Sep. 09, 2024
Looking for a space-saving display and PC in one? You've come to the right place. Evaluating desktop PCs has been in PCMag's blood since its founding more than 40 years ago, and testing for the best all-in-one (AIO) PCs is no different. Our expert analysts and editors have over a century of collective experience reviewing desktops. We extensively benchmark every AIO, hands on, for CPU and graphics performance, and assess screen quality, design, usability, upgradability, connectivity, and (of course!) price and value. We've outlined here our top desktop AIOs of the moment. HP's Envy Move is our current best pick for most users, but we also stand behind the other recommendations that follow, chosen for more specific usage cases. Read on to learn more about our top-most selection and see seven more class-leading AIOs. (A detailed spec-comparison sheet and more AIO buying advice are also below.)
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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
4.0 Excellent
Carrying handle, self-deploying stand, and keyboard pocket for room-to-room travel
Sunny p touch screen
Sharp webcam
Wireless keyboard with touchpad
Hours on battery power
Short on ports
No headphone jack
Keyboard lacks some keys
Versatility is king when recommending a PC to all sorts of general users, and it doesn't get much more adaptable in the desktop space than the HP Envy Move. This all-in-one is designed to move around the home, with a lightweight design that includes a handle and self-deploying feet. It can be used in any room as needed with relative ease, thanks to the included keyboard with a built-in touchpad, and even an internal battery for a few hours off the charger. The Move includes a capable 13th Gen Intel processor, a bright 23.8-inch p display, and a decent webcam, so as to not diminish its capacity as a normal desktop. The reasonable pricing helps, too.
If you're a casual, everyday user looking for an all-in-one desktop, you should be happy with this one. For those of you who may not make extensive use of the mobility, we'd still recommend it as an effective general-use AIO. For those who may want to move it around the house or office, it's painless to do so, and various family members can enjoy it for a range of tasks. Just note that the performance doesn't hit the higher end of some more potent AIOs, if that's what you need.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Core i5-U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Optical Drive
All-in-One Screen Size
23.8 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
IPS touch screen
Graphics Card
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
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$926.99 Amazon
$899.99 HP
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HP Envy Move Review
4.0 Excellent
Solid screen for the money
Bundled mouse and keyboard
Decent speakers
Plenty of ports
No USB-C ports
Lackluster CPU performance
An AIO for only $599 (as tested) with a generous 16GB of RAM and 1TB solid-state drive (SSD)? Naturally, you'll find a catch&#;its Pentium Gold CPU delivers only modest performance for everyday apps&#;but Lenovo's 22-inch ideaCentre AIO 3i is nevertheless a sincere value. The p display isn't large enough for some tastes. However, this AIO looks as well as it can for the price, with slim bezels and even a niche in the stand to stash your mouse, keys, or small office supplies. Our configuration even included a DVD drive as well as a wireless keyboard and mouse.
A faster processor and the addition of USB-C ports would make the IdeaCentre more appealing, but would likely see it leave budget pricing. Lenovo's included mouse, keyboard, and speakers are all better than you might expect, and you'll find a wide-enough array of HDMI, Ethernet, and USB-A ports. If you're outfitting a den or family room on a budget, the little Lenovo is an excellent affordable homework station and online kiosk (and DVD movie viewing station to boot).
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Pentium Gold
Processor Speed
2 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Optical Drive
DVD+/-RW
All-in-One Screen Size
22 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
Non-Touch Screen
Graphics Card
Intel UHD Graphics
Operating System
Windows 11
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$529.99 Lenovo
$758.09 Amazon
$423.99 Best Buy
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Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i Review
4.0 Excellent
Attractive design
Highly customizable CPU options (AMD or Intel)
Decent audio output
Slightly underwhelming performance for an over-$1,000 PC
Two-legged base limits placement options
The previous Lenovo AIO is a winner for budget buyers, but it misses the mark in a few areas that the Dell Inspiron 24 nails&#;notably, a cleaner looking design and USB-C support. Also, this Dell AIO has a broader forward-firing speaker array, for more robust audio, along with a larger display (a 24-inch touch panel). Together, these make it more of a home-entertainment-focused machine, while the IdeaCentre can save more space if all you need is an AIO PC for basic tasks. We also appreciate how many ways Dell lets you configure this AIO before checkout.
