There is a stunning range and variety of desktop microcomputer on the marketplace in 2024 . A laptop or pad is n’t right for everything , and a desktop option cater that reliability at home . Here are our top background microcomputer pick right now .
Just like laptops , the capability of desktop microcomputer is extensive . you may get wondrously lowly models made for simple task or , still , imposingly belittled models that can handle creative tasks , like Apple ’s Mac Mini . Then , there ’s desktops made for some serious power , whether you ’re after a gaming giant or a something for intensive production work , the ilk of the Apple Studio or muscular Windows devices are on mitt .
So , how do we decide ? Our reviewers spend fourth dimension using these desktop as their daily drivers and , along with drawing from their regular experience , we apply industry - standard tests so we can equate and contrast benchmarking results between dissimilar mathematical product . In this fussy guide , you ’ll get hold both PC and Mac pick .
Once you ’ve expend time scouring this leaning , whether you ’re a gamer , Mac fan or look for something else , if you ’re still considering a different kind of choice , like a laptop , you’re able to see to it out our other in effect list . These includebest laptop computer , best budget laptop computer , best pupil laptopandbest gaming laptoproundups .
SQUIRREL_ANCHOR_LIST
Learn more about how we test desktop PCs
Every desktop microcomputer we review goes through a series of uniform checks designed to guess key things including flesh calibre , performance and screen quality where applicable .
These include formal synthetic benchmarks and scripted trial , plus a serial of real world checks , such as how well it start the most frequently used apps .
We also verify to use every desktop personal computer we review as our primary machine for at least a hebdomad to assure our followup is as accurate as potential .
Apple iMac M1 (24-inch, 2021)
Pros
Cons
HP Pavilion AIO 32
Apple Mac Studio (2023)
Raspberry Pi 400
Apple Mac Mini (2023)
Surface Studio 2
Trusted Score
If you ’re looking to raise your computer , keyboard and proctor , an all - in - one background way might be the simplest path to cross all three off your list . For Mac fans , theApple iMac 2021is our favorite all - in - one desktop PC on the market at the instant .
The 2021 iMac receive a sensational redesign , with narrow bezels around the varan and an array of colourful fresh finishes from blue to fleeceable to purple to orange . Even Apple ’s accessories equalize the personal computer , admit the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse that come bundled with the gimmick . larboard include Thunderbolt and USB - C , along with a gigabit ethernet porthole on the higher - end model .
Annoyingly , there ’s no height readjustment on the monitor , but the display can be tilted forward and rearwards to view at a different angle . too , the 24 - column inch display is idealistic for smaller rooms and desks , but might feel a bit cramped for those used to working on great screens .
The video display packs a piercing 2.45 K declaration , high color truth and 500 nit of brightness . This make the screenland vibrant , colorful and wonderfully immersive when learn videos , whether that be through a cyclosis service of process or on YouTube .
Performance - wise , the iMac 2021 is powered by Apple ’s ownM1chipset , which execute bright in our benchmarking tests , delivering fast speeds for basic productiveness workloads and being competent enough to handle more complex project , like editing in Photoshop . The processor is paired with a pick of 8 or 16 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of storage .
If you ’re looking for an all - in - one PC that aggregate a colourful modern design with fleet carrying into action , the iMac 2021 is the perfect software system deal .
Finally , if you ’d prefer a more portable gimmick , we ’d also recommend assure out theMacBookAir M2andMacBook Pro .
The Apple iMac supply a pleasing and standout addition to your household furnishings , but theHP Pavilion AIO 32provides a strong choice on the Windows side of thing .
public presentation is the most eye - catch takeover of the Pavilion AIO 32 , comfortably topping the iMac . deep down , you get a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 , distinct Nvidia RTX nontextual matter , up to 32 GB Aries and up to 1 TB SSD storage . That ’s a raft of H.P. for a relatively compact machine . This machine wo n’t just suit your productivity needs but put up basic gaming and creative capabilities too .
The display is a stunner too , offer a 32 - column inch 4 K resolve . We had a great time catch Netflix and other videos on this political machine , with detailed visuals and lush color . It gets fairly smart to at a strong 442 nit . For creators , the accuracy is solid too .
You ’re well rewarded with the Bang & Olufsen speakers as well . HP ’s speaker often wear this stigmatization and do n’t always abide up to the high - oddment audio cognomen , but these perfectly do . The six - speaker system is fantastic , with bags of volume and a pleasing overall speech sound . You wo n’t find bags of bass though .
If you ’re uncoerced to pay up for a premium screen background experience then there is arguably no better choice than theApple Mac Studio ( 2023 ) . It ’s a small , tricksy machine that can be well place into existing apparatus without demanding too much space . It come in two variations , with theM2 MaxorM2 Ultrachip .
We reviewed the M2 Ultra variation with a 24‑coreCPU , 76‑coreGPU , 128 GB , and 4TBSSD . The performance of the Mac Studio was stellar across the board , beating out theiMac ( 2020)andMac Mini ( 2023)in our Geekbench 5 multi - core tests . It also scored higher than theRazer Blade 16 – a £ 4500 laptop computer aim at creatives and gamers with an Intel Core i9 - 13950HX – in our PugetBench for Adobe Premiere Pro test , making it a leading option for creative professionals . Moreover , the 2023 version of the Mac Studio opted to supportBluetooth 5.3andWi - Fi 6E – fantastical news if your router hold it .
bet on the variation you opt for , you will be treated to twoUSB - Cports orThunderbolt 4ports on the front of the machine . The back of the Mac Studio comes with even more connections , including four Thunderbolt 4 interface , a 10 gigabitEthernetconnector , HDMI , two USB - A interface and a 3.5 millimeter headphone seafarer .
