The Best Desktop Computers of 2020 For Any Price Range

When you’re looking for a new desktop computer, there are a few things that you need to consider. First, you need to know how much you are willing to spend. Then think about how fast you want your new computer to be, and what features you are looking for. But with so many computers on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here’s our list of the best desktop computers of 2020 for every price range, including budget all-in-one computers, mid-range computers for businesses and families, and high-end gaming computers.

Best Budget Desktop Computer Under $500: Acer Aspire TC

If you’re looking for a desktop computer that doesn’t break the bank, the Acer Aspire TC 895-UA91 offers the best performance at its price range. This model features a 10th-generation quad-core Intel Core i3 processor, which lets you run more programs without slowing your computer down.

Check out our article here to find out more about what a CPU is and what cores do.

Despite its affordable price tag, this desktop computer comes with the latest WiFi 6 standards and a 1 Gigabit Ethernet port. So, you’ll get fast internet speeds, whether you are using a wireless or wired connection. Plus, it comes with 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, which is more than enough to run most programs and even do some casual gaming. However, it has an integrated graphics card, so you won’t be able to play most modern AAA games with this PC.

The Acer Aspire TC is also rigged with a 512 GB NVMe M.2 SSD (solid-state drive), which means your programs will load 25 times faster than a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). All this hardware is enclosed in a stylish case that has a DVD drive, five USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two HDMI ports, and even a USB-C port for faster charging and file transfer speeds.

Best Budget All-In-One Desktop Computer for College Students: Acer Aspire C24

The Acer C24-963-UA91 is one of the best budget all-in-one computers you can get, especially if you are mainly using it to do lots of work. This desktop computer comes with a 23.8-inch display and a wireless keyboard and mouse, so you will have everything you need out of the box.

With its 512 GB NVMe M.2 SSD, 8 GB of DDR4 RAM, and dual-core Intel Core i3 processor, this model is fast enough to handle most tasks and even some light gaming. However, it only comes with an integrated graphics card, so this is not one of the best desktop computers for serious gamers, video streamers, or photo and video editors.

This ultra-thin desktop computer features a 1080p HD tilting screen with Acer’s Bluelight Shield. This feature lowers the level of blue light, so you won’t strain your eyes or mess up your sleep schedule by staring at your screen all day. Plus, the back of the display features two USB 3.2 ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and an SD card reader. It even comes with stereo speakers and an HD webcam built-in.

Best Budget Desktop Computer for Gaming: Skytech Chronos Mini

If you plan to do any gaming on your new PC, the Skytech Chronos Mini is one of the cheapest options you should go with. This budget gaming desktop computer lets you play some of the best AAA games at well over 60 frames per second, even in 1440p resolution.

This model comes with a four-core Ryzen 3 3100 CPU and a GeForce GTX 1650 Super graphics card that can handle the newest games. Your games will also load fast with the 500 GB SSD, and your gameplay will be smooth with the 8 GB of DDR4 RAM.

One of the best parts of this desktop computer is the case, which features great airflow due to the full mesh front and top. It also has three RGB fans that you can change to any color you want. Plus, the case comes with four USB 3.0 ports and an HDMI port on the back. You’ll even get a free gaming mouse and keyboard, so all you have to do is buy a monitor.

Best Mid-Range Desktop Computer for Business: DELL Inspiron

Dell’s new Inspiron 3471 tower is a jack of all trades, making it one of the best desktop computers for families, businesses, and everyone in between. This compact tower comes with a six-core 9th-generation Intel i5 processor and a whopping 12 GB of RAM, which means it’s great for multi-tasking.

If you want to how much RAM you really need, check out our article here to find out more about what RAM is and what it does.

While this desktop computer is small, it comes with everything you need. It has a 128 GB SSD for running your programs and a 1 TB of HDD for storing all your files. Plus, it comes with Windows 10 Pro, which offers lots of features for businesses, including support for remote log-in, virtual machines, and encryption. This way, if the computer is ever lost or stolen, you can block users from accessing any of the files and data.

This compact tower features two USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports, as well as a DVD drive. It also has one HDMI and one VGA display port, so you can hook it up to new and old monitors. And, with its gigabit Ethernet port, you’ll get a fast internet connection. However, it only features WiFi 4, so you will want to have a wired connection for the best speeds. While this desktop computer is already cheap, you can save an additional 12-16% if you buy multiple units in bulk.

