Nov/Dec 2018. Best Desktops For 2018. On this website we review good, affordable Apple, Windows, family, college, gaming and work/business desktops. When you want to buy a new desktop you want specs like a quad-core processor (for example: Intel I3, I5 or I7 or AMD A4, A6, A8 or A10), fast hard-drives SSD or HDD with 1 or 2 TB storage and plenty of DDR4 RAM, and reliable sound and graphics cards so that gaming and heavy duty graphic programs can run smoothly, as well as playing HD movies.

The best PC brands today are Apple, HP, Dell, Sony, Acer and Asus.

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What determines the performance of a desktop computer?

The speed of a desktop is mainly dependent on the quality of the central processing unit (CPU), how many CPU`s (single core, dual core, quad core), the available RAM (more internal memory is better, today desktops should have at least 4 GB) and the harddisk (SSD is much faster than regular HDD). Today you almost don’t see single core cpu’s anymore. 2 or mostly 4 cores is common. When running programs or games that use a lot of graphic processing the quality of the graphics processing unit (GPU) and/or video-card is very important.The newest Intel i3/i5/i7 cpu’s are the 8th gen coffeelake cpu’s that perform better and have better power efficiency.

Intel vs AMD

When choosing a desktop computer the CPU is an important factor to consider. The CPU is the heart of the system. There are two main processor manufacturers namely Intel and AMD. The intel processors tend to perform slightly better but costs about twice as much compared to the AMD processors. The gain in performance can be noticed in high speed gaming frame rate but is hardly noticeable when using the desktop for normal use. The newest Intel CPUs are the 8th generation.

The Need For Speed

The i3 Intel series and its equivalent AMD processors are used in low end desktops for usual computer tasks like surfing the web, email and administrative tasks. These are the cheapest Intel processors with the lowest processing power. The Intel i5 series and equivalent AMD processors have better performance and can be used for light/medium gaming and medium video editing/ graphical programs. The i7 Intel processors and equivalent AMD processors are the most expensive but get you the most processing power, the best gaming experience and the best basis for heavy graphical programs and video editing.

It is difficult to say that the Intel CPU`s are better than the AMD CPU’s because for the same price as one Intel core you can sometimes get more AMD cores which eliminates the performance gain that single Intel processors show in benchmark tests.

DDR3 or DDR4 RAM

Newer desktops mostly have the newest DDR4 RAM which is faster and more power efficient than the slightly older/slower DDR3. When deciding on a new desktop I suggest you buy one with DDR4 RAM.

Separate or integrated GPU?

Desktops for normal household use like the Intel I3 and I5 or the AMD A6 and A8 have integrated Graphics in the CPU. You don’t need a separate graphics-card. But for more heavy duty video editing and gaming you want to have the CPU and a separate graphics-card doing its own task. This is more expensive but greatly improves the frame-rate in gaming and speed in video editing.

Tower Desktop, All-in-One or Stick-PC?

Desktop computers are available in three varieties: tower desktops, all-in-one (AiO) desktops and mini-desktops/desktops on a stick. A tower desktop usually does not include a monitor, so you will need to buy one, which adds to the total price, or use one that you already have. In an All-in-One desktop the computer components are build in in the monitor. This makes All-in-One desktops generally more expensive than a tower desktop without monitor. An AiO desktop saves space but it is more difficult to build in extra components if you want to do that. Also, you are stuck with the integrated screen and can not replace it with a new monitor later on. There are advantages and disadvantaged for both choices. Then there are the mini desktops/stick desktops.

On this website you will first find my recommendation for the best (tower and All-in-One) desktops and after that you will find my choices for the best Intel i3, i5 and gaming desktops, Best desktops for the money (under $500), the best mini/stick-desktop and pc`s of the separate brands.

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(Disclaimer: prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, but may have changed)

Best Desktop To Buy 2018: Acer Aspire Desktop, 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8400, 12 GB DDR4 2666MHz Memory, 2TB HDD

The best new desktop at the moment in my opinion is the Acer Aspire Desktop PC, Intel Core i5 8th Gen Intel Core i5-8400, 12GB Memory (DDR4 2666MHz Memory), 2TB HDD with Keyboard and Mouse.

