The 5 Best Desktop PCs for Home Office: Reviewed For 2022
With so many choices on the market today, picking out the best desktop PC for your home office can be difficult. All of the terminologies can get a little confusing if you are unfamiliar with the technology. To top it all off, brand, price, and specs variations can be confusing.
Today’s article will explore the best desktop PCs for home office use. We’ll explain what makes each unit perfect for a specific use case and what to look for to get the most out of your purchase. Finally, we’ll review a few valuable tips to make your search even more accessible.
We’ve picked out the top five best desktop PCs in each category:
Best Overall Desktop PC for Home Office: HP Z2 G5 EliteDesk
HP Z2 G5 Mini Tiny Elitedesk Workstation (Intel 6-Core i5-10500, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Quadro P620 4GB) Business Desktop PC, Wi-Fi 6, DisplayPort 1.4, Type-C, Keyboard, Mouse, Windows 10/11 Pro - 2022 Disclosure: Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade the Memory or SSD. Three-year warranty from the manufacturer. Three-year warranty for upgraded Memory/SSD for Issaquah Highlands Tech customers.
Intel Hexa-Core i5-10500 Processor (6 Cores 12 Threads, 3.1 GHz base frequency, up to 4.5 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 12MB L3 Cache); 32GB DDR4 Memory; 1TB SSD
Intel UHD Graphics 630 + NVIDIA Quadro P620 4GB GDDR5 Dedicated Graphics - Expandable to 3 monitors via DisplayPort. Max resolution of the External Monitors: 4K (4096*2160) @60Hz
2 x SuperSpeed USB Type-C 10Gbps signaling rate (1 side) (charging), 4 x SuperSpeed USB Type-A 10Gbps signaling rate (2 rear, 2 side) (one of them is charging), 3 x DisplayPort 1.4, 1 x RJ-45, 1 x headphone/microphone comb (1 side); Intel Wi-Fi CERTIFIED 6 AX201 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5 combo (Supporting Gigabit data rate)
Windows 10 Professional 64-bit, FREE upgrade to Windows 11 Pro available. Ideal for School Education, Designers, Professionals, Small Business, Programmers.
You can often pick out a standard desktop computer by its form factor and familiar design, but the EliteDesk is anything but familiar. This PC takes the high-performance specs of a workstation-class desktop and squeezes them into a compact box roughly the size of a game console.
Looking at the small size and unassuming appearance of the HP Z2 G5 EliteDesk, you would think it is a weak, underpowered office machine. This assumption is shattered the moment you turn it on.
As soon as your fingers leave the power button, the EliteDesk is already booting up. Thanks to the state-of-the-art M.2 solid-state drive, the desktop loads within seconds, greeting you with the familiar Windows 10 Pro interface.
Peaking under the hood of the EliteDesk, you’ll find a wealth of powerful hardware on tap. The heart of this system is the Intel Core i5-10500 processor. While this CPU is a few generations behind, it still offers solid performance for the money. With six cores and a boost clock speed of up to 4.5GHz, this processor easily tears through heavy applications.
Coupled with the Nvidia Quadro P620 graphics card, this system makes a mean multitasking machine. This system is best suited for professionals and creatives and is designed for graphically intensive tasks like computer-assisted design and 3D modeling.
If you’re looking for a gaming computer, this isn’t it. However, if you’re looking for a computer to power through AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe Photoshop, you can’t go wrong with this setup.
With two USB Type-C, three Display Ports, and four USB-A ports, you won’t run out of spots to hook up all of your peripherals, external hard drives, and external monitors. Additionally, WiFi 6 and gigabit ethernet keep you well-connected. Overall, your home office can’t go wrong with the HP Z2 G5 EliteDesk.
Check out HP Z2 G5 EliteDesk on Amazon.
