(GP) — Whether hulking towers, sleek all-in-ones, or space-saving mini PCs, today’s desktops pack spiffier designs and more value than ever. Check out our recent favourites, along with some in-depth shopping advice and deep-dive reviews.
1. Apple iMac 27-Inch With 5K Retina Display (2019)
PROS
Gorgeous Retina display. Sleek styling and extreme attention to detail. Top-notch computing performance. Solid sound quality. Excellent software bundle.
CONS
Expensive as configured. Small storage capacity. No HDMI or dedicated Display Port output. Lacks height adjustment. No touch screen.
BOTTOM LINE
With a newly available Intel Core i9 CPU and updated AMD Radeon Pro graphics, the 2019 reboot of the 27-inch Apple iMac all-in-one is now as powerful as it is beautiful.
PRICE
$1,723.99
2. Apple iMac Pro
PROS
Intel Xeon CPU and AMD Radeon Vega offer serious computing power. Gorgeous design in Space Gray extends to the wireless peripherals.
CONS
Pricey. Performance gains depend upon workflow. Uncomfortable keyboard.
BOTTOM LINE
The Apple iMac Pro is a beautiful ode to creative professionals, combining remarkable computing power with the same brilliant 5k display and sleek design of the iMac.
PRICE
$4,862.99
3. Apple Mac mini (2018)
PROS
Deep connectivity for its size, including four Thunderbolt 3 ports. Memory is SO-DIMM, not soldered. Configurable up to six cores/12 threads. New storage (2TB) and RAM (64GB) ceilings. Top-notch pre-installed software.
CONS
RAM not technically a user upgrade. No option for a 2.5-inch hard drive as internal mass storage. Scanty SSD on base model.
BOTTOM LINE
Apple’s iconic Mac mini compact desktop delivers more core-processing, storage, and memory potential than ever, in a polished box brimming with cutting-edge connectivity.
PRICE
$879.12
4. Corsair One i160 Gaming PC
PROS
Compact case with small footprint. Sleek look. RTX 2080 Ti ensures superior gaming performance, even at 4K. Advanced cooling system. RAM and storage accessible for upgrades.
CONS
Custom design limits core component upgrades. Expensive.
BOTTOM LINE
The thoughtfully designed Corsair One i160 Gaming PC delivers outrageous RTX 2080 Ti grunt and blistering CPU speed in an attractive, super-compact chassis.
PRICE
$3,399.99
5. Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop (5680)
PROS
Affordable price. Appealing low-key case lighting. Smooth HD gaming performance. Speedy new Intel “Coffee Lake” processor. Plenty of storage (boot SSD and a hard drive).
CONS
Messy interior. Only 8GB memory in test model.
BOTTOM LINE
The configurable Dell Inspiron Gaming Desktop delivers 60fps 1080p gaming and Core i7 pep at $999, making it an attractive bargain for gamers on a budget.
PRICE
$699.99
6. Dell OptiPlex 7760 All-in-One
PROS
Strong performance from Core i7 eighth-gen CPU and GeForce GPU. Beautiful 4K display on sturdy, flexible stand. Surprisingly strong audio output. Connectivity options abound.
CONS
No touch support on test system.
BOTTOM LINE
A peppy CPU and dedicated GeForce graphics power the 4K display of the Dell OptiPlex 7760 All-in-One, a flexible business desktop for designers and creative types. Plus, it packs one of the best AIO stands we’ve seen.
PRICE
$1,319.00
7. HP Z2 Mini G4 Workstation
PROS
Small footprint. Good Xeon multicore computing performance. ISV certifications. Relatively inexpensive for a desktop workstation.
CONS
Large external power brick.
BOTTOM LINE
The HP Z2 Mini G4 is a mini desktop with the performance of a far larger workstation, complete with Xeon processor options and ISV certifications.
PRICE
$1,329.00
8. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
PROS
Elegant all-in-one digital creation solution. Snappy performance. Super-thin, spectacular display that reclines. Accurate touch input for art/design work. USB-C support. Bundled Surface Pen.
CONS
Expensive. CPU could be beefier, considering separated base. Video out via USB-C, not a dedicated port.
BOTTOM LINE
Microsoft’s Surface Studio 2 is a beautiful, pricey all-in-one desktop for artists, content creators, and professionals wedded to pen input. It packs components peppier than the original’s, and a downright stunning screen.
PRICE
$3,499.00
9. Lenovo ThinkCentre M720q Tiny
PROS
Tons of at-purchase configuration options. Includes security features for businesses. Chassis is compact, rugged, and easily serviced. Plenty of ports. Runs quietly.
CONS
Minimal room for internal expansion, beyond 2.5-inch bay. Bundled keyboard and mouse are wired and subpar.
BOTTOM LINE
Lenovo’s ThinkCentre M720q Tiny is a well-rounded, capable SFF PC suitable for cramped offices or other space-constrained work environs. Just nail the configuration you need up front—upgradability is limited.
PRICE
$341.10
10. Velocity Micro Raptor Z55 (2019)
PROS
Exceptional performance. No-fuss case design that fits professional settings. Clean installation and cable management. Good customer-support offerings.
CONS
Minimalist aesthetic may not please all shoppers at this price.
BOTTOM LINE
Velocity Micro’s 2019 Raptor Z55 is a straightforward, cleanly assembled power desktop that posts excellent all-around performance. Its GeForce RTX 2080 Ti in our test config is ready for high-refresh 1440p gaming and capable of 60fps 4K gaming.
PRICE
$1,524
Source: PCgamers
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