Top 6 Desktop Computers of 2024

Only a small percentage of the hundreds of desktop computers available from companies like HP, Dell, Apple, and Lenovo are included on our list of the best desktops. After reviewing dozens of desktop computers running both Windows and macOS, these 6 stand out.

In 2024, the top desktop computer still on the market is the Dell XPS Desktop 8960. However, we also provide a variety of additional options, such as PCs for gaming, remote work, and more, based on your needs and budget. We’ll give a brief rundown of our review procedure here, but for a more in-depth look, check out our post on how we assess desktops.

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Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

 Top 6 Desktop Computers of 2024

1.Dell XPS 8960

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The Dell XPS 8960 is the most versatile desktop PC available, making it the best overall choice for most users. It is perfectly understated, moderately priced for the amount of power it can hold, and available in a range of configurations for gaming, work, or both. Selecting the best-rated PC is difficult, but the Dell XPS 8960 solves that problem.

You’ll discover something that suits your demands, regardless of the setup you select. That’s because the best thing about the XPS 8960 is that Dell builds them to order. Depending on the parts you select, pricing can , and the alternatives are almost infinite. Since some of the desktop computers lack a standalone graphics card,They are more appropriate for work than for play. You can, however, purchase one of the priciest models that comes with a standalone graphics card.

For those looking for the ultimate gaming PC, Dell is presenting this new XPS desktop with Intel Raptor Lake and DDR5 RAM. In addition, an RTX 4090 graphics card can be added, which, given the machine’s size, is a significant amount of power. Stronger technology generates more heat, but the XPS 8960 effectively dissipates it thanks to an optional liquid cooling system and an air-flow-friendly chassis.

Although the Dell XPS 8960 appears to be a generic business computer, it’s actually a gaming PC.

Beneath the modest façade, this boxy beige or black tower has the newest Nvidia GeForce RTX 4000 series GPUs and Intel Raptor Lake 13th Gen processors. It goes in perfectly with office décor from the 1990s. Although it’s not the best for 4K enthusiasts, our Dell XPS 8960 review unit arrived with some very potent components packed within, and it’s more than capable of playing the newest and best PC games at 1080p with outstanding performance.

While some may object to its flimsy packaging, I think the Dell XPS 8960 offers a fantastic gaming PC at a price that’s affordable.Right now, you can buy the Dell XPS 8960 via Dell’s website as well as a few independent merchants. At the time of publication, it was $2,749, which gets you an XPS casing (Platinum or Graphite, white or black) with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 GPU, a 13th generation Intel Core i7-13700 CPU, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a copy of Windows 11 Home. Along with a Dell keyboard and corded mouse, it also includes an Intel Killer Wi-Fi 6E wireless card that supports both Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth.

Better parts do, of course, come at a higher price. An XPS 8960 with a 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13900K CPU, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 graphics card, 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and two 2TB SSDs (for a total of 4TB of storage) are available. You would have to pay about $4,929 before taxes for such a gadget.

If you still desire the option of having a physical disc drive on your PC, you may add an external DVD +/- RW optical drive to your machine for an extra $50. Keep in mind that this is not an inside component of the tower, but rather an external drive that connects to the PC.

2.Apple iMac 24-inch

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Not many people have given the Apple iMac 24-inch much love, but that all changed when the M3 chip was released. The iMac that Apple is selling today is actually the same, but better, with the same gorgeous design and screen that we fell in love with a few years ago.

The M3 chip is the key to all of that. The new model is at least 20% quicker than its M1 predecessor, and frequently more faster. Especially noteworthy is the graphics processor. It even surpasses some of Apple’s previous Pro series CPUs, achieving competitive performance in games like Lies of P.

Not much else about the iMac was changed by Apple, but it wasn’t necessary. The speakers are unmatched, and the 4.5K Retina display with its high pixel density is still breathtaking. Moreover, the enhanced webcam is outstanding, providing clear video calls with a 1080p resolution. The iMac M3 is the right choice if you want an all-in-one that will function flawlessly in 2024.

With the release of the M1 Apple iMac in 2021, the M-series CPUs from Cupertino added significant computing power to the all-in-one desktop. We were hoping for a follow-up to the M2, especially for the 27-inch model, but Apple had other ideas and plans, so in 2022 the iMac platform was left unfinished. The 2023 version of the 24-inch iMac with M3 power comes out of hibernation against more fiercer competition than previously since Windows all-in-ones (AIOs) have played an impressive game of catch-up in that period. Although competitors such as HP and Lenovo have lately released impressive devices that pose a significant threat to Apple’s AIO, the M3 chip elevates the iMac to unprecedented levels of performance (including true modern gaming), earning it our r Editors’ Choice award.