If you're looking for a home-entertainment machine for the family room or den, and perhaps our leading budget AIO isn't quite big enough (or its lack of USB-C is a deal-breaker), consider the Inspiron 24 . Not everyone may love the all-white design, but it's potentially less of an eye sore in different environments than the classic black, and the legs are elegant too. With its bigger display and better audio, this AIO is clearly aimed at families looking to have fun at the computer.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Core i5-U
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Optical Drive
All-in-One Screen Size
23.8 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
Touch Screen
Graphics Card
Intel Iris Xe
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
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$749.99 Dell
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Dell Inspiron 24 All-in-One Review
4.0 Excellent
Big, bright, and beautiful 4K display
Blazing Core i9 processor
Handsome design
Wireless keyboard and mouse
No discrete GPU
Unimpressive webcam
Hard-to-reach ports
A beautiful 31.5-inch screen and Intel's 13th Gen Core i9 processor is enough to sell this high-end AIO. When you combine that with an elegant design, it's easy to see why it's our top pick. The 4K display is bright and spacious, and we found the performance more than good enough for this type of PC. It's the fastest, nicest AIO at this size for general and professional use.
If you work with a lot of windows, sheets, tabs, and generally multi-task quite a bit, you'll love the sharpness and digital real estate the display provides here. The processor ensures you won't see slowdown during that, also, but note that there is no discrete graphics option, potentially a dealbreaker for some users. If you have the physical space to fit this handsome AIO, it's a joy to use.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Core i9-H
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Optical Drive
All-in-One Screen Size
31.5 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
IPS
Graphics Card
Intel Iris Xe Graphics
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
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$1,499.99 Lenovo
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Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8 Review
4.5 Outstanding
Sharp, snazzy 34-inch 5K display
Strong all-around performance
High-quality 16-megapixel magnetic camera
Thunderbolt 4
SD card reader
Easy access to RAM and M.2 SSD slots
Less-powerful, mobile-class GeForce RTX GPU
HP's Envy 34 is one of the classiest showpieces in the all-in-one (AIO) arena. Its centerpiece is a gorgeous 34-inch widescreen display with 5K resolution that boosts your productivity by letting you arrange app windows to mimic a dual-monitor setup. HP's minimal stand belies this AIO's ample power, including Thunderbolt 4 ports and easily upgraded memory and storage. (Like all AIO desktops, it's not a fire-breathing gaming rig, though mobile-grade Nvidia GeForce GPUs are available.)
This handsome AIO is especially suited for conference calls, with a 16-megapixel magnetic webcam that can be placed anywhere around its frame for your most flattering angle. But, if you have the desk space (it's 32 inches side to side), it's an ideal option for any multitasking environment. The Yoga AIO is a newer beast if you don't need quite as much screen space, but this is still a worthy consideration.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Core i7-
Processor Speed
2.5 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Optical Drive
For more 27-inch gaming all-in-one PCinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
All-in-One Screen Size
34 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
Non-Touch Screen
Graphics Card
Nvidia GeForce RTX Laptop GPU
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
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$2,299.00 Amazon
$1,479.99 HP
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HP Envy 34 All-in-One () Review
4.0 Excellent
Impressive performance gains over M1 model
Honest-to-goodness modern gaming chops
Excellent webcam
High-end look with fun retro references
Short on ports
No keyboard backlighting
Steep prices for higher configurations
Shades of the s gumdrop iMac can still be seen in today's 24-inch iMac. Apple's current iMac comes in seven lively colors from yellow to purple (with a matching mouse and keyboard in each box), so one is sure to fit the decor of any room in your abode. But it's not just a pretty face: After skipping the M2 generation entirely, the latest iMac boasts Apple's M3 chip for very speedy performance, while the 4.5K Retina display and webcam are first-class. For icing on the cake, macOS's integration with your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch is unparalleled.
