Best Desktop Computers for Students
Modern problems require modern solutions. Nowadays, nothing is complete without the use of technology and it is necessary for college students to have a powerful desktop computer to fulfill their needs. There are different types of desktop computers and it is impossible to choose the best desktop computers for students if you do not know what to look for.
The need for the right desktop computer has increased so much in COVID 19 where all the classes were shifted towards online and still there are hybrid systems. Being a student, it is not possible to purchase the most powerful desktop computer and you would have to consider a few parameters.
The choice of the best desktop computers depends upon your needs and requirements. you might need a desktop PC for your online classes in which a built-in webcam is necessary.
You might need the PC for video editing in which case you would need a powerful graphics card and processing power.
it is not possible to purchase the PC for only one task and you might have plans about online gaming or watching movies in which you will require a full hd display with good FPS and resolution or you might need it for simple web browsing.
There are many entry-level all-in-one desktop computer brands that you can use to fulfill all your needs but you might have to make a few modifications to them.
If you are new to the PC industry then it is better to consider the pre-built PC which saves time and effort but the real question is what type of desktop computers to choose in the vast option of desktop PCs.
To take you out of this confusion, we have gathered a list of some of the best desktop computers that you can purchase and these student desktop computers are selected on the basis of their performance, operating system, and budget. So let’s get started.
Quick Summary
Best Pick
HP envy is the best desktop computer that many students use worldwide for their academic needs. It has all the features that make it the best all-purpose solution.
Editorial Pick
If you are not bound by budget and willing to pay any amount then HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop is the best computer. It is the best computer that has high features and is perfect for gaming, video editing, and general needs.
Budget Pick
Dell Inspiron 3891 is the best computer that provides an ultimate solution if you are limited by a low budget. It is a good option that has decent specifications for your needs.
Top Rated Pick
Apple iMac 27-inch is the best option that is most appreciated by its users worldwide. It has the highest graphics quality and comes with the best audio and visual support.
List Of 9 Best desktop computers for Students
These are some of the best desktop computers that you can purchase if you want a desktop computer for your studies or other needs. An important thing to note here is that the list is not based on their ranks.
- Dell Inspiron 3891 (best budget student desktop computer)
- Mac Mini M1(space-saving desktop computer)
- HP envy (best premium student desktop computers)
- Dell XPS Desktop ( best all-in-one desktop computer)
- iMac 24-inch 2021 ( best computer for video editing)
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop ( best gaming pc for students)
- Apple iMac 27-inch (best high-level graphics computer)
- Dell G5 5090 (best high-power PC for students)
- Dell XPS 8940 (best price to performance computer for students)
1. Dell Inspiron 3891
Being a student, it is not easy to get a powerful desktop computer that is expensive but if you are looking for a perfect solution for your academic needs then Dell Inspiron 3891 can be a suitable choice. Dell has been making high-quality desktop computers for a long time and it is one of the best desktop computers that you can use for general requirements.
I found this computer very suitable for students as it is an all-in-one desktop computer that can fulfill all the needs. Being a cost-effective solution does not necessarily mean that you are going to get a low-power product and it is proof of that.
It has more power than I originally expected and it comes from its Intel Core i7 which is available in 5th to 10th generations. In other words, you can select the processing power of this computer according to your requirements. You can also easily overclock this machine if you know How do I connect multiple case fans to my motherboard
The best part about this computer is that it is completely customizable. You do not have to build the computer and it is a pre-built pc but you can select the hardware according to your desire. The ram can be selected from 16 or 32 GB options and you can also select the physical storage space from HDD or solid-state drive.
in terms of ports and I/O, it is very supportive and supports Wireless 802.11AC, Bluetooth 5.0, 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN with 4 x USB 2.0, 4 x USB C ports, 1 x HDMI, 1 x DVI, 1 x DP, 1 x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, 1 x Media Card Reader.
Key Point of this Desktop Computer You must know
However, it has some limitations and the most obvious one is that it is not an ideal solution for creative professionals who want high-level intel HD graphics for video editing but considering its price and computing power, it is one of the best all-in-one desktops that you can find.
Specifications
- Operating System: Windows 11 Pro
- Brand: Dell
- CPU: Up to 10th-generation Intel Core i7
- GPU: Up to Nvidia geforce RTX 1650 Super
- Memory: Up to 12GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Size: 12.77 x 6.06 x 11.54 in
2. Mac Mini M1
If you live in a hostel or dormitory then it would be very important for you to choose a small form factor desktop computer that can fulfill all your needs then a mini pc by apple imac is going to be the perfect solution. It is not the best cost-effective desktop computer but it gives high performance when compared to price.
i was surprised by its performance and it packs a powerful punch in its small size. it is not the best all in one desktop computer but it has some serious computing power for video editing. The computer is primarily designed for college students and has a wireless keyboard that you can take anywhere easily.
