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10 best desktop computers of 2024: tested and reviewed

Dell XPS Desktop (8960)
Dell XPS 8960
The best desktop computer
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Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
The best desktop PC for gaming
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Apple 2023 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M3 chip
Apple iMac 24-inch
The best desktop for photo editing
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Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer M2 Pro
Apple Mac mini M2
The best desktop computer for home
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Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
The best desktop computer for work
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Falcon Northwest Tiki
Falcon Northwest Tiki
The best mini gaming PC
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Apple Mac Studio M2 Ultra
Apple Mac Studio
The best desktop for video editing
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HP Envy Move 24
HP Envy Move
The best desktop computer for home office
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Lenovo ThinkStation P620
Lenovo ThinkStation P620
The best desktop workstation computer
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Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01
Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01
The coolest desktop PC
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We've reviewed dozens of PCs to bring you a list of the best desktop computers in 2024 to help you find what you're looking for, regardless of if you're surfing spreadsheets, playing games, or browsing the internet. There are a lot of options to pick from this year, including PCs from Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo, but only a select few are among the best.

For us, the Dell XPS Desktop 8960 remains the best desktop PC you can buy in 2024. However, we have several other options depending on your budget and needs, including desktops for gaming, remote work, and more. We'll provide a quick overview here, but make sure to read our write-up on how we review desktops for a deeper look at our evaluation process.

Quick overview

  • Dell XPS Desktop 8960: A highly flexible desktop that can accommodate almost any budget and purpose, from home office work to high-end gaming.
  • Lenovo Legion Tower 7i: A well-built and customizable desktop that shoots ahead in gaming performance.
  • Apple iMac 24-inch: Apple's iMac 24-inch is only better now with the M3 chip at the helm.
  • Apple Mac Mini M2: A supercharged version of Apple's storied Mac Mini that's as portable as it is powerful.
  • Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i: One of the most powerful all-in-one PCs you can buy still, and with a stunning set of features.
  • Falcon Northwest Tiki: A boutique desktop PC that's small and very powerful for gaming.
  • Apple Mac Studio: A tiny PC that packs some of the most powerful hardware on the market.
  • HP Envy Move: The perfect desktop for a hybrid working style.
  • Lenovo ThinkStation P620: A powerful workstation that can handle the most demanding tasks.
  • Ayaneo AM01: A quant mini PC that packs a surprising amount of power for a low price.

Why you should trust us

We've reviewed hundreds of desktop PCs for years, looking for machines that stand out for gaming, home office use, photo and video editing, and so much more. From miniature PCs that can fit on a bookshelf to behemoth desktops with custom liquid cooling, we've seen literally everything, and we know what stands out and what doesn't.

Key considerations when selecting the best desktop

There are a few key areas we focus on when looking a desktop computer.

Performance

Performance is king when it comes to a desktop computer, but it's not an equal bar for every PC. Some machines, like the Mac Mini, are offering power in a portable package, while a desktop like the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i goes all-out for gaming prowess. We meet desktops where they're at, evaluating what they're trying to accomplish, and at what price.

Build quality

A desktop may look nice, but it's built of cheap plastics and throwaway components, it won't last for long. Our review process includes a teardown of every desktop to understand what the internal components look like. In addition, we look at fan placement, ventilation, and cooling to ensure the desktops will stay quiet during operation without overheating.

Support

Things go wrong with PCs, so it's important to have a robust support system in place. A one-year warranty is standard on most electronics, so we look for companies that go above and beyond what's required with multi-year warranties and around-the-clock support.

Upgradability

One of the main benefits of a desktop PC is that you can upgrade it in the future, but some brands have missed that memo. We keep an eye out for proprietary components and try to focus on desktops that provide some upgrade paths for users. This isn't possible for all machines, though, such as Apple's iMac, where upgrades are tricky for end users due to the form factor.

dell xps desktop 8960 review 11
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends / Digital Trends

Dell XPS 8960

The best desktop computer

Pros
  • Flagship performance
  • Understated, attractive design
  • Relatively quiet
  • Solid port selection
Cons
  • Limited upgrade potential
  • Expensive
Specifications
CPU Intel Core i7-13700K
GPU Nvidia RTX 4080
RAM 32GB DDR5-4800
Storage 1TB NVMe SSD
Ports 5x USB 3.2 Type-A, 2x USB 2.0 Type-A, 2x USB-C, 1x SD card reader

The best overall desktop PC is the one that will work for the most people, and that's the Dell XPS 8960. It's understated in all the right ways, reasonably priced considering the power you can pack inside, and comes in a variety of configurations to suit work, gaming, or both. Choosing the highest-rated PC isn't easy, but the Dell XPS 8960 gets rid of that issue.

