Best Desktops for College Students

Before you do anything else, however, you should first check with your college or university for specific system requirements. Some schools require their students to have a Windows-based desktop, to avoid software incompatibility issues as much as possible. Many schools will have on-site repair centers that only service university-bought desktops, where the turn-around time is much quicker than if you sent it back to the desktop manufacturer. And keep in mind that most schools offer price breaks for particular manufactures and include extensive software bundles, which can shave off a good amount from your desktop purchase. 

ASUS Essentio CM6870

$999 direct
In all but the most demanding of game settings, the Asus Essentio CM6870 is a great entry-level gaming desktop that offers plenty of bang for the buck, with an abundance of features, a sturdy CPU/GPU combination, and lots of room for expansion. Read ASUS Essentio CM6870 review ››

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ASUS ET2701INKI-B046C 27-Inch Desktop

$1,499
If you can forgive the Asus ET2701INKI-B046C a few quirks in its audio setup, you'll find an all-in-one desktop that can compete with systems costing $600 more. Read ASUS ET2701INKI-B046C 27-Inch Desktop review ››

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Gateway DX4870-UR11P

$849 list
Thanks to its powerful third-generation Core i7 processor, the Gateway DX4870-UR11P leads the mainstream consumer desktop pack by a wide margin and nips at the heels of beefier entry-level desktops. Read Gateway DX4870-UR11P review ››

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HP Omni 27

$1,249 direct
The HP Omni 27 is an attractive all-in-one desktop with a huge 27-inch screen. It's perfect for watching both online and Blu-ray movies, and has the power to create those movies, if you have cinematic hobbies. Read HP Omni 27 review ››

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HP TouchSmart 320-1030

$629.99 direct
The HP TouchSmart 320-1030 is the one to look at if you're shopping for your first touch-screen PC, or your first all-in-one desktop. It marries a great bang for the buck processor and a sleek new chassis to give us our next Editors' Choice Entry-level all-in-one desktop. Read HP TouchSmart 320-1030 review ››

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Lenovo ThinkCentre Edge 71

$508 list
It may be targeted at business users, but the Lenovo ThinkCentre Edge 71 is just as useful for students. At just over $500, it gives you enough power to get your non-demanding users a PC of their own. It's not a speed demon by any means, but it is faster than similarly priced competitors, and has some expansion room. Read Lenovo ThinkCentre Edge 71 review ››

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Velocity Micro Campus Edition (2012)

$999 direct
Whether it's for home or school, the Velocity Micro Vector Campus Edition (2012) is a fine general-purpose desktop at an attractive price. Read the full review ››