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What are the different types of Desktop PCs?

Desktop PCs come in a variety of sizes and types, known as form factors. Each form factor has its own benefits, so it's important to choose the one that's right for your needs.

Tower PCs

Tower PCs

Tower PCs are the most common type of desktop computer. They have a tall, rectangular design, and you connect the monitor, keyboard, and mouse separately. Tower PCs are easy to repair and upgrade because the components are not sealed inside the case. This makes tower PCs a good choice for people who want to customize their computer or upgrade it to the latest hardware.

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All-in-one PCs

All-in-one PCs

All-in-one PCs are a space-saving and convenient computing solution. They combine all of the essential components, such as the CPU, memory, storage, and monitor, into a single chassis. This makes them ideal for users who work in confined spaces, such as small home offices, dorm rooms, or any other setting where space is limited. All-in-one PCs offer the same powerful computing capabilities as traditional desktop PCs, but they take up much less space. This is because the monitor and other components are integrated into a single unit.

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Mini PCs

Mini PCs

Mini PCs are even smaller than all-in-one PCs and are typically used for light-duty tasks. They are ideal for users who do not need a lot of memory or processing power, such as browsing the web, checking email, and watching videos. Mini PCs are also very portable, making them easy to take with you on the go.

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Workstation PCs

Workstation PCs

Workstation PCs are purpose-built Professional Desktops featuring high-core count CPUs like Intel Xeon or AMD Threadripper and often include ECC Memory for maximum data integrity. These High-Performance PCs are engineered for continuous, heavy workloads like CAD and advanced simulation, offering superior stability and professional software certification compared to standard computers, giving UK users the bedrock for mission-critical work.

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All-in-one PCs

Apple PCs

Apple Desktop computers (including the iMac and Mac mini) use the custom-designed M-series chip and macOS to deliver exceptional speed, superior efficiency, and the stunning visual quality of Retina displays. These devices offer a premium, reliable computing experience for UK customers, providing seamless integration with the wider Apple ecosystem and retaining strong value for creative professionals and home users alike.

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Mac Mini PCs

Mac Mini PCs

The Mac mini is the compact Apple desktop solution, offering substantial power via the latest M-series chip—like the efficient M4—in a remarkably small chassis, making it the perfect choice for space-saving UK setups. It provides excellent performance for mini PC users needing to run demanding applications, thanks to its Unified Memory architecture and macOS, while its wide array of ports allows for easy expansion into a full home office or studio configuration.

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Features To Consider

PC Storage.

Storage

Your computer needs storage to keep your programs, files, and other data. There are two main types of storage: solid-state drives (SSDs) and hard disk drives (HDDs). SSDs are highly recommended for any PC as they are faster and quieter than HDDs. SSDs consume less power than traditional spinning hard drives and help to boost performance, especially when running multiple applications at once. The amount of storage capacity you choose depends on your usage and what you intend to store on your PC.

 
PC RAM.

RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is the computer's short-term memory. It stores data that the computer is currently using, such as open programs and files. The more RAM a computer has, the more tasks it can handle at once and the faster it can access data. For general use, 6-8GB of RAM is sufficient. This will allow you to run most programs and games smoothly, even if you are multitasking. If you need a machine that can handle the most demanding games and tasks, you should opt for at least 16GB of RAM. This will give you the extra headroom you need to run multiple applications at once without experiencing any slowdown.

 
PC PROCESSOR.

Processor

The processor is the central processing unit (CPU) of your PC. It is responsible for carrying out instructions and processing data, making it one of the most important factors to consider when buying a PC. The most common CPUs are from Intel's Core range and AMD's Ryzen range. Both produce low- to high-end processors, which are defined by the number of cores they have and the frequency at which they run.

 

Intel processors

Intel processors offer reliable performance across their Core range, balancing efficiency for everyday tasks with high-end power for demanding applications like video editing and gaming.

