Best Desktop Computers for the Money
Laptops offer convenient portability, but what if you need a massive screen for immersive movie watching or creative work? What if you require a full mechanical keyboard for rapid typing, superior cooling for demanding applications, or the raw power to handle the latest AAA games at maximum settings? While laptops have their place, desktop computers remain the optimal choice for gamers, creative professionals, and users who prioritize performance and screen real estate.
Desktop computers in 2025 are more powerful and affordable than ever before. With advances in AI acceleration through dedicated NPUs, next-generation graphics like NVIDIA's RTX 50-series, and efficient designs incorporating recycled materials, you can get exceptional performance while being environmentally conscious. Let's explore the best-value desktop computers currently available from HP's comprehensive lineup.
Tower Desktop vs. All-in-One Computer
Desktop computers come in two primary configurations: the tower computer and the all-in-one (AiO).
The tower computer represents the traditional desktop setup most users recognize. This configuration consists of three main components: the monitor, peripherals (keyboard and mouse), and the tower itself. The tower houses all the computer's core components in a separate case, typically a vertical rectangle that stands beside or under your desk. This modular approach allows you to mix and match monitors, keyboards, and other peripherals to create your ideal setup.
An all-in-one computer integrates the tower's components directly into the monitor, creating a single, streamlined unit. Modern AiOs feature sleek designs with components cleverly hidden behind the display or within an elegant stand, eliminating the need for a separate tower.
Each design philosophy offers distinct advantages, so let's examine them more closely.
Advantages of a Tower Desktop
Tower desktops excel in several key areas: component power, thermal management, customization potential, and upgradeability.
1. Powerful Components
Tower cases provide ample space for high-performance hardware. You can install full-sized graphics cards, multiple storage drives, extensive cooling solutions, and power supplies capable of handling the most demanding components. This flexibility means towers can accommodate the latest NVIDIA RTX 40-series or AMD RX 7000-series graphics cards without compromise.
All-in-one computers must fit everything behind a display, requiring more compact, often mobile-derived components that prioritize efficiency over raw performance.
2. Superior Thermal Management
The spacious interior of a tower enables excellent airflow and cooling options. Modern towers support multiple case fans, all-in-one liquid coolers with 240mm or 360mm radiators, and sophisticated airflow designs. This superior cooling allows components to maintain peak performance during extended gaming sessions or intensive creative work.
All-in-ones face inherent thermal constraints due to their compact design, often requiring throttling during sustained workloads to manage heat.
3. Extensive Customization
Modern towers feature tool-free designs with easily removable panels, making hardware access straightforward. Enthusiasts can swap graphics cards, add RGB lighting, install custom cooling solutions, or reorganize components for optimal airflow. Cable management systems help maintain clean aesthetics while ensuring proper airflow.
All-in-one computers are essentially sealed units, with most models requiring professional servicing for any internal modifications.
4. Future-Proof Upgradeability
Tower desktops shine when it comes to longevity. As new technologies emerge, you can upgrade individual components rather than replacing the entire system. Need more graphics power for the latest games? Install a new GPU. Want faster storage? Add an NVMe SSD. This modularity extends your computer's useful life significantly.
With all-in-ones, hardware upgrades are generally limited to external accessories, requiring full system replacement when performance becomes inadequate.
Advantages of an All-in-One Computer
All-in-one computers offer compelling benefits in terms of space efficiency, aesthetics, portability, and user experience.
1. Space-Efficient Design
An all-in-one computer requires minimal desk space—just enough for the display and peripherals. This efficiency makes AiOs ideal for small apartments, dorm rooms, or shared workspaces where every square inch matters.
Tower setups require space for the case, monitor, and cable management, potentially consuming significant desk or floor space.
2. Enhanced Portability
While not as portable as laptops, all-in-ones offer surprising mobility for desktop computers. Moving an AiO between rooms or offices requires relocating just one main unit plus peripherals. This convenience proves valuable for users who occasionally need to transport their desktop or frequently reorganize their workspace.
Tower systems, with their multiple components and cable connections, require considerably more effort to relocate.
