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Desktop Reviews

Updated: Mar 18, 2024 17:44
Brand
alaScore
#1
alaScore 100

Synology Diskstation Ds224+

The DiskStation DS224+ is here, and while it doesn't change too much to its predecessor, it still...

4 expert reviews

#2
alaScore 99

Corsair Vengeance i7500 Series

Corsair’s Vengeance i7500 is exceptionally fast and looks right out of the aftermarket. There’s...

2 expert reviews

#3
alaScore 99

Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023)

Despite its small size, this is an excellent desktop computer for power users.

18 expert reviews

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#4
alaScore 98

Dell Precision 7865 Tower

The Precision 7875 workstation from Dell combines AMD's biggest CPU to date with two of the most...

2 expert reviews

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#5
alaScore 98

FlexiSpot C7 Ergonomic Office Chair

I've said it time and time again, if you are sitting at your computer for hours at a time you...

3 expert reviews

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#6
alaScore 98

Apple Mac Mini M2 (2023)

“The M2 Pro helps the Mac mini redefine compact computers.”

29 expert reviews | 2 user reviews

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#7
alaScore 98

Apple iMac 24-inch 4.5K M3 (2023)

The iMac M3 has lots of power and that 24-inch 4.5K screen is to die for, but the base models do...

8 expert reviews

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#8
alaScore 97

Apple Mac Studio M1 (2022)

Apple sent along two Mac Studio models for testing: one with an M1 Max chip and 64GB of RAM, and...

33 expert reviews | 1 user reviews

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#9
alaScore 97

Noblechairs Legend

Pricey gaming chairs might not rank highly on a PC owner's list of priorities, but if you want to...

3 expert reviews

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#10
alaScore 97

Acer Predator Orion 7000 Series

“The Acer Predator Orion 7000 would be among the better gaming desktops, if only it were a bit...

10 expert reviews

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#11
alaScore 97

Trend Micro Maximum Security

Trend Micro Maximum Security offers protection for your Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS devices...

4 expert reviews

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#12
alaScore 97

HP Victus 15L

The HP Victus 15L is one of those almost-there types of computers with solid 1080p performance at...

6 expert reviews

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#13
alaScore 97

Asus ROG G22CH

The Asus ROG G22CH is a rousing little gaming rig, but its compact size limits performance...

4 expert reviews

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#14
alaScore 96

Lenovo Yoga AIO 7 (27-inch)

I was pleasantly surprised to see the Lenovo Yoga AIO 7, which looks less like a desktop and more...

5 expert reviews

#15
alaScore 96

HP Omen 45L

“The HP Omen 45L is the result when a manufacturer delivers on every promise it makes.”

10 expert reviews

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#16
alaScore 96

Dell XPS 8950

“The Dell XPS Desktop (8950) takes an already great design and updates it with modern furnishings.”

9 expert reviews

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#17
alaScore 96

Alienware Aurora R15

“Upgraded cooling and next-gen components bring the Alienware Aurora R15 up to the level of the...

5 expert reviews

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#18
alaScore 96

Lenovo Legion Tower 5i (2021)

Lenovo’s Legion 5i Tower Gen 8 gaming desktop impresses on features and performance, but you'll...

9 expert reviews | 2 user reviews

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#19
alaScore 96

Synology DiskStation DS1522+

The Synology DiskStation DS1522+ is an excellent five-bay network attached storage (NAS) device...

5 expert reviews

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#20
alaScore 96

Intel NUC 13 Pro

Ultra-compact form-factor PCs have emerged as bright spots in the PC market over the last decade...

5 expert reviews

#21
alaScore 96

Lenovo Legion Tower 7i

“The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i makes one big mistake, but it gets almost everything else right.”

8 expert reviews

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#22
alaScore 96

MSI Infinite RS 13th

MSI's Infinite RS 13th gaming desktop packs the moment's peak Intel and Nvidia silicon, for...

3 expert reviews

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#23
alaScore 96

Dell Alienware Aurora R13

The redesigned Alienware Aurora R13 brings the heat with Intel’s impressive 12th Generation...

6 expert reviews

#24
alaScore 96

Panda Dome Premium

VIP tech support is the distinguishing feature of Panda Dome Premium, one that necessarily pumps...

2 expert reviews

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#25
alaScore 95

Synology Disk Station Ds3622xs+

The DiskStation DS3622xs+ is the most powerful Synology NAS yet, and it delivers an extensive...