Regardless of what configuration you choose, you'll find something that matches your needs. That's because Dell builds them custom ordered, which is the best feature of the XPS 8960. The options are nearly endless, with prices ranging from $750 to over $3,000 depending on the parts you choose. Some of the desktops come without a discrete graphics card, meaning they're more suited for work than games. However, you can get one of the more expensive ones that include a discrete graphics card.

Dell is offering this new XPS desktop with Intel Raptor Lake and DDR5 RAM for those who are in search of the best gaming PC. You can add up to an RTX 4090 graphics card as well, which is a serious amount of power considering the size of the machine. Powerful hardware means more heat, but the XPS 8950 gets rid of it well with optional liquid cooling and a case with plenty of room for airflow.

Dell XPS Desktop (8960)
Dell XPS 8960
The best desktop computer
lenovo legion tower 7i review 06
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i

The best desktop PC for gaming

Pros
  • Flagship 4K gaming performance
  • Support for DLSS 3
  • Fully upgradable
  • Sleek, attractive design
Cons
  • RAM runs at slower speed
  • McAfee continues to annoy
Specifications
CPU Intel Core i9-13900KF
GPU Nvidia RTX 4080
RAM 32GB DDR5-5600
Storage 1TB NVMe SSD
Ports 7x USB 3.2, 4x USB 2.0, 1x USB-C 3.2 Gen 2

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i gets almost everything right. It comes with the latest flagship hardware, packing in an Nvidia RTX 4080 and a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 processor, and it comes in a sleek, attractive design that doesn't get too loud or hot. Perhaps most importantly, it uses standard-sized components so you can upgrade it in the future.

That's easily the best thing about the Legion Tower 7i. It comes with the more affordable price of a mainstream gaming PC without any of the hurdles that come from brands like Alienware and Asus. The convenience doesn't come at the cost of performance, either. Based on our testing, the Legion Tower 7i is just as fast as a custom-built PC with the same hardware.

The only downside is how the machine is configured. It comes with fast DDR5 memory, so this computer is great for playing ricky casino online without lag, but it's set up to run at a slower speed out of the box. That didn't make a big difference in overall performance based on our testing, but certain applications will run slightly slower in the Tower 7i's default configuration. Thankfully, boosting the memory speed just takes a couple of clicks.

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
Lenovo Legion Tower 7i
The best desktop PC for gaming
apple imac m3 review blue
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

Apple iMac 24-inch

The best desktop for photo editing

Pros
  • M3 brings exponential GPU performance
  • Great, thin design
  • Full-bodied speakers
  • Excellent webcam
  • Bright, colorful display
Cons
  • Limited ports
  • Touch ID costs extra
Specifications
CPU Apple M3
GPU Apple M3
RAM Up to 24GB
Storage Up to 2TB

Apple's iMac 24-inch hasn't seen a lot of love, but that all changed with the introduction of the M3 chip. Sporting the same stunning design and beautiful screen we fell in love with a few years ago, the iMac Apple is selling today truly is the same, but better.

That all comes down to the M3 chip. Compared to its M1 predecessor, the new model is at least 20% faster, and often much more. The graphics processor, in particular, is impressive. It even manages to beat some of Apple's older Pro series chips, going as far as to have playable performance in games like Lies of P.

Apple didn't change much else about the iMac, but it didn't need to. The 4.5K Retina display is still stunning with a high pixel density, and the speakers are second to none. The upgraded webcam is exceptional, too, offering up a 1080p resolution for crisp video calls. If you're looking for an all-in-one that just works in 2024, the iMac M3 is for you.

