For work, video games or home use, the desktop computer - or PC - performs many tasks. Nearly 4 out of 10 French households are equipped with one, despite the predominance of the laptop and the smartphone. The price varies according to the graphics card, processor (Intel, AMD), hard drive capacity, connectivity and RAM. Read our guide to find what you need.
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Our selection
"Designed for the enterprise, Lenovo M710 tower workstations offer top-of-the-line security and scalability in a stylish, modern design. Certified energy-efficient, they also feature cost-effective management…"
"The Dell Inspiron 3471 is a do-it-all machine, making it one of the best desktops for families, businesses and everyone else. This compact tower is…"
"If you want a sleek and easy to use computer, the Apple iMac 27″ Retina 5K is a solid option. Apple continues to bring us…"
"If you want more flexibility and an upgradeable machine, the ASUS GL12CP-FR065T is part of the ASUS (Republic Of Gamers) ROG line which is aimed…"
Designed for the enterprise, Lenovo M710 tower workstations offer top-of-the-line security and scalability in a stylish, modern design. Certified energy-efficient, they also feature cost-effective management tools and reliability.
520 £ on AmazonPowerful and secure, ThinkCentre tower desktops like Lenovo M710 offer the solution to improve productivity and save invaluable time and effort. They also come with advanced security features as standard. Easy to use and manage, they can be configured and expanded to meet your current and future needs. Both compact and powerful, the desktop is built for the professional environment. The Lenovo ThinkCentre M710 Tower (10M9003XFR) offers good overall performance with its 7th generation Intel processor (Intel Core i3-7100) and 4GB DDR4 memory (expandable up to 64GB).
The Dell Inspiron 3471 is a do-it-all machine, making it one of the best desktops for families, businesses and everyone else. This compact tower is ideal for multitasking. While Dell remains a master at giving you a cheap product.
285 £ on AmazonThe Dell Inspiron 3471 has a 128GB SSD to run your programs and a 1TB hard drive to store all your files. In addition, it comes with Windows 10 Professional, which offers many features for businesses, including support for remote login, virtual machines and encryption. This way, if the computer is lost or stolen, you can prevent users from accessing any of the files and data. This compact tower includes two USB 3.0 ports and four USB 2.0 ports, as well as a DVD drive. It also has an HDMI display port and a VGA display port, so you can connect it to new and old monitors. And, with its Gigabit Ethernet port, you'll enjoy a fast Internet connection.
If you want a sleek and easy to use computer, the Apple iMac 27″ Retina 5K is a solid option. Apple continues to bring us a product that is on the cutting edge of technology. The graphics are a thing of beauty already thanks to the display and other powerful components.
See priceApple's 27-inch 5K iMac is the company's latest and greatest desktop computer, and this is our recommendation if you're in the market for a Mac. This desktop is an all-in-one computer that runs Mac OS Catalina, the most recent version of Apple's operating system. It will be compatible with MacOS Big Sur, its upcoming desktop operating system. It is full-featured, but its selection feature is a 5K high-resolution display. It displays crisp text, images and video compared to any external display.
This machine has a 3.1GHz six-core Intel i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It also has a built-in 720P webcam and microphone at the top of the screen, so you can video conference with it right out of the box. It comes with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics card with 4GB of dedicated video memory. These specs are good enough that you'll have no problem running image or video editing software without major problems.
If you want more flexibility and an upgradeable machine, the ASUS GL12CP-FR065T is part of the ASUS (Republic Of Gamers) ROG line which is aimed at the gamer or any user who wants a high-performance desktop computer with high-end graphics capabilities.
See priceThe ROG Strix GL12 is designed to quench gamers' endless thirst for extreme gaming power combined with a striking, unconventional design. It is powered by a factory overclocked 8th generation Intel® Core ™ i7-8700K processor with NVIDIA® GeForce® GTX 1080 graphics for unlimited gaming experiences. System upgrades are effortless with its expansion bays and an e-sport ready hot-swappable SSD tray.
