Desktop PCs Are All About the Power Why on Earth would you want to buy a desktop PC or Mac in 2017? Simply put, there are computing needs that mobile devices like laptops and tablets can't fulfill as well as the stalwart desktop. Here's what to consider when deciding on your next desktop PC. Desktop-class CPUs and graphics processors are simply more powerful than their mobile counterparts for the same money. They give you the power to finish whatever task you're working on in less time. Desktop components are less expensive in general, so instead of buying a $500 laptop with a competent Intel Core m3 processor, you can buy a $500 desktop with a powerful Intel Core i5 desktop CPU in it. You can get desktops with screens that are already built in, or they can be connected externally to a monitor. In either case, you're almost guaranteed to have a bigger display than even the largest desktop-replacement laptop, which tops out at about 18 inches in size. Another plus is that expandable desktops can accommodate multiple graphics cards to support more than two simultaneous displays. For some sensitive situations, buying a desktop gives you physical control of the computer and its use. Limiting access to desktop PCs lets you control who sees confidential business data, and the combination of a desktop PC and a large screen means that parents can monitor what their children are doing online via a quick glance across the room. Which OS? Windows? Mac? Other? You probably already know the answer to this question, but here's a quick rundown of your choices: Windows 10 is the latest iteration of Microsoft's operating system. Desktops that use it and previous versions of the OS are what most people typically use, so you'll be assured of the best compatibility and widest selection of third-party software. This also applies to browser plug-ins, since some only work with Windows. The current version of Apple's operating system is macOS High Sierra. It's an excellent choice if you're already in an Apple-centric household, since it interfaces seamlessly with devices like iPads and iPhones, and with all your iTunes purchases and subscriptions. Although it's much less prevalent than Windows or macOS, Google also has its own PC operating system, called Chrome OS. Many apps designed for Windows and macOS also have Chrome OS versions now, including the popular Microsoft Office suite. And earlier this year, many Chrome OS-powered PCs gained the ability to run any Android-based app available for download from the Google Play store, which means the OS can now run millions of smartphone apps. Unfortunately, while chromebooks are easy to come by, desktops running Chrome OS are few and far between. They're mostly limited to tiny, inexpensive PCs with small amounts of memory and storage. While it has its fans, Linux is more of a do-it-yourself operating system, where you'll have to rely on your own faculties for installation, sourcing programs, and support. Chrome OS, macOS, and Windows are certainly easier choices if you simply want to buy a desktop and use it right away. How Much Desktop Do You Need? If all you need to do is surf the Internet, write Word documents, or make simple spreadsheets, then an entry-level desktop is the way to go. You will have to make some compromises in terms of graphics, power, RAM, and storage compared with higher-end systems, but then again, you won't be paying as much, as entry-level PCs typically cost less than $600. You'll find a wide selection of Intel and AMD processors in this category, from the budget AMD Athlon X4 and Sempron, as well as Intel Celeron up to the slightly more expensive (and much more powerful) Intel Core i3 and i5 processors. You should look for a minimum of 4GB of RAM, while 2GB is acceptable for sub-$300 machines. Only 16GB of eMMC flash storage is found on the least expensive desktop, but 64GB of flash storage or a 1TB hard drive is a better option for most users. Midrange desktops will stay functional longer, thanks to more CPU power and speed, memory for multitasking, storage, or a larger built-in screen. You will have to make some sacrifices, but even demanding users will be able to find a midrange system that will last them at least five or six years. Look for a capable AMD Ryzen 5 processor, or an Intel Core i5 CPU in this category, along with 8GB to 16GB of memory, and a 1TB hard drive or 256GB solid-state-drive (SSD) storage. High-end desktops offer top-of-the-line components, like the latest CPUs that will give you all the power you need for multimedia projects, loads of storage (a 512GB SSD or 1TB hard drive, but typically 2TB or more), 3D graphics capability for gaming, or a combination of all three. These high-performance machines typically start at $1,500, and can go up to $5,000 and beyond for workstations or gaming rigs with customized paint jobs and multiple GPUs. While sticking to one of the three price ranges, we recommend that you buy just a little more than you need for the tasks you do now if you can. That way, you future-proof your purchase and won't have to shop for a replacement for a while. See How We Test Desktops What Do You Need to Do? General-purpose desktops, which are the kind you typically see in retail stores, are well suited to general office tasks, surfing the Internet, video conferencing, and the like. They're designed to be jacks-of-all-trades: good at most tasks, but rarely great at specialized functions like multimedia creation or gaming. Performance PCs, which include multimedia machines and workstations, will give you more power for complex creative or math and scientific projects. Faster processors with four, six, or even 18 cores make quick work of your tasks. More memory (8GB to 32GB) is installed, so you can keep larger images on screen while editing a video, rendering a 3D model, or processing a humongous spreadsheet full