3. Clean, Modern Aesthetics
All-in-ones excel at minimalist design. With components hidden and cables reduced to essentials, they create clean, professional workspaces. Modern AiOs feature ultra-thin profiles, edge-to-edge displays, and premium materials that complement contemporary interior design.
4. Touch Screen Integration
Many all-in-one computers now feature touch displays, enabling intuitive interaction for creative work, presentations, and casual use. Touch screens prove particularly valuable for digital artists, architects, and educators who benefit from direct screen interaction.
Best Tower Desktop Computers for the Money
Here are the top value-oriented tower desktops that deliver exceptional performance per dollar in 2025:
1. Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop TG02-0055t
The Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop offers an excellent entry point into PC gaming without breaking the bank. This versatile machine handles gaming, work, and streaming with equal competence, making it perfect for users who need one system to do it all.
Key specifications:
- Intel Core i5-12400F processor (up to 4.4 GHz, 6 cores, 12 threads)
- Intel Arc A380 Graphics with 6GB GDDR6 memory
- 16GB DDR4-3200 memory (upgradeable to 32GB)
- 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
- 350W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply
- 9 USB ports for extensive connectivity
- OMEN Gaming Hub for RGB lighting control
The compact form factor (6.1 x 11.71 x 13.27 inches) fits easily into most setups while providing ample expansion options with PCIe x16 and x1 slots. The ENERGY STAR certification ensures efficient power consumption, and the included HP 310 keyboard and mouse combo gets you started right away. With water-based paint finishing, it also demonstrates environmental consciousness without compromising aesthetics.
2. OMEN 16L Gaming Desktop TG03-0085t
The OMEN 16L Gaming Desktop delivers serious gaming performance in a remarkably compact chassis. Featuring cutting-edge components including the new NVIDIA RTX 50-series graphics, it's designed for gamers who demand high frame rates and stunning visuals without sacrificing desk space.
Premium features:
- Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor (up to 5.3 GHz, 20 cores, 20 threads)
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 with 8GB GDDR7 memory
- 32GB DDR5-5600 memory
- 1TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
- 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet for ultra-fast networking
- Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3
- 400W 80 Plus Platinum certified power supply
- Intel AI Boost NPU with 13 TOPS for AI acceleration
- DTS:X Ultra audio support
The snow white metal finish adds a premium aesthetic to any gaming setup. At just 12.83 pounds and measuring 6.10 x 13.26 x 12.12 inches, it's surprisingly portable for LAN parties. The system includes HDMI 2.1b and DisplayPort 2.1b outputs for the latest high-refresh displays, while the included 3-month PC Game Pass trial lets you dive into gaming immediately. Built with 55% post-consumer recycled plastic and 20% recycled metal, it combines performance with environmental responsibility.
3. HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop
The HP OMEN 45L represents HP's flagship gaming desktop, featuring revolutionary Cryo Chamber cooling technology that maintains optimal temperatures even during intense gaming sessions. Built for enthusiasts who demand uncompromising performance, it delivers exceptional gaming experiences at 4K resolution.
Premium specifications:
- Intel Core i7-14700K or AMD Ryzen 9 7900X processor options
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti or RTX 4080 SUPER graphics
- 32GB HyperX DDR5 RGB memory
- 1TB WD Black NVMe SSD
- 800W 80+ Gold power supply
- Patented Cryo Chamber cooling system
The tempered glass side panel showcases the RGB-illuminated interior, while the innovative cooling design ensures sustained peak performance. Despite its power, the system remains surprisingly quiet thanks to intelligent fan curves and superior airflow design.
Best All-in-One Computers for the Money
These all-in-one desktops combine elegant design with impressive performance:
1. HP OmniStudio X 27" All-in-One Desktop Next Gen AI PC
The HP OmniStudio X 27-inch represents a new generation of AI-powered all-in-one computers. Featuring Intel's latest Core Ultra processors with dedicated NPU for AI acceleration, it delivers lightning-fast performance for demanding tasks while maintaining energy efficiency.