Plus, it draws on urban ninja and cyberpunk elements, creating a modern, deadly and powerful silhouette embodied in the spirit of e-sports. The sharp, chiseled edges and deep notches on the front reflect the scars of the battle-hardened warrior, while the cyberpunk-inspired HyperStream design allows for optimal cooling during intense gaming marathons.
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The best desktop computer in 2021
The best entry-level desktop computer
The best high-end desktop computer
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| TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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Lenovo M710 10M9003XFR
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Dell Inspiron 3471
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2020 Apple iMac Retina Display 5K
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ASUS GL12CP-FR065T
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Designed for the enterprise, Lenovo M710 tower workstations offer top-of-the-line security and scalability in a stylish, modern design. Certified energy-efficient, they also feature cost-effective management tools and reliability.
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The Dell Inspiron 3471 is a do-it-all machine, making it one of the best desktops for families, businesses and everyone else. This compact tower is ideal for multitasking. While Dell remains a master at giving you a cheap product.
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If you want a sleek and easy to use computer, the Apple iMac 27″ Retina 5K is a solid option. Apple continues to bring us a product that is on the cutting edge of technology. The graphics are a thing of beauty already thanks to the display and other powerful components.
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If you want more flexibility and an upgradeable machine, the ASUS GL12CP-FR065T is part of the ASUS (Republic Of Gamers) ROG line which is aimed at the gamer or any user who wants a high-performance desktop computer with high-end graphics capabilities.
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Power
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Powerful and secure
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Secure
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5K high resolution display
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Optimal cooling
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Specificity
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Professional
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Fast Internet connection
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All-in-one
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Modern design
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Functionality
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Easy to use
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Professional
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Complete
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Easy to upgrade
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This part performs all the actions required of the computer. AMD and Intel are the best known manufacturers. The frequency of the processor determines the power of the computer. Intel processors are measured by the number of cores they have. This gives the names core i3, i5, i7 or Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, etc.
Also called RAM, the RAM works in concert with the processor to guarantee the speed of processing. Right now, it's best not to buy a desktop computer with less than 8GB of memory, possibly expandable. This will facilitate multitasking.
There are 2 graphics circuits. The first one is called GPU. It uses some of the power of the processor and RAM to operate. The second, usually made by Nvidia or AMD, has its own resources, especially for video memory. If you plan to use it for office work or browsing, the GPU will suffice. For video games, image processing and video editing, the graphics card offers more resources than the GPU. Indeed, these applications require a lot of computing power and video memory to run smoothly. The graphics card also allows you to watch videos or TV on your computer.
Peripherals are all the devices that need to be connected to the computer in order to improve its functioning. These include the monitor, keyboard, mouse, printer, external hard drive, USB hub, PC speakers or external drive. Some CPUs are sold without any peripherals.
Buy
a desktop computer with a large storage capacity so you don't run out of space for your files (movies, software, photos, songs...). Manufacturers offer hard drives from 500GB to 10TB. If possible, plan for at least 1 TB. You can increase this capacity by buying an external hard drive. In recent years, a new storage medium called SSD has appeared. It doesn't offer as much storage space as a SATA or even IDE hard drive. But its speed definitely affects the performance of the computer. Machines with dual SATA and SSD storage are now the law in gaming PCs.
The CPU acts as a control tower to which the peripherals connect. The more connectivity a desktop computer has, the better. These include USB 2.0, USB 3.0 or USB Type-C ports. The ports on the front will prevent you from having to contort yourself to connect peripherals! The 3.5mm jack port is also important for audio output. To connect the CPU to a monitor, the HDMI port is a must. In addition to the Ethernet port, some desktops have a built-in wifi antenna. Others have Bluetooth connectivity. Finally, the card reader can come in handy for reading SD and SDHC formats.
These tips will help you avoid bugs, boost the smoothness and performance of your desktop PC, and further extend its life.
