Desktop PCs: Buying Advice, Tips, and News
Prefer power over portability? Every desktop system that passes through PC Labs undergoes rigorous, hands-on testing tailored to its strengths and intended use. That means our recommendations aren’t based on specs alone—they’re grounded in real-world performance, deep expertise, and trusted, independent evaluation.
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Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know to Find the Right Desktop PCClassic towers, sleek all-in-ones, space-saving mini PCs: Today's desktops pack neater designs and more value than ever. See our recent favorites based on our deep-dive reviews, plus all the shopping advice you need.
By Tom Brant
Our Current Top Tested Picks
Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Acer's Aspire TC-1775-UR11 is a solid-value budget desktop packing a 14th Gen Core i7 processor, Wi-Fi 6E, USB-C, and a compact design that tucks under your desk.
Full Acer Aspire TC-1775-UR11 ReviewPros
- Dual HDMI supports two monitors
- Antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E
- Front-panel card reader
- Good value
Cons
- Intrusive fan noise under heavy loads
- 512GB SSD fills up fast
- Boot POST takes longer than expected
Pros
- Dual HDMI supports two monitors
- Antenna-free Wi-Fi 6E
- Front-panel card reader
- Good value
Cons
- Intrusive fan noise under heavy loads
- 512GB SSD fills up fast
- Boot POST takes longer than expected
Apple Mac mini (2024, M4 Pro)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Apple has outdone itself with its 2024 Mac mini, crafting a smartly redesigned micro-desktop that leads budget PCs on value in its lesser configurations, but can square up with the best at the high end.
Full Apple Mac mini (2024, M4 Pro) ReviewPros
- Excellent high-end performance for work and play in a small chassis
- More memory in base model for the same low price
- New space-saving design
Cons
- Storage capacity in base model is still scanty
- Fans can be noisy under load
- Internal memory and storage are not upgradable post-purchase
Pros
- Excellent high-end performance for work and play in a small chassis
- More memory in base model for the same low price
- New space-saving design
Cons
- Storage capacity in base model is still scanty
- Fans can be noisy under load
- Internal memory and storage are not upgradable post-purchase
Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 delivers solid midrange performance, with speedy graphics, high configurability, and room to grow. It’s a versatile PC that handles productivity, content creation, and mainstream gaming with ease.
Full Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) ReviewPros
- Highly customizable
- Potent review configuration
- Broad port selection
- Solidly built and reasonably sized
- Easy access to components
Cons
- Lowest- and highest-end configurations aren't the best values
- Some quirky component combinations in Dell's prebuilt configs
- Proprietary motherboard and power supply design
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Potent review configuration
- Broad port selection
- Solidly built and reasonably sized
- Easy access to components
Cons
- Lowest- and highest-end configurations aren't the best values
- Some quirky component combinations in Dell's prebuilt configs
- Proprietary motherboard and power supply design
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme pairs a sharp-looking chassis with strong budget-tier performance and generous RAM and storage. Our test configuration is a standout desktop for first-time PC gamers and value seekers.
Full CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme ReviewPros
- Impressive price-to-performance ratio
- Solid value for the component mix
- Sleek glass design
Cons
- Fans can get loud
- Power supply wattage may limit future upgrades
- Side glass panel is tricky to seat
Pros
- Impressive price-to-performance ratio
- Solid value for the component mix
- Sleek glass design
Cons
- Fans can get loud
- Power supply wattage may limit future upgrades
- Side glass panel is tricky to seat
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme MA-01
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
A head-turning wraparound-glass case, easy parts upgrades, and tactile RGB knobs distinguish CyberPowerPC's Gamer Xtreme MA-01 gaming desktop. Plus, it serves up dominant CPU productivity numbers and solid 1440p gaming frame rates.
Full CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme MA-01 ReviewPros
- Attractive, fun case design
- Fast 1080p and 1440p gaming
- Speedy overall performance
- Highly configurable
Cons
- Even more potent GeForce RTX 5070 Ti systems aren't much pricier
Pros
- Attractive, fun case design
- Fast 1080p and 1440p gaming
- Speedy overall performance
- Highly configurable
Cons
- Even more potent GeForce RTX 5070 Ti systems aren't much pricier
Velocity Micro Raptor Z55i (2026)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Don’t let Velocity Micro's sensible, workstation-style chassis fool you—the Raptor Z55i delivers raw muscle for serious gamers in understated style, and at a surprisingly aggressive price for the parts. It shines brightest when everything is pushed to the max.
Full Velocity Micro Raptor Z55i (2026) ReviewPros
- Blistering performance
- Surprising value for a top-tier gaming rig
- Ample airflow
- Highly customizable
- No bloatware
Cons
- No options for a PCI Express 5.0 SSD
- Limited USB-C ports
Pros
- Blistering performance
- Surprising value for a top-tier gaming rig
- Ample airflow
- Highly customizable
- No bloatware
Cons
- No options for a PCI Express 5.0 SSD
- Limited USB-C ports
Dell 24 All-in-One (2026)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The 2026 Dell 24 All-in-One delivers the right mix of performance, features, and value to make it the everyday all-in-one desktop most families should consider first for their next PC.