Best Budget Desktop PC for Home Office: HP M01-F1120
HP Desktop PC, AMD Ryzen 3 4300G Processor, 8 GB of RAM, 512 GB SSD Storage, Windows 11, High Speed Performance, Computer, 8 USB Ports, for Business, Study, Videos, and Gaming (M01-F1120, 2021) REMOTE WORK READY - Study or work from home with a sleek and reliable PC from a brand that you can trust.
MODERN DESIGN - With a bold and stylish design accompanied by a USB mouse and keyboard combo, this HP seamlessly fits into any work or living space.
LIGHTNING-FAST PROCESSOR & VIBRANT IMAGING - Content creation is a snap with the AMD Ryzen 3 4300G Processor* and images are given new life with AMD RadeonGraphics**
THE ENTERTAINMENT DOESN’T STOP - Get the most from you gaming and streaming experience with second-to-none graphics provided by AMD Radeon Graphics
MEMORY AND STORAGE - This desktop’s performance gets a boost thanks to the bandwidth from 8 GB of RAM*** and 512 GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive****
Setting up a home office shouldn’t bankrupt you. In fact, depending on what sort of work you’ll be doing, you can build out your home office with a cheap PC without missing out on much. You can sacrifice high-performance hardware to save some money if you keep work and play divided and don’t use your home office PC for gaming or graphics-intensive apps.
That being said, the non-descript HP M01-F1120 is a prime candidate. Nothing about this desktop is impressive or mind-blowing. In fact, just the opposite. This PC embodies the principle of “good enough.” In other words, it does just enough to get the job done without striving for perfection.
When it comes to this desktop PC, you won’t find much to complain about for a home office. The system boots up in a few seconds thanks to the speedy SSD, and the 8GB of RAM is plenty for regular use. An AMD Ryzen 3 processor keeps your PC chugging along without slowing down, and day-to-day performance is excellent.
Thanks to Windows 10, this PC is simple and easy to use. Connecting your peripherals is super easy, thanks to the array of ports on the front and back of the system. You get eight USB ports allowing for plenty of devices. You also get an HDMI and a VGA port for connecting up to two monitors.
WiFi 5 offers reliable internet connectivity. Although not the latest standard, you won’t notice much of a difference for general office use. The same can be said for Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity.
All in all, this HP makes the perfect budget desktop PC for your home office. It won’t break records or draw attention, but it will let you do your work swiftly and quietly.
Check out HP M01-F1120 on Amazon.
Best Compact Desktop PC for Home Office: Dell Optiplex 3090 MFF
Sale Dell OptiPlex 3090 MFF Windows 10 Pro Business Micro Form Factor Desktop, Intel Hexa-Core i5-10500T up to 3.8GHz, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, USB WiFi Adapter, RJ-45, Mouse and Keyboard, Black ▌Computer has NO internal WIFI. It comes with an external USB WIFI Adapter.▌ Intel Core i5-10500T Processor @ 2.30GHz(6 Cores, 12 Threads, 12M Cache, up to 3.80 GHz).
Intel UHD Graphics 630
Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM; Hard Drive: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. Optical Drive: No.
USB WiFi Adapter. Front: 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port, 1 Universal Audio Jack, 1 Re-tasking Line out/Line in audio port; Rear: 1 RJ-45 port 10/100/1000 Mbps, 1 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A port with Smart Power on, 3 USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A ports, 2 DisplayPort 1.4.
Windows 10 Professional, English. Wired Keyboard and Mouse (Black) included.
Measuring seven by seven inches (18cm) and just over an inch thick (3.6cm), the Dell Optiplex 3090 MFF can almost fit in the palm of your hand. The MFF in the name stands for micro form factor—a fitting name, given its tiny size. Before you get too excited, the 3090 part of the name does not mean it has an Nvidia RTX 3090 GPU.
Even so, the Optiplex 3090 MFF is a reasonably powerful system considering its small footprint. Dell has managed to cram an Intel Core i5-10500T processor, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 512GB M.2 SSD into this minuscule computer.