Best Mid-Range All-in-One Desktop Computer for Families: HP Pavilion 24 Series

The HP Pavilion has a 24-inch 1080p HD monitor with a 178-degree viewing angle, which makes it great for working, watching movies, and everything in between. The touch-screen monitor has 10-point touch technology, which means it can pick up pressure signals from 10 fingers separately.

Under the fabric at the base of the screen, there are dual speakers by B&O Play, a high-end audio manufacturer. The top of the display also has a pop-up webcam that slides down when not in use to protect your privacy. And the back of the display features three USB 3.1 ports and two USB-C ports for fast transfer speeds.

This model comes with a six-core Intel Core i5 processor, a 512 GB SSD, and 12 GB of RAM. You can even upgrade the RAM with faster cards if your computer feels sluggish, making this a great future-proof PC. It also features two HDMI ports, a Gigabit Ethernet port, and a three-in-one media card reader. However, it does not come with a mouse, keyboard, or a built-in DVD drive.

Best Mid-Range Desktop Computer for Gaming: iBUYPOWER Element MR

The iBUYPOWER Element MR 9320 is one of the best pre-built gaming desktop computers you can get. This tower features an eight-core 10th-generation Intel i7 with a max clock speed of 4.3 GHz and a GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card. This hardware lets you play the most recent AAA games at high frame rates, even at higher resolutions.

Since iBUYPOWER is a company that builds custom PCs for gamers, you’ll get some of the best hardware when you buy one of these gaming computers. This model features 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, a 240 GB SSD for running your games, and a 1 TB HDD for storing all your files. It also comes with a gaming keyboard and mouse that have RGB lighting that you can sync up with the rest of your PC.

This gaming PC looks like you built it yourself, with lots of bright RBG that you can program to switch between 16 different colors. The case also features front and side tempered glass, so you can show your computer off to your friends. There are four USB 3.0 ports , two USB 2.0 ports, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. This desktop computer is easy to customize yourself, and you get a one-year warranty if you ever have any problems.

Best High-End Desktop Computer: Dell XPS 8930

Dell’s new XPS 8930 is a powerhouse that has everything anyone would ever need in a desktop computer. This model comes with a 512 G SSD for running your programs and 1 TB of HDD storage space. Plus, you’ll get 16 GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER, which is one of the best graphics cards on the market.

The case also features lots of connectivity with a Gigabit Ethernet port, seven USB 3.1 ports, and two USB-C ports. The back of the case also features one HDMI and one DisplayPort for hooking up high-resolution monitors. It even features a chassis lock, so you can prevent unwanted access to your computer’s components.

To find out which display port you should use, check out our article on the difference between HDMI and DisplayPort

This tower lets you upgrade your system’s graphic, memory, and more with its four PCIe slots. There are also three drive bays to increase your storage space and one optical drive. While this model has everything you need, there are several models of this desktop computer that come with up to 32 GB of RAM and up to 2 TB of HDD storage space. It even comes with a keyboard and wireless mouse for free, so all you have to do is buy the display.

Best High-End All-In-One Desktop Computer: iMac 27-inch with 5K Retina Display

The new 27-inch iMac is a versatile all-in-one computer that has something for everyone. It features a six-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, which will make opening and running apps on your desktop computer lighting fast.

One of the best parts about the new iMac is its 5K Retina screen, which has over 14.7 million pixels and supports 1 billion colors. It also has True Tone technology, which automatically adjusts the color and brightness of your monitor based on the room’s light lighting. You also get the new Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2, so this all-in-one desktop computer comes with everything you need in the box.

The 2020 iMac comes with a 1080p HD webcam and an improved three-mic array that delivers high-quality sound. The back of the iMac features four USB 2.0 ports, two USB-C ports, an SD card reader, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. However, this model only comes with 256 GB of SSD storage space, so you might need an external hard drive if you have a lot of files.

Check out our list of the best external hard drives here to find one that works for Mac computers.

Best High-End Desktop Computer for Gaming: Alienware Aurora R11

If you’re a serious gamer, you can’t go wrong with the Alienware Aurora R10. Alienware is a subsidiary of Dell that is focused on gaming computers, so you know this model will have everything you need to play all the latest AAA titles.