Its ultra-thin flat panel makes the iMac the most fashionable all-in-one you can buy as well as a top choice for students or home-office entrepreneurs using the Apple ecosystem. Like most Apple wares, it's not cheap (starting at $1,299 with a skimpy 256GB of storage), but it remains an iconic home computer. There is no 27-inch size any more, so this is your main iMac option without going for an older model.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Apple M3
Processor Speed
RAM (as Tested)
24 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Optical Drive
All-in-One Screen Size
23.5 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
Non-Touch Screen
Graphics Card
Apple M3 (10-core)
Operating System
Apple macOS Sonoma
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$1,688.94 Amazon
$1,239.00 Walmart
$1,299.00 Best Buy
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Apple iMac 24-Inch (, M3) Review
4.0 Excellent
Excellent, near-silent performance
Sharp webcam
Classy design
Wireless charging in base stand
Loud speakers
Three-year warranty
Screen could be brighter
You'll find a lot to like about this system for business users, from its slick design to the attractive price. A crisp 27-inch p touch display provides plenty of space for productivity, and the 13th Gen Core i5 processor is fast enough to keep you moving through multiple applications and tasks. That's all backed up by a robust supporting feature set: The webcam has a sharp picture, the stand can wirelessly charge your devices, the speakers deliver ample volume, and it all runs quietly. Our model was just $1,029 despite that, and it starts just under $1,000, providing some budget flexibility.
This machine has few downsides for average business use, well suited to lower-end to moderate professional demands. Most businesses favor traditional minitower or small-form-factor desktops because the computer and monitor can have separate lifespans, and they can sometimes drive more performance. However, offices choosing the AIO route will be thoroughly satisfied with the EliteOne 870 G9.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Core i5-
Processor Speed
2.5 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Optical Drive
All-in-One Screen Size
27 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
Touch Screen
Graphics Card
Intel UHD Graphics 770
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
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$1,399.00 Amazon
$974.61 HP
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HP EliteOne 870 G9 Review
4.0 Excellent
Attractive, space-saving design
Rotating display useful for some websites
High-res webcam
Booming audio
Includes wireless keyboard and mouse
Affordable as configured
Display isn&#;t the sharpest
Occasional screen-rotation hitches
No side-mounted ports
A Chromebook that's a desktop? HP's Chromebase All-in-One 22 has the usual attractions of a ChromeOS laptop: a low (under $500) price, seamless upgrades and malware protection, and super-simple operation for mostly online tasks. Those functions include web surfing, , streaming video and audio, and productivity with Google Workspace (nee Google Docs) or the browser-based Microsoft 365. This is a space-saving, 22-inch desktop with a screen that rotates between landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) modes to let you see more of a document or webpage at once.
Complete with a wireless mouse and keyboard, a crisp 5-megapixel webcam, and surprisingly effective stereo speakers, the Chromebase 22 is a splendid home PC if you can do your computing in the cloud and don't need high-end apps, like Adobe Photoshop. It's especially suited for students who use school-supplied Chromebooks during the day, and so they'll already be used to the interface.
Desktop Class
All-in-one
Processor
Intel Pentium Gold U
Processor Speed
2.4 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
4 GB
Boot Drive Type
eMMC Flash Memory
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
64 GB
Optical Drive
All-in-One Screen Size
21.5 inches
All-in-One Screen Native Resolution
by
All-in-One Screen Type
Touch Screen
Graphics Card
Intel UHD Graphics
Operating System
Google Chrome OS
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$695.00 Amazon
$529.99 HP
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HP Chromebase All-in-One 22 ReviewBuying Guide: The Best All-in-One Computers for
So, you just started shopping for an AIO. The first thing to look at (no pun intended) is the display&#;the centerpiece of any AIO. While some less-expensive AIO PCs will come with panels smaller than 23 inches, those are better suited to exceedingly cramped spaces such as classroom labs or dorm rooms. (Go much smaller than that, and you might as well just buy a big-screen laptop.) What you want is a display at least 23 inches on the diagonal&#;and larger is better if you can do it. The biggest all-in-ones we've seen to date have curved 34-inch screens.