Graphics processing is the only weak point of this system, and we can’t blame Dell for not trying. The integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics are still enough to crank out HD videos and multimedia.
What’s even more surprising than the specs is the extensive array of ports and connectivity options this desktop has. Looking at the front, you’ll see one USB-A 3.2 port, a universal audio jack, and a line-out audio port.
Turning the system around, you’ll find even more ports on the back. From right to left, you have gigabit ethernet, four USB-A 3.2 ports, and two DisplayPort 1.4 connectors. This PC will slide right in wherever you have the tiniest bit of space.
Behind your monitor, mounted to the wall, or even concealed behind the desk, this PC will fit everywhere. With the combination of great specs and extensive connectivity, the Dell Optiplex 3090 MFF is the perfect compact home office PC.
Check out Dell Optiplex 3090 MFF on Amazon.
Best Gaming Desktop PC for Home Office: HP Envy Desktop
Sale HP Envy Desktop Bundle PC, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Graphics,12th Generation Intel Core i9 Processor, 16 GB SDRAM, 1 TB SSD, Windows 11 Home OS, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth (TE02-0042, 2022) THOUGHTFULLY CRAFTED – With its speedy processing power, ports for everything, and plenty of storage, The HP ENVY Desktop Bundle PC modernizes the way you create
POWERFUL PROCESSOR – This HP computer gives you all the productivity features you need with its familiar Windows 11 Home OS (1) and powerful Intel Core i9-12900 processor (2), which provides instant responsiveness
IMMERSIVE GRAPHICS – Enjoy a true-to-life feel with impressive visuals provided by NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 (8 GB GDDR6 dedicated) graphics
ALL THE MEMORY & STORAGE YOU NEED – The 16 GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM (2 x 8 GB) lets you keep multiple tabs open without slowdown, while 1 TB Intel PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD gives you plenty of storage for your favorite games, entertainment, and more
BOOMING AUDIO – Your game’s audio is boosted with 5.1 surround sound
If your home office is also your gaming room, then your choices get a little more interesting. Enter the HP Envy Desktop. Perhaps no other company compares to HP when it comes to making the perfect home office computer. Even when focused on gaming, the HP Envy Desktop looks like it belongs in an office.
You won’t find a glass panel showcasing your internal components, similar to typical gaming desktops. Instead, the HP Envy is covered in a plain white finish, void of any detail save for the glossy HP logo on the front and the Envy designation on the side.
Underneath its plain exterior is a system chock full of high-performance hardware. Right off the bat, the Intel Core i9 processor establishes itself as the best-performing gaming processor on the market. Coupled with the Nvidia RTX 3070 GPU and a whopping 8GB of DDR6 VRAM, you have a mean gaming machine.
Additionally, 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage make this system the ideal home office gamer. You can expand every component of this system too. Push the access button on the back and lift off the side panel to gain access to every component, from the GPU to the RAM and SSD. Inside, you’ll find plenty of space for upgrades.
With seven USB-A ports and three USB-C ports, you have plenty of ports for connecting peripherals. You also get three DisplayPort and one HDMI port. Enhanced features like 5.1 surround sound connections on the back are welcome additions.
Additionally, ethernet and WiFi 6 lets you connect as fast as possible. Overall, the HP Envy is the perfect gaming PC for your home office.
Check out HP Envy Desktop on Amazon.
