The best desktop computers you can buy for gaming, remote work, and more in 2024

From HP gaming desktops to sleeper PCs from Dell, here are the best desktop computers you can buy in 2024 for gaming, remote work, and more. There are several great options if you're searching for the best desktop computer, but Dell's XPS Desktop (8960) still takes the crown in 2024. It's highly flexible, decently priced, and comes with super powerful hardware. There are desktop PCs to pick from, though. We've reviewed hundreds of desktop PCs from brands like Dell, Apple, Lenovo, and HP, but only a few truly stand out. These are the computers to look for when making your next upgrade. For our picks, we tried to balance price, performance, build quality, and our experience actually using the desktop. Make sure to read our explainer about to get an inside look at our evaluation process.

We've reviewed hundreds of desktop PCs for years, looking for machines that stand out for gaming, home office use, photo and video editing, and so much more. From miniature PCs that can fit on a bookshelf to behemoth desktops with custom liquid cooling, we've seen literally everything, and we know what stands out and what doesn't. There are a few key areas we focus on when looking a desktop computer. Performance is king when it comes to a desktop computer, but it's not an equal bar for every PC. Some machines, like the Mac Mini, are offering power in a portable package, while a desktop like the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i goes all-out for gaming prowess.

We meet desktops where they're at, evaluating what they're trying to accomplish, and at what price. A desktop may look nice, but if it's built of cheap plastics and throwaway components, it won't last for long. Our review process includes a teardown of every desktop to understand what the internal components look like. In addition, we look at fan placement, ventilation, and cooling to ensure the desktops will stay quiet during operation without overheating. Things go wrong with PCs, so it's important to have a robust support system in place. A one-year warranty is standard on most electronics, so we look for companies that go above and beyond what's required with multi-year warranties and around-the-clock support.

One of the main benefits of a desktop PC is that you can upgrade it in the future, but some brands have missed that memo. We keep an eye out for proprietary components and try to focus on desktops that provide some upgrade paths for users. This isn't possible for all machines, though, such as Apple's iMac, where upgrades are tricky for end users due to the form factor. The best overall desktop PC is the one that will work for the most people, and that's the Dell XPS 8960. It's understated in all the right ways, reasonably priced considering the power you can pack inside, and comes in a variety of configurations to suit work, gaming, or both. Choosing the highest-rated PC isn't easy, but the Dell XPS 8960 gets rid of that issue. Regardless of what configuration you choose, you'll find something that matches your needs. That's because Dell builds them custom ordered, which is the best feature of the XPS 8960. The options are nearly endless, with prices ranging from $750 to over $3,000 depending on the parts you choose.

Some of the desktops come without a , meaning they're more suited for work than games. However, you can get one of the more expensive ones that include a discrete graphics card. Dell is offering this new XPS desktop with Intel Raptor Lake and DDR5 RAM for those who are in search of the . You can add up to an RTX 4090 graphics card as well, which is a serious amount of power considering the size of the machine. Powerful hardware means more heat, but the XPS 8950 gets rid of it well with optional liquid cooling and a case with plenty of room for airflow.

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i gets almost everything right. It comes with the latest flagship hardware, packing in an Nvidia RTX 4080 and a 13th-gen Intel Core i9 processor, and it comes in a sleek, attractive design that doesn't get too loud or hot. The machine is configured with fast DDR5 memory, so this computer is great for playing without lag. It's largest drawback is in certain applications, it will run slightly slower in the Tower 7i's default configuration. Additionally, the Yoga AIO 9i is an impressive all-in-one that impresses with great performance, a solid price, and one of the best integrated displays we've seen. The Falcon Northwest Tiki is another standout option, proving that you can have a small form factor gaming PC without sacrificing heat or thermals. The Mac Studio is aimed at those who demand peak performance, offering speed and size that make it feel like a standout deal. The HP Envy Move is the most unique desktop, combining portability and power.

Finally, the Lenovo ThinkStation P620 is designed to perform the most resource-heavy tasks out there, and for professionals who demand peak performance, and is not an option for those on a budget.