2 expert reviews

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    Buying Guide

    Buying Guide - Desktops

    Although other formats are gaining, desktop computers remain a popular choice for many consumers. Desktops still offer a slight advantage in price when compared to laptops, and this is an important consideration for any consumer. When it comes to the ultimate in performance, memory, and screen size for your personal computer, there is no substitute for a desktop model, and these computers will remain the biggest kids on the block for the foreseeable future.



    Contents

    Desktop Advantages

    Performance: Higher end desktops offer advantages over laptops in all areas of performance. Desktops can handle larger processors, more RAM for faster computing, expanded hard disk size for storage of a huge amount of files, and unrivaled ability to accommodate larger screen size.

    Upgrades: Desktop PCs offer the most flexibility to accommodate upgrades in hardware and software. This extends the life of the computer, and reduces the need to buy an entirely new computer to substantially enhance performance.

    Connectivity: If you have a number of different accessories, hardware add-ons, memory managers, or gaming devices, the plethora of connectivity options provided by desktops will be essential to give you an optimized computing experience.

    What to Look for in a Desktop

    PC vs. Mac – PCs are still the market leaders, but Macs have a core of enthusiastic followers that continues to grow. PCs have a huge selection of hardware and software add-ons to choose from, but the bulky operating system may require a more powerful computer in order to run smoothly. Macs are efficient and easy to use, but your choices for hardware and software are constrained to a handful of providers. Ultimately, the difference is increasingly becoming one simply of personal preference, rather than performance.

    CPU/Processor – The processor is the powerhouse of a computer, and affects all aspects of your computing experience. As the power goes up (measured in GHz), so does performance – if you anticipate needing to run a lot of high-end applications, you will need a more powerful processor, and most new mainstream and high-end PCs come with dual-core or quad-core chips in them, with six-core chips just hitting the market recent years.

    RAM – This will provide the speed of your desktop. The amount and type of memory you choose goes a long way toward dictating your system's level of overall performance. 4GB of RAM is becoming standard recently, replacing 2GB of RAM, which matches a much quicker machine. Desktops are not constrained by issues of portability, and thus have an advantage versus laptops with the ability to allow 4GB of RAM and beyond. When buying RAM, try to buy as few DIMMs (Dual Inline Memory Module) as possible to allow for future RAM upgrades if needed.

    Graphics Card – For basic computing tasks, such as emailing, browsing and watching video from the Web, and giving the occasional photo slideshow, you can get away with integrated graphics. If your video application go beyond the basics, however, you'll be best served by choosing a dedicated graphics card with its own graphics memory. Gamers, digital media makers, and anyone who wants to use more than two monitors will all benefit from adding a discrete graphics card. You should consider performance, the amount of memory on the card, output connectors and the version of Direct X supported. Those looking to play games a lot should really consider a Direct X 10 card with at least 512MB of memory onboard. The vast majority of new 3D graphics cards require a PCI Express slot. PCI Express 2.0 doubles the bandwidth, and PC Express 2.0 cards are backward compatible with PCI Express 1.0 slots. Make sure you get a card that suits your expansion slot type.

    Hard Drive – The hard drive stores all of the information on your computer. Mainstream users should aim 500GB hard drives at minimum, and will likely find a system with 640GB, 750GB, or even 1TB that fits comfortably in their price range. Desktops offer the most robust storage available, with hard drive sizes of 1TB+ becoming increasingly common for professional music, graphics, and video applications. If you demand much higher, you'll find single drives with capacities up to 2TB. In terms of speed, they are pretty much all running at 7200rpm now. A few high performance 10,000rpm drives are available. Most drives use the Serial ATA interface now for ease of installation.

    Screen Size – Desktops have a huge advantage in screen size, allowing for sizes far in excess of other formats. Based on performance and price, 22” LCD screens offer the best value, but consumers interested in the best display characteristics are upgrading to 24” and beyond. Desktops even allow for multiple screens to be used, a convenience for users who require multiple windows to be accessible at all times.

    Popular Desktop Brands

    Dell has a huge number of available desktops, and their business model allows consumers the convenience of selecting components to 'build' their computer. Lenovo, HP and Gateway are familiar names with a legacy of outstanding value, and they offer desktops at all levels of price and performance. Asus and Acer have established themselves as the place to go for entry-level models at bargain prices.

    Apple has a wide range of models in its iMac line and has something for all levels of users, from casual computer enthusiasts to dedicated media professionals who require a media design, editing, and storage machine.

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    Desktops on alaTest

    alaTest.com has collected and analyzed millions of reviews from 2688 sources to help you choose the best Desktop from top brands like Apple, Dell, Lenovo, Synology, Hp and more.

    Buying Tips Read our Buying Guide
    before you make your purchase