As you might gestate from an Apple gadget , the Mac Studio is a pricy machine , especially if you choose for the M2 Ultra sport . However , it is a circle more affordable than the largerMac Pro ( 2023)and scored similarly in a good deal of our trial run .
Overall , if you ask your desktop to backpack a lot of power , the Mac Studio ( 2023 ) is a great option . The M2 Ultra adaptation is expensive but has more than enough grunt for creative professionals and the boxy plan means you could easy slot it into your existing readiness - up without too much hassle .
TheRaspberry Pi 400may look like a keyboard , but unusually , it actually has a computing machine establish inside its diminutive frame . Simply plug it into a power generator and varan , and you ’re safe to go .
you’re able to foot it up in two configurations ; a base good example which is £ 60 and comes with the computer only , or spend an additional £ 35 , and you get a mouse , power supplying , HDMI transmission line , 16 GB microSD card preloaded with Raspbian , and a ‘ getting get down ’ playscript . Whichever way you prune it , the Pi 400 volunteer some amazing note value for money .
This dinky desktop PC streamlet on Raspberry Pi OS rather than Windows , but lets you do all the basics such as browse the vane and catching up on your emails . Our testing shows that the Pi 400 is n’t particularly hefty , which is no surprise given it apply an Arm chip and 4 GB of RAM . But again , you should be ok as long as you stick to simple workloads .
The twist sport ports for Gigabit Ethernet , USB - A , USB - C , HDMI and a microSD card time slot , which provide some great connectivity for casual computing and basic work load . Even in 2024 , Gb ethernet on more of an affordable motorcar is a lovely port to have . We also find the keyboard to be middling good , although arguably does n’t have secure enough feedback for typecast out bombastic documents on a daily groundwork .
The main benefit of the Raspberry Pi 400 is undoubtedly the affordable toll , making it one of the best value all - in - one information processing system on the securities industry and a great choice for children hoping to find out how to code .
If you already have a display , mouse and keyboard but want a rapid Mac that ’ll offer fantabulous performance and seniority , the latest looping of theMac Miniis our selection . usable in either a notecase - friendly M2 version ( the same chip shot that powers theMacBook Air ) or a faster M2 Pro variant , this is a capable political machine whichever pick you choose .
We reviewed the faster M2 Pro model and it can easy handle 4 kelvin video redaction along with lead intensive apps . If you need even more power , both in the CPU and GPU , the Mac Studio is the one for you .
The Mac Mini is a simple political machine visually . It comes in one silver medal colourway and all the models extend HDMI , at least 2x Thunderbolt 4 interface , Ethernet and a couple of older USB - A ports . All you need to do is provide the monitor and you ’re ready to go .
With the Apple M3 having now been announced , we ’d expect a new manikin of the Mac Mini to be drop some time over the next year or so . But , for now , this model remains the best budget background Mac .
Microsoft ’s Surface Studio 2is a middling unique screen background PC , allowing you to tilt the screen back and employ it like a giant drawing pad of paper . This makes it a gravid option for digital artists that require more screen space and power than what a portable lozenge will provide .
We ground its hinge to offer legato operation and the Studio 2 to be generally robust in its twist . There is stylus support too in the form of Microsoft ’s Surface Pen , which proved pretty accurate , peculiarly thanks to support for 4096 pressure item and 12 - g actuation force , which is enough for pencil sketching and inking .
The screen itself is large too , with our test show it to have a eminent brightness level of 500 nits and great demarcation . The 4500 x 3000 pixel firmness also insure on - silver screen pictures and videos look incredibly penetrating with oodles of detail .
But since this screen background PC launched back in 2018 , the specs do count outdated compared to the competitor , with a 7th Gen Intel Core chip , and Nvidia ’s 10 - Series GPU . We count on they ’re still decent enough specs for introductory video redaction and the like , but our examination does show you could now come up more herculean machine by spending less money , be it in the form of other background or the many first-class laptops we ’ve essay .
The Surface Studio 2 is also hard to find now , with Microsoft no longer sell it via the official website . You may want to moderate off on a leverage anyway , with theSurface Studio 2 Plusmodel confirmed for liberation in the near hereafter . The new model will have more up to date specs , increasing the performance to a more competitory pace . Keep an oculus on Trusted Reviews , as we ’re plan to review it in the come calendar week .
FAQs
It really depend on what kind of workloads you ’ll give your PC . 8 GB of RAM is speedy enough for a productiveness PC , but you may want 16 GB or higher for gaming or content creation .
The processor is one of the most important glasses for any computer , while you ’ll require to check that your microcomputer has a distinct PC ( typically from AMD or Nvidia ) if you want to work demand game or engage with intensive content creation . RAM is also of import for performance , while the entrepot space should n’t be ignored if you plan on save lots of files on your PC.It ’s also worth looking out for all - in - one PCs if you want the entire frame-up in one software . But just be aware it will be more unmanageable to upgrade components in an all - in - one microcomputer compared to a more schematic personal computer .
Test Data
Full Specs
