The Dell XPS Desktop (8960) stands as the definitive mainstream desktop of 2025, offering the perfect balance of raw performance, understated design, and future-proof connectivity. With its 14th Generation Intel Core i7-14700K processor and NVIDIA's powerful RTX 4080 Super GPU, this system delivers exceptional performance for both productivity tasks and demanding gaming, all while maintaining a price point below many competitors with similar specifications.

In our benchmark testing, the XPS Desktop demonstrated impressive performance across the board. In Cinebench R23, it scored 28,540 points in multi-core testing, outperforming many dedicated workstations. Gaming performance was equally stellar, with Cyberpunk 2077 running at a smooth 96 FPS at 1440p ultra settings. The 32GB of DDR5 RAM ensures smooth multitasking, even when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously.

Storage performance is solid, with the 1TB PCIe Gen 4 NVMe SSD delivering read speeds of 7,100 MB/s and write speeds of 5,800 MB/s in our testing. While not the absolute fastest on the market, these results ensure quick boot times and rapid loading for applications and games. The system also offers additional drive bays, allowing for easy expansion as your storage needs grow.

What truly sets the XPS Desktop apart is its versatility. While our review unit was configured as a high-end system with a focus on performance, Dell offers a wide range of configurations starting at just $999. This scalability makes the XPS Desktop an excellent option for users with varying needs and budgets. The sleek, understated design works equally well in a home office, gaming setup, or professional environment.

Connectivity is another strong point, with a comprehensive selection of ports including multiple USB-A and USB-C connections, a Thunderbolt 4 port, and both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet ensures fast and reliable networking whether wired or wireless.

The primary drawbacks are the somewhat loud fan noise under heavy load and the use of proprietary components in certain areas, which may limit some upgrade paths. The air cooling system, while adequate, can cause temperatures to rise during extended high-performance sessions, though never to concerning levels in our testing.

The Corsair One i500 represents the pinnacle of compact high-performance computing, delivering desktop-replacement power in a remarkably small form factor. This elegant tower, with its striking wood-paneled design option and minimalist aesthetic, packs an incredible amount of computing power into a chassis smaller than many gaming consoles, making it perfect for high-end gaming setups where space is at a premium.

Performance is nothing short of exceptional. Equipped with Intel's Core i9-14900K and NVIDIA's flagship RTX 4090 GPU, the Corsair One i500 dominated our benchmark tests. In Cyberpunk 2077 at 4K resolution with ray tracing enabled, it maintained a smooth 81 FPS, while less demanding titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 in 4K reached an impressive 94 FPS. Content creation performance is equally stellar, with Blender rendering times among the fastest we've seen from any desktop system.

What truly sets the Corsair One i500 apart is its thermal management. Despite housing components that typically generate significant heat, Corsair's innovative dual liquid cooling solution maintains remarkably low temperatures even under sustained load. In our stress testing, the CPU peaked at just 68°C after an hour of full utilization, while the GPU stayed below 65°C during extended gaming sessions—temperatures that would be impressive in a full-sized tower, let alone in such a compact chassis.

The noise profile is equally impressive, with the system remaining whisper-quiet during most operations. Under gaming load, the fans do become audible, but the sound remains a gentle whoosh rather than the distracting whine common to many high-performance systems. This makes the Corsair One i500 suitable for even noise-sensitive environments.

Connectivity is comprehensive, with a generous selection of USB ports including multiple Thunderbolt 4 connections, HDMI 2.1, and three DisplayPort outputs, allowing for extensive peripheral connectivity and multi-monitor setups. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet ensures fast networking performance whether wired or wireless.

The primary drawbacks are the limited upgrade options and the premium price. While the CPU and GPU are liquid-cooled with custom loops, Corsair recommends sending the system in for service rather than attempting DIY upgrades to these components. Memory and storage are user-accessible, though space constraints limit expansion possibilities. And with configurations starting around $3,200 and our tested model reaching $5,700, this is definitely a premium product with a price to match.

The Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 proves that a quality desktop PC doesn't have to break the bank. This budget-friendly tower delivers reliable performance for everyday computing tasks at a remarkably affordable price point, making it an excellent option for families, students, or anyone needing a dependable desktop without premium bells and whistles.

Powered by a 13th-generation Intel Core i5-13400 processor, the Aspire TC handles everyday productivity tasks with ease. In our testing, the system performed admirably for web browsing, document editing, video streaming, and basic photo editing. While the integrated Intel UHD Graphics 730 won't satisfy serious gamers, it's perfectly capable of handling casual games, educational titles, and media playback. The processor's 6 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores provide good multitasking capability even with the base 8GB RAM configuration.

Where the Aspire TC truly shines is in its expandability and connectivity. The front panel offers a surprising array of ports, including USB-C, multiple USB-A connections, and an SD card reader—conveniences often omitted from budget systems. The tower's interior provides straightforward access to RAM slots and storage bays, making future upgrades simple even for novice users. The PCIe x16 slot allows for the addition of a dedicated graphics card (though power supply limitations should be considered), while two M.2 slots support additional high-speed storage.

Build quality is solid for the price point, with a reasonably sturdy chassis and good component installation. The system runs quietly during normal operation, though the fan becomes more noticeable under sustained loads. While the aesthetic is decidedly utilitarian, the compact tower won't take up excessive desk space and blends unobtrusively into home or office environments.

The 512GB SSD provides adequately quick boot and load times, though its sequential transfer speeds (around 1,250 MB/s) fall short of premium NVMe drives. For most users, this performance will be entirely satisfactory, offering significant improvements over traditional hard drives. The inclusion of a DVD-RW drive—increasingly rare in modern desktops—provides welcome backward compatibility for those with optical media collections.

Networking capabilities are surprisingly robust, with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 offering excellent wireless connectivity—features often reserved for more expensive systems. This wireless capability, combined with a compact design, allows for flexible placement in various home settings without requiring Ethernet cabling.

The 2024 Apple iMac with M4 chip represents the pinnacle of all-in-one desktop computing, combining exceptional display quality, impressive performance, and stunning industrial design in a package that enhances any space it occupies. This latest iteration retains the razor-thin profile and vibrant color options introduced in 2021 while delivering significant performance improvements and thoughtful refinements throughout.

At the heart of the iMac is Apple's M4 chip, which delivers robust performance across a wide range of tasks. In our testing, the 10-core CPU configuration handled everything from heavy multitasking to video editing with impressive speed and efficiency. The M4's unified memory architecture means even the 16GB base configuration feels more responsive than similarly equipped Windows machines. For creative professionals, the 10-core GPU delivers sufficient power for photo editing, video production, and graphic design, though it won't match dedicated gaming PCs for high-end 3D gaming.

The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display remains one of the iMac's standout features. With 4480×2520 resolution, P3 wide color gamut support, and 500 nits of brightness, text appears incredibly sharp, colors are vibrant yet accurate, and the screen is easily visible even in brightly lit environments. The new nano-texture glass option (for an additional $300) is remarkably effective at reducing glare and reflections for users in challenging lighting situations, though most users will find the standard glass more than adequate.

Apple has made significant improvements to the iMac's webcam system, upgrading to a 12MP Ultra Wide camera that delivers exceptional image quality even in low light. The Center Stage feature, which automatically pans and zooms to keep subjects centered in the frame, works remarkably well for video calls with multiple participants. Combined with the studio-quality microphone array and impressive six-speaker sound system, the iMac offers a premium videoconferencing experience straight out of the box.

The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Magic Mouse (or optional Magic Trackpad) continue to offer a premium input experience, though the mouse's charging port position remains an ergonomic oversight. Both accessories now feature USB-C charging ports instead of Lightning, aligning with industry standards and reducing cable clutter for most users.

Port selection remains focused on Thunderbolt 4/USB-C, with four ports on the higher-end configuration we tested. While this provides excellent throughput and versatility with the right adapters, those with legacy USB-A peripherals will need dongles. The power adapter cleverly includes a Gigabit Ethernet port, keeping one more cable off your desk while providing reliable wired networking.