Core specifications:
- Intel Core Ultra 5 226V or Ultra 7 256V processors (8 cores, 8 threads)
- Intel AI Boost NPU with up to 47 TOPS for AI acceleration
- Intel Arc integrated graphics
- 16GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory
- Storage options from 256GB to 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
- 27-inch display options: FHD or 4K UHD, touch or non-touch
- TÜV + Eyesafe certified display for reduced blue light
- Poly Studio audio with dual 5W speakers
The system excels at AI-enhanced productivity with features like background blur, auto-framing, and noise reduction for video calls. Multiple display configurations let you choose between FHD touch, FHD non-touch, or 4K UHD non-touch panels, all featuring 99% sRGB color accuracy. The height-adjustable stand ensures ergonomic comfort, while comprehensive connectivity includes USB-C with 20Gbps speeds and DisplayPort output. Built with 35% post-consumer recycled plastic and 25% recycled metal, it demonstrates environmental responsibility. Optional Wi-Fi 7 support future-proofs your connectivity.
2. HP OmniStudio X 31.5" All-in-One Desktop Next Gen AI PC
The HP OmniStudio X 31.5-inch elevates the all-in-one experience with a stunning 4K UHD display and enhanced AI capabilities through Copilot+ integration. This premium system is designed for professionals who demand exceptional visual quality and cutting-edge AI assistance.
Premium features:
- Intel Core Ultra 5 226V, Ultra 7 256V, or Ultra 7 258V processors
- Intel AI Boost NPU with up to 47 TOPS
- Up to 32GB LPDDR5X-8533 memory
- Storage options from 512GB to 2TB PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD
- 31.5-inch 4K UHD display (3840 x 2160)
- HDR 600 support with 550 nits brightness
- 95% DCI-P3 color gamut for professional color accuracy
- DTS:X Ultra audio with Poly Studio
- HDMI input and output for versatile connectivity
The larger 31.5-inch 4K display delivers exceptional clarity with HDR 600 certification and professional-grade color accuracy covering 95% of the DCI-P3 color space. This makes it ideal for creative professionals working with photos, videos, or graphic design. The 280W 80 Plus Platinum power supply ensures efficient operation even under heavy loads. Unique features include both HDMI input (2.1) and output (1.4) ports, allowing the display to function as a monitor for other devices. The height-adjustable stand accommodates various working positions, while the system's 45% post-consumer recycled plastic construction leads the category in sustainability. Optional Wi-Fi 7 and various Microsoft Office packages allow customization to your specific needs.
Making the Right Choice in 2025
Desktop computers have entered a new era with AI acceleration becoming a standard feature alongside traditional performance metrics. The integration of Neural Processing Units (NPUs) in modern processors enables AI-enhanced productivity features that were unimaginable just a few years ago.
Tower desktops continue to dominate for users who prioritize raw performance, upgradeability, and customization. The Victus 15L offers an affordable entry into PC gaming, the OMEN 16L balances compact design with serious gaming power featuring the latest RTX 50-series graphics, while the flagship OMEN 45L delivers no-compromise 4K gaming with its innovative Cryo Chamber cooling.
All-in-ones have evolved beyond simple space-savers to become AI-powered productivity hubs. The HP OmniStudio X series exemplifies this transformation with Intel Core Ultra processors featuring dedicated NPUs for AI acceleration, enabling features like real-time background blur, auto-framing, and intelligent noise cancellation. The 27-inch model offers flexibility with multiple display options, while the 31.5-inch variant delivers professional-grade 4K visuals with HDR 600 and 95% DCI-P3 color accuracy.
Sustainability has also become a key consideration, with HP incorporating significant percentages of recycled materials across their lineup—from water-based paints in the Victus to 45% post-consumer recycled plastic in the OmniStudio X 31.5".
Whether you choose a tower for its upgrade potential and gaming prowess or an all-in-one for its elegant integration and AI capabilities, modern desktop computers deliver exceptional value at every price point. With features like Wi-Fi 7, DDR5 memory, PCIe Gen4 storage, and AI acceleration becoming standard, there's never been a better time to invest in a desktop that will serve you well into the future.
