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A decent desktop PC can make those daily computing tasks a breeze. No more drumming your fingers impatiently on the desk while you wait for your computer to sort itself out.
Make the wrong purchase, and you could end up lumbered with a computer that slows down over time, or overpay for specs you don't need.
In this guide, we'll run through the specifications to look for when buying the best computer for your budget, including if you want to futureproof your PC. Plus, we cover the pros and cons of desktops vs all-in-one PCs.
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You really don’t need to spend more than £750 to get a good desktop that will feel speedy for basic tasks such as checking emails, online banking or browsing the web.
If you’re upgrading from a computer that's a decade old or more (and you really should – find out more about Windows 10 losing security support), you’ll be amazed at how fast computers are nowadays.
All the advice here assumes you’re buying a new computer from a high street retailer or big online seller.
Read our guide on where to buy a desktop PC if you're ready to buy.
Looking for more storage? An external drive will cost less, and you won't need to crack open your computer to install it. Read our reviews on the best external hard drives to pick a speedy one you can rely on
If you use a PC at home to work for multiple hours a day, or if you can spend a little more, it’s worth investing in something that fully meets your needs and will serve you long into the future.
The specs we’ve outlined below will work for anybody who needs a computer for multitasking and will also be ideal if you edit photos from time to time.
You can easily get all this for less than £900. If you compromise on Ram, you could manage it for less than £800 – but avoid doing this unless you really have to. The more Ram, the better.
Fancy something more portable? Check out our expert advice on laptops.
We've consulted our experts to help you pick a good desktop PC or all-in-one that meets our minimum and recommended specs.
You'll need to buy your own monitor and peripherals, but this budget-friendly PC is a step above our minimum specs without breaking the bank. It has nine USB ports (eight USB-A, one USB-C), HDMI and DisplayPort connectivity, plus a headphone jack.
With a 512GB SSD, it's a bit light on storage compared with other PCs we're recommending here. Check out our reviews of the best external hard drives if you need more space.
Pick up this desktop below:
Need a new screen? See our expert pick of the best computer monitors
It's a step up in specs, but not too much in price – for around £100 extra, you can get a larger desktop PC with more storage than the model above.
It comes with a mouse and keyboard and has Windows 11 Home pre-installed.
There are five USB ports on the front and four on the back, two headphone jacks, plus one HDMI and one DisplayPort for dual-monitor use.
Pick up this PC below:
This desktop has a newer Intel Core 7 240H processor (as opposed to the slightly older Core i7 processors in the PCs above). If you're looking to futureproof your PC somewhat, this is a good choice, even if it doesn't have as many cores as other models.
There are three USB ports on the front, four on the back, plus HDMI and DisplayPort connections for up to two monitors. It also comes with a mouse and keyboard.
Get this PC below:
Keep your new PC protected from scammers – see our pick of the best antivirus, including the best free software
Below, we've picked some of the most searched-for retailers to help you decide where to get a desktop PC.
While it’s tempting to try to save money on a new computer, there are certain specifications that should be avoided. You’ll run into some of these when shopping on marketplace sites such as Amazon or eBay, but we’ve seen some models from big retailers that we wouldn’t touch with a barge pole.
This is the smallest amount of Ram any Windows 11 computer can have. But these days, it simply isn’t enough unless you’re doing the very lightest of work on your device.
We'd recommend a minimum of 8GB for a Windows 11 PC. 16GB is even better and will help to futureproof your PC.
If you’re buying from an online marketplace or a discount site, check the age of the processor.
This is easy: simply copy the name of the processor and paste it into a search engine. Then click on the result that takes you to the processor maker’s official website. In the details, you should find a launch year or launch quarter (for example, Q4 22 would be the fourth quarter of 2022).
We’d say if the processor is more than six years old, it’s probably not worth buying the computer, even if it has Windows 11. If the listing doesn’t specify the exact processor, avoid it entirely.
While newer Pentium models aren’t awful, the price difference between them and a computer with a nice Core i3 is often less than £50. Avoid Celerons and Atoms, as they’ll feel slow almost from the start and become even slower over time.
Want more information about processors? See Intel processors explained
All-in-one computers are just that: you get the entire computer in one package, including the screen and speakers. However, manufacturers can compromise on screen and speaker quality to keep costs down, and a good desktop PC has advantages over an all-in-one.
Desktop PCs come in various shapes and sizes – from large, bulky towers that need to sit under your desk to more discreet and stylish models that sit neatly on your desk or can be tucked away.
Discover which models came out on top in our tough tests – see the best all-in-one computers
Once you’ve bought your new desktop PC, you’ll need to pick up some accessories, depending on what was included in the box. These will include a keyboard, mouse and speakers, as well as a monitor.
While there's a wide selection of peripherals for all budgets, it’s important to consider your needs and not be tempted by flashy products you won’t use.
Wired or wireless Most of us tend to use a keyboard in the same position, so it may not matter if you’re tethered by a wire. However, it’s always nice to cut out clutter, so one less wire can help keep your workstation tidy. A good wireless keyboard can be more expensive, but it gives you freedom that you won’t get with a wired one.
Ergonomic keyboards These are designed to feel more natural to type on, and can be a boon if you spend hours at a time typing. They tend to put less stress on the wrists and forearms, helping to cut down on chronic pain and repetitive strain. They take some getting used to, as the button placement is slightly different from a traditional keyboard. If possible, try one out before buying.
UK keyboards Keyboards have different layouts depending on the country they're intended for. The difference can be as small as the placement of the @ symbol, or as big as the ordering of the letters. Check that the keyboard is UK standard, especially if you’re buying online.
Media keys For those using their PCs to play music and movies, a keyboard with dedicated media buttons can be extremely convenient. Play, pause and volume buttons save you from having to navigate to the program with the mouse.
Wired or wireless A wireless mouse is arguably more useful if it’s being used with a laptop, but if you want a wire-free work surface, it can be a great choice for a desktop, too. As the power drain on a wireless mouse is low, you’ll find that battery life is excellent – one set should last for months. Some models can be recharged via USB instead of having to replace the batteries.
How many buttons Most desktop mouse designs have two buttons and a scroll wheel. More advanced models have programmable buttons that let you add your most-used keys to the mouse.
Ergonomic mouse You’ll be using your mouse a lot, so it’s important that it feels comfortable. Ergonomic mouse designs pay special attention to the contours of your hand, with 'natural' button placement. They’re not for everyone and can feel a bit strange initially, but can be useful for some conditions, such as RSI.
Left-handed mouse Most computer mouse designs will work with either hand, but this isn’t always the case, especially for specially designed ergonomic models. If you’re left-handed, make sure the one you pick feels comfortable.
Our friendly team can help you fix tech issues, stay safe online, and get more from your devices. Get 12 months of tech support and buying advice for only £24.50. We’ll help you take control of your tech.
Join Which? Tech SupportSave 50% - was £49, now £24.50. Offer ends 31 October 2026
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