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Finding the right computer for your needs
Whether you’re in the market for a productivity desktop, a high-performance gaming PC, or a sleek all-in-one Windows machine, there are plenty of options available to fit your needs and budget. The team at PCWorld diligently sifts through daily computer sales to curate a list of the best deals, ensuring you get the most bang for your buck. However, it’s important to note that not every deal is a true bargain. Our team carefully selects offers from reputable retailers that feature quality hardware to help you make a well-informed purchase.
Stay updated on the latest deals
To help you in your purchase journey, we’ve also included some common questions and answers about buying computers at the end of this article. If you’re considering a laptop instead, don’t miss our daily updates on the best laptop deals available.
Note: Tech deals can disappear quickly, so some discounts may no longer be available by the time you read this.
Top picks for this week
This week, we have some standout deals that you shouldn’t miss:
- Skytech Gaming Shiva II: Save $300 on Amazon. This midrange gaming PC features an RTX 4070 GPU and 1TB of storage, perfect for 1440p gaming without worrying about space.
- HP Omen 35L: A great budget option with a $270 discount at BestBuy. Equipped with a Ryzen 5 8500G and RTX 4060, it delivers solid 1080p gaming performance.
- Minisforum AI X1: Priced at $150 off. This mini-PC boasts a Ryzen 7 260 processor and 32GB of RAM, making it a fantastic deal.
- M4 Mac Mini: Get $56 off on Amazon for this latest model, ideal for those who prefer Apple’s ecosystem.
- Dell Inspiron 27 AiO: On sale for $200 off. This all-in-one is powered by the latest Core 7-150U and includes 1TB of storage, making it a reliable choice for any workspace.
- HP OmniStudio X AiO: Enjoy a $150 discount on HP’s latest all-in-one, featuring a 27-inch 1080p touch display and a Core Ultra 7 155H CPU.
Where to find the best computer deals
With numerous retailers available, searching for the best computer deals can be overwhelming. That’s why we do the legwork for you, highlighting the best offers. To maximize your savings, it’s wise to shop during major sale events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or back-to-school sales, which often yield great discounts directly from manufacturers like HP, Dell, and Lenovo.
In between these sale periods, explore large third-party retailers such as Amazon, BestBuy, Walmart, and Newegg. They frequently host limited-time sales to clear excess stock, offering substantial savings on quality PCs.
Timing your computer purchase
When planning your computer shopping, consider aligning your purchase with major sales events. Black Friday and Cyber Monday, occurring in late November, along with Amazon Prime Day in July, are prime times for snagging great deals. Other notable sale periods, such as New Year’s sales in January or back-to-school promotions in August, can also lead to significant discounts.
Understanding your computer needs
When selecting a desktop computer, you’ll typically encounter four main categories: productivity tower PCs, gaming PCs, mini PCs, and all-in-ones (AiOs). Your choice should align with your intended use. For home office or family room setups, a productivity tower or AiO with a robust CPU, ample RAM, and storage is advisable. However, if gaming is your primary concern, invest in a gaming PC that provides superior performance at competitive prices.
For those seeking compact options, mini PCs offer a space-saving solution that still meets basic computing needs.
Key specifications to consider
When evaluating a new computer, focus on the CPU, aiming for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 for sufficient processing power. If gaming is a priority, consider dedicated graphics cards like the Nvidia GeForce 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 XT for optimal performance. For general tasks, integrated graphics may suffice, potentially saving you money.
For RAM, we recommend a minimum of 16GB for productivity and gaming, while 8GB is adequate for casual browsing and family use.
Storage choices should lean towards SSDs for faster performance. Assess your needs: 512GB may be sufficient for web browsing and document work, but gamers and content creators should consider 1TB or 2TB options. Remember, upgrades and external drives can always expand your storage capacity.
Exploring refurbished computers
Refurbished computers — previously owned models that have been repaired, cleaned, and updated — can offer fantastic savings. Often sourced from open-box returns or overstock, these devices can be in excellent condition. However, be cautious of potential downsides, such as minor cosmetic damage or older components that may not deliver peak performance.
For refurbished options, check eBay for a one-year warranty or explore manufacturer outlets like Dell’s Outlet Store or Apple’s Refurbished Store, ensuring you understand the terms of warranty before making a purchase.
With the right information and a keen eye for deals, you can find the perfect computer that fits your lifestyle without breaking the bank.