Thinking of getting a computer for your home? A desktop PC could be what you need.

If you aren’t sure where to start, we’ve come up with some handy tips on what to look out for when buying a new PC. Starting with the big question…

What is a desktop PC?

A desktop PC is a home computer designed to be used at a single location. Whether that’s in your home office, bed room or at the office etc.

A typical desktop PC is made up of a number of accessories – a display, keyboard, mouse – along with the system unit, i.e. the PC. In terms of power, desktops generally beat laptops hands down. Plus, they’re a lot easier to upgrade.

Not all desktop PCs are giant towers though. There are different sizes and types, including all-in-one PCs.

What is an all-in-one PC?

All-in-one PCs are basically slimmed down versions of bulkier desktop PCs, with everything kept in a single integrated unit. So, there’s no need for a separate large system unit. That makes them a great solution if you’ve got limited space, but they’re still not exactly portable devices. Just like a standard desktop computer, all-in-one PCs are designed to stay in one place.

What is a mini PC?

Mini-PCs are so compact they can fit almost anywhere. This makes them a great solution when your space is really tight. And for their size, they’re still pretty powerful little machines – more than capable of multi-tasking and doing lots of everyday computing. They’re also easy to take with you, so you can vary your working from home setup if you think you need a change of scene.

Which operating system is right for me?

When it comes to your operating systems, you’ve got a choice between Windows and Apple. Here’s a quick rundown of each one:

Windows
Windows PCs have lots of programs you might be used to already. With Office365, you get instant access to the likes of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Windows 11 is the latest operating system, packed with features to help you get the most from your PC, including a customisable desktop and Microsoft Teams integration.

If you want to find out more, here’s a quick Window into Windows 11.

macOS
If you own an iPhone or iPad, it might make sense to choose an iMac as your desktop computer. The big advantage of this is that you’ll be able to switch seamlessly and share content between your different Apple devices. Apple’s operating system will also help you to safe online, with next-level protection against malware, viruses and other nasties.

Should I build or buy a desktop PC?

The next question is, should you go for a pre-built desktop PC or build your own? Here are the advantages of each:

Pre-built desktop PCs
The main advantage of going for a pre-built desktop, is that it’s a lot quicker and easier to set up. Unbox it, plug it in, follow the onscreen instructions and you should be up and running in no time all.

Build-your-own desktop PCs
Building your own PC is obviously a more time-consuming project. But if it’s the kind of thing you enjoy doing, there are definite advantages. When you build a PC, you get to choose every single component. That gives you the freedom to build the PC if you need - whether it’s a high-end machine for gaming or design, or something which can handle everyday computing just fine.

How do I build a desktop PC?

Okay, so you’ve made the choice to build your own PC. You’ve bought all your components, and they’re lying in front of you, ready to be turned into a desktop PC.

Need a helping hand? If so, we’ve got a guide to take you through the perfect PC build step-by-step. From the tools and equipment you’ll need, to installing the components and powering up, we’ll take you through it all.

How to build and set up a gaming PC

The best gaming PCs have powerful processors and dedicated graphics cards designed to handle all the latest games without any lagging or crashing – because that kind of thing doesn’t go down well when you’re in the thick of the action.

Why would you want to build a gaming PC? Well, nobody knows better than you how you like to play – the games you enjoy, the settings you trust, the amount of space you have in your gaming den – all those kinds of things. So, when you build your own gaming PC, you can handpick the components and parts you need to create a gaming rig that’s perfect for you – player one!

Need some help with your build?

If you want to get in on DIY PC building, follow our handy step-by-step guide on How to build a gaming PC. No previous experience required! And should you ever get stuck, remember that you can always talk to one of out Tech Experts and get 24/7 Tech support. They’ll always try to help you, even if you’ve put your graphics card in the wrong way round!

Best desktop PCs for work, gaming & everyday use

Of course, there’s no need to build when the perfect pre-built PC exists for pretty much everybody. So, let’s give you some ideas about which would be right for you - whether a desktop PC for work, a more powerful PC for gaming or one which is a good all-rounder.

Work

Outside of jobs like graphic design or video editing, most people won’t need a super powerful PC to handle the types of tasks that can be done in Microsoft 365 apps. That’s why a Mini-PC might be a great choice. Mini-PCs offer incredible power in a small package and are light enough to set up at home or take to the office. After that, it’s just a case of picking the CPU and amount of memory you’ll need. If you’re running Windows, you can check recommended specs for running Windows 11 as a good guideline.

Gaming

For the best Gaming PCs, it’s a good idea to take what you’d like to play and then find a system that can handle it. If you have a fair idea of what graphics card you’d like, it’s a good indication of what kind of gaming desktop you’ll get. So if you’re getting a powerful graphics card that can run the latest games on high settings (like an RTX 5080), the system around it will be built to get the best out of it. A high-end gaming PC will obviously come with a premium price tag. If you’re looking for something that’s good for games at medium settings or online gaming, a gaming PC with a mid-range GPU (like an RTX 3050) will be more than enough power.

Everyday use

Most tasks don’t require a graphically intensive set up, so an all-in-one PC should have plenty of power and will be able to run all the apps you use on a daily basis. But even within all-in-one PCs, there’s a lot of choice. If you’re looking for something that excels at the everyday but can still take on editing or some gaming too, an iMac is a great choice. But if you’re looking for a desktop PC that can handle daily tasks and maybe just some streaming too, prioritise something with a capable processor and decent screen size, like 24” or above.

What’s next?

For more help choosing the right PC, check out our desktop buying guide. If you’d like to talk to an expert, pop in-store or have a video chat using ShopLive. When you’ve made your choice, we’ve got some great advice on getting started with your new laptop or desktop.

Key specs to consider when buying a PC

For a more complete breakdown of different specs and components, our Desktop PC buying guide is a pretty thorough. But in the meantime, this should make shopping a bit easier:

CPU (Central Processing Unit)

The CPU is the brain of your computer, responsible for executing instructions and processing data. When choosing a CPU, consider clock speed (measured in GHz) and the number of cores. Intel and AMD are the two main CPU manufacturers. You can tell the difference between different Intel CPUs depending on name - like i3, i5, i7 and what that means in terms of power. AMD CPUs, on the other hand, offer great multi-core performance and good value, making them suitable for multitasking and productivity.

RAM (Random Access Memory)

RAM is the memory your computer uses to store data that is actively being used. More RAM allows your computer to handle more applications simultaneously. For general use, 8GB of RAM is sufficient, but for gaming, video editing or other intensive tasks, 16GB or more is recommended.

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)

The GPU handles rendering images, videos and animations. It's crucial for gaming and video editing. GPUs come in two main types: integrated and discrete. Integrated GPUs are built into the CPU and are sufficient for basic tasks, while discrete GPUs are separate cards that provide significantly better performance. NVIDIA and AMD are the leading GPU manufacturers. NVIDIA cards are known for their superior performance and ray tracing capabilities, while AMD cards often offer great value for money and stronger performance in certain applications.

Storage

Storage options include SSDs (Solid State Drives) and HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). SSDs are faster, more reliable, and consume less power than HDDs, making them ideal for booting up your system and loading applications. HDDs, while slower, offer more storage capacity for a lower price, making them suitable for storing large files. For most users, a combination of an SSD for the operating system and applications, and an HDD for storing files, is optimal.

Ports

Common ports include USB (for peripherals), HDMI (for displays) and Ethernet (for internet). Ensure the PC has enough ports to connect all your devices and supports the latest standards for speed and connectivity.