Most students find it hard to pick the right desktop computer. They cannot decide whether to choose a desktop tower, an all-in-one computer, or complete desktop solutions. This article reviews five of the best desktop computers you can purchase. Keep reading for more information.
Table of Contents
- Dell Inspiron 3891 Compact Desktop Computer
- HP 22 All-In-One PC
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop Tower
- Beelink GTR7 Mini PC
- 2021 Newest HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop
- Best Desktop Computer for College Students – Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Dell Inspiron 3891 Compact Desktop Computer
Dell Inspiron 3891 is a compact desktop computer that features several impressive features suitable for a student. It provides fast, reliable, and robust performance, thanks to its 10-generation Intel Core-i3 processor.
Its CPU is compact, helping you save space in your student’s cubicle. The computer leaves enough room to hold other items, including the monitor, keyboard, mouse, loudspeakers, and so on. It is also small enough to move from place to place.
Since it’s equipped with an 8GB DDR4, 2.7GHz memory, the computer can load files, programs, and games quickly. It is also geared for those who like multitasking.
The Dell Inspiron 3891 comes with Windows 10 operating system with the possibility to upgrade to Windows 11 free of charge. With Windows 11, you can download and operate Android apps on your desktop computer and update Microsoft Teams. It is the best desktop computer for college students are used to Apple computers and wish to enjoy a Mac-like interface.
With this computer, you have a command center with ports to the front and other connectivity options for data transfer. You can, therefore, stay connected with as much ease as possible.
The computer provides seamless wireless integration with your smartphones, making it possible to get on-PC notifications, send messages, and make calls.
Pros
- Compact and space-saving
- Can upgrade to Windows 11
- Wireless integration with smartphones
- A great performer
Cons
- It has a smaller disk
- Some say it’s slow
2. HP 22 All-In-One PC
The HP all-in-one PC combines the power of a desktop computer with a beautiful, slim, modern display. You end up with one dependable device that only requires a mouse and keyboard to work.
It features an AMD Athlon Gold 3150U, which is reliable and capable of delivering fast performance, regardless of the application. The processor works with the 256GB SSD storage to help your PC boot up in just a few seconds.
The monitor provides a full-HD display with its two million pixels providing high-end crystal-clear visuals and excellent image quality. You can enjoy vivid IPS-enabled, crystal-clear images up to 178-degree wide-viewing angles. Using the HDMI OUT port, you can connect the computer to a better external display.
Thanks to the HP TrueVision HD camera, a dual-array microphone, and double front-facing speakers, it keeps you ever connected with your colleagues, friends, and family. Even better, the camera only pops out when you need it.
Thanks to the AMD Radeon graphics card, if you’re a gamer or like watching movies, this all-in-one desktop can give you the best possible entertainment. It comes with Windows 10 Home Edition, giving you access to all your Microsoft Apps.
Pros
- A space-saving all-in-one design
- It provides swift performance
- It provides high-end images and graphics
- Great for communication
Cons
- It has a small storage space
- Difficult to upgrade
3. Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop Tower
The Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 is a compact desktop that doesn’t require much space in a college student’s cubicle. It measures 11.26 by 10.63 by 7.87 inches and has a modern silver finish with stylish wavy lines for a trendy look.
It is the best desktop computer for students who like multitasking, helping you work on your assignments as you are video editing, chatting with friends, or watching movies. The computer gets your work done without a sweat, thanks to the AMD Athlon mobile processor.
If you have many files to store, this computer has enough space in its 256GB SSD drive. Besides, the SSD hard drive makes it easier for the computer to load programs, open files, and boot up.
The computer provides lots of connectivity options, including six USB 2.0 ports and USB 3.1 ports. You also get an HDMI port to connect your computer to a monitor or another display device. A seven-in-one card reader completes the list of these PC external connectivity options.
It is a Windows 10 desktop computer that provides a more straightforward Windows interface, taking you to your destination seamlessly. Wireless connectivity options include 2x2 Wi-Fi 802.11 and Bluetooth 4.0. You can swiftly connect to the internet via Wi-Fi and transfer files via Bluetooth.
Pros
- An incredibly responsive PC
- It has a compact design
- It can store several files
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- It doesn’t include a monitor
- Some features may not work
4. Beelink GTR7 Mini PC
The Beelink GTR7 Mini PC has all the features you need for solid performance. It has 16GB DDR4 memory with a possible upgrade to 64GB, making it adept at multitasking. You can use it to do your assignments, watch movies, play music, and play games. The 500GB SSD storage can hold both small and large files, removing external storage.
It features the Vega 10 Graphics card, supporting a 4K HD display for an epic ultra-HD visual experience. Its two HDMI ports can connect up to four screens, helping you share movies and videos with the rest of your family.
The computer has peripheral ports, including one DP port, one Type-C port, six USB 3.0 ports, one DC jack, and HDMI ports. There’s also one RJ-45 port, which supports file transfer at Gigabit speeds. If you prefer the wireless connection to the internet, the Wi-Fi 6 function, with 2.4GBps, will come in handy.
The fingerprint login functionality makes the boot-up process extremely easy and convenient. Once you activate it, you will maintain high levels of privacy, preventing unauthorized login. No PIN or password is required for you to access the computer.
When it comes to efficient heat dissipation, this is the best desktop computer for college students. It has three copper tubes working together with two fans to dissipate the heat as soon as it arises quickly. In effect, you get noiseless performance whenever the computer is on.