It has 16 Gb memory that is more than enough for general needs and 256 GB solid desktop computer storage. The processor is not the best but the Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 8-core Graphics card is something that is not easily ignorable.
It has a discrete graphics card and is based upon the Apple Mac Studio processor that is one of the best Apple iMacs till date.
However, it is not an ideal solution for pc gamers as it does not have high memory or storage and it can run hot if used for too long but being less in size, you can even use it as a portable computer and take it anywhere with you.
It is not the best option in terms of connectivity and little size provides little room for ports. It has USB ports, HDMI ports and has wireless connectivity that you can use to connect wireless keyboards. Thus, it is regarded as one of the top quality motherboard for 5700g.
Specification
- Operating System: Mac OS
- Brand: Apple
- CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU
- GPU: 8-core Apple GPU
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Size: 9.9 x 9.6 x 4.7 in
3. HP Envy
If you are not worried about the price and want to have the best desktop computer that can fulfill all your needs and can even compete with other future brands then there is nothing better than HP envy. It is a true masterpiece that combines all of the properties and features and is the perfect all in one computer.
HP is known to make some of the best desktop computers in existence and it is their ultimate product that is the pinnacle of innovation. i was surprised to see that you can do anything on it whether it is streaming, gaming, editing or general usage.
HP Envy is one of the best gaming PCs that you can find and it is the leading digital publisher of latest innovations. You can even connect multiple monitors thanks to its high power processor and graphics card.
The processor has some serious power with the intel i9 10th Generation along with the Intel Core i7-10700 Processor that has 8-Core and can produce 2.90 GHz base frequency that you can overclock to 4.8 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology.
If you want to play online gaming then it supports 16 GB DDR4 RAM with 2933 MHz speed and has internal storage of 512 GB M.2 Solid state drive.
it supports Wifi 5, bluetooth 4.2 and also has ethernet that you can use. You can easily connect the mouse and keyboard to more than 10 HDMI or USB ports.
However, it might seem too expensive for entry level users who do not want fancy features and want a computer for basic computing.
Specifications
- OS: windows
- Brand: HP
- CPU: intel core i7
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD with 2 TB HDD
- Size: 11.97 x 6.12 x 13.28 in
4. Dell sdXPS Desktop
If you want a computer for general needs such as word processing and watching movies then dell xps desktop PC is going to be your dream computer. The new xps desktop is one of the best computers that comes at an affordable price and it provides users with ultimate cool features.
Dell is known to be the leading manufacturer of high quality computer and traditional desktop towers. I found this computer a perfect solution for the students who want the best desktop computer but do not want to pay a handsome amount.
It is a balanced platform that provides all kinds of support and is based on Intel Core i5 processor that can be extended easily to Core i9 12th generation. You can even change the RAM speed of this PC if you know How do I change RAM speed in UEFI BIOS.
Usually it comes with an i7-10700F Quad Core processor that can provide a speed of up to 2.9 Ghz that can be extended to 4.8 Ghz. Other than that, it also has the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB GDDR6 Graphics card.
You can enjoy the high level pc gaming with 1 tb SSD and 1 Tb HDD and have 32 GB DDR4 SDRAM. In terms of connectivity, it provides support for Wi-Fi 6, bluetooth 5.1 and ethernet.
It provides high support in I/O with USB ports, USB c port, HDMI 2.1 port and much more to connect audio and visual support. It is the best xps desktop computer for creative professionals but there are some limitations as well.
you might have to pay an extra amount to enjoy higher specifications that might be out of range of some college students and can not be stored in compact spaces.
Specifications
- OS: windows
- Brand: HP
- CPU: intel core i7
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD with 2 TB HDD
- Size: 11.97 x 6.12 x 13.28 in
5. iMac 24-inch 2021
If you are an arts student and have to deal with art, film and photography then this Mac mini pc would be the best desktop computer for your needs. it has all the features that you might need for video editing.
apple imac is known for their high performance and they provide the best desktop pc that you can use. It provides high quality CPU and GPU support that can be used for gaming PCs. i was surprised to see its performance and it has high memory and storage.
You do not have to worry about anything because it comes with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB storage but the best part is that it provides a high quality ultra 4K display with 24 inch screen that provides the ultimate editing experience.
It has a small form factor and has a slim design that you can use in compact spaces. However, you might find it expensive for its performance and it does not have much support for I/O. The mini pc design does not provide much room for connection or i/0 but mac studio has better support for editing than windows operating system.
Specifications
- OS: MacOs big sur
- Brand: Apple
- CPU: VIA
- GPU: Radeon Pro 555X
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD
- Size: 27.25 x 23.75 x 7.5 in
6. HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
HP pavilion gaming desktop computer is one of the best desktop PCs that you can get for your all purpose gaming needs. If you are looking for a computer to fulfill your student requirement but interested in gaming then it is the best desktop computer that you can get. It provides ultimate support for gaming and is among the best desktop towers.