Apple 2023 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M3 chip
Apple iMac 24-inch
The best desktop for photo editing
apple mac mini review m2 pro 01
Luke Larsen / Digital Trends

Apple Mac mini M2

The best desktop computer for home

Pros
  • Still very compact
  • M2 Pro boosts the graphics
  • Lots of storage options
  • Stays amazingly quiet and cool
  • Fantastic port selection
  • Very affordable base configuration
Cons
  • Base configuration has slower SSD
  • Not user upgradable
Specifications
CPU 8-core Apple M2
GPU 10-core Apple M2
RAM 8GB Unified Memory
Storage 512GB NVMe SSD
Ports 2x Thunderbolt 4, 3.5mm headphone, Gigabit Ethernet, 2x USB-A ports

We rarely give products a perfect score, but that's exactly what Apple's Mac mini M2 earned in our full review. The updated mini PC features the same compact footprint that Apple has used for over a decade, but now with a major update under the hood.

The base M2 model is a big upgrade over 2020's Mac mini M1, but the updated desktop really shines with the M2 Pro chip. That takes the Mac mini from being a MacBook without a screen to a full-fledged creator machine capable of tackling the most demanding tasks you can throw at a computer today.

The only problem is the base configuration, which comes with a much slower SSD. We wholeheartedly recommend the Mac mini M2, but make sure to read our Mac mini M2 buying guide to pick the right configuration.

Apple Mac Mini Desktop Computer M2 Pro
Apple Mac mini M2
The best desktop computer for home
lenovo yoga aio 9i review 04
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i

The best desktop computer for work

Pros
  • Gorgeous stand
  • Beautiful 4K display
  • Wireless charging on the stand
  • USB 4.0 port
  • Solid CPU performance
Cons
  • No ports upfront
  • Mediocre webcam
  • No discrete GPU at $1,500
Specifications
CPU Intel Core i9-13900H
GPU Intel Iris Xe
RAM 32GB
Storage Up to 1TB

It's really hard recommending an all-in-one over Apple's iMac, but the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i is certainly a contender. It's a 4K desktop that impresses with great performance, a solid price, and one of the best integrated displays we've seen, as well as some unique features.

The machine is powered by Intel's Core i9-13900H, which is one of the most powerful mobile CPUs you can buy. It's more than enough to handle work applications, and it can even step up for some photo or video editing. More impressive, you can configure the machine with a mobile RTX 4050 graphics card, giving you a little gaming grunt if you need it.

The Yoga AIO 9i makes this list due to its screen and features, however. The 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.

Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
The best desktop computer for work
falcon northwest tiki review 2022 08
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends

Falcon Northwest Tiki

The best mini gaming PC

Pros
  • Blazing 4K gaming performance
  • Fantastic thermal design
  • Top-notch build quality
  • Accessible upgrades
  • Standard three-year warranty
  • Limited fan noise
Cons
  • Limited Intel configurations
Specifications
CPU AMD Ryzen 7 5800X3D
GPU Nvidia RTX 3080 Ti
RAM 32GB DDR4-3200
Storage 1TB NVMe SSD
Ports Front: 2x USB 3.2, 1x USB-C / Back: 4x USB 3.2 Gen 2, 1x USB-C

Falcon Northwest is one of the few true boutique PC builders left, and the Tiki explains why. It's one of the smallest gaming PCs you can buy, and it still manages to pack in flagship hardware. More importantly, the Tiki does both without sacrificing heat or thermals, which is the biggest pitfall for small form factor machines.

It's expensive, but Falcon Northwest's attention to detail still manages to stand out. From premium component selection to a detailed dossier of every aspect of your build, the Tiki goes beyond being just a shell for high-end components.

Falcon Northwest offers the machine with AMD or Intel configurations, paired with up to an RTX 3090 GPU. Unfortunately, the Tiki is too small to fit Nvidia's monstrous RTX 4090. Although the Tiki is clearly a gaming PC first, Falcon Northwest also offers it with Nvidia's professional GPUs.

Falcon Northwest Tiki
Falcon Northwest Tiki
The best mini gaming PC
apple mac studio review olympus digital camera
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

Apple Mac Studio

The best desktop for video editing

Pros
  • Superior build quality
  • Small chassis
  • Solid connectivity
  • Excellent creativity performance
  • Quiet operation
  • Elegant aesthetic
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Mediocre gaming
Specifications
CPU Apple M2 Max or M2 Ultra
GPU Apple M2 Max or M2 Ultra
RAM Up to 192GB
Storage Up to 8TB

It feels like the Mac Studio has finally found its footing. It straddled a strange line previous, not quite reaching the level of the Mac Pro while falling short of the value-focused Mac mini. With the M2 Ultra or M2 Max, the Mac Studio finally feels like premium, Pro-level Mac Apple fans have waited for.