Best All-in-One Desktop PC for Home Office: Lenovo IdeaCentre 3i
Sale Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i - 2022 - All-in-One Desktop - 27" FHD Touch Display - 5MP Camera - Windows 11 Home - 8GB Memory - 512GB Storage - Intel Core i5-1240P - Black - Mouse & Keyboard Included Built for heavy use: Engineered for heavy workloads from multiple household users, the AIO 3i packs powerful Intel processors and Intel Iris Xe graphics in its compact chassis. Plus, store everything and experience overall system responsiveness with SSD
Instant privacy, instant login: Get started quickly and securely with facial login with the built-in webcam that can be conveniently pulled up or pushed down
Designed to make sense: Keep your desk clutter-free with cable management built in, and better manage your PC and phone with the dedicated phone holder with the space-saving stand
Made for family time: View your favorite Netflix show with a Full-HD display from a wide viewing angle and see more of the screen with narrow bezels on three sides. Enjoy clear audio with Harman Kardon-certified speakers
More connectivity options: Included are two USB 2.0 ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports with 10 GB per second data transfer speeds, a Power DC Jack and HDMI-Out, as well as a microphone/headphone combo and 1000 LAN
All-in-one desktop PCs are a unique breed in their own way. While dozens of all-in-ones exist to cater to different audiences, most of them are focused on home office use. To find the absolute best, we found a gem, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3i.
Lenovo has been in the PC industry for many years now, and its expertise in producing quality PCs shines through in this system. The most striking feature of this computer is the unique stand. With a solid base and sturdy metal arm holding up the 27” 1920 by 1080p monitor, this design makes a strong impression and adds a touch of flair to your home office workspace.
It doesn’t stop there—the entire PC is a bold design statement, with a top-mounted camera, razor-thin bezels around the display, and a tapered edge. Despite its good looks, we didn’t pick this system based on the design alone.
The Lenovo IdeaCentre also packs some potent hardware. An Intel Core i5-1240P processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD are right behind the display. To top it all off, Intel Iris Xe graphics give you enough graphics power to handle demanding workloads.
All of your ports are on the back of this PC. From left to right, you have an HDMI port, two USB 2.0 ports, a gigabit ethernet jack, and two USB 3.2 ports.
You also get a headphone/ microphone combo jack for connecting your headsets and audio devices. Overall, the Lenovo IdeaCentre is the perfect all-in-one desktop PC for your home office.
Check out Lenovo IdeaCentre 3i on Amazon.
How To Pick The Best Desktop PC for Home Office: Step by Step
With so many desktop computers on the market, you can quickly come down with a case of information overload. While the terminology can be confusing, there are a few key factors you can educate yourself on to help you pick out the best desktop PC for your home office:
Size
Processor and graphics
Storage and RAM
Ports and connectivity
Let’s discuss these in a bit more detail.
Size
Historically, desktop computers have been gigantic. Often taking up a whole desk and weighing a few dozen pounds, old PCs were monolithic devices. Fortunately, modern computers come in all shapes and sizes. Moreover, you can often find the perfect desktop form factor with precisely the specs you need without sacrificing quality.
Size is one of the more manageable factors to contemplate. Desk space is typically the only factor playing a part in this decision. If you are working with limited space, you should look for small form factor (SFF) or ultra-small form factor (USFF) desktops. A PC of this size can easily slide right behind your monitor to save space.
On the other hand, if you have no space limitations at all, you can go all out and pick the largest desktop you can find if you so choose. The advantages of larger desktop PCs include better cooling, more ports and connections, and better expansion capabilities.
Processor
The processor, or CPU, is basically the heart of your PC. This component is vital for cases like office use, gaming, multimedia, streaming, and more. A better processor contributes to a faster PC, although it is not the sole component responsible for performance. You can often boil your CPU choice down to a few factors.
If your PC only runs office programs, crunches numbers, and processes documents, you don’t need to worry about getting the best processor. Often, entry-level CPUs like the Intel Pentium or Core i3 are enough. For AMD options, you can’t go wrong with any CPU from the Ryzen series.
The complexities start to show if you use your PC for more than office applications. Gamers will require the most powerful hardware. If you plan to use your PC for both office use and gaming throughout the day, you’ll need to opt for higher-performance processors like the Intel Core i5, i7, or even i9.
Alternatively, competent AMD processors like the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 also make great CPUs for demanding tasks. Graphics is even more important than the CPU for specific tasks.