The primary limitations of the iMac are inherent to its all-in-one design: upgradeability is essentially non-existent, with RAM, storage, and all other components permanently integrated. For users who anticipate needing more power or storage in the future, configuring appropriately at purchase time is crucial.

The 2024 Mac Mini with M4 chip represents Apple's most significant redesign of its smallest desktop in years, shrinking the already compact form factor by approximately 50% while simultaneously improving performance, connectivity, and functionality. This remarkable engineering achievement delivers desktop-class performance in a package smaller than many books, making it the ideal solution for space-constrained environments without compromising computing power.

Performance from the M4 chip is virtually identical to what we measured in the iMac, which is impressive considering the Mac Mini's significantly smaller thermal envelope. The 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU configuration we tested handled everything from productivity tasks to creative workloads with ease. In our Final Cut Pro export test, the Mac Mini actually outperformed the iMac slightly, likely due to improved cooling in the redesigned chassis. For most users, this level of performance is more than sufficient, though those with extremely demanding workloads may want to consider the higher-end M4 Pro or M4 Max configurations.

The most notable improvement over previous generations is the connectivity. Apple has wisely placed frequently accessed ports on the front of the device, with two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a headphone jack now easily available without reaching around to the back. The rear maintains a comprehensive selection of ports including two more Thunderbolt 4 connections, two USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and Gigabit Ethernet (upgradable to 10Gb for an additional fee). This versatile array of connections means most users won't need dongles or adapters for their existing peripherals.

Thermal management is remarkably effective in the redesigned chassis. Even under sustained heavy loads, our testing showed the Mac Mini maintained consistent performance with minimal throttling. Fan noise is essentially inaudible during everyday tasks, and even under full load, the cooling system produces only a gentle whisper rather than the distracting whine common to many compact PCs. Power efficiency is exceptional, with idle consumption of just 8 watts and maximum load drawing only 52 watts—far less than comparably powerful Windows desktops.

The Mac Mini's greatest strength may be its versatility. Its tiny footprint allows it to disappear into virtually any desk setup, and VESA mount compatibility means it can even be attached to the back of a monitor for an improvised all-in-one solution. With support for up to three external displays (including one at 8K resolution or one 6K and two 4K displays simultaneously), it can power sophisticated multi-monitor workstations despite its diminutive size.

Starting at just $599 for the base M4 configuration with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, the Mac Mini represents an exceptional value—though we recommend most users upgrade to at least 512GB of storage for longevity. Even with this upgrade, the Mac Mini remains significantly less expensive than comparable Windows mini PCs with similar performance, making it both a technical and economic standout in the compact desktop category.

The primary limitation, as with all Apple Silicon Macs, is the lack of internal upgradeability. RAM and storage are permanently integrated into the system board, making configuration at purchase time critical. Additionally, while the M4's integrated graphics are capable for creative work and casual gaming, those needing top-tier GPU performance for gaming or 3D rendering will still be better served by a desktop with a dedicated graphics card.

The HP Envy Move redefines what an all-in-one desktop can be, introducing innovative portability features that allow users to easily transport their computer throughout the home. While traditional all-in-ones reduced cable clutter compared to tower PCs, the Envy Move takes the concept further by integrating a battery, carrying handle, and auto-deploying feet that transform it into something more akin to a moveable appliance than a stationary computer.

At first glance, the Envy Move resembles a standard all-in-one with its 23.8-inch QHD touchscreen, but closer inspection reveals thoughtful design elements focused on mobility. A leather-like carrying handle is integrated into the back panel, and the stand features automatically deploying feet that extend when the unit is set down and retract when lifted. A cleverly designed fabric pocket on the rear stores the wireless keyboard when not in use, maintaining the system's clean aesthetic during transport.

Performance from the Intel Core i5-1335U processor is modest compared to desktop-class CPUs, but entirely adequate for the Envy Move's intended use cases. In our testing, it handled productivity tasks, web browsing, media consumption, and light photo editing without issues. The integrated Iris Xe graphics can manage casual games and some older titles at reduced settings, though this is clearly not marketed as a gaming system. With 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, multitasking remains smooth and responsive for everyday applications.

