Best desktop computer specs: how to choose a good PC

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's slow, has a poor-quality screen or is overpowered for your needs. 

In this guide, we'll run through the specifications to look for when buying the best computer for your budget, including what to look for if you want to future-proof your PC. Plus we cover the pros and cons of desktops versus all-in-one PCs. 

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Best desktop PCs under £600: the specs you need

You really don’t need to spend more than £600 to get a good desktop that’ll feel speedy when doing basic tasks like checking your emails, doing online banking or browsing the web. 

If you’re upgrading from a computer from a decade ago or more (and you really should - find out more about Windows 10 losing security support), you’ll be amazed at how fast cheap computers are nowadays.

All the advice here assumes you’re buying a new computer from a high street retailer or big online seller.

What to look for:

• Processor - Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 with at least six cores
• Graphics - Whichever ‘integrated’ graphics card comes with the processor
• Ram - 8GB as a minimum - don't go below this. If you can, it's worth spending more to get 16GB
• Storage - At least a 512GB SSD and, optionally, space inside the case to move over an old hard drive from your previous computer. You may need to consult the manufacturer to find out whether there is a space inside for this
• Ports on the front for easy access - At least one USB-A  port, a USB-C port, an SD card reader, 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack
• Ports on the back - At least four USB ports (type A or C), separate 3.5mm audio output and input jacks, HDMI.

All of the above can easily be found for under £600 at major retailers. Go to 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.

Best desktop computers under £800: the specs you need

If you use a PC at home to work for multiple hours a day, or even if you don't but you can spend a little more, it’s worth investing to get something that completely meets your needs today 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 a great pick if you who edit photos from time to time.

• Processor - Intel Core i5 (14th generation), Intel Core i7, or AMD Ryzen 7. Ideally with eight cores
• Graphics - Whichever ‘integrated’ graphics comes with the processor, but a separate graphics card can also be useful
• Ram - 16GB to ensure your computer is futureproof
• Storage - At least a 1TB SSD, although you can save money by opting for less
• Ports on the front for easy access - At least one USB-A ports, a USB-C port, 3.5mm headphone/microphone jack, SD card reader
• Ports on the back - At least four USB ports (types A or C), separate 3.5mm audio output and input jacks, 1x HDMI.

You can easily get all this for under £800. If you compromise on Ram, you could squeeze in under £650 - but avoid doing this unless you really have to. The more Ram, the better.

Fancy something more portable? Take a look at our expert advice on laptops

Popular desktop PCs: Where to buy

We've consulted our experts to help you pick a good desktop PC or all-in-one that meets our minimum and recommended specs.

Minimum spec: Dell Inspiron 3030 S 

• Intel Core i5 processor with ten cores
• 8GB Ram
• 512GB SSD

You'll need to BYO-monitor, but this budget-friendly PC meets our minimum specs without breaking the bank. It has an SD card reader, four USB ports, plus a headphone jack on the front. The back has four USB ports, an HDMI port, and an extra Displayport input if you want to connect another monitor.

It comes with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed, but you'll need to supply your own keyboard and mouse.

You can pick up this desktop direct for £590 from Dell, where you can tweak specs to your liking, too.

Minimum spec - AIO: ACER Aspire C24-1800 23.8"

• Intel Core i5 processor with eight cores
• 8GB Ram
• 512GB SSD

This popular all-in-one PC features a 23.8-inch 1080p Full HD screen and meets our minimum specs for a decent desktop computer. There's a built-in webcam, four USB ports on the back, and an extra HDMI port in case you want to add a second monitor.

It also comes with a keyboard and mouse included, so you can plug them in and get started right away.

Compare prices on this all-in-one PC below:

Recommended spec - AIO: Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 27"

• Ryzen 7 processor with eight cores
• 16GB Ram
• 1TB SSD

A step up in specs, but not too much in price - this all-in-one PC from Lenovo has a 27-inch 1080p screen which also houses the desktop. It comes with Windows pre-installed, and you'll get a wireless keyboard and mouse too.

There's four USB ports on the back of the screen, as well as an HDMI port and a microphone/headphone jack. 

You can pick up this all-in-one below:

Recommended spec: Lenovo ThinkCentre Neo 30s Gen 5

• Intel Core i7 processor with ten cores
• 16GB Ram
• 512GB SSD or 1TB SSD

It's just a bit more expensive than our other models listed, but we think it's worth it for the specs you get. Otherwise, to keep it closer to the £700 mark,  we'd suggest upgrading your storage to 1TB on the Lenovo website, and downgrading from Windows 11 Pro to Windows 11 Home.

There are three USB ports on the front, four on the back, and an HDMI for a monitor. Watch out though, as there's only one HDMI port so you won't be able to connect a second screen unless you buy an adaptor (usually around £20).

You can pick up this desktop direct from Lenovo for £799.

Keep your new PC protected from scammers - see our pick of the best antivirus, including the best free software

Popular desktop PC retailers

Below, we've picked a few of the most searched-for retailers to help you decide where to get a desktop PC.

• AO stocks a wide range of desktop PCs starting from £329. It sells models from brands like Acer, ASUS, and HP. You'll find workstations, all-in-ones and a variety of gaming PCs - with many under the £500 mark.
• Currys offers desktop PCs from brands like Lenovo, HP, and Acer – selling tower PCs, all-in-ones and gaming PCs, starting from £279 for a typical tower desktop. You can get free next-day delivery on several PCs, and there are several options available under £500.
• Laptops Direct has several tower PCs, gaming desktops and all-in-ones available, starting from under £200 for some refurbished PCs. You'll find desktops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, with well over 50 options available for under £500. You can order several PCs with next-day delivery, but it'll cost you £10. There's also standard shipping available for £6.