Why? because it has the combination of the newest 8th Generation power efficient Intel i5 8400 processor (up to 4Ghz) together with the newest very fast 12GB DDR4 Memory (2666MHz) memory. DDR4 is in today’s new desktops a must and 12 Gb RAM is more than enough for any demanding graphics program or game at high settings. The very reliable i5 processor has integrated Intel 630 UHD graphics which delivers good performance for everyday use. OS: Windows 10. It doesn’t have a SSD hard-drive but you can very easily install one If you want for optimal performance of the OS and then use the 2 TB HDD for storage.

You can get all this for a very good price around $550 at the time of writing this post. You can also get the 24Gb (16 Gb Optane mem/8Gb DDR4) RAM version for about the same price as this one. Optane mem basically functions as a ssd/flashdrive mem for the HDD to increase performance, but the Optane mem can also cause some problems according to the reviews. Therefore I would not recommend it at this time unless Optane mem is something you are specifically looking for.

Looking at price-quality and value for money this new Acer 12 Gb DDR4 tower desktop is my choice for ‘best desktop 2018’. It is also one of the best selling desktops on Amazon at the time of writing.

Acer Aspire Desktop (i5-8400, 12Gb DDR4, 2 TB HDD)

Best All-In-One Desktop of 2018: Dell i7777-PUS Inspiron 27inch Infinity Touch Display Desktop

The best All-in-One desktop today is the New Dell i777 Inspiron 27 inch Desktop. It has a 27-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) Anti-Glare, Narrow Border AIT Infinity Touch Display with Wide Viewing Angle screen, the newest Quad Core 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8700T processor, and incredibly fast 16 GB DDR4 2666MHz memory. This new Intel i7 processor (12MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz) combined with the 16 Gb DDR4 RAM makes this a desktop to be reckoned with. It responds very fast and can handle multi tasking and gaming on higher settings without breaking a sweat due to the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 dedicated video card. The 256 GB [SATA] M.2 (SSD) Boot is fast and reliable and the 1 TB 7200 RPM HDD Storage has plenty of space for your movie/music collection. OS: Windows 10. Because of the high quality specs and the integrated screen this all in one desktop is more expensive than a stand alone desktop.

Dell i7777-PUS Inspiron 27inch Infinity Touch Display Desktop

Newest HP Desktop Bundle with 27″ Monitor, Intel Core i5-7400, 8GB RAM, 2TB + 16GB HD

The best Desktop bundle today is this Newest HP Desktop Bundle with 27 inch Full HD Monitor, Intel Core i5-7400 Processor with 8 GB DDR4 memory. The monitor is a HP 27 inch Full HD Monitor (1920 x 1080), Graphics processor: the integrated Intel HD Graphics. HDD: 2 TB 7200 rpm SATA + 16 GB Intel® Optane™ Memory for storage acceleration.

2018 Newest HP Desktop Bundle, 27 inch Full HD Monitor

2nd Best All-in-One Desktop Computer: 2018 Flagship Dell Inspiron 23.8″ All-in-One Full HD IPS Touchscreen Desktop

The 2nd best AiO desktop today is the Newest 2018 Flagship Dell Inspiron 23.8″ All-in-One Full HD IPS Touchscreen Desktop It has the latest Intel Pentium Quad-Core J3710 1.6GHz Processor(2M Cache, up to 2.64 GHz) processor with Intel Integrated Graphics. This processor can handle multitasking and medium heavy graphics programs/games/movies in Ultra HD running in the Windows 10 OS easily. The 8 GB DDR3L-1600 SDRAM RAM in combination with the 256 GB SSD makes this a desktop that boots and responds very fast. It also includes integrated/built-in stereo speakers tuned with Waves MaxxAudio solution for excellent sound and a wireless keyboard and mouse.

I have chosen this Dell AiO desktop to be the 2nd best AiO desktop mainly because of the price/quality. Dell is a respected manufacturer of quality desktops and for the price a desktop with these specs, including a Dell 23.8 inch Full HD monitor is a very very good deal! You get the whole package with everything you need to start right away. For that reason this desktop is also one of the best selling All-in-One desktops for family, college and work/business.

