high-speed interfaces that might be handy for external storage and devices. SD card readers and DVD drives are also commonly seen in desktop computers.
Monitors
Some desktop computers may have all-in-one designs and come with their monitor built-in. However, the majority of PCs require you to purchase a separate external monitor and its corresponding cords.
The majority of displays on the market today are based on LCD technology, with the only significant differences being size and price. Other considerations such as color fidelity may be necessary to utilize the desktop for graphic-based work. Because of their low cost and capability for full 1080p high-definition video, 24-inch LCDs are the most popular.
Larger screen sizes, such as 27-inch LCDs and 4K displays, are also becoming more affordable. For more artistic projects, having a toned LCD screen is essential, while a more basic screen works well for random office work and projects.
What are the available types of desktop computers?
The three types of desktop computers are tower, compact and all in one.
Tower desktop computers
Tower desktop computers come with an insane amount of power to run and function. It is a bulky and heavy device that you can adjust under your desk. A tower desktop gives you versatility and the opportunity for an upgrade so you can enhance its performance and employ other addons.
They can be a bit hard to move because of their weight. You can purchase tower desktops at affordable prices and customized to your will. However, pre-made versions are quite expensive.
Compact desktop computers
These computers are also known as mini PCs or Small Form Factors. A compact desktop is designed in a thin horizontal shape. They do not come with an attached monitor, but most people place a monitor screen on top of them to save space. Compact PCs are not as customizable as tower desktop computers and provide limited performance.
All-in-One desktop computers
These computers come with a built-in screen and compact size, providing high-performance processing and allowing for portability. You cannot customize them like tower desktops, but they give an elegant and stylish charm to any setup. These desktops are most suited for office work.
Although these are rather modern, you can save a good amount of money by purchasing an all-in-one PC. However, it is essential not to overburden these desktops with files, folders, and heavy software as they tend to be more limited than a tower PC.
What are the different tiers of desktop computers?
The categories of desktop computers enable you to purchase a model that is not useless or overpowering.
Entry-level desktop computers
Low in price and affordable, an entry-level desktop computer is designed to cover activities like surfing the internet, using writing platforms and essential productivity apps. They are most suited to students or people doing basic clerical jobs. Overburdening an entry-level desktop might result in overheating and storage issues.
Mid-range desktop computers
An all-purpose computer that can be used for online surfing, email, office programs, other general-purpose software and casual gaming. This style is usually targeted towards families, students, and business people.
Mid-range computers can run the majority of applications and games, but they may struggle with high-end programs such as video editing and high-level games that demand extremely rapid graphics processing. Most people with mediocre requirements use mid-range desktop computers.
High-end desktop computers
A high-end desktop computer is designed for people who use heavy software, multimedia programs and graphics-intensive games. It should not run slowly, run out of out of storage or overheat. Because of their ultimate performance, these computers are quite expensive. Most people customize high-end desktops.
Why use a desktop computer?
The primary advantage of using a desktop computer is that they come with better power and more features than other computers, such as laptops. The basic versions of desktop computers are affordable and easy to upgrade, which is not often true of other devices.
They also require you to sit at a desk, reducing portability but helping you remain productive and maintain an ergonomic posture. Desktop computers also utilize a larger monitor so you can more easily view the screen’s contents. They are easier to repair as well. Another advantage of desktop computers is that they are safe with a low risk of theft.
Conclusion
Unlike what many people think, desktop computers are still on-trend and are very useful. They are upgraded with customizable features and programs that allow you to have high-quality performance as well as professional and entertainment experiences. There are different types and categories of desktop computers but what you choose depends on your general needs along with the programs that you want to install.
We reviewed the best desktop computers in 2022, so you can find a perfect fit for any setup. You should consider their processor, storage, memory and graphics before making your decision. Make sure that you learn about the features and specifications of your desktop computer to know that it will serve its intended purpose for you.
People also asked
Q: Do all desktop computers come with monitors?
A: Some tower desktops come with monitors, but for some you might need to purchase them separately.
Q: Can I play CDs and DVDs on a desktop computer?
A: Most modern desktops come with CD and DVD drives along with burners, offering you a complete entertainment experience.
Q: What are the best core processors for desktop computers?
A: For fast processing, you can opt for an Intel Core i5, i7, or even i9 processor.