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Can I use a Mac mini to replace my ageing desktop PC or Mac?

The Mac mini 2024 launched at a very reasonable £599 for the most basic spec. For that money, you get the powerful M4 processor, 16GB Ram and 256GB SSD storage. 

If you're currently using Windows and you use a mouse and keyboard that you plug in, you might need to get some USB-A to USB-C adaptors, or use a small USB-C to USB-A adaptor. 

Most recent computer monitors will connect to the mini's HDMI connector. This will save you money if you have a screen that is worth keeping and you don't want to buy a new one. 

We put the Mac mini through our tough lab performance tests. For more information, including which retailers have the best prices, see our expert Mac Mini review.

Don’t buy desktop PCs with these specs

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 on big retailers that we wouldn’t touch with a barge pole.

4GB Ram 

This is the smallest amount of Ram any Windows 11 computer can have, but these days it simply isn’t enough unless you’re conducting the very lightest of work on your device. The price difference between models with 4GB vs 8GB of Ram is normally small and it’s worth paying more for this. 16GB is even better and will help futureproof your PC.

Older processors

If you’re buying from a online marketplace or a discount site, check the age of the processor. 

This is easy to do: 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. Within the data you should get a launch year, or a 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.

Intel Celeron, Intel Atom, Intel Pentium 

While newer Pentium models aren’t awful, the price difference between them and a computer with a nice Core i3 is often under £50. As for Celerons and Atoms, however, these should be avoided as they’ll feel slow almost from the very start and feel even more lethargic as the years wear on.

Want more information about processors? See Intel processors explained

Desktop PC vs all-in-one

All-in-one computers are just that: it's the entire computer in one package, including the screen and speakers. However, manufacturers can compromise on the screen and speaker quality to keep costs down, plus a good desktop PC does have advantages over an all-in-one. 

What are a desktop computer's advantages and disadvantages?

You'll find that they 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.

• More customisable - You pick the monitor you want, or reuse what you've got. Plus you can make more significant changes internally, such as adding more Ram, a new graphics card, or a more powerful processor. A desktop can be kept ticking over longer than an all-in-one; you can replace the bits you need without having to get rid of the whole device.
• Can be cheaper - If you already have a monitor, keyboard and mouse, a desktop PC is better value than an all-in-one. 
• More powerful - While the basic specs might not look all that different, larger tower desktop PCs are generally a little faster than all-in-ones. That's because their internal components have more room to expel heat, meaning they can run faster for longer. The components inside of an all-in-one are usually more akin to what you'll find in laptops.
• Not as user-friendly - If tech daunts you, you might be slightly put off by custom-choosing a desktop's inner workings or connecting it up, compared to the ‘plug and play’ nature of an all-in-one.

Need a new monitor? See our pick of the best computer monitors

Advantages and disadvantages of an all-in-one PC

• Easy set-up - Most simply require you to take it out of the box, place it where you want it, plug it in and turn it on. It’s also a good option if you don’t want to be bogged down by cables.
• Looks good - It looks far tidier and cleaner than a desktop PC. And even if you had a laptop, to get the same clean-looking desk plus large screen effect, you need a second monitor, plus somewhere to hide away your laptop and cables.  
• Flimsy accessories While all-in-ones do come with accessories in the box and built in speakers, they are usually rather basic. You’re stuck with those unless you want to shell out.
• More expensive You can end up paying extra for convenience. You could find that an equivalently powered desktop PC is considerably cheaper, even once the monitor and accessories have been taken into account.
• Less powerful If absolute performance is a must, you should opt for a good desktop PC instead.

Desktop computers with DVD drives

Desktop PCs with DVD drives installed aren’t as common as they used to be. But don't base your choice of PC on whether is has a DVD drive or not. It’s incredibly easy and cheap to buy an external USB DVD drive for whenever you need it. They work exactly like an external USB hard drive, but instead of a hard disk inside there’s whatever CD or DVD you choose. 

A model such as this Asus DVD drive at Argos will set you back around £30.

How to choose good PC accessories

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 are a wide selection of peripherals for all budgets, it’s important to consider your own requirements and not be tempted by flashy products that you won’t make use of. 

How to choose a keyboard

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 work station tidy. A good wireless keyboard can be more expensive than a wired option, but gives a freedom that you won’t get with a wired one.

Ergonomic keyboards Ergonomic keyboards 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 to a traditional keyboard. If possible, try one out before buying.

UK keyboard Keyboards have different layouts depending on the country they are intended for. This can be as small a change as the placement of the @ symbol, to the ordering of the letters being rearranged. 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. The inclusion of play, pause and volume buttons saves having to navigate to the program with the mouse.

How to choose a PC 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, then they can be a great choice for a desktop, too. As the power drain on a wireless mouse is low, you’ll find that the battery life is excellent – one set should last for months. Some models can be recharged over USB instead of having to replace the batteries.

How many buttons - Most desktop mouse designs have two buttons and a scroll wheel. However, with the introduction of programmable buttons on more advanced models, there can be huge convenience to being able to add your most used keys to the mouse.

Ergonomic mouse - You’ll be using you 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 that the one you pick feels comfortable.

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