2018 Newest Dell Inspiron All in One Desktop

Accessories/ Keyboard and Mouse

Here are some recommendations for a good keyboard and mouse that you need for your new desktop.

Best Intel i3 and equivalent AMD Desktops

These are cheaper desktops for basic tasks like text editing, emailing and surfing the web. Intel i3 and AMD equivalent processors are not the fastest on the block but they do their job properly. The price range for the desktops below, depending on the type of processor, amount of RAM, All-in-one or just the desktop without monitor etc, is between $300 and $580. You can click through to see the specs and price.

Referb 2016 HP Pavilion AMD A8 Quad core 8Gb Ram Windows 10 Professional (price: in my opinion: really really cheap)

Dell Inspiron 23.8 Inch Touchscreen All in One (AMD A6, 4 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD)

HP Pavilion 550-110 Desktop (Intel Core i3, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD)

Best Intel i5 Desktops 2018

The price for these mid-range desktops are around $600 to $800. With the Intel i5 processor and 8 Gb of RAM they are fast and can perform well when doing multiple tasks or when you have several programs running at the same time. You can do video editing or gaming at a reasonable fps with these desktops at medium settings which makes them the best desktops for a family home or small to medium sized businesses. The Acer AiO desktop and the Apple iMac which I choose as the best All in One and the best Apple desktop also use a i5 processor. The newest i5 processor is the Skylake 6th gen Intel i5 processor.

Dell Inspiron Desktop (6th Gen i5-6400 CPU 16GB DDR3L)

HP Pavilion Desktop (Core i5, 8GB, 1TB HDD)

Lenovo Desktop (Core i5, 8GB, 1TB, Windows 10) with Keyboard and Mouse

AMD Desktops For 2018

AMD processors have less processing power then Intel processors but are about half the price. So, for the same price you can buy a better AMD processor. For example: for the same price as an Intel i3 processor which is a duo core processor you have a quad core AMD A10 processor which is similar in performance. AMD processors benefit from a good amount of fast RAM memory. Therefore you will normally see more GB RAM installed in the desktop. Especially for graphics in games and video editing you will find better/ separate graphic-cards in AMD desktops then in Intel desktops for the same price because the processor is cheaper.

Best Gaming Desktops 2018

(Click on the thumbnails for more info, specs and buy)

Gaming desktops are high-end desktops and are more expensive than normal desktops because they have a better cpu, more/ faster RAM and a much better video card than regular desktops, which are needed for fast game-play, high fps and excellent graphics in high demanding games.

Acer Predator 6th gen Intel Core i7 Gaming Desktop 16GB DDR4, NVIDIA GTX 950

CybertronPC Thallium X99 Desktop (Red)

CYBERPOWERPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cool SLC8040A Gaming Desktop – Intel Core i7-6700K 4.0 GHz CPU, 16GB DDR4 RAM, NVIDIA GTX970 4GB, 2TB HDD, 128GB SSD, 24X DVD+-RW, Liquid Cool, Win 10 Home

New HP Phoenix Gaming Desktop Intel i7-6700 Quad-Core 3.4GHz, 32GB Memory, 1TB SSD + 1TB SATA Hard Drive, 2GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX960 graphics

Click here for a bigger selection of Gaming Desktops on Amazon

Best Budget Under $500 Desktops

When you just want a pc to do some everyday email, internet/ social media, watch an occasional movie or do some text editing or light gaming (no MMORPG) then, a cheaper, more affordable budget computer is the best choice. The specs are not as good as the more expensive desktops have, so don`t expect the fastest performance. If speed and specs are not the most important then the following recommendations are everything you need for a good price. Also check out the refurbished desktops which are good value for money.p>

An interesting choice under $500 is the LG Chromebase. It is based on Google Chrome and it boots in seconds. All Google apps like Gmail/ youtube/ docs etc run in the Chrome environment so you don’t have to worry about updates, virus protection etc. It has a 16 Gb SSD for fast performance despite the 1.4 GHz processor for an appealing price. A good family budget desktop.