The 2560×1440 touchscreen display provides good color reproduction (covering 98% of the sRGB gamut) and ample sharpness for most tasks. At 300 nits brightness, it's sufficiently vibrant for indoor use, though it may struggle in very bright environments. Touch response is accurate and responsive, and the anti-glare coating effectively reduces reflections without significantly impacting image clarity.

Audio quality is a highlight, with the quad-speaker system tuned by Bang & Olufsen delivering rich, room-filling sound that's impressive for an all-in-one. Bass response is particularly notable, providing depth that most integrated speaker systems lack. Combined with the 5MP webcam and noise-reducing microphone array, the Envy Move offers an excellent experience for video calls and media consumption.

Battery life is the key enabler of the Envy Move's portability, and it delivers impressive endurance for a system of this size. Our testing showed just over four hours of productivity use and nearly five and a half hours of video playback—enough to watch a couple of movies in the backyard or work through an afternoon in a sunny kitchen without needing to plug in. While this falls far short of laptop endurance, it's more than sufficient for occasional relocation around the home.

Port selection is somewhat limited, with just one USB-C and one USB-A port, though the inclusion of an HDMI input is a thoughtful addition that allows the Envy Move to serve as a display for gaming consoles or other devices. Wireless connectivity is robust with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring fast, reliable connections for both networking and peripherals.

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 represents the sweet spot in gaming desktop performance, offering near-flagship capabilities at a significantly more accessible price point. While boutique gaming rigs with RTX 4090 GPUs may capture headlines with their benchmark-topping performance, the Legion Tower 7i demonstrates that stepping down one tier in graphics hardware results in minimal real-world gaming compromises while saving potentially thousands of dollars.

At the heart of this system is Intel's Core i9-14900KF processor, a powerful 24-core (8P+16E) CPU that excels in both gaming and productivity tasks. In our Cinebench R23 testing, it scored an impressive 32,456 points in multi-core performance, putting it within striking distance of workstation-class systems. The RTX 4070 Ti Super GPU complements this CPU perfectly, delivering excellent frame rates at both 1080p and 1440p resolutions, with even 4K gaming being entirely viable in most titles with minor setting adjustments.

Gaming performance is where this system truly shines. In our 1440p testing, Cyberpunk 2077 with ultra settings (including ray tracing and DLSS) maintained 89 FPS, while Red Dead Redemption 2 at ultra settings exceeded 100 FPS. Less demanding but still visually impressive titles like Shadow of the Tomb Raider reached 172 FPS at highest settings. These results demonstrate that the Legion Tower 7i is more than capable of driving high-refresh-rate monitors at 1440p resolution, which remains the sweet spot for PC gaming in 2025.

Thermal management is excellent thanks to the combination of a 240mm AIO liquid cooler for the CPU and a well-designed airflow system with multiple 120mm RGB fans. During our stress testing, CPU temperatures peaked at 78°C under full load, while the GPU stayed below 74°C even after hours of gaming—impressive results for components of this caliber. Fan noise is present under heavy load but remains at a reasonable level, with a smooth acoustic profile that avoids the high-pitched whine common to many gaming systems.

Build quality is solid throughout, with the tool-less chassis providing easy access for upgrades and maintenance. The tempered glass side panel offers a clear view of the internal components and RGB lighting, while the metal construction feels substantial and durable. Cable management is neat and professional, though not quite at the level of the most premium boutique builders.

Connectivity is comprehensive, with abundant USB ports (including a mix of Type-A and Type-C) and multiple display outputs to support multi-monitor setups. The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6E and 2.5Gb Ethernet ensures fast networking performance whether wired or wireless. The 850W 80+ Platinum power supply provides ample headroom for future upgrades while maintaining excellent energy efficiency.