This computer is rigged with a top-of-the-line eight-core Intel i7-10700KF. This new processor is one of the best CPUs you can get for gaming, with a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a Turbo Max speed of 5.1 GHz. In fact, tests have shown that it offers nearly identical gaming performance when compared to Intel’s newest Core i9-10900K processor.

With the Alienware Aurora R11, you can enjoy the newest AAA games in 4K resolutions at 60+ frames per second. This desktop computer comes with the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Super, 16 GB of DDR4 RAM at 3200MHz, a 512 GB SSD, and 1 TB of HDD storage space. The R11 comes in a case that features an incredible 13 USB ports, a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port, three DP ports, and much more.

Now that you know the best desktop computers, check out our list of the best computer desks you can buy right now.

HelloTech editors choose the products and services we write about. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Best PC for Photo Editing (11 Desktops & AIOs in 2022)

When it comes to choosing the best PC for photo editing, you’re going to want a high-performing computer. Editing software takes a pretty big toll on your PC’s memory and overall performance when in use.

And so if you don’t have high enough specs, you’ll find your PC handling editing programs in a rather sluggish manner.

In other words: Picking the perfect model , which is why we’ve filled this article with our favorite photo-editing PCs available in 2022.

The Best PC for Photo Editing: All-In-One, Budget, and Gaming

We have divided this article into three parts.

The first part covers the so-called “all-in-one PCs.” These are ideal for those who want a complete unit ready to use straight out of the box. These PCs come with a tower, a (usually large) display unit, and a keyboard. Some, like the Apple iMac, come with a pointer device, too.

The second part covers the best budget PC units. These are great for everyday office work and are built better than your average office PC. We haven’t gone for the absolutely dirt cheap units because they can struggle to run Photoshop.

The third part covers (gaming) PCs which, due to their processing power, are ideal for photo editing. But you will have to buy a monitor for photo editing separately, and you may want to buy a good editing keyboard, too. Finally, a graphics tablet is advisable for maximum editing convenience.

If you want a photo editing PC that is future-proof and should be able to cope with new software released for years to come, the HP Pavilion 27” All-In-One Desktop is a superb option. This all-in-one desktop computer has incredible specs that mean it should easily be able to cope with any advancements in photo editing software technology such as an increase in AI usage.

Powering this AIO, it has an Intel Core i7-12700T processor and a whopping 64GB of DDR4 RAM. The RAM is more than any other on this list and with most photo editing programs recommending 16GB, this will give you amazing performance and speeds. The processor has maximum clock speeds of 4.70 GHz and with 12 cores and 20 threads, you should be able to do multiple tasks at the same time without a decrease in output.

Aside from the excellent system specs, the display high-quality too. You can see your photos in great detail and colors due to the 27” size, the 1920×1080 resolution, and the 300 nits of brightness. Connectivity shouldn’t be an issue either as it has 2x USB Type-A, 2x SuperSpeed USB Type-A, and various HDMI outputs. As a result, connecting external devices like your camera, a storage drive, or even a secondary display shouldn’t be an issue.

The latest generation of iMacs all benefit from the M1 processor which is a huge upgrade compared to previous models. The Apple 2021 iMac 24” has this combined chip which features an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. The 8GB of memory is also unified.

What does this mean? It essentially means the processor is incredibly efficient and can give a superb performance for photo editing. Compared to older models which had a split Intel processor and separate RAM, the 2021 versions just run better and will allow you to use software like Adobe Photoshop Lightroom Classic with ease.

Another major draw is the 4.5K Retina display. This makes the 24” iMac by far the best PC for photo editing from a visual perspective. It has a P3 wide color gamut support and 500 nits of brightness. You can, therefore, expect fantastic clarity, contrast, and detail in your photos – they should look realistic which will make the editing process that much easier.

You can also connect external devices easily and transfer files quickly via the 2x Thunderbolt ports. Lastly, the 2021 iMac is available in a range of stylish pastel colors to brighten up your home office or editing studio.

The Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 5i is a superb all-in-one desktop that offers more control and versatility due to its touchscreen monitor. It is a 27” display with a 2560×1440 resolution and a screen-to-body ratio of 93%.