To do this, uninstall any software you don't use, no longer use or those that automatically launch when your device starts up. Also, install the Ccleaner tool to remove small files that are created when you use your PC and that, in the long run, hinder its performance.
In order to protect your PC against hacking and malware when you are surfing the Internet, install a quality antivirus software. As a paid solution, you have Norton, BitDefender or Kaspersky that allow you to protect more than one computer with a license, for a subscription fee. There are also free antivirus programs that, although not as effective as their paid counterparts, are very reliable. The best known is Windows Defender, which is just as effective at detecting and blocking computer threats.
Avoid reading e-mails from unknown sources as much as possible to avoid having your data hacked. Also, only download software or other files and documents from safe sites to avoid your PC being infected with viruses and data you don't need.
Dust can hinder your PC's performance. Therefore, remember to dust especially the internal part of your hardware. If you have trouble doing this, ask a professional to do it for you. Finally, it should be noted that you should put these tips into practice as regularly as possible to free up space on your PC and keep the performance you had at the beginning.
Depending on the price, the size and especially the hardware configuration, there are 4 types of desktop computers. The choice for one or the other type will depend mainly on your means and the intended use.
This type of desktop computer has 3 advantages: it is cheap, easily repaired and you can upgrade it by replacing some components or adding others. The central processing unit is large. Most of them will do the job for office automation and Internet browsing. Some support video games, as long as they don't consume too many resources. However, if you're a graphic designer, video game enthusiast, videographer, or photographer, skip it.
This
type of computer is mostly for gamers, graphic designers, photographers, and videographers. Supporting the most intensive uses, it can handle the most resource-intensive games and software. Powerful processor and graphics card, large amount of RAM and dual storage (hard drive and SSD) are its main distinguishing features. The case is huge. You need a lot of space to accommodate more components and get more power. However, for your machine to gain more power, you will have to pay the price!
To
save space and facilitate the portability of the central unit, computer manufacturers have come up with compact desktop computers. This category includes little wonders like the Beelink Gemini and the Acer Revo. Some have pushed miniaturization to the limit. The Rapsberry Pi comes to mind.
Very affordable, these small desktop PCs take up little space, are easy to carry and move around, and often have a decent performance. However, some models are so small that they lack a fan, the connectivity is often insufficient, and the system does not have the capacity to run resource-intensive software.
This term refers to any desktop computer where the display and CPU are one. Apple's iMac is a case in point. As for the other types, the price varies according to the hardware configuration. While the all-in-one computer looks good and definitely saves space, it is almost impossible to upgrade. And let's not even talk about repairing it in case of a problem! Apart from that, the most powerful machines cost a small fortune.
This is the first thing you should know before buying a desktop computer. The operating system is the interface through which the user interacts with the computer. Windows and Mac OS are the best known and stand out for their simplicity. Linux is more for programmers. And in recent years, the Chrome OS, developed by Google, has rapidly gained popularity.
The desktop computer consists of a monitor and a central processing unit, plus a keyboard and mouse and optional peripherals. It is appreciated for its higher storage capacity, its expandable memory, its speed and its very efficient cooling system. In addition, it is reasonably priced. However, due to its size, it is not easy to transport, takes up a lot of space and is sensitive to power outages.
The portable PC or laptop is distinguished by its compactness and its long battery life. This type of computer can be used anywhere you like: at home, in the office, on a train, etc. But this mobility comes at a price. Moreover, the machine lacks space to properly arrange or integrate large components. This tends to reduce performance and limit upgrades. A laptop is also more difficult and expensive to repair.
In conclusion, the choice between laptop and desktop computer depends mainly on your needs and your budget. If you travel a lot, whether for business or any other reason, a laptop will be of great use to you.
Although not very upgradeable, a laptop can offer great performance if you pay the price. On the other hand, a desktop computer is better suited for more advanced use at home or in the office, depending on the upgrade you choose.
in the UK, 37% of households own a desktop computer. Despite the competition from laptops, smartphones and other tablets, the fixed PC continues to resist.
