Students and their requirements vary in terms of their age. However, when we talk about a typical students that needs a robust new computer, we are generally talking about middle school all the way to end of high school and beyond.
Of course, students are not all the same. Some have very low demand i.e school work, social media use, internet research etc.
Others, on the other hand, may need an advanced computer capable of supporting even the latest games
In this article, we will have a look at the some of the best desktop computers for students. We will look at budget as well as advanced computers for catering to different needs.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Also Read: Best Laptops for High School Students
Image | Product Name | Processor | RAM | Storage | Graphics Card | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3-8130U | 4 GB | 1 TB HDD | Integrated | ||
| Intel Core i3-910 | 8 GB | 512 GB SSD | Integrated | ||
| Intel Core i5-8250U | 12 GB | 1 TB HDD | Integrated | ||
| AMD Ryzen 5 2400G | 8 GB | 1 TB HDD | AMD Radeon RX 580 | ||
| Intel Core i7-8700 | 16 GB | 1 TB HDD + 256 SSD | Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 |
List of The Best Desktop Computers for Students
We have selected the following as the best in this category:
- 1HP 22-c0030 – For Day to Day School Use
- 2Acer Aspire TC-885-UA91 – Recommended Budget Tower PC
- 3Acer Aspire C24-865-UA91 – High Performance AIO Desktop
- 4HP Pavilion 690-0020 – Budget Gaming Desktop for Students
- 5Acer Predator Orion 3000 – High End, High Performance Gaming Desktop
5 Best Desktop Computers For Students Compared
1. HP 22-c0030 – For Day to Day School Use
- Processor: 8th Generation Intel(R) Core(TM)...
- Monitor: 10-point touch-enabled 21.5"...
- Memory: 4 GB DDR4-2400 SDRAM (upgradable to...
- Hard drive: 1 TB 7200RPM SATA
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.
Intel Core i3-8130U (left) vs Intel Core i3-8100 (Right)
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.
Good
Bad
2. Acer Aspire TC-885-UA91 – Recommended Budget Tower PC – Cheapest
- 9th Generation Intel Core i3 9100 Processor...
- 8GB DDR4 Memory, 512GB SSD & 8x DVD Writer...
- 802. 11AC Wi Fi, Gigabit Ethernet LAN &...
- 1 USB 3. 1 Type C Gen 2 port (up to 10 Gaps),...
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.
Core i5-8250U (left) vs Core i3-9100 (right). Source: userbenchmark.com
In then end, if you want a budget PC but with pure value, then this is one of the best desktop computers for students.
Good
Bad
3. Acer Aspire C24-865-UA91 – High Performance AIO Desktop
- 8th Generation Intel Core i5 8250U Processor...
- 23. 8 inches Full HD (1920 x 1080) widescreen...
- 8GB DDR4 Memory & 1TB 5400RPM SATA Hard...
- 802. 11ac Wi Fi, Gigabit Ethernet LAN &...
If the AIO HP 22-c0030 above was too weak of a system for you, then we highly recommend that you check this option out.
Basically, if you need an AIO computer that can do more than just essential school work, then this one of the best desktop computers for students.
This All in One computer offers a much more powerful hardware configuration with an Intel Core i5-8250U, 8 GB of RAM and a large 1 TB of HDD.
Besides that it also offers a much larger screen at 24 inch making it more comfortable to work on.
The main differentiating points between this and the HP 22-c0030 are the processor and the RAM. Since this excels in both in comparison, you should be able to perform more demanding work such as casual photo editing, movie making etc.
Other than that, it also offers a keyboard and a mouse combo along with a webcam and built in speakers.
Plus another feature to consider is its elegant looks. This is a system that you can proudly set on your living space. This will surely add aesthetics to your living room.
Good
Bad
4. HP Pavilion 690-0020 – Budget Gaming Desktop for Students
- Processor: AMD Ryzen(TM) 5 2400G Processor,...
- Video graphics: AMD Radeon(TM) RX 580 (4 GB...
- Memory: 8 GB DDR4-2666 SDRAM (upgradable to...
- Hard drive: 1 TB 7200RPM SATA
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.
Good
Bad
Also Recommended: Best Desktops for Sims 4
5. Acer Predator Orion 3000 – High End, High Performance Gaming Desktop
- 8th Generation Intel Core i7-8700 Processor...
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 Graphics with 6GB...
- 16GB DDR4 2666MHz RAM (expandable to 64GB),...
- Creative Sound BlasterX 720°, Intel...
Finally we have a true beast here.
Know that this is a fairly expensive desktop since it packs a very powerful punch.
Firstly lets talk about who is this for?
Of course for an average student this an overkill. So this desktop would generally appeal to the following student categories:
This desktop packs an Intel Core i7-8700 hexa core processor from the previous 8th generation. For commercial system this was one of the flagship processors until it go recently knocked off by the Core i7-9700. Despite that, this is still a very powerful processor.
Core i7-9700K (left) vs Core i7-8700 (right)
So as far as the sheer performance goes, this desktop has you covered.
Furthermore, it offers a large 16 GB of DDR 4 RAM making it suitable for professional grade rendering and designing work.
Moreover, it offers a good combination of 256 GB SSD and 1 TB of HDD. You can use the SSD for most used application and games, whereas, the HDD can be used or multimedia.
Of course, the cherry on cake is the NVIDIA GTX 1060 which is the single component that makes this a gaming beast.
You must note here that NVIDIA GTX 1060 is not the best graphics card in the market by a long shot. However, unless you are playing at WQHD or 4K resolution on a 144Hz monitors with 144 frames, you don’t really need the likes of NVIDIA RTX 2080Ti.
What I am saying is that this can easily support all the latest AAA titles from high to ultra graphics given that you keep the resolution at a cool 1920×1080.
With that said, this isn’t just a gaming desktop. As mentioned earlier, it is highly suitable for college students especially those who work on professional software.
This is a computer that will last you much farther than just your high school or college.
All in all, if you need a powerful machine for advance work or gaming, then this is one of the best desktop computers or students currently.
Good
Bad
Also Recommended: Best Desktops for AutoCAD
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.
Jake Redman is a UK-born-digital nomad & founder of Ultimate Quality Content, a collective of high-end copywriters formed to provide detailed insight into everything technology-related. Jake is the definition of a man-nerd. He gets excited over things like processor architecture, ray-tracing, & is an avid E-Sports fan, specifically League of Legends. When he isn’t writing detailed tech-related articles, Jake can be found performing fire-breathing shows & wields a dragon staff, or on the sofa playing Mario Kart.