Graphic design, video editing, and primarily gaming all require a powerful graphics card. This might limit you from getting smaller PCs since you will need to have enough space for the graphics card. Conversely, if you only need to use your PC for typing documents and spreadsheets, you won’t need to concern yourself with graphics as much.
Storage and RAM
When considering storage and RAM, you should ask yourself the following: do you plan to store many files, such as documents, music, and pictures? Or will you mainly store your files in cloud-based apps like Google Drive or Dropbox?
If you prefer to store your files locally, you should ensure you have enough space to do so. Generally speaking, 500GB or larger is enough to hold all your applications and files. RAM is more straightforward. More is almost always better, although there is the point of diminishing returns.
Computers with less than 8GB of RAM should be avoided at all costs. While this is a safe minimum to run your operating system and multitask efficiently, you’ll quickly run into slowdowns if you have any less.
The difference between 8GB and 16GB of RAM is noticeable enough to warrant an extra expense, but the difference between 16GB and 32GB is less obvious. You should only worry about packing more RAM than 16GB if you run complex applications like AutoDesk and CAD software. Fortunately, desktop PCs are almost always expandable, meaning you can add more RAM later if you need it.
Ports and Connectivity
Plenty of ports and connectors are vital if you want to plug in your hardware, peripherals, and monitors. Take stock of what you use daily to figure out a starting point. For example, your monitor will require an HDMI or a DisplayPort connector. Having a few of these ports handy gives you the freedom to add more displays as you see fit.
Accessories like mice and keyboards are often wireless, but you should still get at least a few USB ports for odds and ends like external hard drives, hubs, adapters, and other peripherals. New standards like USB Type-C provide an even faster experience, and additional ports like ethernet, headphone jack, and SD card readers always come in handy for something.
As for internet connectivity, desktop PCs may offer wired or wireless connections, or both. Look out for PCs with WiFi 6 if you prefer to connect wirelessly. WiFi capability gives you the freedom to move your PC around to another location without worrying about having an ethernet cable lying around.
With the increasing work-from-home trend, many companies require their employees to use wired connections. Fortunately, desktop PCs frequently offer gigabit ethernet ports. Having at least one ethernet port will ensure that your PC provides a secure wired connection.
What To Know Before Buying a Desktop PC for Home Office
Rushing into a purchase is the last thing you want to do when buying a new PC for your home office. Getting stuck with an overpriced or underpowered PC is all too easy if you are not careful. To ensure you get exactly what you need, you should determine your requirements first.
Figuring out your requirements might seem daunting if you don’t know much about tech, but it’s a relatively simple task. Think of the applications you use your computer for. Consider the apps and programs you might have to install for work.
Simple office programs will have low hardware requirements. More complex applications will have specific minimum and recommended system requirements. This task is even easier if you know precisely what applications you plan to install on your new PC.
Almost every company makes the minimum system requirements to run their program freely available online, just a Google search away. To ensure your system handles your apps easily, you should aim to buy a PC that matches or exceeds the recommended system requirements of the most demanding ones.
Using Desktop PCs for Home Office: What It’s Like
No matter which desktop PC you choose, one unifying quality should be ease of use. Fortunately, thanks to Microsoft Windows, all of the PCs on this list are intuitive and user-friendly. Using your computer basically comes down to interacting with the operating system. Fortunately, Windows makes this a painless task.
The only complexities you should encounter when using your home office PC should be connected to your work. The PC itself is a piece of cake. Plug it in, boot it up, and you are in business. Of course, if you’re tech-savvy, you might challenge this concept a bit. For example, instead of Windows, you could choose to load a version of Linux instead.
Different operating systems carry different requirements and levels of difficulty, but the fact remains; your PC makes it easy for you. A modern desktop PC has all the ports you need to connect devices and the internal functions to carry out your day-to-day tasks. The same can be said when it comes to upgrading your PC.
