Best Desktop Computers of 2024: Top Models, Specs, Reviews & Buying Guide

The desktop computer market was more diversified and alive in 2024 than ever before. With the dizzying pace of technology changes, the desktop has been crammed with more strength than ever, along with size reductions and specialization to a diversity of application scenarios: high-end gaming, professional business, and creative applications, down to daily home computing. That said, the amount of choice can be overwhelming if you’re a hard-core gamer, demanding only the best money can buy you in terms of graphics and performance; a professional who needs a reliable, secure machine to run the most intensive applications; or a casual user who needs a fairly cheap, yet efficient, desktop.

It is very important to understand what to look for in a desktop computer to make sure you are buying what will serve your specific needs. Key factors to consider in this regard include the purpose of the computer, essential specifications, budget, form factor, operating system, and connectivity options. This guide, therefore, is aimed at demystifying the whole process by providing comprehensive buying advice alongside some of the best detailed best desktop computers reviews available this 2024.

We’d be quick to pore over the specs, performance measures, and unique features of every model we are recommending, which makes it unrivaled in its niche. From the flagship business professional Dell XPS 8950 and the high-performance Lenovo Legion T5 Gen 8 for gamers, to the Apple Mac Mini with M2 Pro chip for the versatile creative professional, we compared them for you below.

In this leading article, we will take you down the road line informed on the best desktop computers in 2024, giving you that motivation and empowerment to choose out of them the best on which you can be able to invest an amount that you will find to be worth your consideration for the way forward in computing.

(Image Credit: Dell)

1.  Dell 2023 XPS 8950 Business Full-Size Tower Desktop Computer

Connectivity is one of the strong points of the XPS 8950, featuring numerous USB ports, HDMI, DisplayPort, and more. This ensures that you can easily connect multiple peripherals, such as monitors, external drives, and other devices, enhancing productivity.

However, the design of the XPS 8950 is quite standard, lacking the innovative aesthetics found in some other modern desktops. Additionally, its high price point might be a barrier for some users, especially those looking for budget-friendly options

(Image Credit: Lenovo)

 2. Lenovo Legion T5 Gen 8 Gaming Tower Desktop

The design of the Legion T5 is both functional and visually appealing, with a sleek black case accented by customizable RGB lighting. This not only adds a touch of style but also allows gamers to personalize their setup to their liking.

Despite its impressive performance and features, the Legion T5 is priced at a premium, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. Additionally, the noise level during high performance might be a drawback for those seeking a quieter system.

(Image Credit: Acer)

3. Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop

The compact design of the Aspire TC-1760-UA92 makes it a good fit for home and office environments where space is at a premium. It also comes with a good selection of ports for connectivity, including USB 3.2, HDMI, and Ethernet, ensuring that you can connect all your necessary peripherals without hassle.

While the Aspire TC-1760-UA92 offers good performance for its price, those looking for a machine capable of high-end gaming or professional-grade graphic design might need to consider more powerful options.

(Image Credit: Dell)

4. Dell OptiPlex 5000 5090 Desktop Computer

However, the Intel UHD Graphics 630 limits its capabilities for gaming and graphic-intensive applications. Additionally, while the OptiPlex 5090 is designed to be reliable and durable, it has limited upgrade options, which might be a consideration for users who wish to enhance their system in the future.

(Image Credit: Apple)

5. Apple 2023 Mac Mini Desktop Computer with M2 Pro Chip

However, the Mac Mini comes with a high price tag, especially for higher configurations. Additionally, it has limited upgradeability, as components like RAM and storage are not user-upgradable.

(Image Credit: Beelink)

6. Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC

However, the Beelink S12 Pro is not suitable for demanding applications such as gaming or professional-grade graphic design due to its limited processing power and basic integrated graphics. The 500GB SSD provides decent storage, but it might be insufficient for users who need to store large files or run multiple applications simultaneously.

(Image Credit: Skytech)

7. Skytech Gaming Nebula Gaming PC Desktop

The design of the Nebula is both functional and visually appealing, with a sleek black case accented by customizable RGB lighting. This not only adds a touch of style but also allows gamers to personalize their setup to their liking.

While the price is on the higher side, the performance and features of the Skytech Gaming Nebula make it a worthwhile investment for gamers looking for a top-tier gaming experience.

(Image Credit: KAMRUI)

8. KAMRUI Mini PC Windows 11, AK1 PRO

However, it’s not suitable for demanding applications such as gaming or professional-grade graphic design due to its limited processing power and basic integrated graphics. The 256GB SSD provides limited storage, which might not be sufficient for users with extensive storage needs.

(Image Credit: HP)

9. HP EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF High Performance Business Desktop Computer

However, the hardware is somewhat outdated, which might be a drawback for users seeking the latest technology. Additionally, the upgrade options are limited, making it less future-proof compared to newer models.

