3 Best Desktop Computers For Students: Rated & Reviewed

Desktop Computers For Students Compared

List of The Best Desktop Computers for Students

We have selected the following as the best in this category:

3 Best Desktop Computers For Students Compared

1. HP 22-c0030 – For Day to Day School Use

First up we have a very basic All in One computer that is excellent for day to day use for students. In other words, it is excellent for low key use.

The reason we have selected this as one of the best desktop computers for students is because this is a complete package.

You won’t have to worry about investing in a monitor, webcam or speakers separately. The tower desktops lack all three of these as compared to all in one computers.

Therefore, if you want an easy going device then we highly recommend this piece.

Another important point to note with this computer is that has a decent sized 22 inch display. For most students, this is an ideal size. 24 inch or larger displays are not just cumbersome but also not suitable for small desk spaces.

Coming to the core hardware of this machine. HP 22-c0030 features an Intel Core i3-8130U processor. This is the same processor that you generally see on low powered laptops.

This processor has pros and cons. For starters since this is a low powered CPU, it generates less heat, consumes less power, and the fan would generally make less noise.

On the other hand, compared to more powerful variant e.g. Core i3-8100 processor, the i3-8130U is much weaker in terms of performance.

4 GB RAM is great for low key tasks, however, as soon as you start experimenting with more demanding tasks like editing, then the machine may show its limits. Should you ever need to, you can upgrade the RAM up to 16 GB.

Finally, this AIO desktop comes with a keyboard and mouse.

We highly recommend this for students looking for a clean, compact and a rather affordable desktop.

2. Acer Aspire TC-885-UA91 – Recommended Budget Tower PC – Cheapest

This is not just the most affordable desktop computer for students in this list, it is also one of the cheapest in the market.

However, make no mistake, this is a complete beast from the inside.

This is not just suited for students on a budget, but also for students who work on skill building.

For starters, it is far more powerful than the HP 22-c0030 above, yet it costs significantly less. Of course, that has to do with the fact that it is not an all in one machine i.e lacks monitor, webcam and speakers.

However, the sheer performance value of this Acer Aspire TC-885-UA91 is phenomenal. This desktop features the latest Core i3-9100 processor.

While this is still an i3 processor, it is even superior to select Core i5 processors from the 8th generation.

Here is how it compares to the respectable Intel Core i5-8250U. As you can see, despite being a Core i3, it is 44% better.

In then end, if you want a budget PC but with pure value, then this is one of the best desktop computers for students.

3. HP Pavilion 690-0020 – Budget Gaming Desktop for Students

It is definitely not a surprise that many students are avid gamers as well. Unfortunately, gaming PCs in general are quite expensive. However, that is exactly the notion this HP 690-0020 challenges.

This PC offers an exceptional value to budget gamers. If you are a PUBG, Fortnite, or an LoL player or perhaps you play the latest AAA gaming titles, then this is surely capable.

Basically, this computer offers an AMD Ryzen 5 2400G processor, 8 GB of RAM and an AMD Radeon RX 580 graphics card (4 GB variant).

While processor is good (it is comparable to Core i5 from Intel in terms of performance), the real crown jewel is the RX 580.

Here is how a very similar system plays Fortnite on high graphics:

Of course, if you are a parent buying this desktop for your middle school or even a high schooler, then gaming certainly isn’t something that would appeal to you.

Basically, a high performance system with a graphics card is not just suitable for gaming, it is also exceptional for running demanding software that include 3D modeling.

We know that middle school and high school are the best times for students to pickup new skills. In fact, some can advance their skills to a level that they may surpass even the hardware in desktop.

Therefore, if you are interested in having all the tools at your disposal for high tech hobbies, then this is one of the best desktop computers for students.

Plus we think that its cost is highly justifiable.

Also Recommended: Best Desktops for Sims 4

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What brand of desktop computer is best for students?

As you can tell from our list, we are quite fond of both HP and Acer computers. For students working at home, you can also find great desktop options from the Dell brand.

Should I buy a desktop or a laptop as a student?

This really depends on where you will be doing the majority of your schoolwork. Laptops have the obvious advantage of being portable, but for grade school students or college students studying online, a desktop will be a suitable choice.

What is a good budget to spend on desktop computers as a student?

When planning your budget, an average midrange for student desktops is $500-$700. If you’ll be using programs that use 3D renderings, photo editing, or gaming, then you’ll likely want to spend more on the processor and graphics components. A budget for these necessities will likely be in the $1,000-$1,300 range.

Where is the best place to buy desktop computers online?

Amazon is a great place to buy desktops computers online because you can usually guarantee delivery within 2 days. They also make it easy to purchase extended warranties and see which accessories are best paired with your computer.

Conclusion

The options mentioned above are among the best desktop computers for students according to our opinion.

Again, not all students have the same needs. Some have a tight budgets, others are more flexible. Some need a computer only for simple day to day school use such as writing reports, researching on the internet, others like to explore their talents.

If you are a student who falls in the later category, then a robust computer will certainly help you out. A good computer can not only enable you to game, it may also help you with developing newer talents and software skills.