LG ChromeBase 22-Inch All-in-One Cloud Desktop

Best Dell Desktops

Dell is one of the best known desktop brands around. It has a solid reputation for making excellent desktops. The Dell XPS has an Intel i7, the Dell Inspiron desktop has an Intel i5 and the Dell Inspiron One All-in-One Desktop has an Intel i3 6100U Processor. Dell makes quality products for a good price.

Dell XPS X8700-1444BLK i7 Desktop

Dell Inspiron Desktop – 6th Gen i5-6400 Processor, 16GB DDR3L

Dell Inspiron 24 3000 Series All-In-One, i3459-1525BLK

Best Apple desktops 2018

(Click on the thumbnails to buy, more info and specs)

Best Apple Desktop Computer 2018: The New Apple iMac 21.5-Inch Desktop

The best Apple desktop is by far the Apple iMac with Retina 5K Display. The specs: 3.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB (two 4GB) of 1600MHz DDR3 memory; 1 TB Fusion Drive, 27-inch (diagonal) Retina display with IPS technology, AMD Radeon R9 M290X graphics processor with 2GB of GDDR5 memory are very impressive, but even impressive is the price: around $2500. This would only be an option for people who do professional video and image editing. For normal household/small business use the new iMac 21 or 27 inch Desktop computer below is a much better choice.

Apple iMac 21.5-Inch Desktop (Newest Version, also available in 27-inch)

I have chosen the new 21.5-inch iMac as the best Apple desktop for 2018 because its specs are very good for the user who just wants a very good desktop. Unfortunately there are no newer iMacs scheduled for 2018. The most affordable version has a 1.6 GHz Dual core intel i5 processor with a turbo boost up to 2.7 GHz. There is also a version with 2.8 GHz and 3.1 GHz i5 processor available. The newest iMac has 8 Gb 1867 MHz LPDDR3 RAM on board but is configurable to 16 Gb. For graphics: The (21.5 inch) screen is a LED back-lit IPS display, Intel HD graphics 6000 and a resolution of 1920 x 1080. With these specs this desktop is very fast. The 1 TB hard drive, high-speed I/O, including two Thunderbolt 2 ports and four USB 3 ports, FaceTime HD camera and dual mics and speakers complete this all-in-one desktop. OS: Mac OS X El Capitan. The 2.8 GHz and 3.1 GHz processors perform even better. Biggest pro: incredibly fast bootup and awesome graphics, and of course for Apple users => it is an Apple! Therefore it is fully compatible with all other Apple computers and gadgets. Biggest con: Apple products are a bit expensive, the desktop specs are getting older without new models and the compatibility with Windows or Linux devices can be a problem.

Specs:

Screen : 21.5 inches, Resolution: 1920 X 1080

Processors: Intel 1.6 GHz (2.7 GHz boost) Intel Core i5

RAM: 8 GB LPDDR3 RAM

Hard Drive: 1024 GB, RS 5400 RPM

Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000

OS: Mac OS X El Capitan

Available NOW!: Apple iMac 21.5-Inch Desktop (NEWEST 2015 VERSION)

Available NOW!: Apple iMac 27-Inch Desktop

Apple Mac Mini Desktop

Top HP Desktops

From the Hewlett-Packard desktops the HP Pavilion desktop you see below is actually one of the best selling desktop at the moment. With a Intel i7-6700T processor (up to 3.6GHz) and 8GB DDR4 this desktop is a very good desktop for its price.

2016 Newest HP Pavilion Desktop: Intel Core i7-6700T

If you are looking for a HP All in One desktop the Newest HP All-in-One Desktop 21.5 Inch Full HD (1920×1080) is a good choice.

HP All-in-One Desktop 21.5 Inch Full HD (1920×1080)

Best Lenovo Desktops

The Lenovo Ideacentre High Performance Flagship Slim Desktop, Intel Core i5 Processor up to 3.4GHz, 16GB DDR3 RAM, 2TB HDD

Lenovo Ideacentre High Performance Flagship Slim Desktop, Intel Core i5, 16GB DDR3 RAM, 2TB HDD

Lenovo 21.5-Inch All-in-One Touchscreen Desktop

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