It's crazy fast, getting close and sometimes even beating top-level PC components like the Core i9-13900K and RTX 4090. That's all the more impressive considering the size of the Mac Studio, which barely takes up a fraction of your desk space. Even considering the high price, the performance and size of the Mac Studio make it feel like a downright deal.

It has all of the professional trimmings you'd expect, too, including support for massive storage arrays and great external monitor support. The Mac mini is still better for most people, but if you can take advantage of the power of the Mac Studio, it's tough to beat.

Apple Mac Studio M2 Ultra
Apple Mac Studio
The best desktop for video editing
hp envy move review featured
Mark Coppock / Digital Trends

HP Envy Move

The best desktop computer for home office

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Well-designed portability
  • Solid build quality
  • Display is touch-enabled
  • Runs on battery
Cons
  • Mediocre performance
  • Average display
  • Keyboard is fatiguing
Specifications
CPU Intel Core i5-1355U
GPU Intel Iris Xe
RAM 16GB
Storage Up to 1TB

The HP Envy Move is one of the most unique desktops we've ever seen. It's a desktop, but it's also portable, and it's the perfect fit for the hybrid work style so many of us have fallen into.

It's a basic all-in-one at its core, but the Envy Move's trick is that the legs automatically fold in, allowing you to pick it up and carry it with you. There's a carrying handle on the back, and activating it will automatically tuck in the legs. And with an included battery, you really can pick up your PC and take it anywhere. There's even a sleeve in the back so you can tuck in the included keyboard/trackpad combo.

HP doesn't charge a massive premium for this design, either. The Envy Move starts at just $750 for a mobile Intel 13th-gen CPU, which offers acceptable performance for basic home office tasks.

HP Envy Move 24
HP Envy Move
The best desktop computer for home office
lenovo thinkstation p620 review 9
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Lenovo ThinkStation P620

The best desktop workstation computer

Pros
  • Insane processor performance
  • Easily upgradeable
  • Tool-free design
  • 10Gb Ethernet
Cons
  • Runs loud
Specifications
CPU AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3995WX
GPU Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000 48GB
RAM 128GB octa-channel DDR4-3200 ECC
Storage 1TB NVMe SSD
Ports 8x USB-A, 2x USB-C, 3.5mm headphone, PS/2

The Lenovo ThinkStation P620 is a workstation in every sense of the word. This is a desktop designed to perform the most resource-heavy tasks out there. Created specifically for engineering, data science, machine learning, 3D modeling, video editing, and more, the ThinkStation is the kind of PC that will find uses across many fields, aiding professionals in their daily tasks.

More importantly, it's the only workstation available now with AMD's Threadripper 5000 Pro processors. You can pack in up to a Threadripper Pro 5995WX processor, which packs in 64 cores and 128 threads, along with an astounding 256MB of L3 cache. Similarly, you can add up to two Nvidia Quadro GV100 GPUs, which is powerful enough for even the most demanding tasks.

The other specs are just as impressive – eight RAM slots for up to 512GB of memory, as well as six drive slots for up to 24TB of storage. Windows 11 comes default on the machine, but you can also have it pre-configured for Red Hat Enterprise Linux or Ubuntu as well.

The Lenovo P620 isn't for everyone. It's an insanely expensive workstation that can cost upwards of $40,000 fully tricked out, but for professionals who demand peak performance, nothing can touch the ThinkStation P620.

Lenovo ThinkStation P620
Lenovo ThinkStation P620
The best desktop workstation computer
ayaneo retro mini pc am01 review with box
Kunal Khullar/Digital Trends

Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01

The coolest desktop PC

Pros
  • All the retro vibes
  • Attractive, compact design
  • Plenty of ports
  • Ease of service and upgradability
  • Solid value
Cons
  • 8GB model is very limited
  • AyaSpace software needs tweaking
Specifications
CPU AMD Ryzen 7 5700U
GPU AMD Radeon 8 iGPU
RAM Up to 64GB
Storage Up to 2TB

Sometimes just looking cool is enough. The Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01 is in that position. It's styled after an old-school Mac, fit with a plastic, off-white shell and a badge indicative of an early 1990s Apple logo, but the nostalgic mini PC packs a lot of power under the hood.

