The best desktop computers include options from Dell, HP, Apple, and more, and you can pick one up regardless of your budget.
The best desktop computer you can buy is the Dell XPS 8950. While building your own desktop PC will always get you the best performance per dollar, the XPS 8950 is the best prebuilt PC you can buy, whether that’s for a family room at home or a student dorm room. You can spec it up with a powerful Intel Core processor, but Dell also offers an affordable base model. Dell isn’t the only desktop brand, though, and there are several other great options. We’ve included picks below for heavier tasks like gaming or video editing. We’ve also included some mini PC and all-in-one options, which are ideal for those with limited space. If you want to save some money, you can also take a look at some of the best desktop deals we’ve found for you today. Why you should buy this: The XPS 8950 is a highly-customizable desktop PC with some impressive performance potential. Who it’s for: Families, students, budget-conscious buyers. What we thought of the Dell XPS 8950: The best overall desktop PC is the one that will work for the most people, and that’s the Dell XPS 8950. 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. 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 8950. 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 Alder Lake and DDR5 RAM for those who are in search of the best gaming PC. You can add in up to an RTX 3090 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. Even better, Dell frequently marks down the XPS 8950, so you might be able to score it on sale if you pay attention to the deals page. Why you should buy this: The Omen 45L is easier to upgrade than most DIY PCs, and it comes with flagship hardware. Who it’s for: PC gamers who don’t want to build their own system. What we thought of the HP Omen 45L: The HP Omen 45L takes what made the Omen 30L so special and expands on it. Just like its smaller sibling, the Omen 45L comes with a tool-less case design that allows you to upgrade any of the components inside. HP likes this design so much, in fact, that it now sells the Omen 45L case on its own. Part of the reason why is the innovative Cryo Chamber design. The all-in-one liquid cooler is separated from the main chamber, allowing it clear access to air on both sides. This leads to much lower temperatures in the Omen 45L, as well as less fan noise. Prices start at $1,800 for an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X and Nvidia RTX 3060, but you can scale much higher. At the top end, you can spend as much as $4,000 or more with an Intel Core i9-12900K and Nvidia RTX 3090. The great thing is that HP offers the Omen 45L with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card, as well as an AMD or Intel processor. For the latest Intel chips, the Omen 45L doesn’t support next-gen DDR5 memory, but it doesn’t make a big difference. If you want the best gaming desktop without the fuss, the HP Omen 45L can deliver. Why you should buy this: Apple’s 24-inch iMac is a powerful all-in-one desktop computer that makes for a stunning and compact addition to any office.
