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09 May 2024
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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'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 a computer for different uses, along with the pros and cons of desktops versus all-in-one PCs. We also look at the accessories you need to complete your setup.
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Below we've outlined two different sets of specifications for a tower or compact desktop computer. After that, we talk about the differences between all-in-one PCs and tower desktops so you can get an idea of how best to spend your money.
If you’re just looking to replace your tower or mini desktop PC, you really don’t need to spend more than £400 to get a 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, 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:
All of the above can easily be found for under £350 at major retailers. An example at the time of writing at Currys is this Slim model from HP, but you can find dozens of computers just like this at all retailers.
If you work for multiple hours a day at the computer in your home office or study, it’s worth investing a little more to get something that completely meets your needs today and will continue to 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 for someone who edits photos from time to time.
You can easily get all this for under £500 and if you compromise on Ram you could squeeze in under £400. This Dell Inspiron 3020 is one such example, and it can be downgraded to under £350 and match the ‘cheap’ spec outlined above.
Fancy something more portable? Take a look at our laptop reviews
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.
While some desktops do come with DVD drives installed, they aren’t as common as they used to be. But this needn’t put you off buying one without such a drive, because it’s incredibly easy and cheap to buy a USB DVD drive for when 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.
You can get a no-name brand USB DVD drive from Amazon for around £10-£15, or if you’d prefer to go with a known brand (we wouldn’t blame you), a model such as this Asus DVD drive at Argos will set you back around £30.
All-in-one computers are just that: it's the entire computer in one package including the screen and speakers. While there's a level of convenience to this form factor, when we've tested them in the past we have almost always found them underwhelming.
The main reason for this is that manufacturers compromise on the screen and speaker quality to keep costs down. But even if you do get one with a good screen, the specs are more akin to laptops rather than desktops, so they're substantially slower than a tower desktop costing the same. So while there is a time and a place for all-in-one computers, buying a tower and then spending another £100 on a monitor (see our guide to the best monitors including cheap screens) is almost always better value.
Nonetheless, below are some key pros and cons to help you make your decision.
You'll find that they come in various shapes and sizes, from large bulky hulks that need to sit under your desk, to more discreet and stylish models that can be tucked away.
If you’re buying a desktop PC, you’ll also have to purchase a monitor to go with it. Modern monitors tend to be slim, power-efficient and crisply detailed, but there are various specs to contend with.
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.
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.
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 eliminating 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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