It features up to an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU, along with up to 64GB of memory,and up to 2TB of SSD storage. Pricing starts at just $200, with a maxed-out configuration costing $421. This PC isn't going to floor you in performance, but it's surprisingly component given its size and low price.

Perhaps the best use case, however, is as an emulator. The AM01 makes a perfect retro gaming companion, all while having a full installation of Windows 11 to back up its usefulness.

Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01
Ayaneo Retro Mini PC AM01
The coolest desktop PC

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best brand of desktop computer?

Dell, HP, Lenovo – how do you know what brand of desktop PC is best for you? Brand loyalty isn't the best way to approach desktop PCs, but brands have certain specialties. Apple is focused on rock-solid performance and a clean user experience for a slightly higher price, for example, while Dell creates several PCs that have the bandwidth for a home office and a gaming setup.

The best thing to do is look at individual desktop reviews rather than relying on what someone says is the "best brand." Some brands come out with excellent PCs one generation and poor desktops the next, so it's important to check in on reviews when you need to upgrade.

What is the best processor for a desktop computer?

The best CPU will depend on how you're using your desktop. Gamers who want the utmost performance will want an overclockable Intel Core i9-14900K found on most high-end systems, while creatives looking at juggling large media files will want something with more cores. That means AMD, which offers 12- and 16-core chips in the form of the AMD Ryzen 7900X and 7950X.

If you're working primarily on Office files and use your desktop to browse the web, scaling down to an Intel Core i5 or Core i7, or an AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 5 processor, would help make substantial savings without impacting performance much.

Should my desktop have USB-C or Thunderbolt 3?

USB-C is beginning to show up in more desktop builds, but it's still more common on laptops. It's not strictly necessary, as there are plenty of USB-A to USB-C cables out there, but if it's a must for you, keep an eye on the case that your new system comes in. That will or won't have USB-C as standard.

Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C form factor but it offers the most bandwidth of any USB-based wired connection available at this time, giving speeds that scorch standard USB ports. However, it is even less common on desktops than plain old USB-C. If you want it, you'll need to go with an Intel or Apple system, though if you opt for the former and Thunderbolt 3 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?

The best time to buy a desktop is when your current computer isn't able to handle the applications you want to use. Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day usually bring the steepest discounts on desktop computers, but the reality is that you can score a deal on a PC almost any time during the year. Make sure to keep our roundup of the best desktop deals handy for when you want to upgrade.

How do you know if you need a laptop or desktop?

Choosing between a desktop and a laptop comes down to portability and comfort. You can take a laptop nearly anywhere, but they're not as comfortable to use as desktops with a larger screen. On the other hand, a desktop is more flexible and allows you to use a keyboard/mouse combo you like, but it's restricted to one area.

Consider what you'll use your machine for. If you're gaming, for example, a desktop makes more sense. If you're answering email and browsing the internet, a laptop is probably better a option.

How to choose a desktop computer

If your existing PC is so slow it can barely run Windows Solitaire, let alone video editing software, don’t fret. There’s some good news for computer users facing the inevitable upgrade: There’s never been a better time to buy a new PC.

Prices are at an all-time low, while at the same time, computers are becoming incredibly powerful and full of convenient features. But choosing the right computer to match your needs and budget can be an overwhelming task -- especially for tech-shy folks intimidated by geeky terminology and pushy salespeople.

Here's how to choose a computer that's just right for you.

Laptop or desktop

If you require portability, then a laptop (also referred to as a “notebook”) PC is for you. But if you want the flexibility of adding a larger display or upgrading other components (such as adding a bigger hard drive or better video card), then perhaps a desktop PC is the way to go.

If you buy a desktop computer, you will also need a display to plug into it to see anything, unless you buy an all-in-one computer, such as Dell All-in-One or an Apple iMac, which have the display built directly into the unit. If you’ve decided on a laptop, you'll need to consider portability like weight and size. A larger screen is nice, but do you want to deal with the added size and weight? The bigger the screen (e.g. 17 inches as opposed to 12 inches), the bigger and heavier the laptop will be.