With a screen 23 inches or larger, you're almost guaranteed a native resolution of at least 1,920 by 1,080 pixels (aka, full HD), and larger screens will go even higher. In many cases, that's up to 4K&#;3,840 by 2,160 pixels&#;for a conventionally shaped screen or 3,440 by 1,440 pixels on an ultra-wide display. High resolutions of that kind give you the ability to view multiple windows side by side or view a spreadsheet three to four pages wide. Indeed, if you're a multitasker, the more screen room, the better.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Though it's not a concern to those with 20/10 vision, a larger screen, and a higher native resolution will let you increase the font size on your Word documents or Excel spreadsheets while still keeping a lot of information on the screen at one time. Desktop screens tend to be brighter than laptop displays in general, as well. Look for in-plane switching (IPS) technology for the best screen quality. IPS screens are inherently better at off-axis viewing, which means you won't have to be sitting perfectly centered to see accurate colors and all the detail in your images.
To touch-screen or not to touch-screen&#;that is a question of personal preference. Modern Windows operating systems were designed with touch panels in mind, which makes interacting with your various applications as easy as ever. Although these can be fun and functional for families, a touch screen isn't 100% necessary for everyone, especially if you plan to use the all-in-one like a traditional computer. If you're looking at an Apple iMac all-in-one, on the other hand, the decision is made for you: macOS doesn't take advantage of touch screens, and no Macs include them.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Don't fret either way. Scrolling with a mouse or a touchpad will still be as quick as or quicker than on a touch screen, because, with an AIO, you have to reach up to the screen, taking a hand off the keyboard or mouse. Selecting text for copying and pasting is easier with a mouse, too. If you fill out forms online and switch among text-entry boxes, pull-down menus, and checkboxes, you'll be able to enter data more quickly with a keyboard and mouse.
If you're planning on using the touch screen at least 50% of the time, look for one of the handful of systems with screens that can recline down to horizontal, or almost horizontal. This lets you use the system like a large tablet, so you don't have to hold your arm out constantly to use the touch screen. Think about using an ATM: The vertical screen is fine for a 90-second transaction, but it would become tiring after 10 minutes or more. It comes down to simple ergonomics.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Speaking of vertical orientation, the occasional AIO will come with a stand that lets you pivot the screen into a portrait orientation. Portrait mode lets you view content such as webpages and appropriately shaped pictures without wasting space on the sides of the screen. It's a boon for web developers, as well as layout artists still working on print publications. If portrait mode is something you'd be interested in, make sure the system features auto-rotate; without it, you'll need to switch display settings every time you pivot the display. Portrait pivoting is far more common in stand-alone desktop monitors than in AIOs, though.
PC manufacturers are generally slower to update AIOs than their other products, so some of the units here are still running older processor generations, like Intel's 11th Generation ("Tiger Lake" mobile or "Rocket Lake" desktop-grade) chips. Most systems have, by , adopted Intel 12th Generation ("Alder Lake") or 13th Generation ("Raptor Lake") processors. Any modern processor will help with editing photos or videos or running intensive media processes in the background while you work on several tasks in the foreground. It remains to be seen if Intel's new AI-ready Core Ultra "Meteor Lake" chips will be adopted in AIO PCs. Other types of AIO, like ChromeOS desktops, may use less powerful chips, like those from Intel's Pentium line.
AMD's Ryzen chips have appeared in a few all-in-ones, in the form of Ryzen 5 and lower-powered Ryzen 3 processors. Some of our past top picks have been Ryzen models, and the company's chips are turning up in highly regarded powerful laptops. But in general, Intel CPUs dominate the AIO PC market.
