DESKTOPS - PRICE RANGE (100-20000)

Desktops

Buying a new desktop PC is always exciting, but if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for, it can be daunting too. In this PC buying guide, we’ll take you through all the things to consider and explain the jargon along the way.

Let’s start with the basics: what is a desktop computer? Unlike a laptop or tablet, a desktop is usually designed to stay in one place. It consists of a “tower” that houses all the internal components like the processor, graphics card and memory, and which usually connects to an external monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Desktops are bigger and bulkier than laptops, desktop PCs are often more powerful and suitable for gaming or demanding applications. However, it’s all about the components you choose – and one of the biggest advantages of a desktop is that it’s easy to build a custom model that meets your needs.

Things to consider while buying a desktop PC:  Processor, RAM, operating system, storage, monitors, mouse and keyboard.

Most people may not hear the term used often, but an all-in-one (often referred to as AiO) computer is commonplace in modern workspaces. In the simplest terms, it’s a computer that combines all desktop components in one enclosed unit, instead of having a separate computer tower from the display monitor. It functions in the same way as a traditional desktop arrangement, but typically has a smaller profile and takes up much less space.

Another major difference between the all-in-one desktop and a typical desktop is that you generally buy an AiO computer with the upgrades you already want in place.

The all-in-one PC case is within the monitor, so it’s unlikely you’ll be opening it to change out parts or upgrade storage space without the help of a professional.

Traditional desktop computers are larger, partly because their storage cases contain empty space. While that space makes it easier to access parts or upgrade components, it’s also wasted when you don’t add on extras.

A tower PC that’s intended to stand on the small side, and go up. They used to be put next to desks rather than on them. The word “desktop” was used back in the 90s for the things that sat on the big side, often with a monitor on top.

As the number of different form factors has increased, the word “desktop” grew to basically include everything that wasn’t a laptop. Most modern computers use one of the three sizes of the tower case. Home Theater PC or server computer cases often use a desktop configuration.