Pros
- Efficient heat dissipation
- Large storage capacity
- Great connectivity options
- Fingerprint login
Cons
- Doesn’t have a monitor
5. 2021 Newest HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop
With a fully-fledged gaming desktop computer, there will never be dull moments in between classes. The 2021 HP Pavilion comes with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 memory, fast, smooth, and powerful. It also has 8GB RAM, which makes it easier for gamers to multitask. You can browse multiple web pages, play games, and watch movies.
The HP Pavilion comes with the AMD Ryzen 5 3500 six-core processor with 12 threads and speeds between 3.6GHz and 4.1GHz. The gaming PC’s configurations allow it to be used it for competitive gaming, content creation, and other heavy-duty functions without overwhelming it.
Thanks to its 256GB SSD storage, the computer can hold multiple files, movies, and games without filling up. Besides, a solid-state drive helps hasten the boot-up process, file opening, and program loading.
If you’re looking for a computer with several external connectivity options, this is the one you should get. It has four USB 3.1 Gen-1 ports, one USB-C 3.1 Gen-1 port (front), and four USB 2.0 ports (rear). You can use these ports to transfer data easily and charge your devices.
The HP Pavilion provides one DVI-D, one DisplayPort, and one HDMI port for additional display options. Any of these ports can help you connect to a compatible monitor. There’s also one headphone/microphone combo port, 5.1 surround-sound output ports, and 10/100/1000 Base-T Network.
Wireless connectivity is made possible thanks to Bluetooth 4.2 combo for file transfer and Realtek Wi-Fi for connection to the internet. Even though it doesn’t include a monitor, the computer comes with an HP USB black keyboard and mouse combo, a crucial component to any gaming PC.
Pros
- Fast operating system
- It has several storage options
- It has many connectivity options
Cons
- Lacks a monitor
- The most expensive option in this list
Best Desktop Computer for College Students – Buying Guide
There are several factors to consider when buying a desktop computer for college students. That’s because computers for students should essentially meet specific needs, which other segments of the PC market might not be having. The following are some of the things to look for in s desktop computer for students:
1. Type of Computer
The market has several types of desktop computers, giving students a wide variety of devices from which they can choose. When deciding on the type of computer to buy, the most significant consideration is the amount of space to store it. You may choose any of the following:
- Desktop Towers: A desktop tower comes as a standalone device with internal storage, RAM, and graphics card components. Usually, it has no monitor, mouse, or keyboard, necessitating the separate purchase of these peripherals. While some desktop towers are massive, others are compact, occupying minimal space.
- All-In-One PCs: All-in-one PCs are self-contained, with all the components installed behind the display. Since it doesn’t come with a separate CPU, it doesn’t take up much storage space. In just one device, you get an HD display, a webcam, and speakers.
- Compete Desktop Solutions: Some desktop PCs come with everything you need, including a tower, monitor, mouse, and keyboard. They also have integrated webcams, Wi-Fi Connectivity, Bluetooth, and other features.
2. Performance
The performance of a desktop computer depends on several factors and specs such as RAM, storage, graphics card, etc. While some PCs can perform only a few functions simultaneously, others can multitask, helping students get the best of education and entertainment. Therefore, students should consider a computer’s performance and operating system before buying it.
3. Connectivity Options
Desktop computers come with several connectivity options to help students easily transfer files and connect to the internet. They include 2.0 Type-A USB ports, 3.1 Type-C USB ports, HDMI ports, ethernet ports, microphone/audio combo, and so on. Wireless connectivity is also one of the things that a good desktop computer needs to have. Importantly, it should have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Depending on what one needs to do their work, it’s essential to check the ports a desktop computer has.
4. Course One Is Undertaking
One may need a specific type of desktop computer for a particular course. For example, design subjects require a PC with at least 16GB RAM, a powerful processor, a sound graphics card, and ample storage. For a course involving mathematics, the RAM doesn’t have to be too big. Also, an Intel Core-i5 processor would do just fine. If you want a computer for browsing, doing homework, and a little bit of entertainment, you may not need a potent computer.
5. Storage Capacity
As you work using your PC, you will need to store files, videos, photos, and so on. Therefore, your computer should have storage that’s large enough to accommodate everything you have. While some PCs have 256GB SSD storage, others have more than 512GB in storage. It also matters the kind of drive a computer has. That’s because SSD is faster than HDD.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best desktop computer for college students?
The best desktop computer for college students is one that meets the student’s needs. If a student wants a computer to do assignments and browse the internet, it doesn’t have to be very powerful. However, getting the most powerful machine is essential if they need to play games, watch videos, and design graphics.
How do I choose a desktop computer?
You can choose a desktop computer by paying attention to the RAM, graphics card, external peripherals, monitors, and storage. Each aspect plays a role in giving the computer the power it requires to perform its functions.
What is a good processor speed for a desktop PC?
For a desktop GPU, a good speed is anything between 3.5GHz and 4.2GHz. With that kind of speed, you can use it to perform essential functions like word processing, video editing, and watching movies. You can also play games and design graphics if the other vital features are just right.
Which desktop computer should I buy in 2021?
The best desktop computer to buy in 2021 is one that meets your needs. Even the best laptops, lack the complete feeling of multitasking functionality that a desktop PC can provide. It should fit wherever you wish to place it and provide you with all the necessary functionality. Notably, the desktop computer you should buy is affordable. You should be able to pay the price and maintain its usage.
