Best Desktop Computers 2023

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Best Desktop PCs

Dell XPS Tower

• RAM: 8GB – 64GB
• Storage: 1TB – 2TB SSD / 2TB HHD
• CPU: 9^th Gen Intel Core i3 – i9
• Graphics: Intel HD – UH

The Dell XPS Tower is one of the best computers of the year for being able to boast impressive power and specs without costing a bomb. Running on a 9^th-Gen Intel Core processor and with in-built VR-ready graphics, this machine is also fully configurable, meaning you can customize the specs to suit your needs!

Dell XPS 8940

• RAM: 8GB – 32GB
• Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD
• CPU: 9^th Gen Intel Core i7 – i9

This is a great machine for your home office, or shared family computer. Affordable, powerful but flashy, the Dell XPS 8940 is custom built to your needs; just click the options you need when purchasing the computer, and it will all be done for you. At the top end of customizable options, you have the Nvidia RTX 2060 Super GPU and the 10-core Intel Core i9, so you’ve got a lot of potential to play with.

Lenovo Yoga A940

• RAM: 32GB
• Storage: 1TB 5400 RPM + 56GB PCle SSD
• Graphics: AM Radeon RX 560 4GB
• CPU: 8^th-generation Intel Core i7-8700
• Screen: 27” 4K UHD IPS Multi-touch 100% Adobe RGB

This stunning desktop was made with designers in mind. Boasting a 27-inch 4K UHD touch screen with 25-degree tilt, stylus support and stabilized rotating hinge, it’s difficult to not be impressed with this machine.

Unlike the top end Mac computers, it has 100% Adobe RGB support, and includes fun extras such as wireless smartphone charging. Content creators and designers should seriously consider buying this machine – once you experience the seamless workflow and crystal clear graphics, it’ll be hard to go back.

Best Gaming Desktops

HP Omen

• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Storage: 512GB – 1TB SSD / 2TB HDD
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti – RTX 2080 Ti
• CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 – i7-9700K

An undeniably imposing-looking machine, this high-end gaming computer packs a lot of power in, and, being fully customizable, is suitable for both casual gamers on a budget and hardcore players with cash to spare.

Even more exciting is the HP Omen’s tool-less design, making it possible to upgrade it as you go. So if you’re searching for a top-drawer gaming PC that can comfortably run the latest games, look no further!

Alienware Aurora Ryzen Edition R10

• RAM: 8GB – 64GB DDR4
• Storage: 1-2TB 7200RPM SATA / 2TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
• Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 5600 – NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti

Now that AMD has the run of the CPU and GPU markets, it makes sense that the Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop line has joined forces with them. Running off the impressive and inexpensive Ryzen CPU means this computer packs a real punch when it comes to gaming, whilst remaining within reach of those with smaller budgets.

Dell G5

• RAM: 8GB – 64GB
• Storage: 1-2TB SSD / 2TB HDD
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 – RTX 2070
• CPU: 9th Gen Intel Core i3-9100 – i9 9900K

The Dell G5 is, both in terms of affordability and power, a strong contender for the title of best affordable gaming PC. Being hundreds of pounds cheaper than the Alienware Aurora R10 does mean you lose a bit of CPU power, but don’t fret; this machine more than services the needs of any keen gamer. Full configurable, you can adjust the computer to suit your needs and it will still likely come in way under any other comparable machine.

Best Apple Computers

Apple Mac Mini (2020)

• RAM: 8GB – 64GB
• Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
• CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7

As with other computers in Apple’s range, the 2020 update of the Mac Mini comes with significantly better storage and RAM options. Having such a powerful device in such a compact and sleek design can be very valuable.

The thing to bear in mind however is that Apple have not chosen to update the processor or integrated graphics, which are both ageing by now. If you’re not too worried about these features and need a Mac but can’t afford to shell out for a new iMac, this might be the best option.

iMac Pro

• RAM: 32 – 256GB ECC
• Storage: 1TB – 4TB PCle 3.0 SSD
• Graphics: Radeon Pro Vega 56 - Radeon Pro Vega 64
• CPU: 8 to 18-core Intel Xeon W

This absolute powerhouse of a machine was specifically designed with content creators in mind; if you work in video, photography, or animation, you’ll struggle to find a machine that offers more comprehensive support than this.

With a vibrant 27-inch 5k display and P3 wide colour gamut, Radeon Pro Vega graphics and seemingly endless memory capacity, you can be confident the only thing holding you back from working well will be your concentration levels.

Of course, as it’s Apple, this machine comes with a hefty price tag, and to get all the best features you’re going to have to shell out even more.

Mini PCs

Intel Ghost Canyon NUC

• RAM: 8 – 6GB DDR4
• Storage: 128GB – 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 
• CPU:  9th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9

Given that the previous computer in this range – the Hades Canyon – didn’t actually come with RAM or storage, the Intel Ghost Canyon is a huge step in the right direction. Being fully customizable too, with up to 64GB of RAM and 4TB dual storage, it’s easy to get the best model to suit your needs. If you’re on a budget, though, avoid the higher end upgrades as they tend to get quite pricey and, frankly, the standard options more than meet the needs of the average user and are still well within a reasonable budget.

Intel Compute Stick

• RAM: 1 – 4GB
• Storage: 8 – 64GB eMMC
• Graphics: Intel HD Graphics – Intel HD Graphics 515
• CPU: Intel Atom – Intel Core m5

This cleverly designed computer, looking more like a USB stick, can plug into any monitor via the HDMI input. While the base processor is a measly 1.33GHz Intel Atom, you can configure it up to an Intel Core m5, making this a truly impressive piece of kit. It’s ideal for on the go work, or if you find yourself moving between offices and addresses and don’t want to carry around a laptop or tablet wherever you go.

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If you’re not sure about buying a desktop but still need a new computer, you can check out our guides to the best laptops and tablets in 2020.

Once you’ve decided on a new computer, you should check out our broadband comparison tool to make sure that, once you’re all set up, you aren’t left out in the cold due to poor connection.