What is a desktop computer?
A desktop computer is a computer module designed to work in a fixed location such as a desk, office, or TV stand. Inside, it contains the physical components (hardware) and the digital part (software). However, since these are fixed computers, they are sold fully assembled or assembled with parts. This way, you can choose each part of your computer and build it to your liking.
A few years ago, the desktop computer underwent a revolution in its design. Many different types appeared and the number of external peripherals was reduced to a minimum. However, it is still essential for its use to still have a keyboard, a mouse and a monitor. However, if it is an all-in-one model, the screen will be incorporated into the tower or CPU (Central Processing Unit) itself.
Advantages and uses of desktop computers
A desktop computer contains everything you need to work, play, or enjoy digital content without interruptions and with reliability. Put like that, it may seem like a superior device, and indeed it is. Just look in almost every home in the world and you’ll find a personal computer.
What types of desktop computers are there?
Conventional
A conventional desktop computer is designed for general use. They are also often placed on desks or inconspicuous places. You can find them at home, in an office or in a store. Therefore, these devices handle everyday tasks with low processing demands that allow the user to have an efficient computer for use. They usually have specifications of hardware basic for any job, so they are machines that suffer from high demands in data management.
Video games
If you are gameryou know the power you need to play without unnecessary stops at home. Gaming computers are usually fixed for that very reason: to bring together better components and provide optimal performance. Therefore, the motherboard, processor, RAM, graphics card and hard drive are the main links of your computer. gaming. Often, you will find teams assembled and ready to buy, other times, you can build them yourself, something that many people find appreciated.
Nettop
Nettops are small and inexpensive computers. Therefore, they have low consumption, make little noise, and are intended for working with office applications, surfing the Internet and small multimedia tasks for watching television. Therefore, with the arrival of the smart TV to our homes and the ease of connection, these small computers are very useful for any type of domestic use you need.
Barebone
This type can be defined as a “semi-computer”, since it is sold almost complete. It is a basic computer that contains the case, a motherboard and the power supply, and to which you can add the rest of the components you want. We have previously commented on these computers and it is worth noting that more and more users are choosing to create their own desktop computer. In any case, it is not necessary for you to be a computer engineer or a computer programmer. gamer to create your computer.
All in One
A unified desktop computer, compact and easy to transport. AIOs (All in One) have the monitor integrated into the tower and only need a mouse and keyboard to work with them. Some models incorporate the touch function of the monitor. However, due to their minimalist and narrow design, the performance of these devices is limited, that is, they will not have the working power similar to that of a computer. gaming.
Main brands and alternatives
Here we compile the best desktop computers. Our criteria are also based on user opinions and reviews to establish a better comparison of all of them.
All in One Desktop Computer
He HP All in One 24 dp0009nl It is a compact computer that contains the tower and the monitor in the same module, it only needs a keyboard and a mouse to work. It has an elegant design and a Ryzen 3 4300U processor for an optimal combination of work with the rest of the elements.
The HP brand is synonymous with durability and the reviews and opinions of online buyers maintain this legacy. Their opinions help the brand itself improve its products with comparisons from previous years. In addition, this model is certified to have passed more than two hundred and thirty individual quality tests.
Conventional desktop computer
A compact and powerful computer, the GEEKOM Mini IT8 will make you feel its speed from the first login. With the latest generation of Intel Core processors, performance has increased significantly compared to previous years’ model. It has a Core i5 Family processor and a 256GB hard drive capacity.
The buyers on-line The reviews and opinions expressed agree that it is an excellent device with high efficiency despite being a mini model. Their opinions highlight the processing speed of the SSD as one of the best on the market. In addition, they make comparisons with other models and recommend using it with a good screen to get the maximum benefit from your purchase.
Desktop computer for gaming
If you need speed to play without limits, this is your computer. MAG Infinite 11TG-1413EU It’s a beast capable of performing at its best in any situation. It combines an Intel Core i5-11400F processor with 16 GB of RAM and 1 TB of SSD. Nothing you want to process will be left waiting to load.