Core i5

Core i5

  • Versatile Performance: For standard use like web browsing, streaming, office work, and managing several apps, the Core i5 offers more than enough performance.
  • Casual Gaming Capability: Newer Core i5 processors featuring Intel Arc graphics can manage many less demanding 1080p games directly, offering good value in laptops that skip a dedicated graphics card.
Core i7

Core i7

  • Content Creation Power: For intensive creative work like 4K video editing, 3D modelling, or batch photo processing, the i7's higher core count and sustained clock speeds result in noticeably faster render and processing times.
  • Serious Multitasking: For professionals, top-tier processors provide seamless multitasking and superior core management, cutting time on heavy workloads like running code compilers or virtual machines.
Core Ultra 5

Core Ultra 5

  • Hybrid Architecture: These processors combine Performance-cores, standard Efficiency-cores, and new Low Power Efficiency-cores for intelligent power distribution, which greatly extends battery life during lighter usage.
  • Efficiency Profile: Often featuring a lower Processor Base Power (e.g., around 28W), these chips are engineered for thinner, lighter laptops that need excellent stamina away from the wall socket.
Core Ultra 9

Core Ultra 9

  • Supreme Efficiency for Power: The Ultra architecture balances raw power with low general use consumption, letting manufacturers create thinner, lighter laptops with better battery life than older Core i9 models, fitting them perfectly as mobile workstations.
  • Platform Leadership: Ultra 9 systems support Thunderbolt 5 and Wi-Fi 7, future-proofing the laptop for the fastest external storage and high-resolution displays.

AMD processors

The AMD Ryzen processor line is a popular and powerful choice for PCs, featuring various tiers like Ryzen 3, 5, 7, and 9 to cater to everything from basic tasks to extreme gaming and content creation.

Ryzen 5

Ryzen 5

  • Core Count Advantage: Ryzen 5 chips, typically with 6 cores and 12 threads, excel at multitasking, keeping productivity smooth when handling many browser tabs or background applications.
  • Gaming Performance: Ryzen 5 processors offer rock-solid performance for most modern games, with 3D V-Cache versions sometimes topping gaming benchmarks when matched with a dedicated graphics card.
Ryzen 7

Ryzen 7

  • Dominant gaming performance: Models with the 3D V-Cache technology (like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D) feature massive L3 cache sizes that lead the market in gaming frame rates, giving players a measurable edge.
  • Future-ready systems: Supports modern standards like DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0, ensuring systems built today have a clear path for future component upgrades.
Ryzen 9

Ryzen 9

  • Instantaneous response: Ensures smooth operation even when demanding all cores at once. Critical for single-threaded tasks and maintaining high frame rates in CPU-intensive games.
  • New performance gains: Supports AI-powered features in creative software and operating systems, providing a forward-thinking edge for new applications.
Ryzen 3

Ryzen 3

  • No Graphics Card Needed: Ryzen 3 G-series APUs include AMD Radeon Graphics, letting budget builders run displays, stream video, and play lighter games without a separate graphics card, which lowers the total PC cost.
  • Laptop Efficiency: In laptops, the Ryzen 3 Mobile processors are highly power-efficient, helping systems deliver longer battery life and run quietly.
 
PC OPERATING SYSTEM.

Operating System

The operating system (OS) of your PC is the software that controls how it looks, how it works, and the type of software you can use. There are two main operating systems: Windows and macOS. Each OS has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the one that is best for your needs. Windows 11 is the most recent version of Microsoft's Windows operating system. It is designed to be more user-friendly and efficient, with a new user interface and a focus on productivity. Most new PCs will come pre-installed with Windows 11.

 
PC GRAPHICS CARD.

Graphics Card

The graphics card is responsible for displaying images on the screen. There are two types: integrated and dedicated. Integrated graphics are sufficient for basic tasks, such as home and office applications. However, if you plan on running graphically demanding applications, such as gaming, design, and photo and video editing, we strongly recommend using a dedicated graphics card.

 
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Refurbished PCs

A refurbished PC is a previously owned PC that that has been restored to a like-new condition. This process typically includes repairing any defects, cleaning the PC, and testing it to ensure that it meets the manufacturer's standards. Refurbished PC are often sold at a much lower price than new PCs, making them a great way to save money and help the environment.

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