of numbers you have to graph. You'll also find extra storage in the form of large hard drives and SSDs that will let you hold a multitude of work documents and program library files. Workstations are specialized machines made to do the heavy lifting of high-end media creation, scientific calculations, and strenuous work tasks that have razor-thin deadlines. You'll find multicore Intel Xeon processors and ISV-certified graphics solutions from AMD and Nvidia in this category. Business PCs are typically utilitarian in appearance, but offer work-friendly features like easy serviceability and upgradability, extra security in the form of biometric sensors and Trusted Platform Module (TPM), software/hardware certification programs like Intel vPro, and software support. Some come with on-site tech support. Gaming PCs have even faster versions of the multicore processors found in the performance PCs. Plus, they have specialized 3D graphics cards, so you can smoothly view and interact with the virtual worlds that the game developers create. Flashy design elements like automotive paint, multiple graphics cards viewable through Plexiglas (or sometimes real glass) case doors, and elaborate liquid cooling setups are available, for a price. Upgradability is almost (but not quite) a must-have. The most expensive gaming systems can cost upward of $10,000, but are capable of giving you a better-than-real-life experience with multiple 1080p HD, 4K, or 5K displays, or when using a VR headset like the Oculus Rift or the HTC Vive. Size Does Matter Desktops are no longer the uniform metal boxes they used to be. Even the tiniest PCs have enough built-in components to rival high-performance PCs of the past. Choosing one these days is a matter of space constraints, and purpose. If you live or work in truly cramped quarters, then an ultra-small-form-factor (USFF) or small-form-factor (SFF) desktop is what you need. USFF (or mini) PCs take up the least amount of room, but don't have much expandability, if any at all. Even so, they contain a processor, memory, storage, and ports to hook up displays, keyboards, and mice. They are usually the most economical to buy and run, since they use power-saving components and processors. The total volume of one of these systems is rarely larger than that of a small jewelry box. Lately, we've seen PCs that are the size of USB flash drives, like the Intel Compute Stick. These have the benefit of disappearing behind an HDMI-equipped monitor or HDTV. You may be limited to one or two configurations and will have to give up expandability and I/O port selection, but stick PCs and similarly sized mini desktops are the most flexible way to play Internet streaming media and access cloud computing in your living room or conference room. SFF desktops have more internal space, allowing you to attach additional hard drives and possibly even a gaming-grade graphics card. You'll also find more powerful CPUs here, with their more strenuous cooling requirements. Traditional tower desktops, including mini, midsize, and full-size towers, have the most internal space, so you can install multiple hard drives, more RAM, or multiple graphics cards, depending on your needs. They are the most flexible, but also the bulkiest. An all-in-one (AIO) desktop will save you some space, since the display is built in. Some even come with battery power for added portability (although we would not recommend you haul one with you on your daily commute). But in most cases you will give up expandability, compared with the traditional desktop. Screens come in sizes from 18 to 34 inches, and support up to 5K (5,120-by-2,880) resolution. Which Desktop Is Best for You? At PCMag.com, we review hundreds of PCs every year, evaluating their features and testing their performance against peers in their respective categories. That way you'll know which is best for gaming, which is our favorite general-purpose all-in-one, and which is the best if all you need is a small, powerful system you can get up and running quickly. We pull from our full range of desktops reviews for the list below, and include top-rated models from as many categories as possible. We also update the list monthly so it changes quite frequently. For the very latest reviews, check out our Desktops product guide. Corsair One Pro Review MSRP: $1799.99 at Bottom Line: Corsair's first PC, the One Pro, is the new benchmark for small-form-factor gaming systems. It delivers high-end gaming performance of desktops twice its size, with a sleek look and a sensib... Read Review Dell Precision 5720 All-in-One Review MSRP: $1699.00 at Bottom Line: An exceptional performer that's equally at home powering VR gaming and serving as a multimedia editing platform, the Dell Precision 5720 desktop PC is our top pick for business all-in-ones.  Read Review Origin Neuron Review MSRP: $964.00 at Bottom Line: The Origin Neuron is a stellar gaming machine with practically unrivaled gaming power housed in an elegant design. It's our top pick for high-end gaming desktops. Read Review HP Z2 Mini G3 Review MSRP: $699.00 at Bottom Line: The HP Z2 Mini G3 is an ISV-certified workstation in a package that's smaller than a shoe box. It's an ideal choice for professionals who need plenty of power, but don't have much desk space... Read Review Microsoft Surface Studio Review MSRP: $2999.00 at Bottom Line: The Microsoft Surface Studio is a gorgeous desktop PC and a capable digital creation tool in a single package. It brings innovation to a relatively stagnant space and provides an elegant sol... Read Review Polywell B250G-i7 Review MSRP: $600.00 at Bottom Line: The Polywell B250G-i7 is one of the most affordable Intel Core i7-powered systems we've tested, and it manages to pack lots of connectivity options into its small form factor, too.  Read Review

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