This brand is well known for its products for gamers. Users also have a very favorable opinion of this tower due to its excellent performance. Some reviews compare it with lower-end models, since this one is high-end and is considered the benchmark for many buyers.
Stylish desktop computer
Simplicity, minimalism and stability, this is how Apple defines itself and its iMac with 5K Retina display. A computer with a very striking and elegant design that improves with each generation. In this case, the combination of the processor and the SSD hard drive gives the brand’s operating system sensational performance.
Apple has comparison tables on its website so you can decide which features are ideal for you. However, users on-line express great satisfaction in their reviews. These are, in general, opinions that praise a brand that remains a world reference in computer manufacturing.
Advantages and disadvantages of desktop computers
Advantages
- They tend to be much more powerful teams.
- The variety of existing models is very large.
- Due to the power of their components, they can be updated regularly.
- They are versatile in any field of work or entertainment.
- They have a higher number of ports than laptops.
- Its quality-price ratio is very favorable compared to other computers.
- They offer great working comfort due to the position of the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
- Easy to change and purchase any component.
Disadvantages
- They are difficult to transport.
- They need peripherals to work (at least a mouse and keyboard).
- They can be heavy and cannot be placed anywhere.
- They are more expensive than laptops.
- They require more cooling than laptops.
- A computer assembled in parts cannot be assembled by just anyone.
- They are often sold without an operating system.
Purchasing criteria
Now that you have a lot of information, all that’s left is to establish some guidelines to make the ideal decision. In this section, we’ll gather the main criteria you should take into account to form a solid opinion before buying a desktop computer.
Processor
The processor is the central and most complex part of a desktop computer. CPU is the term that appears when you look up the specifications of a specific computer. Also, our recommendation is that you make sure that you have the minimum power required for the use you are going to give it. The best processor is not the one that has a superior comparison with another, but the one that best adapts to the rest of the components of your desktop computer.
Motherboard
The motherboard is the mother of your desktop computer, or so it is called in English. It is a physical board on which the rest of the devices are placed, such as RAM, sound card, graphics card and the like. However, it is a criterion that is often overlooked because it is a standard part that does not directly affect performance. In other words, it is the container for the rest of the peripherals that make up the working speed. However, with a motherboard comparison you can find the best one for your work.
Did you know that many of today’s 4K games require at least 16GB of RAM to run smoothly? Otherwise, the gaming experience will suffer, which can make the title completely unplayable.
RAM memory
RAM is no longer as important as it was a few years ago on desktop computers. However, we recommend that you do not buy a computer with less than 4 GB of RAM, as its limitations will be great and, as time goes by, it will become increasingly slower. Also, look for specifications that can work up to 4600 MHz.
Hard drive or SSD drive
The eternal debate if you are looking for a low price. Traditional hard drives or HDDs support a lot of capacity and have a low transfer speed, so their price is lower than an SSD drive. On the other hand, solid state hard drives (SSD) are much faster, shock resistant and quieter, but they are very expensive and have a limited number of rewrites.
What alternatives are there to desktop computers?
The easy answer is a laptop. And it’s true, it’s one of the best alternatives to desktop computers. Still, there are more possibilities. For example, tablets They can become small computers with a keyboard and an external mouse that act as peripherals. There are also some eReader that allow you to take notes and instantly digitize any document. There are always alternatives!
FAQ
Is it cheaper to buy a desktop computer in parts?
It depends on what you need. In other words, if you are looking for a conventional computer for working with an office suite and surfing the Internet, then the best option is to buy a mid-priced assembled computer. However, if you need power for gaming or for some kind of image or video work, then you should consider the money you want to spend.
What quality of components do I need to be able to play 4k video games on my desktop computer?
The three pillars that support a high-quality video game are the processor, RAM, and graphics card. Therefore, you need, at a minimum, an i7 processor (working at 3.4 GHz), 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card.
How do I keep my desktop computer in perfect condition for work or play?
External dust cleaning is essential to ensure that no components suffer. However, in the reviews of users who buy desktop computers, the need for consistent maintenance of their components is clearly specified to prevent their slowdown.