Desktops

Desktops are personal computers designed for use at a fixed location, such as a desk. They typically consist of a system unit, a display, and input/output peripherals. Desktop form factors include towers, small form factor cases, and all-in-one designs in which components are integrated into the display. Desktops emphasize performance, expandability, and longevity, with space for larger processors, memory, storage, and cooling than portable computers.

Core components include a central processing unit, motherboard, random-access memory, and storage such as solid-state drives or hard drives, plus a graphics processing unit. A power supply, cooling solution, and expansion options enable upgrades. Peripherals typically include a monitor, keyboard, and mouse; networking and audio are usually integrated. Desktops run operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, and support a wide range of software for work, education, and entertainment.

Common categories include gaming desktops, professional workstations, mainstream home/office desktops, and all-in-one systems. Advantages include strong performance for the price, easy component upgrades, and long lifespans; drawbacks include a larger footprint, higher power use, and reduced mobility compared with laptops.

Historically, desktops evolved from early fixed-location personal computers to modern modular systems focused on upgradeability and performance. Since the 1980s, standardized components and broad operating-system support have driven growth, with trends such as fast solid-state storage, multi-core CPUs, discrete GPUs, and more compact or energy-efficient designs shaping contemporary models.