Meanwhile, among Macs, Apple's 24-inch iMac was based on the Apple M1 processor, which was the harbinger of where things were headed for the iconic iMac. Sure enough, the iMac is up to the M3 chip, and these AIOs (and all Apple computers) will continue to run on Apple's homebrewed silicon for the foreseeable future.
When looking at and comparing CPUs in AIO PCs, a key distinction to work out is whether the AIO uses a full-desktop CPU or a mobile one. All else being equal, a full-desktop chip is preferable. How to tell: Mobile chips from the likes of Intel will have "U," "Gx" (where "x" is a number), "H," or "HQ" appended to the end of the chip model number. A desktop CPU will have no letter at the end, or perhaps "K" or "T." (As mentioned, most desktop AIOs will use Intel chips, as opposed to ones from rival AMD.)
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
An 8GB helping of DDR4 or DDR5 RAM should be the minimum amount of system memory you settle for. Although 4GB will work fine for the most basic tasks, you'll feel the pinch of such a low-spec computer. Having 8GB or 16GB will let you keep dozens of tabs open on your browser and still have room left over for a demanding program such as Photoshop. Plus, 16GB is the recommended minimum for professional content-creation use.
You won't see them in new models, but avoid traditional spinning hard drives, which are relatively slow at booting and loading apps. Insist on an AIO that uses a solid-state drive (SSD) as the boot drive. (Almost all now do.) If you keep all your files on a central network-attached storage (NAS) device or stored in the cloud, just about any SSD 500GB or larger should be sufficient. That's enough for the operating system and a handful of frequently used programs. Look for a boot drive of at least 1TB capacity if you're going to store heaps of video on your PC. Videos clog up hard drives faster than just about any other type of file.
You can have the best of both worlds with an all-in-one PC that boots from an SSD but has an additional spinning hard drive for storage, though that arrangement is rare nowadays. In that case, look for at least a 256GB SSD boot drive and 1TB of supplemental hard drive storage if you're a power user. You'll need more storage (2TB to 4TB) if you plan on keeping your entire video, music, and photo collection on your AIO.
(Credit: Kyle Cobian)
Adding an extra terabyte or so is also easy with an external drive. SSDs cost more per gigabyte than regular spinning hard drives, but SSDs boot up and wake from sleep so much faster than regular drives that we highly recommend them as boot drives. Unfortunately, some AIO PCs are hard or impossible to upgrade yourself, so make sure you get what storage you need at the start.
Because an all-in-one is, at its heart, a computer, it should have all the ports you expect to need during your day-to-day activities, particularly USB ports (in easy-to-access places, if at all possible). You may also want a dedicated Ethernet jack, though all-in-ones today all come with Wi-Fi support built-in, so you can easily hook up the system to the wireless network you already have in your home or office.
Also handy is an HDMI input port, which gives you the flexibility to use the AIO as a discrete display for a separate PC, a game console, or another video source. It also gives an AIO that has a sharp display some potential usefulness years down the road as a stand-alone monitor, when the PC portion inside becomes obsolete.
On the most basic level, one of the main reasons for choosing an AIO is the fact that you don't need to buy separate parts in addition to your computer tower, like a monitor and speakers. All-in-one PCs represent exactly what the name implies: A complete desktop computer in one package, delivering a plug-and-play experience. Your screen and components are all tied up in one device, like a laptop, which takes up less of your desk or floor space than a desktop tower and monitor combination.
Even if you find a laptop you like with a roomy 16- or 18-inch screen, you'll need a strong back to carry it anywhere; 6 pounds and up, plus an AC adapter, is normal for machines like these. We suspect you won't travel with a true desktop-replacement machine like that all that much, and that could make even a small-screen AIO a viable stay-at-home alternative. And because AIO desktops are plugged in, you won't ever run out of battery power.