Up to 24GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of storage can be supported by the M3 processor. The most stacked iMac (that Apple sent for this review) with those upgrades. A much more powerful Apple system, such as an M2 Pro Mac mini or a 14-inch M3 Pro MacBook Pro, along with a top-tier Windows AIO, are available for the highest price.

3.Apple Mac mini M2

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

We don’t often award goods a perfect score, but in our comprehensive evaluation, Apple’s Mac mini M2 received one. With a significant boost under the hood, the new tiny PC maintains the same small form factor that Apple has been using for more than ten years.

The upgraded desktop with the M2 Pro chip is very remarkable, but the standard M2 model is still a significant improvement over the 2020 Mac mini M1. As a result, the Mac mini is transformed from a MacBook without a screen to a complete creative tool that can handle even the most difficult jobs that modern computers might encounter.

The standard configuration, which has a significantly slower SSD, is the sole issue. The Mac mini M2 is highly recommended, however be sure to read our Mac mini M2 buying guide to pick the right configuration.

One of Apple’s oldest product lines, the Mac Mini desktop dates back to 2005 (in a pre-Intel form), one year before the original MacBook, and is now available in a new, more powerful version. Even after all these years, it still has the same general form and attracts to most of the same crowd. In contrast to the iMac desktop and the MacBook Pro and Air laptops, the Mini is made to function in the background. It can fit into tight locations and be paired with any display or input device of your choosing.

This new Mac Mini still fits the definition of the machine that podcasters sometimes refer to it as their favorite. Additionally, the new Mini can do more complicated multimedia tasks on par with an optional M2 Pro processor from Apple’s chip line.

As a seasoned Mac reviewer, I still believe that the Mini line’s relative price is one of its best features. For a significantly lower price, the Mac Mini offers all the benefits of MacOS, including its expertise in design, audio production, and picture and video editing, especially if you already own a monitor and keyboard/mouse combination.

The last time a new Mac Mini was released, I had the opportunity to test one. That was during the first fall 2020 product launch for Apple Silicon. These included the Mac Mini, the MacBook Air, and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, all of which still included the original M1 chip.

Since then, the early 2022 release of the Mac Studio provided a larger, more powerful take on the small-form-factor Apple desktop, with M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips. And that system, even without an M2 update, is still more powerful in many cases than the new Mac Mini, which only goes up to an M2 Pro.

Although Apple’s chip naming scheme is less perplexing than some others, it is nonetheless unclear to those who are not familiar with it. The M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max, and M1 Ultra—basically an M1 Max doubling up—are now part of the expanding M1 family. The M2 family was comprised of the original M2 and the more recent M2 Pro and M2 Max models. The Pro/Max/Ultra suffix is what actually indicates the higher-power processor. A base M2 is still inferior in power to an M1 Pro, and so on. However, the rankings and relative performance might also be affected by the quantity of CPU and GPU cores that are available in specific configurations.

This indicates that there are very thin slices in the Apple desktop environment. The Mac Mini is currently available in M2 and M2 Pro models the Mac Studio has M1 Max and M1 Ultra chips, so I wouldn’t say there’s direct overlap.

4.Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Although it’s quite difficult to choose an all-in-one above Apple’s iMac, the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i is unquestionably a competitor. With excellent performance, a reasonable price, one of the best integrated displays we’ve seen, and a few special features, this 4K desktop impresses.

One of the most potent mobile CPUs available is Intel’s Core i9-13900H, which powers the computer. It can even handle some photo or video editing in addition to handling work applications with more than enough power. Even more amazing, you can outfit the system with a mobile RTX 4050 graphics card to add a little gaming power as needed.

However, the Yoga AIO 9i’s screen and features are what propel it to our list. The e 32-inch 4K display is stunning with its glossy finish, and it comes with great color accuracy out of the box. It has some tricks in the base, as well, including a wireless charging pad for your phone.

The Yoga’s traditional 16:9 screen aspect ratio can’t mimic a multi-monitor setup as well as the widescreen HP’s 21:9 (5,120-by-2,160-pixel) display, but makes it an easier fit on your desk, which is arguably more important. The Storm Grey system measures 21.2 by 28.5 by 10 inches (HWD) and weighs 19 pounds. The round base and medium-thick-bezel display are united by a classy chrome oval resembling a giant paper clip; the stand has no height adjustment but provides 20 degrees of tilt.