Full Dell 24 All-in-One (2026) ReviewPros
- Compelling value
- Capable everyday performance
- Colorful touch screen
- Wi-Fi 7/Bluetooth 6
- VESA-compatible stand
- Impactful speakers and webcam
- Bundled wireless peripherals
Cons
- No swivel or height adjustment
- Sharper screen is tied to Dell's 27-inch model
- Most ports are positioned behind the screen
Pros
- Compelling value
- Capable everyday performance
- Colorful touch screen
- Wi-Fi 7/Bluetooth 6
- VESA-compatible stand
- Impactful speakers and webcam
- Bundled wireless peripherals
Cons
- No swivel or height adjustment
- Sharper screen is tied to Dell's 27-inch model
- Most ports are positioned behind the screen
Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 (27-Inch)
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
The ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 builds on Lenovo's previous-generation AIO for offices, offering faster performance, broad configuration options, an excellent screen, and above-average options for storage expansion.
Full Lenovo ThinkCentre M90a Pro Gen 6 (27-Inch) ReviewPros
- Excellent productivity performance
- Sharp, bright, and flexible IPS display
- Three M.2 SSD slots for storage expansion
- Premium build, with lots of ports
- Extensive configuration options
Cons
- Review configuration is light on storage
- No option for a touch screen
- Some ports are inconveniently placed
- Audio is just OK
Pros
- Excellent productivity performance
- Sharp, bright, and flexible IPS display
- Three M.2 SSD slots for storage expansion
- Premium build, with lots of ports
- Extensive configuration options
Cons
- Review configuration is light on storage
- No option for a touch screen
- Some ports are inconveniently placed
- Audio is just OK
Dell Pro Max Tower T2
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Dell’s worthy mainstay desktop workstation starts modestly but has elite upgrade headroom—capable of transforming into a full-blown pro powerhouse with an Intel Core Ultra K-series CPU and Nvidia RTX Pro 6000 graphics.
Full Dell Pro Max Tower T2 ReviewPros
- Reasonable starting price for a premium desktop workstation
- Highly scalable performance
- Generous connectivity mix
- Quiet cooling system
- Easy serviceability
Cons
- No CPU liquid cooling or options for AMD CPUs
- Proprietary mainboard design
Pros
- Reasonable starting price for a premium desktop workstation
- Highly scalable performance
- Generous connectivity mix
- Quiet cooling system
- Easy serviceability
Cons
- No CPU liquid cooling or options for AMD CPUs
- Proprietary mainboard design
HP Z2 Mini G1a
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
HP’s Z2 Mini G1a compact desktop is a tiny powerhouse, packing a serious wallop for workstation tasks and AI dev work with AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ processor and 128GB of unified memory.
Full HP Z2 Mini G1a ReviewPros
- Powerful Ryzen AI Max+ processor
- Enough memory for local-model AI development
- Compact and mountable
- Plentiful connectivity for its size
Cons
- Fans can get loud under load
- Memory, while generously apportioned, is not upgradable
Pros
- Powerful Ryzen AI Max+ processor
- Enough memory for local-model AI development
- Compact and mountable
- Plentiful connectivity for its size
Cons
- Fans can get loud under load
- Memory, while generously apportioned, is not upgradable
Geekom A9 Max
- 5.0 - Exemplary: Near perfection, ground-breaking
- 4.5 - Outstanding: Best in class, acts as a benchmark for measuring competitors
- 4.0 - Excellent: A performance, feature, or value leader in its class, with few shortfalls
- 3.5 - Good: Does what the product should do, and does so better than many competitors
- 3.0 - Average: Does what the product should do, and sits in the middle of the pack
- 2.5 - Fair: We have some reservations, buy with caution
- 2.0 - Subpar: We do not recommend, buy with extreme caution
- 1.5 - Poor: Do not buy this product
- 1.0 - Dismal: Don't even think about buying this product
Read Our Editorial Mission Statement and Testing Methodologies.
Geekom's A9 Max combines elite mini PC performance, a refined design, and robust connectivity in a compact, Mac mini-size Windows machine. It isn’t cheap or silent, but few desktops this compact are as fast or as capable.
Full Geekom A9 Max ReviewPros
- Attractive and well-built
- Small, unobtrusive chassis design
- Solid productivity performance from Ryzen AI chip
- Generous connectivity options, including four front USB ports and dual Ethernet
- Upgradable memory and storage
Cons
- Cooling fan can get noisy under load
- Single available config is a bit expensive, if you don't need all the ports and CPU power
Pros
- Attractive and well-built
- Small, unobtrusive chassis design
- Solid productivity performance from Ryzen AI chip
- Generous connectivity options, including four front USB ports and dual Ethernet
- Upgradable memory and storage
Cons
- Cooling fan can get noisy under load
- Single available config is a bit expensive, if you don't need all the ports and CPU power
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