If you’re considering a new desktop computer, below are some systems to consider. Unless specified otherwise, these computers will require that you purchase or have a keyboard, mouse, and display to use with them. These computers mostly meet the ideal configuration, having an Intel Core i5 or Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM or higher, and a solid state drive of 512GB or larger. The links in this article are Amazon affiliate links, so your purchase helps support this website. Thanks!
The suggestions here assume you desire a Windows computer. If you’d like advice for an Apple computer purchase, post your question in the comments and that can be provided.
Dell Optiplex 7010 – Refurbished ($408)
Dell Optiplex 7010 Desktop Computer – Intel Core i7 Up to 3.8GHz Max Turbo Frequency, 16GB DDR3, New 1TB SSD, Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit. This computer has a smaller case design to save on desk space. The computer has 6 standard USB 2 ports on the back and two DisplayPort video connections on the back as well as VGA. Because it is an Amazon Renewed (refurbished) computer, the cost is relatively low compared to a similarly configured computer. This computer does not have fast USB 3 ports, which means data transfer using USB will be slower. It would be possible to install an internal expansion card with fast USB 3 ports. [View/Buy]
Dell Inspiron Desktop 3880 ($700, Normally $850)
Dell Inspiron Desktop 3880 – Intel Core i7 10th Gen, 8GB Memory, 512GB Solid State Drive, Windows 10 Home. This computer is new and so it has a higher price. The larger case design makes it easier to expand, upgrade, and repair. With this computer, you would most likely want to upgrade the RAM (memory) from 8GB to 16 GB or 32GB. [View RAM Upgrade Options] That could cost $50 to $100. Components like the power supply are standard-sized universal design. For easy access, on the front, this computer has two standard USB 2 ports, two fast USB 3 ports, a headphone jack, and an SD card reader. On the back of the computer are two standard USB 2 ports, two fast USB 3 ports, a headphone jack, Ethernet jack, VGA video, and HDMI video. [View/Buy]
HP Envy Desktop Computer ($860)
HP Envy Desktop Computer, Intel Core i7-10700, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard Drive & 512 GB SSD Storage, Windows 10 Pro. This computer has a 512GB solid state drive for faster loading of programs and the operating system. It also has a traditional hard drive with 1TB storage. It utilizes the latest 8-Core, 10th generation, Intel Core i7 processor. [View/Buy]
