Best Mid-range Desktops. On Birdymanbestreviews we review good, affordable Apple, Windows, family, college, gaming and work/business desktops. We look at specs like a quad-core or even a octa-core processor (for example: Intel I5, I7, I9 or AMD A8 or A10 etc), fast hard-drives SSD and/or HDD with plenty of storage and DDR4 RAM. Also important for gaming and heavy duty graphic programs are reliable sound and graphics cards so that they 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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On this website you will find my five most popular recommendation for the best mid-range desktops.
(Disclaimer: prices mentioned are accurate at the time of writing, but may have changed)
What specs do you need in a desktop computer?
Speed is a very important spec. 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). You almost don’t see single core cpu’s anymore these days. 4 cores is common with 6 to 8 cores or more for the more expensive and gaming pcs. 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 10th and 11th gen cpu’s that perform better and use less power.
Intel vs AMD
When choosing a PC 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 per core but costs about twice as much compared to the AMD processors. The advantage 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 11th and 12th generation. AMD processors get more out of a good GPU and RAM running on a high frequency.Therefore you mostly see AMD processors in gaming rigs.
Processor: A midrange desktop should have a processor with at least four cores, such as an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5. This will provide sufficient power for most day-to-day tasks, as well as light to moderate gaming.
Memory (RAM): A midrange desktop should have at least 8GB of RAM. This will provide enough memory to run multiple applications simultaneously and switch between them without any significant slowdowns.
Storage: A midrange desktop should have a solid-state drive (SSD) with at least 500GB of storage space. An SSD provides faster read and write speeds than a traditional hard drive, resulting in quicker boot times and faster application launches.
Separate or integrated GPU?
Desktops for normal household use have integrated Graphics in the CPU. You don’t need a separate graphics-card. But for more graphics demanding video editing and gaming you want to have the CPU and a separate graphics-card doing. Then the CPU and GPU can do their own task. This is more expensive but greatly improves the frame-rate in gaming and speed in video editing.
A midrange desktop could have a dedicated graphics card with at least 4GB of VRAM, such as an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or an AMD Radeon RX 5500. But those are more expensive than a mid range PC needs.
Operating System: A midrange desktop should have a modern operating system, such as Windows 11. This will ensure compatibility with the latest software and hardware.
Connectivity: many connectivity options, including multiple USB ports and Wi-Fi for wireless internet. It should also have HDMI or DisplayPort outputs for connecting to external displays.
Most Popular 2023 Desktops
The Acer Aspire TC-895-UA92 Desktop
The Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop is a mid-range desktop computer that offers excellent performance for a variety of computing tasks. It is equipped with an 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 processor, 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB NVMe SSD. It also features Intel UHD Graphics 750.
The Acer Aspire Desktop has a sleek and modern design that will fit seamlessly into any workspace. It measures 13.39 x 13.78 x 6.42 inches and weighs just 13.7 pounds. The front panel features a horizontal stripe pattern that adds a touch of elegance to the design. The desktop also comes with a USB keyboard and mouse, which are basic but functional.
In terms of performance, the Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop delivers fast and reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. It is suitable for tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption. The 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 processor provides fast and efficient performance, while the 8GB DDR4 RAM ensures smooth multitasking. The 512GB NVMe SSD offers fast boot and load times for applications and files.
One of the benefits of the Acer Aspire Desktop is its options to expand. The desktop has one PCIe x16 slot and one PCIe x1 slot, which provides users with the option to add additional hardware such as a dedicated graphics card or an expansion card. Additionally, the desktop features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, which offers convenient wireless connectivity for users.
One of the downsides of the Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop is its limited RAM capacity. The desktop only has 8GB DDR4 RAM, which may not be sufficient for users who require more memory for heavy multitasking or running memory-intensive applications. Users who require more RAM may need add some RAM.
Overall, the Acer Aspire TC-1760-UA92 Desktop is an excellent mid-range desktop computer that offers fast and reliable performance for everyday computing tasks. It is suitable for users who need a desktop for web browsing, word processing, and multimedia consumption. The desktop’s sleek and modern design also makes it an attractive addition to any workspace. However, users who require more powerful performance for tasks such as gaming or graphic-intensive applications may need to look elsewhere, as the Acer Aspire may not be suitable for these tasks. The current price of the desktop on Amazon.com is around $550.
Pros:
Fast and responsive performance for everyday tasks/ 12th Gen Intel Core i5-12400 processor
Plenty of storage space with the 512GB NVMe SSD
Supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for faster wireless connectivity
Cons:
Limited 8 Gb RAM but you can add more if you want
No dedicated graphics card, not suitable for heavy high settings gaming or graphic-intensive tasks
Comes with some bloatware that can slow down the system but you can uninstall those
HP Pavilion Desktop, AMD Ryzen 7 Processor TP01-2062
The HP Pavilion Desktop Computer PC is a powerful and high-performance desktop that is perfect for both personal and professional use. It is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, which delivers fast and efficient performance, as well as AMD Radeon graphics for excellent visuals. Additionally, it features 16 GB SDRAM and a 512 GB PCIe SSD, providing plenty of storage space for files and applications.
This desktop computer comes with Windows 11 Pro operating system, which provides a smooth and user-friendly interface. It also comes with 9 USB ports, which provide many connectivity options for peripherals and other devices. Furthermore, it features high-performance Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, allowing for seamless and fast connections to the internet and other devices.
The HP Pavilion Desktop Computer PC has a sleek and modern design making it easy to move and transport. It also comes with a USB keyboard and mouse, which are functional and easy to use.
One of the benefits of the HP Pavilion Desktop Computer PC is its powerful processing capabilities. The AMD Ryzen 7 processor provides fast and efficient performance for a variety of tasks, including web browsing, multimedia consumption, and light gaming. The AMD Radeon graphics also deliver excellent visuals, making it ideal for video and photo editing as well as casual gaming.
This desktop computer an average amount of storage space. The 512 GB PCIe SSD provides enough room for files, applications, and multimedia content.
One of the downsides of the HP Pavilion Desktop Computer PC is its limited up-gradeability. The desktop only has one available PCIe x1 slot, which may limit users who want to add additional hardware or upgrade their graphics card. On the other hand, AMD is known for their excellent onboard graphics that outperforms the intel core on board graphics with ease.
Overall, the HP Pavilion Desktop Computer PC is a reliable and high-performance desktop computer that is perfect for both personal and professional use. Its powerful processing capabilities and ample storage space make it ideal for a variety of tasks, while its sleek and modern design will complement any workspace. The current price of this desktop on Amazon.com is $580.
Pros:
Powerful processor for smooth multitasking and productivity, AMD Ryzen 7 processor
Fast storage with the PCIe NVMe SSD
Sleek design with a compact footprint
Cons:
Limited up-gradability options
No dedicated graphics card but very good onboard graphics
Best 3 Gaming Desktops 2023
(Click on the thumbnails for more info, specs and buy)
Gaming desktops are high-end desktops and are more expensive than normal desktops. This is because they have a better cpu, more/ faster RAM and a much better, almost always separate, video card than regular desktops, which are needed for fast game-play, high fps and excellent graphics in high demanding games.
Best Desktops – Budget Under $600
When you just want a pc to do some everyday email, internet/ social media, watch an occasional movie or do some text editing then, a cheaper, more affordable budget computer is the best choice. The specs are not as good as the more expensive desktops have. So therefore don`t expect the fastest performance. If speed and specs are not the most important then the following recommendations are everything you need. And all that for a good price. Also check out the refurbished desktops which are good value for money.