The 10.5-inch-diameter base doubles as a Qi wireless charging stand for smartphones, which is convenient, but its ports are around the back—you’ll find none up front or on the sides of the display, which is clumsier than most competitors. The only thing easily reachable is a switch on the right that toggles the webcam shutter.

Lenovo’s all-in-one is a stunning device featuring a Storm Grey finish in its display chassis, with a reflective aluminum support beam connecting it to the plastic base. The back left side of the display is easily bendable if I push a bit into it, which makes me a tad worried, but it’s sturdy otherwise. Its large, circular base features a row of vents on both the left and right, while the backside is cut off a bit for its collection of ports. And a Lenovo logo rests at the middle left of the base, which looks strange, but it does hit a somewhat satisfying asymmetrical look.

Turning to look at the back of the Yoga AIO 9i is where my true appreciation for its bizarre design comes into view. The aluminum bar that connects the display to the base looks as if it’s barely touching either. It makes it seem as if the display is floating midair, while a vivid Yoga logo sits on the center of the back.

Considering this is a 32-inch all-in-one, it’s obviously going to be hefty. Coming in at 28.5 x 21.2 x 10 inches and weighing 18 pounds, it took a bit of strength to get it down into my basement and set up on my desk.

Lenovo knocked it out of the park with the Yoga AIO 9i’s 31-inch, 3,840 x 2,160-pixel IPS panel. For most desktop computers, you have the option of always swapping displays. But since the Yoga AIO 9i is an all-in-one desktop, you’re stuck with what you’ve got, so it’s great that Lenovo went the extra step to ensure this thing is gorgeous.

The speakers of the Yoga AIO 9i are tucked away in the center of the back of the display, although this may not be immediately apparent. The speaker system is housed within the circular protrusion bearing the Yoga logo. Although the sound quality is satisfactory, particular people will rapidly switch to using an external speaker or a headset.

5.Corsair One i500

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

The spec sheet alone tells you that the Corsair One i500 is a monster. RTX 4090 and Core i9-14900K are included, so you’re getting the most powerful hardware available for your money. It’s astonishing how Corsair fits such potent parts—and with plenty of style—into such a small chassis.

How does Corsair manage this? liquid-cooled. Liquid coolers, which Corsair fitted to the One i500’s CPU and GPU, assist the device maintain a cool temperature while also reducing noise levels. Performance is hardly compromised by the Corsair One i500, even given its minuscule size. It is nearly identical to a customized desktop with an elaborate cooling scheme.

As you might suspect, Corsair commands a for such a monstrous PC. Although expensive, the Corsair One i500 isn’t unreasonably priced. It’s only a few hundred dollars more than the cost of building a similar PC yourself, and that’s ignoring the gorgeous wooden finish available on the case Corsair uses.

We were initially drawn to the pillar-shaped Corsair One desktop when it debuted in 2017, and since then, we’ve examined a number of variations. With the One i500 Corsair offers its largest iteration of the One concept, reimagining it as a somewhat conventionally sized, if still incredibly small, gaming tower with a front panel made of natural wood. Even the entry-level edition of this PC is designed to be a high-end purchase for Corsair enthusiasts, but we have to admit that even our more expensive review model offers good value given the components and high-end configuration. In our benchmark testing, the liquid-cooled 14th Gen Intel Core i9 CPU and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 GPU outperformed bigger and more costly systems, and it’s even upgradeable by the user after purchase (barring the GPU). The Corsair One i500 merits an Editors’ Choice award among compact high-end gaming desktops for performance and design, particularly considering its outsize power.

While most of the high-end pre-built gaming PCs we examine dazzle you with their opulent interior lighting and glass side panels, the Corsair One i500 takes a very different approach. Apart from its small size, which I will discuss in more detail, this system has a much more conservative and conventional appearance.

This, however, is distinct. Corsair had to expand the Corsair One line’s footprint to resemble a tiny mid-tower in order to accommodate the massive high-end GPUs. Though substantially larger, it should still fit on most desktops.

Not to mention, Corsair has fully embraced the trend of wood PC cases. There is a lighter “wood bright” version as well, with a maple panel and a brighter shade of metal, but ours came in what the manufacturer refers to as “wood dark,” with a black frame and a walnut front panel. Since these wooden covers are constructed of real wood, Corsair claims that every one of them should be distinct. (The company plans to manufacture variants with metal fronts at some time. You should wait if you’re interested in thosecases aren’t designed to have the front panels changed out.