(Image Credit: ASUS)

10. ASUS 2023 ROG G22CH DS766 Gaming Desktop PC

The design of the ROG G22CH is both functional and visually appealing, with a sleek black case accented by customizable RGB lighting. This not only adds a touch of style but also allows gamers to personalize their setup.

Despite its high price, the performance and features of the ROG G22CH make it a worthwhile investment for gamers looking for a top-tier gaming experience.

1. Purpose:
   • Gaming: Look for high-end GPUs, fast CPUs, and sufficient cooling systems.
   • Business: Prioritize reliability, security features, and multiple connectivity options.
   • Home Use: Aim for a balance of performance and affordability, suitable for everyday tasks.
   • Creative Work: High-performance CPUs, ample RAM, and powerful GPUs are essential.
     
     
2. Specifications:
   • CPU (Processor): The brain of your computer. For most users, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is sufficient. Gamers and professionals may need Intel Core i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9.
   • GPU (Graphics Processing Unit): Crucial for gaming and creative tasks. NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX series are recommended.
   • RAM (Memory): At least 8GB for basic use, 16GB for gaming and multitasking, and 32GB or more for professional work.
   • Storage: SSDs offer faster performance. Consider a minimum of 256GB SSD, with 1TB or more for extensive use.
   • Cooling: Essential for high-performance systems to prevent overheating and ensure longevity.
     
     
3. Budget:
   • Entry-Level: Up to $500. Suitable for basic tasks like web browsing and office applications.
   • Mid-Range: $500-$1,200. Ideal for gaming, home use, and moderate creative work.
   • High-End: $1,200 and above. Best for professional tasks, high-end gaming, and extensive multitasking.
     
     
4. Form Factor:
   • Tower: Most powerful and upgradeable but takes up more space.
   • Mini PC: Compact and energy-efficient but with limited upgrade options.
   • All-in-One: Combines monitor and PC components. Saves space but less powerful and harder to upgrade.
     
     
5. Operating System:
   • Windows: Versatile and widely compatible with software.
   • macOS: Preferred for creative professionals and integrates well with other Apple products.
   • Linux: Ideal for developers and those seeking customization.
     
     
6. Connectivity:
   • Ensure the desktop has enough USB ports, HDMI/DisplayPort for monitors, and other necessary connections like Ethernet and audio jacks.
   • Look for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5 for better wireless connectivity.

1. What is the best desktop computer for gaming?

The ASUS 2023 ROG G22CH DS766 Gaming Desktop PC and Lenovo Legion T5 Gen 8 Gaming Tower Desktop are top choices for high-end gaming performance.

2. Which desktop is best for business use?

The Dell 2023 XPS 8950 and Dell OptiPlex 5000 5090 are excellent options for business professionals due to their reliability and performance.

3. What should I consider when buying a desktop computer?

Consider the purpose, specifications, budget, form factor, operating system, and connectivity options to ensure you choose a desktop that meets your needs.

4. Are mini PCs good for gaming?

Mini PCs like the Beelink S12 Pro and KAMRUI Mini PC are not typically suitable for high-end gaming but can handle basic gaming and everyday tasks.

5. Can I upgrade my desktop computer?

Many desktops, especially tower models, allow for future upgrades of components like RAM, storage, and graphics cards. Check the specifications and design of the model for upgrade options.

Getting the right desktop computer in 2024 needs a hard look at your specific needs, budget, and the kind of features different models offer. Whether it is a gamer looking for great performance, a business professional in need of reliability and security, or a creative professional looking for a powerhouse to handle powerful applications, this guide has been a broad showcase of some of the best options available on the market.

The Dell XPS 8950 tops the list of muscular choices for business use, making available both expandable features and offered excellent performance. For gamers, the Lenovo Legion T5 Gen 8 and ASUS ROG G22CH DS766 offer the best gaming experience due to game-specific chassis, upped cooling systems, and hush-hush high-end graphic cards. The Apple Mac Mini, featuring the M2 Pro, targets the creative professional as his gadabout for powerful performance and seamless integrations with the entire Apple ecosystem.

Budget-friendly computer buyers will find their needs in the Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 and Beelink S12 Pro Mini PC, giving the desired value in carrying out routine activities and gaming mildly. Mini PCs like the KAMRUI Mini PC AK1 PRO also go a long way in offering space-saving, compact, and energy-efficient solutions for basic computing needs.

Finally, the best desktop computer for you is the one that perfectly matches your needs with the specifications and features that will give you the kind of service you seek. A worthwhile and future-proof buy is obtained through consideration of factors such as its purpose, specifications, budget, form factor, operating system, and connectivity. With the insights provided in this guide, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision and invest in a desktop computer that will serve you well for years to come.