While laptops are becoming more powerful, a desktop is still better suited for graphic-intensive applications such as computer gaming, video editing, or animation rendering. But if portability is a priority, then laptops are the only way to go.

Other things to keep in mind when deciding between a laptop and a desktop computer include upfront costs, noise and cooling, and peripherals. You should expect a laptop to cost a bit more than a desktop of similar specifications, as you're buying the display and input mechanisms at the same time, as well as paying for a battery -- though there are great budget laptops out there.

Laptops are also often very compact, which means they are more likely to be noisier when the fans ramp up to keep the computer cool. While desktops can also get noisy when under heavy loads like gaming or video editing, they tend to still be quieter than laptops under the same load due to the improved airflow in the case -- and you can always modify the cooling to improve it. That's not so easy with laptops.

As for peripherals, desktops tend to have more ports than laptops, meaning if you need to connect a bunch of peripherals (e.g. printers, external storage, speakers, microphone, etc.) then a desktop may be a better choice. The latest port standards include USB-C and Thunderbolt 3, which are excellent connections to look for.

Mac or Windows

Personal preference and experience dictate the operating system of choice more than anything, making it hard to recommend one over the other. The best way to tell which one is ideal for you is to try both out to see which one feels more intuitive for you to work on, and which one will work with your favorite programs. Mac computers are generally more expensive than Windows-based PCs, though they tend to be a little more secure. With fewer macOS PCs out there, hackers are less interested in making viruses for them. The closed-ecosystem approach Apple employs for its products also makes it harder to distribute malware -- though not impossible.

Windows PCs have a much more robust gaming ecosystem to enjoy and are definitely better for gamers.

Outside of that niche, the app ecosystem for both macOS and Windows is very good -- there are so many apps for both platforms so no matter what you need to do, you'll likely be able to find an app to accomplish the task. Ultimately, you need to make the call for yourself, but definitely keep in mind that today's Mac computers can also run the Windows operating system through programs such as Boot Camp, Parallels, or VMWare Fusion.

Power and performance

Performance is arguably the most important metric of any PC, and the CPU is the heart of that. You want at the very least a dual-core CPU with simultaneous multithreading/hyperthreading, but a quad-core will make a big difference to your everyday PC performance. Intel's Core i3 and AMD's Ryzen 3 CPUs are fantastic in this respect, though especially the latter.

If you need a bit more power for any kind of photo or video editing or are planning to play the latest games, then ideally you will want to look for a computer that sports a six-core (or better) processor such as an Intel i5 or i7 or an AMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7.

For more in-depth CPU buying information, check out our guide on how to choose a CPU.

When it comes to system memory, or RAM, you want to make sure you have enough, and not too much more. A capacity of 8GB to 16GB is the sweet spot for most users, including heavy gamers; 32GB and beyond is only really recommended if you're doing a lot of heavy video editing, and will very much depend on the particular software you want to use.

A graphics card can be the most expensive part of a PC and is only necessary if you're looking to play games. If you are, buy a GPU that fits your needs and budget. There's no point in buying a $1,000 graphics card if all you want to play is Minecraft, but you'll be disappointed if you try to play the latest AAA games on a budget GPU. Check out the specifications of the games you want to play to help decide which graphics card is right for you or check out our list of the best GPUs you can buy.

Want to game on the go? Check out our list of the best gaming laptops available.

Storage

The size of a hard drive or solid-state drive determines how many programs and files you can fit on it before running out of space. Unless you're buying something like a Chromebook where cloud storage is a big feature, a computer with at least 500GB of space is a good starting point. If you have a lot of games or movies that you want to store, then you'll want to consider a secondary drive with a terabyte or two of additional space.

Today, most computers have at least one SSD, or solid-state drive, for storage. SSDs are much faster than older HDDs (hard disk drives with moving, magnetic parts), which means you can open and find files faster. SSDs are your best bet for a boot drive, with traditional hard drives best suited as additional storage space and secondary drives.

