Even if many people today prefer laptops, fixed PCs, known as desktop PCs, still have many advantages to offer, particularly in terms of personalization. Here is a selection of models and some tips for choosing the right one.
Does buying a desktop PC still make sense at a time when everything is becoming mobile and autonomous? Yes. But only under certain conditions. And not for economic reasons, because, contrary to a still widespread idea, a fixed computer does not cost less than a portable PC. Indeed, today there are many laptops for less than 500 euros which are in essence complete, while you have to buy several accessories (keyboard, mouse, screen, webcam, speakers, etc.) to be able to really use a fixed PC sold naked, in the form of a tower. What is the interest then in moving towards this solution?
First, modularity and customization. You can indeed complete a tower with the peripherals of your choice, and therefore opt for a particular keyboard, a large screen, good quality speakers, etc. Significant consequence, if an element breaks down, it can be replaced by an equivalent, while it is often necessary to go through the after-sales service with a laptop. Similarly, internal components (RAM, hard drive or SSD, expansion cards) can often be easily added or replaced to adapt it to specific needs. And there are generally more ports (USB, Ethernet) to accommodate peripherals than on a laptop, which is very limited in this area.
Another advantage is comfort. It is easier to arrange the different elements on a desk to work a whole day, while everything is imposed on a laptop.
Finally, power. The most powerful processors and graphics circuits only exist in “desktop” version, because they often require powerful power supplies, unavailable on portable PCs. It is not by chance that gamers prefer desktop computers to take full advantage of their favorite games, which consume a lot of resources.
In addition, a desktop computer has a longer lifespan than a laptop. In addition to the ease of repairs, it can indeed be upgraded regularly and kept for ten years, whereas a laptop rarely lasts more than five years.