As a result, you have maximum screen real estate and it looks quite stylish too. The touchscreen functionality can help improve your photo editing workflow and add an extra layer of utility to the device.

So you can run top photo editing software, this AIO has an Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR4 memory. It should easily be able to cope with programs like Lightroom and ON1 Photo RAW, but it may not be fantastic for video editing due to the onboard GPU.

This all-in-one also has some useful features to extend its functionality. For example, if your smartphone supports it, you can place it on the desktop box and it will charge wirelessly. Additionally, it has a webcam on the top of the monitor that can be folded away when not in use and multiple connectivity ports. This includes 1x USB Type-C, 1x USB 2.0, and 2x ultra-fast USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports. These can operate at transfer speeds of up to 10GB per second which will make photo uploads simple.

The SkyTech Blaze II Gaming Computer looks epic with its RGB lighting system and offers superb performance for both photo editing and gaming. If you want a great desktop computer that’ll wow your friends, this is the right pick.

Before we look at the specs, let’s discuss the build. The PC has a transparent side panel so you can see the components in all their glory. It also has three RGB RING fans that look dazzling and provide efficient cooling for all that processing power.

To run photo editing software smoothly, this beastly rig has an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core processor, which clocks in at a standard speed of 3.6 GHz. There’s also 8 GB of DDR4 3200 RAM and a powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 GPU with 4 GB of dedicated memory.

Admittedly, the storage capacity could be larger, but it is still an SSD, which is so much faster than traditional HDDs. And you can always add an external hard drive if space gets too limited.

If you don’t want an AIO computer but still prefer well-known brands, the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop could be an excellent pick. It is primarily meant for gaming purposes, but its intense specifications make it an option for photo editing, too.

The case looks great and has a compact design with a vertical front panel of ports including 4x USB Type-A slots. It is also equipped with multiple air vents and an advanced thermal cooling system to ensure the components never overheat.

The important specs are more than enough for advanced photo editing and include 32 GB of high-bandwidth DDR4 RAM. It also has an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11700 Octa-Core processor with clock speeds of 2.50 GHz per core.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTZ 3060 GPU is outstanding and has 12GB of dedicated graphics memory. This means that you can play high-resolution games, but also do tasks like video editing and rendering easily.

Lastly, don’t worry if you have a large photo collection or regularly need to upload large RAW files from external devices. This desktop comes with 2x storage drives – 1x super-fast 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD, and a secondary 1TB HDD. Software should be installed on the fast SSD for quick access and load times, and you could dedicate the HDD for additional photo storage.

If you do occasional photo editing and just need a computer that will cope with simpler software, the Dell Inspiron 3910 is our best PC for photo editing on a budget. It is less than $750 but still has great specifications to run programs like Luminar AI, Affinity Photo, and Lightroom. The only downside is the onboard Intel UHD Graphics.

The basic option comes with an Intel Core i5-12400 processor. Although this isn’t an i7, it is a 12th gen model which has improved performance and when you combine it with the 16GB of DDR4 RAM you have a capable desktop computer. This meets the recommended system requirements for most mid-tier photo editing software and you shouldn’t experience any performance issues.

The compact tower unit of the Dell Inspiron 3910 is excellent too. It takes up minimum room compared to some gaming towers and should easily be able to fit underneath a desk. You can benefit from both front and rear-facing ports too to easily connect your camera, card readers, or external drives.

The ports include multiple USB ports, DP and HDMI so you can quickly connect multiple monitors for your workspace. It also supports the latest WiFi 6 technology for excellent connectivity.

If you want the ultimate PC for photo editing, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC is a monster rig. This computer is primarily used for gaming, but it is more than capable of running resource-intensive editing software such as Photoshop.

Liquid cooling ensures that the rig is able to dissipate heat much better and offer better performance even when running demanding applications. Do remember: This is an out-and-out gaming PC, so for photo editing, it may be overkill. But if you want to invest in a PC that can handle photo editing, video editing, and pretty much anything else, this is the one you should go for.

The CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme has 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, which can easily be upgraded. It also has a powerful Intel Core i9-9900K 3.6 GHz processor. This should be more than enough to cope with processing RAW images and managing large libraries of photos.

We also like that it has the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super 8 GB. And the 16 GB of DDR4 and 1TB PCI-E NVMe SSD round out its feature set.

