Choosing the right desktop computer is crucial for various needs, from work to gaming. Our guide, “10 Best Desktop Computers of 2024,” presents the top picks tested and reviewed by experts to help you make an informed choice. We evaluated performance, design, and value to highlight the best options available. Whether you need a powerful gaming rig or an efficient office machine, this list covers you. Explore the top models to find the perfect desktop computer for your requirements.
Best Desktop Computers: 10 Expertly Reviewed Models!
Dell XPS 8960
The Dell XPS 8960 is the best desktop computer, thanks to its flagship performance and elegant, understated design. This desktop offers a powerful combination of an Intel Core i7-13700K CPU, Nvidia RTX 4080 GPU, a 1TB NVMe SSD, and a32GB of DDR5 RAM, making it suitable for both work and gaming. Its solid port selection, including multiple USB and SD card reader options, adds to its versatility, while its quiet operation enhances user experience. However, depending on the configuration, it is relatively expensive and has limited upgrade potential, ranging from $750 to over $3,000.
One of the key advantages of the Dell XPS 8960 is its customizability, allowing buyers to choose from various components to fit their specific needs. Whether opting for a basic setup or a high-end configuration with up to an RTX 4090 graphics card, Dell’s customization options cater to a wide range of requirements. Despite its powerful hardware, the desktop manages heat effectively with optional liquid cooling and ample airflow. While some versions lack a discrete graphics card and are better suited for work, more advanced models cater to gaming enthusiasts, making the Dell XPS 8960 a versatile choice for diverse applications.
Starforge Systems Navigator
The Starforge Systems Navigator is premier for gaming enthusiasts, offering excellent build quality and solid performance. Priced at $1,800, this prebuilt gaming PC features an AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU, 32GB of DDR5-6000 RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD. While it may be slightly expensive, and the extra fans can introduce some noise, the Navigator delivers powerful gaming performance without the bloatware standard in many systems. Including a two-year warranty adds additional value and peace of mind for buyers.
The Navigator’s combination of high-quality components and thoughtful design sets it apart. Starforge Systems opts for a streamlined approach with preconfigured builds that mimic the performance and aesthetics of a custom PC. The Navigator’s impressive performance, showcased during testing, rivals that of custom setups with similar GPUs, and its clean interior, enhanced by cable combs, reflects its superior construction. The stylish XPG case and flashy liquid cooler further elevate its appeal, making the Navigator an attractive option for gamers looking for both form and function.
Apple iMac
The Apple iMac 24-inch with the M3 chip emerges as the top choice for photo editing in 2024, thanks to its impressive performance and sleek design. Introducing the M3 chip significantly enhances the iMac’s capabilities, delivering at least 20% more speed than its M1 predecessor and even outperforming some of Apple’s older Pro series chips. This GPU performance boost makes the iMac ideal for photo editing and capable of handling tasks like gaming with playable results in titles such as Lies of P.
While the iMac retains its beloved design, including the vibrant 4.5K Retina display and superior speakers, it benefits from the new M3 chip’s advancements. The 1080p webcam offers exceptional clarity for video calls, enhancing its appeal as a comprehensive all-in-one desktop. Despite limitations like fewer ports and optional Touch ID, the iMac M3 remains a powerful and attractive option for those seeking a high-performance desktop that excels in design and functionality. It is available for $1,224 on Amazon and Walmart.
Apple Mac mini M2
The Apple Mac mini M2 is the best desktop computer for home use, offering a remarkable blend of compact design and powerful performance. This updated version maintains the beloved small footprint of previous models while integrating the impressive M2 Pro chip, significantly enhancing graphics capabilities and overall processing power. With options for substantial storage and a diverse array of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and USB-A, the Mac mini M2 caters to a wide range of needs. It remains quiet and calm during operation, making it an excellent choice for everyday tasks and more intensive creative work.
Despite its strengths, the Mac mini M2’s base configuration features a slower SSD, which might impact performance for some users. Additionally, the system is not user-upgradable, so choosing the correct configuration is crucial. Priced at $1,199 on Amazon and $1,234 at Walmart, the Mac mini M2 offers exceptional value for those seeking a versatile and efficient home desktop. For those interested in this model, consulting a detailed buying guide can help you select the optimal configuration for your needs.
Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i
The Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i is the best desktop computer for work, offering impressive performance and unique features. Its stunning 32-inch 4K display delivers exceptional color accuracy and a sleek, glossy finish, making it a strong contender in the all-in-one market. Powered by the Intel Core i9-13900H, one of the most robust mobile CPUs, the Yoga AIO 9i can handle demanding work applications and even some light photo or video editing. Configuring the desktop with a mobile RTX 4050 graphics card provides added versatility for occasional gaming or graphic-intensive tasks.
Despite its strengths, the Yoga AIO 9i has a few drawbacks, such as the lack of front-facing ports and a mediocre webcam. Priced at $1,600, it does not include a discrete GPU in its base configuration, which might limit its appeal for users requiring higher-end graphics performance. However, the desktop’s standout features, including a wireless charging pad integrated into its elegant stand, make it a compelling choice for professionals looking for a stylish, functional, all-in-one solution.