Because AIOs tend to use more powerful processors than many laptops do, all-in-one PCs will execute CPU-intensive tasks more rapidly, on the whole. Some 3D games will run better, too, thanks to the discrete graphics chips in some A-grade AIO PCs. To find AIOs with discrete chips, look for one of the very few (Microsoft's Surface Studio line is the rare example) graphics solutions dubbed GeForce RTX, as opposed to Intel Iris Xe, UHD, or HD Graphics, or AMD Radeon (no "RX") integrated graphics.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Other advantages? You can share the PC among the members of a family, and use it to store centrally accessible photos, music, and videos. And a large, widescreen AIO PC makes for a fine videoconferencing system. Rather than having the family crowd around your iPad or a little laptop screen, seat them in front of a 27- or 34-inch AIO desktop so you're not subconsciously squeezing together to "fit on the screen." Plus, a large AIO screen is ideal for watching a movie from 5 or 6 feet away, so a couple in, say, a studio apartment could use a big-screen AIO as a TV in front of a small sofa or loveseat. Or, if you place the system in a central location, such as your kitchen counter, you can monitor your children when they're online.
But these PCs aren't just suitable for play. A few years back, Apple brought the AIO further into workstation territory with the iMac Pro. The starting price for this monster machine at launch was high at $5,000, but it packed a jaw-dropping amount of muscle: It had a 27-inch 5K screen and was configurable with up to an 18-core processor, 128GB of memory, and 4TB of solid-state storage. (Note that it is still for sale at this writing from non-Apple sources, usually used or as a refurbished model, but as of March , Apple discontinued it.)
This kind of muscle is usually found only in elite-grade tower PCs, but the best AIOs can rival a high-end desktop. Apple's homebrewed M-series chips in those newer iMacs mentioned earlier are quite fast, and while many Windows AIOs trend toward the budget side, you'll find some models with potent processing options, like the Lenovo Yoga AIO 9i Gen 8.
Of course, all-in-one designs come with some considerable limitations. If something goes wrong with the display, it's not as easy as swapping out the monitor, as you might with a standard PC tower setup. The screen is part of the package, and the same goes for any component here. This is much closer to the laptop experience: When one part goes, it usually makes the system less usable overall. You're much more likely to buy an entirely new laptop or AIO when a part (or multiple parts) stops working well.
Sticking with the laptop comparison: While AIOs have bigger screens, you're giving up a lot of portability versus a laptop. AIOs are more portable than tower PCs, but you're unlikely to move your AIO once it's in place, apart from purpose-made models like the unique (and aptly named) HP Envy Move, shown below.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Compared with standard desktops, PC towers tend to have a higher power ceiling than AIOs. Most all-in-ones employ higher-end laptop processors given their slimmer design and limited cooling, so traditional desktops contain more power potential. High-end towers are a much better fit for intensive work, like CAD/CAM or scientific data processing, and this is doubly true on the graphics front. AIOs lack desktop-equivalent graphics cards because of size and thermal concerns; the very few that have discrete graphics at all opt for laptop-level mobile graphics chips. PC gamers, especially, will get far more value and satisfaction out of a stand-alone tower (in which they can swap out a graphics card) than from a fixed-config AIO PC with much weaker integrated graphics.
Crucially, all-in-one PCs don't have the expandability you'll find in most towers, either, which is again related to their slimmer, more space-limited designs. Which brings us to the next point...
Generally speaking, this is an extremely restrictive aspect of owning an AIO compared with a traditional tower desktop. AIOs have much more in common with laptops; both may let you upgrade the memory or storage, at best. For some users, that's enough, but it's still not all that common for these mostly sealed designs. Like with laptops, memory or the SSD may be integrated or soldered onto the motherboard directly, meaning you're stuck with what you have. And CPU and graphics upgrades are a nonstarter.
End-user upgrades are just not a priority with AIO designs. Even if an AIO chassis does open up easily and its components are not soldered down, it's more like upgrading a laptop. An AIO may use mobile SO-DIMM RAM (possible to acquire, but not the same size as desktop RAM), and M.2 SSDs may be size-limited versus the full-size slots on most desktop motherboards.
With a traditional desktop tower, installing a graphics card into a system that you originally purchased without one is at least an option (provided it has the space, the slot, and an adequate power supply). You'll never fit one in an AIO's interior, however. Simply put, if substantial future upgrades are a priority or even a concern, an AIO is not the right pick. Get a tower-style desktop.
