Desktop PC Reviews

- Desktop PC Reviews

When you buy a desktop computer, you're making a statement. You're telling the world (or, at least, the part of the world that sees your desk) that you have serious computing to get done, serious screen real estate to occupy, and serious space to take up. It's a bold move in an increasingly mobile age and it begs a host of very specific questions before you put your money where your desk space used to be. We want to make sure you're not getting a power-sucking vampire machine or one so loud its fan speed goes to 11 while also ensuring the computer you're thinking about meets your needs. Whether you're looking for a behemoth gaming machine or an attractive all-in-one, we'll run the tests and parse the jargon so you know what you're getting and whether or not you should be getting it.

Head over to our selection of best desktop computers for more some of our favorites.

Hide

Type

Operating System

Form Factor

Manufacturers

HP Pavilion Slimline s5160f Review
HP Pavilion Slimline s5160f Review
  • Small and very quiet; includes…
  • TV tuner
  • Video card can't handle intense…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 0
HP Pavilion Elite m9600t Review
HP Pavilion Elite m9600t Review
  • Core i7 CPU; Blu-ray disc player; 6GB…
  • Ugly; slow gaming performance; memory…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 0
MSI Wind Top AE1900 Review
MSI Wind Top AE1900 Review
  • Inexpensive; energy efficient; no…
  • Monitor stand glitch; low screen…
Our Score: 3.5
User Score: 0
Asus Eee Top ET1602 Review
Asus Eee Top ET1602 Review
  • Inexpensive; compact size; integrated…
  • No DVD drive; terrible speakers
Our Score: 4
User Score: 4
Alienware Area-51 X58 Review
Alienware Area-51 X58 Review
  • Unstoppable
  • no compromises computing power;…
  • Price rivals a used car; pumps out…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 0
HP Firebird 802 Review
HP Firebird 802 Review
  • Attractive and compact case; ultra…
  • Very little expandability; slightly…
Our Score: 4.5
User Score: 5
Dell XPS 625 Review
Dell XPS 625 Review
  • Respectable performance; sleek shell…
  • Few perks; optional upgrades can…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 0
HP TouchSmart IQ506 Review
HP TouchSmart IQ506 Review
  • Cool touch interface; lots of…
  • Slow for general computing; Blu-ray…
Our Score: 3.5
User Score: 0
Gateway FX6800-01e Review
Gateway FX6800-01e Review
  • Outstanding gaming and desktop…
  • Cheap accessories; preloaded…
Our Score: 3.5
User Score: 3.5
AVA Direct Gaming PC Workstation Review
AVA Direct Gaming PC Workstation Review
  • Awesome gaming performance; superb…
  • Amateurish packaging and…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 0
Maingear Dash Review
Maingear Dash Review
  • Very quiet
  • small and light; decent gaming…
  • Needs better setup guide; upgrade…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 0
Gateway FX540XT Review
Gateway FX540XT Review
  • Great gaming performance; overclocked…
  • Fans are too loud; overclocked CPU…
Our Score: 3
User Score: 0
HP Pavilion Elite m9200t Review
HP Pavilion Elite m9200t Review
  • Very quiet; lots of configuration…
  • Bloatware and toolbars; internal…
Our Score: 3.5
User Score: 1
Uberclok Reactor Review
Uberclok Reactor Review
  • Highly overclocked; stable and quiet;…
  • Chassis is a bit generic as a…
Our Score: 4.5
User Score: 5
Gateway FX7020 Review
Gateway FX7020 Review
  • Quiet; solid performance for the…
  • Not as flashy as other gaming…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 4.5
HP Blackbird 002 Review
HP Blackbird 002 Review
  • Incredible design inside and out;…
  • Price tag matches performance;…
Our Score: 4.5
User Score: 0
Gateway One Review
Gateway One Review
  • Innovative and attractive design;…
  • Fans can be noisy; only one…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 2.5
Systemax Venture VX2 Review
Systemax Venture VX2 Review
  • Very powerful; surprisingly quiet;…
  • Multiple cooling issues; no backup…
Our Score: 3.5
User Score: 0
HP Pavilion a6130n Review
HP Pavilion a6130n Review
  • Strong processor
  • attractive styling; 3GB of RAM…
  • Ultra cheap PS/2 ball mouse; no DVI…
Our Score: 3.5
User Score: 3.5
HP Pavilion s3020n Slimline Review
HP Pavilion s3020n Slimline Review
  • Strong AMD processor; 2000MHz system…
  • No DVI output; cheap PS/2 ball mouse;…
Our Score: 4
User Score: 2.5

How we test desktops

How we test desktop computers

Desktops have certainly been around the block, but that hasn’t made them easier to understand for the average consumer. Here at Digital Trends we write reviews that de-mystify the PC and enlighten anyone who cares to read them. This requires subjective impressions and objective testing. Read More

Latest Computing News

Does the Xbox One’s Windows kernel mean it will run Windows 8 apps?

Does the Xbox One’s Windows kernel mean it will run…

The next-gen Xbox One may have all the hallmarks of a Window 8 PC – x86 processor, 8GB RAM, and 500 GB of internal storage – but Windows 8 apps won't just…

Intel’s Haswell chip will increase laptop battery life by 50 percent

Intel’s Haswell chip will increase laptop battery life…

With the Inel's 4th-gen Core processor due to launch in just over a week, we’re starting to hear a few more specifics about what Haswell can really do. Today…

Microsoft uses Vine video to hint at WebGL support coming to Internet Explorer 11

Microsoft uses Vine video to hint at WebGL support coming to…

What's this? According to a new video posted on Vine, it looks like Microsoft might finally be getting on the WebGL bandwagon with the release of Internet…

Related Videos

Vizio-Computer-Family

Vizio introduces laptops, ultrabooks, and desktops

Electronics manufacturer is entering the PC game with a series of new laptops, desktops, and ultrabooks called Thin + Lights.

ThinkCentre

Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z hands-on video review

Have a look at this supplemental video to our Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z review.

HP

HP TouchSmart 610 hands-on video review

Take a look at this hands-on supplemental video for our HP TouchSmart 610 Review.

Buying Guides & Resources

best-desktops

Best Desktop Computers

We list the best desktop computers based on Digital Trends editors' scores and rankings.