Generally speaking, you can expect a reasonably high-quality desktop PC to last at least five years. Upgrading your hardware can potentially squeeze a lot more use out of your computer. The best desktops will have swappable RAM and storage, allowing for easy expansion. Full-size desktops have the added benefit of extra space for graphics cards and additional drives.
Last update on 2022-12-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
8 Things to Consider Before Buying a Desktop PC
Price Range What You Can Expect Less than $200 Capable of surfing the web, checking email, video chatting, streaming video, and that's about it. $250-$1,000 Fine for surfing the web, running productivity software, and playing simple games. $1,000-$2,000 Powerful enough for video editing software, live streaming, and most commercial software. $2,000+ Can run graphics-intensive gaming and data processing programs that require a lot of resources.
Chris Collins / Getty Images
Desktop Processors
While there are many different desktop processors or CPUs, most come from just two manufacturers: AMD and Intel. Intel processors generally offer better performance but are more expensive than AMD processors. However, the main difference between processors relates to the number of cores they offer and their relative speed.
Most manufacturers present a performance rating system for their desktop PCs, but comparing across brands isn't always easy. Your best bet is to look for PCs in your price range and then research the processors to ensure they are powerful enough for your needs.
Memory
Memory, or RAM, plays a significant role in the speed and performance of a PC. The higher the RAM, the better the performance. Experts recommend at least 8 gigabytes of memory, but 16 GB offers better performance. For gaming and other power-computing uses, 16 GB is the minimum you should consider.
Although DDR3 memory was the standard for desktop computers for many years, DDR4 is now preferred. When buying memory, try to buy as few DIMMs as possible to allow for future memory upgrades.
Dual in-line memory modules contain one or several RAM chips on a small circuit board with pins that connect it to the motherboard.
Hard Drives
While some desktop computers still rely on hard disk drives, most newer PCs ship with solid-state drives for storing and caching data. SSDs are preferable since they're faster, more efficient, and more durable than HDDs.
There are two main elements to consider when shopping for hard drives: size and speed. A modern desktop hard drive should have at least 1TB of storage space. Most run at 7200 RPM in terms of speed, but some green or variable-speed drives consume less energy. Most motherboards now support RAID to install several hard drives on your machine.
RAID stands for Redundant Array of Inexpensive Drives or Disks. RAID solutions create more storage at a lower cost.
Optical Drives (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
Many desktops still come equipped with a DVD burner, but some small form factor PCs are doing away with optical drives. Your desktop needs a Blu-ray drive to watch new movies in HD. If the computer you want doesn't have optical drives, purchase an external CD, DVD, and Blu-ray player.
Video and Graphics Cards
If you don't play PC games with 3D graphics, you don't have to worry about a dedicated graphics card. Gamers should consider a DirectX 11 card with at least 2 GB of onboard memory. Pick a budget video card if you're interested in accelerating non-3D tasks. Factors to consider include performance, the amount of memory on the card, the output connectors, and the version of Direct X supported.
External Peripheral Connectors
Check how many and what type of external ports are available on the computer for use with future peripherals. There are a variety of high-speed peripheral connectors now available. It is best to get a PC with at least six USB ports. Other higher-speed connectors include eSATA and Thunderbolt, which can be especially useful for external storage. Many desktops also have SD card readers.
Desktop Monitors
While there are all-in-one PCs with built-in monitors, you still need to consider the quality of the screen. Most monitors today are based on LCD technology, and the only significant difference between them is size and cost. Some other factors, such as color accuracy, may be vital if you plan to use the desktop for graphics work. 24-inch LCDs are the most common, thanks to their affordability and support for full 1080p high-definition video. Larger screens, such as 27-inch LCDs and 4K displays, are also dropping in price.
Who Should Buy a Desktop PC?
Buying a desktop PC is a good idea if you want a household computer for the whole family to use. Desktops are more versatile than laptops since they have more ports for different types of monitors, keyboards, and other accessories. If you're a graphic designer or visual artists, you'll want a desktop with one or more large monitors.
