01 Dec 2021 By Know Muslim
Brace yourself for the best computers you can buy in 2021
The Top computer 2021 has to offer is not about getting the one with the highest price tag or with the most maxed out components. Every user has different preferences and needs, after all. An excellent gaming PC is going to be a better fit for a serious gamer while a top-notch all-in-one works better for an artist or content creator. Of course, there are budget concerns as well, so those with a limited amount to spend on a computer will need a budget one instead. Of course, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals now stacking up, PCs are cheaper than ever.
We’re here to help you if you’re looking for the best PC for your needs. There are some things to consider such as the price, performance, form factor, and size, not to mention future-proofing and expandability. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options available these days, especially if you’re not familiar with everything out there, so hopefully this guide will point you in the right direction.
To help you choose, we’ve collected what we consider the best PCs of 2021. You’ll also find our price comparison tool to help you find the best prices out there. And, if you’re trying to stay portable, take a look at our best laptops list as well, from cheaper Chromebooks or trendy 2-in-1s.
Performance meets beauty and affordability
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Super
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4 2933Mhz
Storage: Up to 2TB M.2 PCIe NVME SSD + 2TB SATA 7200RPM HDD
Dell’s XPS laptop line may have gone premium, price-wise, but its desktop line is still going for the trifecta – offering affordability without sacrificing performance and aesthetics. The Dell XPS Desktop Special Edition might not be a budget offering, but it remains within most people’s budgets, especially at its low- and mid-range configurations fitted with the latest innards. In fact, an Intel Core i7, RTX 3060 Ti configuration will set you back a whole lot less than its 21.5‑inch iMac equivalent while touting newer specs. Plus, it’ll look just as good in your office as it will at home.
Powerful gaming for all budgets
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to AMD Ryzen 9 5950X
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: Up to 128GB 3200MHz DDR4
Storage: Up to 2TB SSD + 2TB HDD
With AMD’s solid campaign to win the CPU and GPU markets, it’s no surprise that many of the best PCs are switching over Team Red’s cause. Our favorite Alienware Aurora gaming desktop PC line is among them, fitting its R10 models with AMD’s powerful yet affordable Ryzen CPUs. Not only do these deliver brute strength when it comes to gaming, but they also tout affordability, giving budget gamers to partake in what those with souped up rigs experience everyday without burning a hole in their pockets.
The iMac gets a welcome redesign
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
Storage: up to 2TB
If you think that the new iMacs couldn’t possibly be as good as they look, you’d be wrong. They are not just an improvement over their 21.5-inch predecessor externally, touting a fresh new face that comes in several different colors. You’ll also be happy to know that you’re getting great value here, as you’re getting the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse included – in matching colors, we might add. They also come with fresh new specs, rocking Apple’s new M1 chip that makes it much more powerful than the previous Intel iMacs. As far as the best computers go, the new iMac (24-inch, 2021) is the best all-in-one PC hands down.
Budget PC gaming at its best
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to 10th Gen Intel Core i9-10900KF
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4 2933Mhz
Storage: Up to 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD
Small, but dangerous
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: 9th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9
Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630
RAM: 8GB – 64B DDR4
Storage: 128GB SSD – 2TB + 2TB
Intel’s NUC has come a long way from its humble beginnings. For example, while the previous Hades Canyon didn’t come with a RAM or storage, the newer Ghost Canyon has both. In fact, not only does it have more offerings now in terms of specs, but it’s also highly configurable so you can personalize it to your liking before hitting that buy button. With 9th-generation Intel Core chips, up to 64GB of memory and up to 4TB dual storage, we’re all for it. The only catch is that it's pricier now as well. The lower configurations are still quite affordable, and a terrific option for the budget-conscious. However, you may want to stay away from the highest configurations.
Plenty of power for the price
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
RAM: Up to 16 GB DDR4 2933MHz
Storage: Up to 2 TB HDD + 1 TB SSD