The best computers are better now than ever before. They’ve evolved to the point of utilizing eight-core processors and super high-end graphics cards that can handle real time ray tracing, among others – things that would have been impossible only 10 years ago.
If you’re looking to stay on the cutting edge in 2019, you’re going to want one of the best computers on this list, even if most of what you’ll do is go on Facebook and surf the internet.
Fortunately, the best computers are also more affordable than ever. These days, you can easily pick up a solid PC or even an all-in-one desktop for around $500 (about £390, AU$715). Better yet, many of them will last you a lifetime – because the best computers are upgradeable, it’s easy to keep them up to date by fitting in new and improved PC components, like fast SSDs, more RAM or maybe even the best graphics card.
Still, with so many options, choosing the best computer for you and your needs can be hard work. So, we gathered all the best computers on the market, paying close attention to those that hit that sweet spot between price and performance. This way, you can just go through this list and pick out what you like depending on what you’ll need.
Here are our top picks for the best computers 2019 has to offer.
The Dell XPS Tower is stealthy. That is, it looks quite similar to that PC your parents used to have tucked underneath the desk when you were a kid. But, its no-nonsense exterior hides an exciting array of components. One of the best computers on the market right now, the Dell XPS Tower boasts up to a GTX 1080 graphics card, an 8th-generation Intel Core processor, and a spacious hard drive and/or SSD. This excellent special edition PC configuration is only available in the US. However, UK and Australian readers can pick up the regular Dell XPS Tower and simply beef it up to the same level through the Dell site – only with a different chassis.
Read the full review: Dell XPS Tower Special Edition
The Microsoft Surface Studio rose to fame as one of the best computers for artists when it was first released, so it’s hardly a surprise that its sequel has followed in its footsteps. In fact, packed with a Kaby Lake mobile processor and Nvidia Pascal graphics, the Surface Studio 2 is a lot more powerful than the original, and should be able to handle everything you throw at it for the next few years, at the very least. Of course, it’s also inherited that stunning PixelSense display with Surface Pen support, allowing it to retain the privilege of being one of the best all-in-one – not to mention, the best computers on this list – for artists.
Read the full review: Surface Studio 2
- See more like this: the best all-in-one PCs
If you’re in the market for an excellent desktop experience, but you don’t have a ton of space on your desk, the Intel Hades Canyon NUC might just be the best computer for you. This tiny bare-bones PC has an insanely fast 8th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and discrete-class AMD Radeon graphics. Throw some RAM and storage into the mix, and you should be able to triumph over the best PC games without batting an eye. It won’t stand up against a full-sized desktop, but when you’re short on space – or you’d rather have a PC that looks like a set-top box – this is one of the best computers to consider.
Read the full review: Intel Hades Canyon NUC
With the Aurora R7, Alienware continues its journey back to the top of the best computers, especially for gaming. The Alienware Aurora R7 isn’t just one of the greatest gaming PCs; it’s also among the best computers money can buy. It offers mind-blowing performance with its 8th-generation Intel Core processor and GTX 10-series graphics, and all that power is conveniently stowed away in its appealing and sleek chassis. It’s surprisingly affordable as well, considering the power on offer. And, did we mention that this PC is easily upgradeable, despite the unique form-factor?
Read the full review: Alienware Aurora R7
- See more like this: the best gaming PCs
If you’re on the market for one of the best computers with an absolutely unbelievable amount of power inside a design that will look just as good in your living room as it will in your home office, then the Corsair One i160 is your new best friend. Packed with a Coffee Lake Refresh processor and Nvidia Turing graphics – not to mention a whopping 32GB of RAM, this is an absolute beast, and will chew through any game you throw at it, even on that nice 4K TV you just bought. Just prepare yourself, as that high price tag might send you reeling.
Read the full review: Corsair One i160
It’s easy to associate Apple with inflated pricing. However, your piggy bank will be spared if you get on the Mac mini bandwagon. The Mac mini 2018 isn’t just an attractive small form-factor PC, but it’s also packed with high-end desktop parts, all for a much cheaper price than any other Mac. That makes it a solid investment for anyone who already has a slew of Mac-ready peripherals or a Mac fan who doesn’t have the budget for a pricier computer. Plus, as opposed to Apple’s recent products, you can upgrade the Mac mini… well, at least the memory up to 64GB of RAM.
Read the full review: Apple Mac mini
- See more like this: the best Macs 2019
Don’t confuse the HP Pavilion Wave for a fabric-woven Mac Pro refresh, because it is anything but. This compact Windows machine has its 6th-generation Intel Core processors trimmed with optional discrete AMD graphics and uniquely integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers. Wrapped in an urbane fabric exterior, this is definitely the most attractive of the best computers to have on the desk, and it radiates crisp sound as you browse the web or watch movies.
Read the first look: HP Pavilion Wave
Some people have issues with desktop PCs, as they tend to take up a lot of space. The Intel Core Compute Stick has essentially made that a non-issue. Looking more like a thumb drive than an actual PC, this pint-sized renegade can connect to any display with an HDMI input. It starts out with a lowly 1.33GHz Intel Atom processor running Linux, but you can configure it with up to an Intel Core m5 processor, making this one of the best computers to literally put it your pocket, whether you need to get some work done on the go or squeeze in some PC time while you’re away on vacation.
Specifications (as reviewed)
| Product | Dell XPS Tower Special Edition | Microsoft Surface Studio 2 | Intel Hades Canyon NUC | Alienware Aurora R7 | Corsair One i160 | Apple Mac mini (Late 2018) | HP Pavilion Wave | Intel Compute Stick |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-8700 | Intel Core i7-7820HQ | Intel Core i7-8809G | Intel Core i7-8700K | Intel Core i9-9900K | Intel Core i3-8100 | Intel Core i5-7400T | Intel Atom x5-Z8500 |
| Graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 | Radeon RX Vega M GH graphics | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti | Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti | Intel UHD Graphics 630 | AMD Radeon R9 M470 | N/A |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4 | 32GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR4 | 32GB DDR4 | 32GB DDR4 | 8GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR3 | 2GB LPDDR3 |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD, 1TB HDD (7,200 rpm) | 1TB PCIe SSD | 118GB Intel Optane SSD 800P Series (NVMe), 512GB Intel SSD 545s Series (M.2 SATA) | 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD | 480GB M.2 NVMe SSD, 2TB HDD | 128GB PCIe SSD | 1TB HDD | 32GB |
Bill Thomas and Gabe Carey have also contributed to this article
Image Credits: TechRadar
- While you’re at it, we’ve also found the best gaming desktop PC you can buy
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