Desktop Computer Brands and Links

Desktop peripherals: often not included

If you need a more powerful desktop for 3D gaming, video editing or heavy multimedia, check out our companion report on gaming desktops. This report covers high-powered desktop PCs that can handle the most intensive tasks.

Many budget desktops don't come with peripherals like a display or keyboard. ConsumerSearch has separate reports on LCD monitors, computer monitors, keyboards and computer mice.

Computer buyer's guides

DigitalTrends.com has a useful buyer's guide to desktop computers, which covers what you can expect in terms of processors, size and more. PCMag.com also has an excellent buyer's guide.

Mark Kyrnin, About.com's guide to PC hardware, has some good general information on desktops. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

CNET has an interesting article on nettops. Rich Brown discusses why he thinks nettops are a bad deal, especially when you compare them to the latest Blu-ray players.

Macworld has an article detailing the changes to the most recent Mac mini, which is the only Apple desktop that rings up under $800 -- although you still need to buy a display.

PCMag.com's annual readers' choice survey is a good source to check for reliability and tech support ratings for all the big desktop brands.

Desktop computer brands

You can learn more about specifications and configurations at manufacturer websites:

Acer

Apple (Mac)

ASRock

Asus

Compaq (owned by HP)

Dell

eMachines

Gateway

HP

Zotac