It comes with a high power processor and has ultimate RAM and storage support for serious power. I was not surprised to see its high performance that is due to the 11th Gen Intel Core i5 11400 2.60GHz 6-Core Processor that can be extended up to 4.4 GHz if you choose the best motherboard for Intel i9 10th gen.
with NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super, you can enjoy high level gaming without any problem. Intel Core i5 processors are best suited for all kinds of operations and you can use it as a gaming desktop.
I have found its I/O support extremely convenient and supportive and USB Type-C, USB Type-A. It also has a headphone and microphone port with 1 x Media Card Reader and HDMI and provides USB Black Wired Keyboard and Mouse that provide high aesthetics.
However, it does not have much support for high level intense gaming and is somewhat expensive as compared to counterparts.
Specifications
- OS: Windows 11 Home
- Brand: HP
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 SSD
- Size: 13.28 x 12.09 x 6.12 in
7. Apple iMac 27-inch
The Apple iMac products are best known for their video quality and high display support. It provides the processor and hardware support and if you are looking for a pc that can be used for all purposes but has its specialties in video and photo editing.
It has intel core i5 support that you can use for high level editing and support and is one of the best student desktop computers that you can get. The best part about this computer that I like is its high capabilities in audio and visuals.
I was surprised to see its Retina 5K display that comes with a resolution of 5120 x 2880 pixels. you can choose from intel core i5, i7 and i9 processors and AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics card with ultra fast SSD storage.
It comes with 8 GB ram and 256 Solid state drives that provide high support for business and multimedia activities but you might not find it enough for gaming.
It has some limitations including a smaller number of USB ports and does not have any ports in front. If you are looking for a basic computer to fulfill your general needs then it might be a little overwhelming.
Specifications
- OS: Mac OS
- Brand: Apple imac
- CPU: Intel Core i5, i7 and i9
- GPU: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics card
- Memory: 8 GB
- Storage: 256 SSD
- Size: 20.3 x 25.6 x 8 in
8. Dell G5 5090
If you are looking for an easy to upgrade entry level computer that provides high support to college students then Dell G5 5090 is one of the best computers that you can get. It is all in one desktop computer that has everything that you might need.
The best thing that I like about this machine is its wide application. I was surprised by its balanced design that considers everything and is not too expensive. It has high durability and reliability and comes with a powerful Intel core i7 processor with 9th gen.
They are not the best xps desktop but have serious power at their disposal. You can even use it for crypto generation if you know How much RAM does a mining rig need.
It has high CPU and GPU capabilities and comes with 9th-Gen Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7 and has the support of the NVIDIA RTX 2080 graphics card. college students will find it useful for all their needs. It has 16 Gb RAM and has 512 GB SSD and has 360W PSU fans for high level cooling.
It comes with high support for connectivity and I/O with usb c ports and has everything at their disposal. The best thing that I like about this machine is its ultimate upgradability and you can even compare it with future brands. However, you might find it lacking in software support and is not an ideal solution for video and photo editing.
Specification
- OS: Windows 10 Home
- Brand: Dell
- CPU: 9th-Gen Intel Core i3 / i5 / i7
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 2080 GPU
- Memory: 16 GB
- Storage: 512 GB SSD
- Size: 12.12 x 6.65 x 14.45 in
9. Dell XPS 8940
dell have produced some of the best desktop computers that you can use for your regular needs and they come at a reasonable price. This desktop PC is arguably the best desktop computer that is equipped with the XPS desktop system and is the perfect solution for college students.
If you are looking for a gaming desktop then this computer can fill the spot with its all in one desktop design. It has amazing features that I found very exciting and the best thing is that the cost is reasonable.
This desktop PC has a powerful processor and has the support of Core i7 10th generation that you can easily upgrade according to your requirements. In terms of GPU, it will surprise you as you can buy it in the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 that ensures more power than any other future brands.
You can easily use this all in one pc as a gaming desktop thanks to its high memory and storage that you can use to install and run high end gaming. It has all the features to be among the list of best student desktop computers and has ultimate connectivity and I/O support.
If you know about motherboard CPU testing then you can take it to another level.
The PC comes with more than 14 USB support of different kinds and has an SD card slot along with DVI, displayport and much more. However, you might find it pricey as compared to other competitors and it is not the primary choice for basic entry level users who want to prepare assignments.