As mentioned above, AIOs function on more of a laptop lifecycle, since it's one complete package rather than discrete parts. Regardless, you should still get several years of use out of your machine, at minimum. As far as speed and performance do, modern processors are snappy as a baseline, so you should be set for the near future and should expect to get a minimum of three years out of your machine.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
For reasons outlined, though, when something goes wrong with an AIO's hardware, it's often harder to fix than with a tower. (If your AIO display goes bad, it's not as easy as buying a new monitor, so hopefully, it's still under warranty if this happens.) With AIOs focused on business users, in particular, you'll find more support and longer warranties, like the three-year coverage for the HP EliteOne 870 G9. One- or two-year warranties are more common, otherwise.
If you're lucky and you don't suffer component malfunction or damage, it comes back to the speed and deprecation. You may see sluggish performance after a few years if you're a power user, and if you hold on to an AIO for a truly long time&#;approaching a decade&#;the processor may no longer receive security patches, or Microsoft may drop support for the aging Windows version the PC shipped with.
The next time you're online and thinking that you need a bigger screen than the one on your current laptop or tablet, take a look at an all-in-one desktop. You may be surprised how much screen, and how much power, they deliver for the money versus a like-priced laptop. If you're not sold on an AIO, though, be sure to check out our top desktop picks overall, as well as our favorite desktops for work and PC gaming.
A desktop personal computer (PC) refers to a traditional computer setup consisting of separate components, including a tower or case housing the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, and other internal components, along with a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse. On the other hand, an all-in-one (AIO) PC integrates all the components into a single unit, combining the CPU, motherboard, display, and often the speakers into the monitor itself. In simpler terms, a desktop PC is a modular setup, while an all-in-one PC is a more compact and integrated solution.
There are a few reasons why you might prefer a desktop PC over an all-in-one. Firstly, desktop PCs tend to offer more customization options. You can easily upgrade or replace individual components such as the CPU, graphics card, or storage, allowing you to adapt the system to your needs and budget. Secondly, desktop PCs often provide better performance since they can accommodate more powerful hardware. This makes them ideal for resource-intensive tasks like gaming, video editing, or running complex software. Lastly, desktop PCs generally have better cooling systems, as they have more space for fans or liquid cooling solutions, which helps prevent overheating during prolonged usage.
All-in-one PCs have their own set of advantages that make them a popular choice for many users. Firstly, they are compact and take up less space than a traditional desktop PC setup. If you have limited desk space or prefer a clutter-free environment, an all-in-one PC can be a great choice. Secondly, they are easy to set up since everything is integrated into a single unit. You don't need to worry about connecting multiple cables or arranging separate components. Additionally, all-in-one PCs are often aesthetically pleasing with their sleek and modern designs, making them an attractive addition to any workspace or living area.
Upgrading an all-in-one PC can be more challenging compared to a desktop PC. Since the components are tightly integrated into the monitor, there is limited room for customization. In most cases, you can upgrade the random access memory (RAM) and storage, but other components like the CPU or graphics card may be difficult or impossible to replace. It's important to check the specifications and upgradeability options of a specific all-in-one PC model before making a purchase if upgradability is a priority for you.
When it comes to gaming, a desktop PC is generally the better choice. Desktop PCs offer more flexibility in terms of hardware selection, allowing you to choose high-performance components such as dedicated graphics cards, powerful CPUs, and sufficient cooling systems to handle demanding games. All-in-one PCs, while capable of running some games, are usually equipped with less powerful hardware and may not have the same upgrade options. If gaming is a priority for you, a desktop PC will offer a more immersive and enjoyable gaming experience.
In terms of portability, all-in-one PCs have the advantage. Their compact design and integrated components make them easier to move and transport compared to a desktop PC setup, which consists of separate components that need to be disconnected, packed, and reassembled. If you need a computer that can be easily relocated or used in different areas of your home or office, an all-in-one PC provides the convenience of mobility.
