If you‘re looking to purchase a new desktop computer for your home office this year, you have tons of great options to choose from. But with so many models on the market, how do you decide which PC is right for your needs and budget? Don‘t worry, I‘ve done the research for you!
In this guide, you‘ll discover my top recommendations for the best desktop PCs to boost productivity and performance in your home office in 2023. I‘ve chosen desktops across a range of categories and price points – from powerful compact PCs to value-packed budget options and versatile all-in-one designs. You‘re sure to find the perfect desktop for your workflow and workstyle.
For each recommended computer, I‘ll provide detailed specs, summarize real-world performance and usability, highlight pros and cons based on expert reviews, and explain who it‘s best suited for so you can make the ideal purchase for your home office setup. Let‘s dive in!
1. Best Overall: HP Z2 Mini G5 Workstation
Specifications:
- Intel Core i7-11700 Processor (8 cores, 16 threads, up to 4.9 GHz)
- 32 GB DDR4-3200 ECC RAM
- 1 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- NVIDIA Quadro P1000 w/ 4GB GDDR5 GPU
- Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (Windows 11 compatible)
If you want a mighty mini workstation that can handle demanding creative workloads like 3D modeling, 4K video editing, CAD, animation, and advanced design tools, the HP Z2 Mini G5 is an outstanding choice that tops many professionals‘ lists.
This compact PC packs serious processing power with an 8-core, 16-thread Intel Core i7 CPU that provides smooth, stutter-free performance even for CPU-intensive tasks. According to PCMag‘s glowing review, they saw better benchmark scores than full-size workstations costing over $4,000!
With Nvidia Quadro graphics, 32GB ECC RAM, and 1TB of responsive PCIe solid-state storage, you can run intensive creative applications with huge files and assets smoothly. The Z2 Mini remains quiet thanks to its integrated liquid cooling. Despite the small 2.3L size, you still get ISV certifications and key workstation features like ECC memory.
Pros:
- Workstation-class performance
- Compact, modular design
- Quiet, efficient cooling system
- Plenty of connectivity including Thunderbolt 4
Cons:
- Pricey for the components
- Limited future internal expansion
The Z2 Mini G5 is ideal for freelance designers, photographers, videographers, engineers, and other creative professionals who need serious processing muscle in a mini PC that takes up very little desk space.
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-11700 |
| GPU | NVIDIA Quadro P1000 |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 ECC |
| Storage | 1TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD |
Average Benchmark Scores:
- Cinebench: 4709 (multi-core)
- PCMark 10: 6238
- 3DMark: 3860 (Time Spy)
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars (Amazon), Recommended (PCMag, TechRadar, Tom‘s Hardware)
Where to Buy: See Price on Amazon
2. Best Budget Pick: Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s Gen 2
Specifications:
- AMD Ryzen 3 5300U Quad-Core Processor
- 8GB DDR4-3200 RAM
- 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- Windows 10 Pro
If you‘re looking for an affordable yet capable home office PC for basic productivity, the Lenovo ThinkCentre M75s Gen 2 is a fantastic value desktop pick. For under $500, you get a respectable AMD quad-core Ryzen 3 processor, speedy 256GB solid state storage, and enough memory to handle moderate multitasking.
In Tom‘s Hardware‘s review of the M75s, they found real-world performance to be very snappy, remarking on the fast boot times (under 20 seconds) and application load times thanks to the NVMe SSD. The integrated AMD graphics allow for dual monitor setups and light photo/video work.
Considering the budget price point, you still get an excellent port selection including USB-C and USB 3.2 Gen 2 along with tool-less access for upgrades. The compact 11 x 4 x 13 inch footprint conserves space on your desk. If your needs are basic, the ThinkCentre M75s Gen 2 provides tremendous value.
Pros:
- Great performance for the price
- Compact, space-saving design
- Lots of ports and connectivity
- Easy to upgrade
Cons:
- Chassis feels a bit flimsy
- 8GB RAM limits multitasking
- 256GB storage fills up quickly
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 5300U |
| GPU | AMD Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 256GB M.2 NVMe SSD |
Average Benchmark Scores:
- Cinebench: 4,889 (multi-core)
- PCMark 10: 4,897
- 3DMark: 1,624 (Time Spy)
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars (Lenovo), Recommended (Tom‘s Hardware, Tech Advisor)
Where to Buy: See Price on Amazon
3. Best Compact Pick: ASUS Mini PC PN63
Specifications:
- Intel Core i7-12700 12-Core Processor
- 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM
- 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD
- Intel UHD 770 Graphics
- Windows 11 Pro
If you need a powerful yet pint-sized PC, the ASUS Mini PC PN63 packs impressive performance into an 8.2 x 7.7 x 3 inch chassis that can disappear behind a monitor or tuck neatly into tight spaces.
Inside you‘ll find a 12th generation Intel Core i7 processor with 12 cores and 16 threads, which demolishes intensive workloads according to HotHardware‘s PN63 review. The Iris Xe integrated graphics provides moderate 3D performance for some creative work.
With its abundant memory, fast SSD, and abundant connectivity including four video outputs, the ASUS PN63 makes an ideal compact PC for financial, statistical, and scientific modeling, engineering workflows, software development, and more. It ships with Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.