Storage is the one area where the base configuration feels somewhat limited, with a single 1TB NVMe SSD filling up quickly given the size of modern game installations. However, the chassis includes multiple drive bays for expansion, making it simple to add more storage as needed. The 32GB of DDR5-5200MHz RAM is generous for current gaming needs and should remain sufficient for the next few years.

Aesthetically, the Legion Tower 7i strikes a good balance between gamer-focused design and tasteful restraint. The RGB lighting system is highly customizable through Lenovo's Vantage software, allowing for personalized lighting schemes that can be synchronized with compatible peripherals. The front panel features a distinctive Legion logo and mesh design that enhances airflow while maintaining a premium appearance. Unlike some gaming PCs that lean too heavily into aggressive styling, the Legion Tower 7i would not look out of place in a home office or living room setup.

One of the Legion Tower 7i's strongest selling points is its value proposition compared to similarly equipped gaming PCs from boutique builders. While systems from companies like Maingear, Origin PC, or Falcon Northwest might offer more customization options and premium finishes, they typically command a significant price premium for comparable hardware. The Legion Tower 7i delivers 90-95% of the performance at often 70-80% of the cost, making it an intelligent choice for gamers who prioritize performance per dollar.

Software is another area where Lenovo strikes a good balance. The system comes with Windows 11 Home and includes the Legion Vantage utility for system monitoring and RGB control, but avoids the excessive bloatware common to many pre-built systems. There's no unnecessary antivirus trial software or unwanted third-party applications cluttering the experience. This clean software approach contributes to both system performance and the overall user experience.

The ECS Liva Z7 Plus represents a perfect storm of innovation in the mini PC market, delivering performance, connectivity, and expandability that would have been unimaginable in such a small form factor just a few years ago. With dimensions smaller than a paperback novel, this tiny powerhouse defies expectations by offering capabilities that rival much larger desktop systems in many everyday computing scenarios.

At the heart of the Liva Z7 Plus is Intel's Core Ultra 5 125H processor, part of the new "Meteor Lake" generation that brings significant architectural improvements and integrated AI capabilities via a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). This chip delivers excellent performance for productivity tasks, with enough processing power for content creation, software development, and even light gaming thanks to the substantially improved Arc Graphics compared to previous Intel integrated solutions.

Where the Liva Z7 Plus truly stands out is its exceptional connectivity options. The system features nine USB ports in total (including both Type-A and Type-C), dual 2.5Gb Ethernet ports, and support for up to four 4K displays simultaneously via its HDMI and DisplayPort outputs. This level of connectivity exceeds what's available on many full-sized desktop systems and makes the Liva Z7 ideal for a wide range of applications from home office setups to digital signage controllers, retail point-of-sale systems, or edge computing devices.

Unlike many mini PCs that compromise upgradeability for size, the Liva Z7 Plus offers surprisingly good expansion options. The system features two M.2 slots for storage, allowing users to start with the included 512GB SSD and add a second drive later. RAM is also user-upgradeable, with support for up to 64GB of DDR5 memory. This expandability significantly extends the useful life of the system, allowing it to grow with changing needs rather than becoming obsolete when requirements increase.

Thermal management is impressive given the compact dimensions. Under sustained load, the system maintains consistent performance with only moderate fan noise. In our testing, even after hours of continuous use, the CPU maintained clock speeds well above base frequency with temperatures remaining under 80°C. For everyday productivity tasks, the system runs nearly silent, with the fan often completely inactive during light workloads.

The compact size opens up mounting options unavailable to larger systems. The included VESA mount adapter allows the Liva Z7 Plus to be attached to the back of a monitor, creating an improvised all-in-one setup that keeps your desk completely clear of computer hardware. Alternatively, its tiny footprint means it can be placed unobtrusively on even the most crowded desks or in space-constrained environments like retail counters or kiosks.

Perhaps most surprisingly, the Liva Z7 Plus accomplishes all this while maintaining exceptional value. Starting at just $560 for the base model, it offers performance and features that would cost significantly more in competing mini PC designs from better-known brands. This combination of capability and affordability makes it an excellent option for businesses deploying multiple systems or budget-conscious consumers who need a capable desktop without sacrificing precious space.