When it comes to gaming, desktop PCs are more powerful than most laptops and even dedicated video game consoles. If you like VR games or online games with 3D graphics, you definitely need a desktop and a comfortable gaming chair.
What to Do After You Buy a Desktop PC
Once you've connected all the peripherals and booted up your PC for the first time, take steps to secure your PC from outside attacks before you connect to the internet. Connect your desktop directly to your modem for a more reliable signal. If your desktop came with a warranty, you may need to register it.
More Tips
Although you may be tempted to buy the cheapest desktop PC you can find, it's better to spend money on a device that's slightly more powerful than you need than one that's slightly less powerful than what you need. Just keep in mind that you'll also have to buy a lot of accessories unless you get an all-in-one desktop.
10 Top Desktop Computers for Architects and Designers (NEW for 2022)
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Architizer’s annual top laptop roundup offers a plethora of portable possibilities to supercharge your workflow. Yet, while mobile workstations and gaming laptops are good choices for balancing mobility and performance, they can have their limitations when it comes to a home office setup.
If you have a stable workspace, you might consider sacrificing that mobility to get a more powerful desktop with the same budget. With this in mind, we’ve selected a range of powerful desktops for you to consider. These all-in-ones combine functionality with a sleek aesthetic, offering you a high-performing desktop device that will help to maximize your creative capacity.
All-in-One Desktops
Best All-In-One Computer for Architects
Apple’s all-in-one has always been aesthetically attractive. Now with the M1 chip, implemented with Apple’s own technologies tailored for all Mac PCs, iMac is a choice of both aesthetics and functionality. The 8-core CPU and GPU power heavy software smoothly and the 4.5K Retina display reveals sharp details of visuals in vivid tones.
The computer is seriously thing — just 0.45 inches — and comes in 7 vibrant colors that can easily match the style of your workspace. Although both monitor and PC are combined, the 24-inch iMac weighs less than 10 pounds; the compact design also helps ensure that your desk stays neat and easy to clean with fewer cables scattered around.
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Best Touchscreen Desktop Computer for Architects
Microsoft Surface Studio 2 shares the same flexibility as the Surface laptops. Using one hand, you can effortlessly switch the all-in-one device between the upright Desktop Mode and the 20-degree Studio Mode. The 28-inch PixelSense display provides immersive visuals framed with super-thin borders.
Meanwhile, the improved Studio Pen allows you to work in the Studio Mode as you would on a drawing board but with more versatility. Running on the 7th Gen Intel i7 CPU with generous 16/32GB RAM and 1/2TB SSD, this computer is more than capable of multitasking on professional software such as the Adobe and Autodesk suits.
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Best Dell PC for Architects
Dell offers a more affordable yet powerful option for all-in-one computers. It is powered by the 9th Gen Intel i9 processer and is equipped with Intel’s Turbo Boost technology that further accelerates the CPU to 5.0 GHz. Additionally, 32GB of RAM and 2TB SSD provide a fluid user experience and immediate access to an optimal amount of local files. The adjustable stand expands the range of screen tilting and height changing possibilities. The FHD pop-up webcam, which ensures high-quality video for online meetings, is hidden away when not in use to better protect your privacy.
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Best HP PC for Architects
If you prefer AMR Ryzen processors over Intel, the HP Pavilion all-in-one desktop is an economic choice to consider. AMD’s FX gaming processor coupled with AMD Radeon graphics ensure the high performance of games and software with heavy graphics and 3D. The FHD 27-inch touchscreen offers immediate interactions with your work on an edge-to-edge display. Implemented with surround-sound speakers, HD webcam and microphone, this computer can be your powerful work PC and meet business needs as well.
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Best Lenovo PC for Designers
Lenovo Yoga A940 is innovatively engineered to bring out the most of your designer mind. The award-winning dual-hinge stand provides stability both while working in desktop and drafting modes. A content creation dial is available on either the right or left side of the screen, making it more convenient to assign settings and features in Adobe software (especially when drawing on the screen with a digital pen instead of holding the mouse!). The 27-inch 4K display is supported by Intel 9th Gen i9 processor and AMD Radeon™ RX560 discrete graphics to foster every detail of your work.