Pros:
- Potent performance in a tiny chassis
- Plenty of ports and expansion
- Quiet, efficient operation
- Easy to mount behind a monitor
Cons:
- CPU runs hot under heavy loads
- Bulky external power brick
- Pricey for the specs
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-12700 |
| GPU | Intel UHD 770 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 512GB M.2 NVMe SSD |
Average Benchmark Scores:
- Cinebench: 15,923 (multi-core)
- PCMark 10: 7,425
- 3DMark: 1,899 (Time Spy)
Reviews: 4.5/5 stars (Newegg), Recommended (HotHardware, TechRadar)
Where to Buy: See Price on Amazon
4. Best for Gaming: SkyTech Blaze 3.0
Specifications:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core CPU
- 16GB DDR4-3200 RAM
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- NVIDIA RTX 3060 12GB GPU
- ARGB Cooling, Windows 10 Home
If you want a gaming powerhouse that can also handle home office work, the SkyTech Blaze 3.0 is a fantastic choice. With an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and RTX 3060 graphics, you get incredibly smooth 1080p and 1440p gameplay with max settings in the latest titles.
According to TechSpot‘s gaming benchmarks, the RTX 3060 averaged 152 fps in Rainbow Six Siege at 1080p ultra and 71 fps in the demanding Shadow of the Tomb Raider test. This level of gaming performance is hard to beat at this price point.
The Blaze 3.0 also stays cool and quiet thanks to its mesh front panel and pre-installed ARGB cooling fans. With its tempered glass side panel, RGB lighting effects, and sleek case design, it looks as good as it runs. General office tasks are handled with ease by the 16GB RAM and speedy solid-state storage.
Pros:
- Killer 1080p/1440p gaming performance
- Slick case with RGB lighting
- Built-in wireless and ample USB ports
- 1-year comprehensive warranty
Cons:
- Upgradeability is limited
- No Thunderbolt support
- No pre-installed office software
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 |
| RAM | 16GB DDR4-3200 |
| Storage | 1TB NVMe SSD |
Average Benchmark Scores:
- Cinebench: 12,419 (multi-core)
- 3DMark: 12,647 (Time Spy graphics)
- Rainbow Six Siege 1080p: 152 fps
Reviews: 4.6/5 stars (Amazon), Recommended (TechSpot, Tom‘s Hardware, PCWorld)
Where to Buy: See Price on Amazon
5. Best All-in-One: HP Pavilion 24 df0023w
Specifications:
- 11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU
- 8GB DDR4-2666 RAM
- 256GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- 23.8" 1920 x 1080 IPS Touchscreen
- Windows 11 Home
For the ultimate space-saving PC, the HP Pavilion 24 df0023w packs everything into a sleek 23.8-inch all-in-one chassis. Its edge-to-edge touch display provides a high-quality viewing experience, according to CNET‘s review. The 1080p webcam is one of the best they‘ve seen in an AIO.
Inside you get a capable 11th gen Intel Core i5 processor, speedy PCIe SSD, and abundant connectivity including USB-C. This gives you all the power you need for home office workloads like document editing, email, video chats, managing spreadsheets, light photo editing and more. The built-in speakers sound decent for casual music/video listening.
Pros:
- Space-saving, stylish design
- Vivid 1080p touchscreen
- Excellent webcam and microphone
- Snappy productivity performance
Cons:
- Just 8GB RAM limits multitasking
- Small 256GB storage fills up fast
- No HDMI input for external devices
| Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i5-1135G7 |
| GPU | Intel Iris Xe |
| RAM | 8GB DDR4-2666 |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
Average Benchmark Scores:
- Cinebench: 4,844 (multi-core)
- PCMark 10: 4,878
- 3DMark: 1,328 (Time Spy)
Reviews: 4.4/5 stars (Best Buy), Recommended (CNET, TechRadar, Wired)
Where to Buy: See Price on Amazon
How to Choose the Right Desktop PC for Your Needs
With so many desktop computer options on the market, it can be daunting trying to determine which one is right for your home office needs and budget. Here is a quick 5-step checklist to help narrow down your selection:
1. Consider Your Performance Requirements
What types of software and multitasking do you plan to do? Basic office suites? Heavy data analysis? Video editing? Using advanced tools like AutoCAD? Your performance needs will dictate what processor, RAM, graphics card you require.
2. Determine Your Available Desk Space
Do you have limited room for a PC tower or lots of open desk space? Measure to see if you can accommodate a full-sized tower, a more compact small form factor PC, or even a tiny mini PC or all-in-one.
3. Decide Which Operating System You Prefer
Most home office PCs come with Windows 10 or 11 pre-installed, but some support Linux as well. Mac OS is only available on Mac devices. Pick the OS that suits your needs.
4. Consider Your Connectivity Needs
Ensure your desktop PC has the right ports, outputs and wireless options for your peripherals, external storage, monitors, and accessories. More USB and video output ports provide flexibility.
5. Set Your Budget
Desktop PCs range from under $300 for basic home office systems to $3000+ for high-end gaming rigs and workstations. Determine how much performance, components, and features you need versus want.
Tips for Productivity and Longevity with Your New Desktop PC
Once you‘ve purchased the perfect desktop computer for your home office, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
- Use a surge protector to avoid electrical damage during storms.
- Setup automatic backups to an external drive and cloud storage for data protection.
- Keep the interior dust-free with compressed air to prevent overheating issues.
- Install security software like antivirus and firewall programs to keep your system safe.
- Organize your cables neatly to reduce clutter and have easier access to ports.
- Place your PC tower in a well-ventilated, easily accessible area for upgrades down the road.
- Invest in a comfortable desk chair and position your monitor at eye level to avoid strain.
- Connect an external webcam with a built-in microphone for clearer video calls.
- Attach a headphone holder or hook under your desk to keep multiple headsets accessible but tidy.
No matter your budget or needs, there is a fantastic desktop PC option to take your home office to the next level in 2023. Hopefully this guide has helped you zero in on the right desktop computer to maximize your productivity and enhance your workflow this year! Let me know if you have any other questions.