For high-end photo editing and gaming, the specs in the iBUYPOWER Pro Gaming PC Computer Desktop SlateMR will give you fantastic performance regardless of the game or software.

It is a brilliant photo editing PC but also looks amazing if you like RGB lighting. The front of the case is transparent so you can see the three RGB cooling fans, and it also has a glass side panel so you can see all the components.

Although it looks pretty, it does actually perform too! This gaming PC has a 12th-Gen Intel Core i7-12700F processor which has clock speeds of up to 3.6GHz.

There is also 16GB of DDR4 memory so you can expect real-time editing with no delays when you change photo parameters or do tasks like importing and exporting. It should not lag visually either as it has an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GPU. This has 8GB of dedicated memory so it won’t consume any system resources when in use.

You can upload large photo collections quickly due to the 1TB NVMe SSD. Essentially, everything about this device is built for high-end processes and this makes it the best PC for photo editing and gaming. You actually get an included keyboard and mouse too, and it comes with Windows Home 11 with a full license.

The OMEN - GT12-0030 is a quality product with a host of excellent specifications. First, the case looks fantastic; it has a glass-sided panel so you can see the inner workings of your PC.

It also has everything you need for photo editing. This includes an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor, an AMD Radeon RX 5500 graphics card, and 16 GB of DDR4 RAM. The processor can clock at speeds of up to 3.6 GHz, and the graphics card has 4 GB of dedicated memory. Photo editing and video editing should prove no issue at all.

For storage, it only has a 512 GB SSD, which some may find limiting – though you can always purchase an external SSD for a relatively cheap price.

Our last pick is the Dell G5 Gaming Desktop which is another superb model that has the best storage drive options if you edit photos in a professional capacity and deal with thousands of images on a regular basis. This is because it has a 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD but also a 2TB HDD.

As a result, you could use a faster SSD for software installation as this will give quicker loading times and better performance. And use the 2TB HDD as a backup storage drive for your work. Aside from the storage drives, it has a stylish gaming case too that is quite compact and has a cool diagonal blue lighting trim on the front.

For system specifications, you should have no problem running photo editing software like Lightroom Classic and Capture One Pro. It has an Intel Core i7-10700F 10th gen processor and a whopping 32GB of DDR4 memory. Additionally, for video editing and other graphical work, there is an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU.

The connectivity is fantastic and you can connect your camera, smartphone, or external devices using the myriad of fast USB ports. It has both front and rear port panels which make connectivity more accessible too.

Key Things to Consider When Choosing the Best PCs for Photo Editing

As a photographer, having access to your files and also having enough storage space to install and run your programs is key. You’ll ideally want the best PC for photo editing with 1 TB of storage.

The best PCs have ample RAM; this allows you to handle performance-heavy programs with ease. Look for a PC with 8 GB of RAM at a minimum.

Processors and graphics cards vary from PC to PC, but you ideally want high-performers on both ends. The latest Intel i5 or above is a great choice; pair it with a powerful NVIDIA or Radeon graphics card.

Price is the final factor, one that comes down to your personal budget. If you have a tight budget, expect to make cuts in some of the above areas to find a PC in your price range.

Which is the Best PC for Photo Editing for You?

Regardless of how much you edit, what software you use, or the size of your photo collection, there should be a suitable photo editing computer from this list.

For professional work, kitted-out devices like the HP Pavilion 27” All-In-One Desktop, and Dell G5 Gaming Desktop are superb options.

Alternatively, for occasional editing and general home use, budget picks like the Dell Inspiron 3910, and Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer offer power and affordability.

How to Choose a Desktop Computer

The processor, or CPU, is the brain of a desktop PC. This is the component that a computer uses to handle information and to create output based on user instructions. There are two main aspects to a processor to consider when choosing a desktop computer. The first is the clock speed. If your computer was a car, the clock speed would be equivalent to the engine's horsepower, but with power measured in GHz. In general, a higher GHz rating means more computing power.

When buying a desktop computer, you’ll also want to consider the element of multi-core CPUs. A PC with four processors can accomplish more tasks simultaneously, since each core can work on a different process. Depending on your intended use, you may not need a multi-core processor. If you are only planning to use your PC for running simple applications, such as Microsoft Office, then a lower-end economy model will meet your needs.