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Best iMac Alternative for Architects
More affordable than Yoga A940, Lenovo’s IdeaCentre is another good choice for an all-in-one touchscreen PC while not compromising on performance. Running on Intel’s 9th Gen i9 processor with 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, IdeaCentre A540 is powerful enough to satisfy both work and personal use. The metallic stand features JBL speakers to provide immersive audio with Dolby Sound technology while becoming a fashionable addition to your workspace. By providing the HDMI port, A540 makes external monitor connections possible to further facilitate multitasking.
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Workstations and Towers
Most Powerful Workstation for Architects
To seek extreme power, consider HP’s Z8 Workstation. The workstation is powered by Intel’s Xeon processor, the industrial processor tailored for data-intensive works such as simulations, machine learning and 8K video/animation rendering and editing. The Xeon processor comes with an Error Checking and Correction (ECC) RAM that significantly reduces crashes, ensuring a performance that is more stable than ever. Joined by NVIDIA’s Quadro RTX 4000 graphics, real-time CAD works and heavy rendering boost your efficiency as no GeForce graphics can.
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Best Gaming Desktop for Architects
If you are looking for a high power device but are hesitant to go all the way, a powerful gaming desktop is a desirable middle ground. Dell’s Ryzen edition Alienware Aurora R10 is one of the top gaming desktops that can handle highly demanding visualization works while providing a superior gaming experience. To improve overall performance, the Ryzen edition employs the PCI-Express 4.0 Technology whose data transfer rate is twice of PCle 3.0. Besides AMD’s 9th Gen Ryzen 3900 processor and Radeon RX 5700 XT 8GB GDDR6 graphic, Aurora R10’s performance is further enhanced by combining liquid cooling with an innovative airflow design.
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Best Compact Workstation for Architects
Towers are powerful but take up a lot of space. HP’s Z2 Mini G5 Workstation is only 8.5 x 8.5 x 2.28 inches in size and weighs 4.6 pounds, small and light enough to be put into backpacks. Powered by Intel’s 10th Gen 8-core i7 processor and NVIDIA Quadro T2000 4 GB graphics, this compact workstation can handle multiple professional design software simultaneously just like the regular desktops. The shell is strategically designed with cuts at its four corners to provide cross ventilation as well as a futuristic look.
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Best Renewed PC for Architects
Get a Dell Precision 7910 of top configurations while saving on budget at the Amazon Renewed Store. It is equipped with dual Intel Xeon E5 10-core processors and NVIDIA Quadro K2000 graphics, it can easily meet your requirements for carrying out intensive graphic works. With generous memory of 64GB and hard drives of 4.96TB in total, you can organize a large number of files locally and enjoy a smooth multitasking experience.
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Integrated graphics vs Discrete graphics
Integrated graphics is a graphic processing unit (GPU) built into the central processing unit (CPU), which it relies on for cooling; both share a single memory bank. Because they occupy system memory when running, integrated graphics is less powerful than discrete graphics. However, there is a reason for this design: it consumes less energy and produces less heat. As a result, this type of GPU is commonly seen on laptops where battery run time matters.
Discrete graphics, on the contrary, has a separate memory bank and does not influence the CPU when running. To sustain powerful performance, discrete graphics normally has its own cooling system. If you are will not travelling often and desire high performance, discrete graphics are the way to go instead of integrated graphics.
Dual GPUs vs Single GPU
The presence of two GPUs theoretically doubles the performance of the same single GPU; however, it requires a much more powerful CPU, cooling system and energy supply as it consumes more than twice of a single GPU does. If you are putting together your own PC and are getting two GPUs for better performance, you will need to correspondently upgrade other components as well to bring out the most of the two GPUs.
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