Specification
- OS: Windows 11
- Brand: Dell
- CPU: 10th-Gen Intel Core i7
- GPU: Nvidia RTX 3080 GPU
- Memory: 16 to 32 GB
- Storage: 1 TB SSD and 1 TB HDD
- Size: 15.5 x 6.65 x 13.89 in
How We Chose the Best Desktop Computers
If you do not find a suitable computer for your needs from the above list then there is no need to worry because we are going to provide you with valuable information about our selection criteria.
There is nothing that you should buy without proper reasons and when you are buying an electronic item then there are certain parameters to consider. these are the thing that you should consider before choosing the best desktop computer for high school students:
Your Requirements
The first thing that you should consider is your purpose to purchase the PC computer. If you are looking for the best desktop computer for online classes then you can buy any PC with decent specification but if you need them for gaming or other video editing needs then you must consider some high level processor and GPU with considerable RAM and storage.
Processor
Processor is the first thing that you should consider according to your requirements. Core i5 10th gen is the most suitable option and you should always consider the processor above this to ensure optimum performance.
Memory
Memory is the measure of RAM capabilities and you should consider at least 8 GB RAM if you want to use them for general needs. The RAM requirement may increase according to specific tasks.
Storage
If you want to use your computer for general needs then it is desirable to choose a high storage device. Based on your needs, you can consider 256 GB to 2 TB of storage and it is better to install system files in SSD.
Connectivity And I/O
The capabilities of the computer to connect with external sources is connectivity and bluetooth, wifi etc fall into that category. It is better to consider the desktop pc that has the best support of ethernet and wifi to ensure a smooth internet. More than that, it is also necessary to have considerable i/o ports to ensure high accessories support.
Budget
The only thing that prevents you from purchasing the most powerful computer is your budget but you can purchase a decent computer within your limits if you know what to look at and where to look. Sort out your priorities and make a choice according to that and you will land on a PC that suits your requirement in the budget that you have.
Conclusion
So far so good, we have discussed some of the Best Desktop Computers for Students that you can buy for your studies. If you are looking for a high power design that can serve all your needs then HP envy is the best choice for you. If you do not have a high budget pc then Dell Inspiron 3891 is the option that you can consider.
iMac 24-inch 2021 is the mac mini design that provides extreme support for video editing and if you love to have high quality display then Apple iMac 27-inch mac mini design would be a good option.
Dell XPS Desktop is the best option if you are looking to buy a decent computer that has a balanced specification and can be used for any type of task.
We have also discussed the criteria to choose our best computers and it is based on purpose, processor, memory, GPU, storage, connectivity, I/O and budget. You can also consider warranty and user reviews to have more confidence in your purchase. Hope you find a good PC that is perfect for you.
FAQs
What is the best desktop computer for home use?
If you are looking for a computer that you can use for general home use then an HP or Dell computer will serve you well. You can purchase a computer with a processor of core i5 10th gen or above with decent memory and storage and it will be a good choice.
Should I Buy a Refurbished Desktop?
No, it is not a good idea to buy a refurbished desktop especially if you are purchasing them for your academic needs. There is no guarantee on refurbished products and there are high chances that might contain technical issues that can create a huge problem that might affect your career.
What are the top 5 desktop computers?
There is not a definite rule for the best computer and any computer that suits your requirement is the best. However, HP envy, Mac Mini M1, Dell Inspiron 3891, Dell XPS Desktop, Dell G5 5090 and HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop are considered to be among the best computers for general needs.
Are desktop computers being phased out?
No, although laptops are getting popular these days due to their mobility and low weight, desktop computers are still going to be in business for a long time. There are many features that desktop PCs provide which laptops fail to do so such as extended gaming sessions, extremely high power etc.
Do desktop computers come with Windows 10?
Yes, although windows 11 is released and many new computers come with windows 11 but windows 10 is also used these days. You can purchase many computers with Windows 10 and it is a good OS that provides similar support as Windows 11.
Which computer desktop is best for students?
There are many pc computers that you can use for your academic needs such as HP envy, Mac Mini M1, Dell Inspiron 3891, Dell XPS Desktop, Dell G5 5090 and HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop can be the best option for students.
What is the best desktop computer for online school?
Dell XPS 8940 is considered to be the best computer if you are looking for a computer to attend online classes. Dell XPS Desktop, Mac Mini M1 are also a good option for online classes.
What should I look for in a desktop computer for school?
The first thing that you should consider about best desktop computer for online classes is the budget and it is also important to consider storage, memory, GPU, processor and brand.
Which computer is best for learning?
If you are considering a desktop for college learning then HP envy, Mac Mini M1, Dell Inspiron 3891, Dell XPS Desktop, Dell G5 5090 and HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop can be good options and they can serve you really well.
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About Author
Yashfa Lodhi
Yashfa Khurram is a dedicated author who performs various tasks at a time. She Research & provides High converting Guides. Her instructional expertise and private association with computers and their accessories have provided her with a broad foundation to explore a range of tech-related fields.