Hardware configuration can be changed at will
The ability to change the configuration is the main advantage of desktops. You can increase the RAM and hard drive capacity. You can also replace the graphics card for more power. The same goes for the cooling system. In short, a desktop computer can quickly become a gamer computer!
Multiple USB inputs
The desktop computer offers its users the possibility to use up to 10 USB sticks. Generally, there are two ports on the front of the CPU and the others on the back. In addition to the keyboard and mouse, which are essential peripherals, there are many other connection options available to you.
Possibility to connect to a UPS
In contrast to laptops and tablets, the desktop computer is not exposed to problems of lack of power. The desktop PC is connected directly to the mains. In the event of a power cut, the UPS provides an alternative that allows you to continue working.
Easier to troubleshoot
It's easy to troubleshoot a desktop computer in case of failure. Most of the components can be removed. You can even replace them if necessary. This is especially true for peripherals. The same goes for internal components such as the graphics card, RAM, sound card, cooler, etc.
(good to know) Laptops
The portable PC or laptop has long been inaccessible to most people. This type of computer can be used anywhere you like: at home, in the office, on a train, etc. But this mobility comes at a price. In addition, the machine lacks the space to properly arrange or integrate large components, which tends to reduce performance compared to a desktop computer. A laptop can also be more difficult and expensive to repair.
Most desktop computers last 1 or 2 years. But in some cases, the duration varies from 90 days to 6 months. Despite the low probability of a major breakdown during the warranty period, it is best to avoid machines with a warranty that is too short.
In our opinion, the best brands of desktop computers in 2022 are :
Founded in 2006, the company has grown from configuring and assembling desktops in a small room to a company selling its computers across Europe.
Through excellence, the Taiwanese manufacturer has become an essential part of the global computer landscape. Asus is the creator of the ROG series, which is a favourite of many gamers. Desktop computers from this brand are often a guarantee of reliability and performance.
Beelink is best known for its ultra-compact desktop computers. This manufacturer stands out in this segment thanks to its quality components and great ingenuity. The Gemini range is particularly suitable for those who are short on space.
It's impossible to ignore the Chinese manufacturer. It's quite simple: Leovo dominates the world market, at the nose of the American and Taiwanese firms. If you're looking for a good desktop computer at a reasonable price, Lenovo is a must.
The American manufacturer is world famous for its printers but also for its computers. Laptops or desktops, for classic use or for gaming, HP knows how to do everything. A risk-free choice for anyone looking for reliability and performance.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Make a list of all the devices you plan to connect to your computer and make sure you have enough ports to accommodate them all.
It's easy to forget all the adapters, gadgets and accessories we plug into our computers, so make a list. Be sure to include everything from your printer to your phone charging cables. Triple-check that the desktop computer you buy has enough room for each one.
Get a desktop computer with internal compartments available to accommodate additional drives if you plan to add to your file storage volume later.
Soon
or later, you'll need more space to store your files. Determine your terabyte (TB) needs now and in the future. You can buy an external hard drive. But you'll need to connect it to your computer, and find a place for it. If you decide that an internal hard drive is the way to go, make sure the computer you buy has the space.
Place your desktop computer in a well-ventilated area.
Desktop
computers can get very hot. They need constant airflow to stay cool. The best way to prevent overheating is to place the machine in a ventilated or air-conditioned area. Most importantly, note the location of your computer's fans and make sure they are efficient enough.
Make sure your drivers are always up to date.
It's
important to keep your drivers up to date to get the most out of your hardware. This is especially true for the graphics driver. It's often updated to fix any performance issues that might cause an increase in FPS. Consider downloading software such as GeForce Experience or Radeon Adrenalin.
Dust off your desktop PC.
Dust is the silent killer of PC components, and it's your job to keep this walking hazard from harming your PC's valuable components. Don't let dust build up and kill the GPU that cost you hundreds of dollars.
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