The ability to connect multiple monitors to an all-in-one PC depends on the specific model and its graphics capabilities. Some all-in-one PCs support multiple monitor setups through external adapters or docking stations. However, not all all-in-one PCs have the necessary ports or graphics processing power to drive multiple displays. It's important to check the specifications of the all-in-one PC you're considering and confirm its multi-monitor support before making a decision.
In general, desktop PCs tend to be more cost-effective than all-in-one PCs. Since you have the freedom to choose individual components, you can select hardware that fits your budget while still meeting your performance requirements. Additionally, desktop PCs allow for easier upgrades, so you can gradually improve your system over time without having to replace the entire unit. All-in-one PCs often have a higher upfront cost due to their integrated design and compact form factor, and their limited upgrade options can make them less cost-effective in the long run.
Both desktop PCs and all-in-one PCs can handle professional tasks like video editing and programming, but there are some differences to consider. Desktop PCs generally offer more powerful hardware options, including high-performance CPUs, dedicated graphics cards, and greater storage capacity. This makes them better suited for resource-intensive tasks that require fast processing and rendering, such as video editing or running complex programming software. However, if you're not working on extremely demanding projects, an all-in-one PC with a decent processor and sufficient RAM can still handle these tasks effectively.
Desktop PCs are typically easier to upgrade compared to all-in-one PCs. With a desktop PC, you can easily access the internal components, such as the motherboard, CPU, RAM slots, and storage drives, by removing the case. This allows for straightforward upgrades or replacements of individual parts. On the other hand, all-in-one PCs are more compact and tightly integrated, making it more challenging to access and upgrade internal components. Upgrading an all-in-one PC often requires professional assistance or specialized knowledge, and certain components may not be replaceable at all.
In terms of power consumption, desktop PCs and all-in-one PCs can vary depending on their specific configurations and usage patterns. Generally, all-in-one PCs tend to consume less power compared to desktop PCs due to their integrated design and optimized power management. Since all the components are consolidated into a single unit, there is less energy wasted in transmitting power between separate components. However, it's important to consider the specific hardware components and usage scenarios when comparing power consumption. A high-performance desktop PC with powerful components may consume more power than a basic or low-end all-in-one PC.
The ergonomics and user comfort offered by desktop PCs and all-in-one PCs can depend on personal preferences and the specific setup. Desktop PCs offer more flexibility in terms of adjusting the position and height of the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, allowing you to create a more customized ergonomic setup. However, all-in-one PCs often have a more streamlined and compact design that can contribute to a clutter-free and visually appealing workspace. Ultimately, the ergonomics and user comfort will depend on factors like the quality of the peripherals used, the placement of the system, and the overall workspace setup.
Building your own all-in-one PC from scratch is not a common practice. Unlike desktop PCs, which can be assembled by selecting individual components, building an all-in-one PC would involve finding a compatible monitor with built-in computer components. This can be a challenging and expensive task, as the availability of separate all-in-one components is limited.
Both desktop PCs and all-in-one PCs can be suitable for a home entertainment setup, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Desktop PCs with powerful hardware can handle demanding tasks such as gaming, multimedia streaming, and home theater setups with ease. They offer more customization options and can be connected to larger displays or multiple monitors for an immersive entertainment experience. All-in-one PCs, on the other hand, provide a sleek and compact solution that integrates the computer and display into a single unit. They are ideal for smaller spaces or for users who prefer a minimalist and aesthetically pleasing setup without the need for extensive customization.
Both desktop PCs and all-in-one PCs can support virtual reality gaming, but desktop PCs are generally more suited for this purpose. VR gaming requires powerful hardware, especially a high-performance graphics card and a capable CPU, to ensure smooth gameplay and prevent motion sickness. Desktop PCs offer more flexibility in terms of selecting and upgrading hardware components, allowing you to build a system that meets the recommended specifications for VR gaming. While some all-in-one PCs may have VR-ready configurations, they are often more limited in terms of hardware options and upgradability.
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