If you're concerned about running out of space on your drive, don't be. There are so many options to expand your storage for either a laptop or desktop with an inexpensive external hard drive or even cloud storage. External drives (you can find both external hard drives and external SSDs) are great, and these days, depending on which one you buy, can be just as fast as your internal drive thanks to new technologies such as Thunderbolt 4.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

If you’re shopping for a laptop, chances are it’ll have integrated wireless networking features. This means you can log on to the internet at broadband speeds when in range of a Wi-Fi network, be it at home, work, school, or one of many thousand “hotspots” around the world, including cafés, hotels, airport lounges, and so on. The latest laptops have 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) technology -- which offers a 30% to 60% speed boost over the older 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) technology and is a safer bet if you want to prepare for future devices.

Bluetooth is another common wireless feature that most laptops (and some desktops) have, which can make phone syncing easier (read: cable-free) and even add support for headsets and headphones, allowing you to roam freely while on a voice call or listening to music. Any desktop you choose should also offer Wi-Fi 5 or 6 wireless networking capability (offered via a built-in or optional attachment), or come with an integrated Ethernet port, which enables connection to the internet via an Ethernet cable.

Going Chromebook

While Windows and Mac are the common choices for operating systems, there is an alternative for new users -- a Chromebook. Chromebooks run on Chrome OS, a lightweight operating system designed for ultra-portable laptops.

Chromebooks are a give-and-take proposition: They tend to be very affordable, very easy to use, and ideal choices for more casual users, students, and those who want to save money while still getting a laptop. They also have growing compatibility with Android apps. On the other hand, they typically have limited power, very little storage (depending on cloud storage for many activities), and limited capability to run more demanding software or applications without Chrome OS compatibility.

If you're interested in a laptop with a light footprint, we suggest you check out our guide to Chromebooks, and our current list of best Chromebooks on the market.

Build your own computer

If you're feeling a little adventurous and are looking to do something a bit different, there's always the option to build your own computer. It's quite a lot of fun too, plus these days it's easier than ever to find and buy all the parts you will need, and all the advice above still applies.

If you're interested in building your own computer, the best place to start compiling a parts list is PCPartPicker. At PCPartPicker you can compile a list of parts from various retail websites including Newegg and Amazon. What's even nicer is if you pick parts that aren't compatible, PCPartPicker will let you know.

Editors' Recommendations

Jacob Roach
Senior Staff Writer, Computing
Jacob Roach is a writer covering computing and gaming at Digital Trends. After realizing Crysis wouldn't run on a laptop, he…
The 10 best monitors for 2024: tested and reviewed
A man works at his desktop and a Dell UltraSharp 34-inch curved monitor.

For those seeking a superior computer setup, a cutting-edge monitor is non-negotiable. Whether you're entrenched in graphic design, a dedicated gamer, or a remote professional, the right display has the power to transform your computing experience. With a myriad of options available, ranging from various resolutions and panel types to refresh rates and specialized features, navigating the world of monitors can be overwhelming.

While the Dell UltraSharp 32 4K is an excellent pick offering an extensive array of features and an expansive 4K display, it may not suit everyone's needs. Read on to see which other monitors we recommend for gaming, home use, esports, and more.

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The 6 best internet speed tests for desktop and mobile in 2024
Internet speed test on laptop.

Whether you’re struggling with lagging internet speeds or curious to know how your internet provider stacks up, it’s impossible to know just how fast your internet speed is without using a precise test. Top-quality internet speed tests can clear up any confusion quickly and easily. But you'll need to know what the best internet speed test website are. Check out the following internet speed tests to learn more about your upload and download speeds, as well as other exciting information about your internet connection.

SpeedOf.Me

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The 23 best Google Chrome themes in 2024
google wants to kill urls make the internet safer chrome url

There's lots of ways to add a little pizzazz to your Google Chrome browser's interface. The quickest way, though, is to just add a theme. In just a few clicks, you could be staring at a beautiful cityscape or a cute puppy instead of that default Google logo and a boring white background.

But if you're having trouble picking a theme from the sea of choices Chrome Web Store has to offer, we can help narrow your options down a bit. Below, you'll find our picks for the best Google Chrome themes. On our list, you'll find great options for minimalist themes, dark themes, colorful themes, landscape themes, cityscape themes, and even cute animal themes. With our list, you're sure to find the theme that's right for you.
Best minimalist themes
Chrome looks decent on its own. It's simple, straightforward, and easy on the eyes. If you like that style and you're looking for a theme that's along those lines, these minimalist themes are for you. They take that classic Chrome aesthetic and make some subtle changes.

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