Corsair One i500
The Corsair One i500 is the best mini gaming PC, delivering exceptional performance in a remarkably compact and stylish case. Featuring high-end components like the Nvidia RTX 4090 and Intel Core i9-14900K, this mini PC provides top-tier gaming power and computing capability. Despite its tiny footprint, the One i500 houses these powerful parts thanks to its advanced liquid cooling system, which keeps the CPU and GPU temperatures in check while maintaining a quiet operation. The case design is visually appealing and functional, featuring a back I/O light and minimal bloatware for a streamlined experience.
However, the Corsair One i500 has a hefty price tag of $3,600, making it a significant investment for gaming enthusiasts. While the cost is steep, it remains competitive compared to building a similar high-performance PC, especially considering the compact form factor and premium build quality. The Corsair One i500 delivers impressive performance without compromising aesthetics, making it a top choice for those seeking a robust yet stylish mini-gaming PC.
Apple Mac Studio
The Apple Mac Studio has found its niche as the best desktop for video editing, bridging the gap between the Mac Pro and Mac Mini with remarkable finesse. Equipped with the M2 Max or M2 Ultra, it delivers outstanding performance that rivals and sometimes surpasses top PC components like the Core i9-13900K and RTX 4090. Despite its compact size, which takes up minimal desk space, the Mac Studio excels in handling demanding creative tasks, making it a powerful choice for professionals. At the same time, its connectivity options and support for extensive storage make it a versatile tool for video editing and other high-performance needs.
Though the Mac Studio comes with a premium price tag of $3,999, its performance and compact form factor make it a valuable investment for those who require professional-grade power. While the Mac mini might be a better option for most users, the Mac Studio’s advanced capabilities and elegant design justify the higher cost for those who need top-tier performance and cutting-edge technology.
Falcon Northwest Talon
The Falcon Northwest Talon is the best desktop for visual effects, thanks to its impeccable build quality and stunning attention to detail. As one of the few boutique PC builders that go above and beyond, Falcon Northwest offers a customizable Talon mid tower that exemplifies superior craftsmanship. This system boasts the latest and most significant components, including an Intel Core i9-14900KS and an Nvidia RTX 4090, ensuring top-tier performance for demanding visual effects tasks. The Talon’s great thermals and god-tier warranty and support further enhance its appeal, providing users with reliability and peace of mind.
Although the Falcon Northwest Talon costs $3,648, the investment is justified by its unparalleled quality and customization options. While you could assemble a similar setup for less elsewhere, the attention to detail and comprehensive testing reports that Falcon Northwest provides set the Talon apart. The Talon is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end, future-proof machine that delivers exceptional performance and longevity.
HP Envy Move
The HP Envy Move stands out as a highly innovative choice for a home office setup, blending a desktop’s functionality with portability’s convenience. This all-in-one desktop features a unique design where the legs automatically fold in, allowing you to easily carry it with the built-in handle. Including a battery makes it possible to use the Envy Move anywhere, and there’s even a sleeve to store the keyboard and trackpad when you’re on the go. This versatile design is particularly well-suited for hybrid work environments, where flexibility and mobility are essential.
Despite its advanced features, the HP Envy Move is surprisingly affordable, starting at just $750. It runs on an Intel Core i5-1355U processor with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, providing adequate performance for everyday tasks. However, while the design is impressive, the performance and display quality could be better, and the keyboard may need to be more comfortable during extended use. Overall, the Envy Move offers a compelling blend of portability and functionality at a reasonable price, making it an excellent option for those needing a flexible home office solution.
Lenovo ThinkStation P620
The Lenovo ThinkStation P620 is a powerhouse designed to meet the demands of the most intensive professional tasks. Engineered for engineering, data science, and video editing, this workstation excels with its AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 3995WX processor, offering unparalleled performance with 64 cores and 128 threads. Coupled with up to 128GB of octa-channel DDR4 ECC RAM and an Nvidia Quadro RTX 8000 GPU, the P620 delivers exceptional processing power and graphics capabilities. Its tool-free design and upgradeable components ensure that users can easily customize and expand their workstations as needed.
Although the ThinkStation P620 is a top choice for those needing cutting-edge performance, it comes with a significant price tag, starting at $3,139 and potentially reaching upwards of $40,000 for fully equipped configurations. The workstation is built for professionals who require maximum efficiency and power, featuring 10Gb Ethernet for rapid data transfer and extensive storage options with up to 24TB capacity. Despite its high cost, the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 stands out for its remarkable performance and flexibility, making it an ideal solution for high-demand computing environments.
Conclusion:
In 2024, the Dell XPS 8960 will excel with its high performance and sleek design, which is ideal for work and gaming. The Starforge Systems Navigator and Apple iMac 24-inch stand out for gaming and photo editing, respectively, with impressive hardware and display quality. The Apple Mac mini M2 and Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i offer compact power and versatile functionality for home use. The Corsair One i500 and Lenovo ThinkStation P620 provide top-tier performance and features for gaming and professional tasks.
