Savings on Desktop Computers

Enjoy great savings by taking advantage of desktop computer deals to upgrade your office computers. Don't wait for the end-of-year shopping season to boost productivity by replacing those aging machines with faster ones. Browse Staples year-round deals on computers to find the right desktop PCs for your home and office.

Consider form factor when comparing desktop computer deals
There are two broad categories of desktop computers: tower and all-in-one. The tower is the traditional form factor of desktop PCs. A desktop tower is a self-contained unit that holds all of a computer's processing and storage components. It needs to connect to a separate monitor as well as a keyboard and mouse. On the other hand, an all-in-one unit is a desktop with its computing hardware integrated into its display.

An all-in-one unit looks sleeker than a desktop tower. It also takes up less space and is more affordable than a tower-and-monitor setup. However, a tower is usually more powerful and easier to repair. It's also possible to upgrade its components. There are different desktop tower sizes. These include full-size, mid-size, and mini/micro towers. A full-sized unit is the biggest and has ample space for more powerful components. Users with limited work space and those that prefer lighter, smaller, and slimmer desktop PCs may choose mid-size, mini, or micro towers.  

Other important things to know when shopping for desktop computers
Consider the processing powers of the desktop PCs on offer to compare the values offered. Key hardware features to look for include processor, memory, and storage. When comparing processors, consider the brand, generation, speed, number of cores, and cache size. For example, a computer with a dual-core Intel Core i3 processor is ideal for a home or small office. Professionals and large business offices need more powerful desktops with Core i5, i7, and i9 CPUs and four or more cores. Similarly, faster processors have higher clock speeds and cache sizes.

The minimum RAM capacity to look for in a desktop PC is 4GB. Users that keep multiple programs running and many browser tabs open need models with 8GB RAM or higher. Hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are the most popular computer storage options. While HDDs are more affordable and available in higher storage capacities, SSDs are faster, quieter, more reliable, and more energy-efficient.

Are refurbished desktop computers reliable?
Yes. While refurbished computers are pre-owned units, resellers and retailers inspect and repair them before listing them. Refurbished models are likely to perform as well as new units. Most of them also enjoy similar warranties as new units.

What should you look for when considering a gaming desktop computer deal?
To run video games well, a desktop computer needs a powerful high-end CPU, plenty of memory, and a dedicated GPU (graphics processing unit). Look for a unit with a Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a GPU with 2GB RAM for an entry-level gaming PC. To run demanding games at high frame rates, look for a model with a Core i7 or higher processor, 16GB RAM, and a high-end NVIDIA or AMD GPU.

Should you consider operating systems when comparing desktop computer deals?
Yes. The major operating systems used by these computers are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows is the most popular desktop operating system and available on machines offered by many computer brands. It also has a huge library of productivity software and games. Only desktops made by Apple use macOS. Chrome OS is a lightweight operating system best for users that mostly create and edit documents online.