The wood is flanked by — you guessed it — RGB light strips, which you can control with touch strips located above and below the front power button. I find the touch control to be a bit of a gimmick and much prefer to use the software. Frankly, I had a hard time remembering which parts of the touch strip did what.

6.HP Envy Move

Last update on 2024-08-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon.

Among the most distinctive desktops we’ve ever seen is the HP Envy Move. It’s a desktop computer that can also be carried around, making it ideal for the hybrid work style that many of us have adopted.

At its foundation, the Envy Move is a straightforward all-in-one, but what makes it unique is that its legs automatically fold in, making it portable. When the carrying handle on the back is used, the legs will automatically tuck in. Furthermore, you can actually pick up your PC and carry it wherever thanks to the bundled battery. Even the bundled keyboard/trackpad combo has a sleeve in the back for tucking it in.

HP doesn’t impose a big price increase on this design,either. The Envy Move starts at just for a mobile Intel 13th-gen CPU, which offers acceptable performance for basic home office tasks.

The HP Envy Move is an all-in-one (AIO) desktop with a carrying handle to make it easy to transfer from the living room to the den or kitchen, though it would be nice to see it on an airline tray table. A decade ago, this unconventional concept briefly gained popularity with devices such as the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon and Dell XPS 18, which were essentially large tablets. Families looking for a portable home PC with a larger display than a laptop will find The Move to be a compelling alternative to laptop computers.

The Envy Move, like other all-in-ones, is powered by a mobile processor with integrated graphics, so rather than being a gaming console, it’s more of a workstation for homework, internet, streaming, and video conferencing. In contrast to them, it is battery-operated, allowing you to work without being near an AC outlet. It also features a handle with a strap and a kangaroo-pouch pocket for storing its wireless keyboard and touchpad, which may be used as a mouse substitute. The 9.04-pound desktop weighs 10.4 pounds with the keyboard, so you can move it around the family room, bedroom, or anyplace else you choose.

When you place the HP on a desk or tabletop, its two feet will automatically pop or pivot, aligning themselves flat with the system unit and then swiveling back when you pick up the PC. You can tilt the screen up to 10 degrees back from vertical. Clad in what the company calls Shadow White plastic with a polyester fabric bottom bezel/speaker grille and rear pocket, the Envy measures a compact 14.4 by 21.7 by 5.9 inches (HWD).

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best brand of desktop computer?

How can you decide which desktop PC brand—Dell, HP, Lenovo—is right for you? While brands have their specialty, approaching desktop PCs with brand devotion isn’t the ideal strategy. At a somewhat greater cost, Apple, for instance, focuses on providing rock-solid performance and a clean user experience, whereas Dell makes a number of PCs with enough bandwidth for a home office and a gaming setup.

Looking at individual desktop reviews is a better option than depending on someone’s recommendation for the “best brand.” When it’s time to update, it’s crucial to read reviews because some firms release great PCs in one generation and subpar desktops in the next.

What is the best processor for a desktop computer?

The optimal CPU for your desktop will vary depending on how you use it. The majority of high-end PCs come with an overclockable Intel Core i9-14900K, which is what gamers want for maximum speed. However, creatives who need to manage massive video files will want something with more cores. That refers to AMD, which provides the AMD Ryzen 7900X and 7950X, 12- and 16-core processors.

A good way to save money without sacrificing performance is to downgrade to a CPU such as an AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 5 or an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 if you mainly work with Office files and browse the web on your desktop.

Should my desktop have USB-C or Thunderbolt 3?

Although USB-C is starting to appear in more desktop configurations, laptops still use it more frequently. Although there are many USB-A to USB-C cables available, it’s not strictly necessary, but if it is, keep an eye on the case that your new system arrives in. It may or may not come with USB-C as standard.

Despite using the USB-C form size, Thunderbolt 3 has the highest bandwidth of any wired USB connection currently on the market, providing rates that easily outpace those of traditional USB connections. On desktops, meanwhile, it is even less prevalent than standard USB-C. You must choose between an Apple or Intel system if you want it, however if you choose the former then Thunderbolt 3 is is not standard on the chassis or motherboard, you could always get a PCI-Express add-in card that has it.

When is the best time to buy a desktop?

When your present computer isn’t able to run the programs you desire to use, it’s the ideal moment to purchase a desktop. Although the biggest savings on desktop computers are typically found on Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day, you can actually find a good price on a PC practically any time of the year. When the time comes to upgrade, don’t forget to save our compilation of the finest desktop offers close at hand.