Desktop computer

A desktop computer, often called a desktop, is a personal computer made for regular use at one place, usually on or near a desk. Unlike portable computers, desktops are bigger and need more power, so they stay in one spot. Most desktop computers have a case that holds many important parts, like the power supply, motherboard, and disk storage. The motherboard is a special board that includes a microprocessor, which acts as the central processing unit, along with memory and other parts.

To use a desktop computer, you need things like a keyboard and mouse to give commands, and a monitor to see what’s happening. Often, people also connect speakers to hear sounds and sometimes a printer to make paper copies. The case can be placed flat on a desk or stood up vertically, and when it’s stood up, it’s called a tower. Over the years, most desktop cases have been made to stand up, so now the word desktop usually means a case that lies flat.

History

Origins

Before we had small computers, there were much larger machines called minicomputers. These were still smaller than the giant computers of the time, but they were not small enough to sit comfortably on a desk. It wasn’t until the 1970s that computers small enough to fit on a desk became common. One early example was the Datapoint 2200, which looked like a regular office terminal but could also work alone as a computer. Other machines like the HP 9800 series started as simple calculators but could be used for more complex tasks. These early desktop computers were often expensive and meant for business or scientific work.

Growth and development

See also: Keyboard computer

In 1977, three important home computers appeared: the Apple II, TRS-80, and Commodore PET. These were the first computers aimed at everyday users, not just businesses or hobbyists. Through the 1980s and 1990s, desktop computers became very popular. The most well-known were the IBM PC and its clones, followed by the Apple Macintosh. Early desktops had their parts stored in a flat case that sat on the desk, saving space for the screen. Later, tall tower cases became more common, allowing for more parts and freeing up desk space.

Decline

By the mid-2000s, laptops began to overtake desktops in popularity. Laptops were easier to carry and could do many of the same things as desktops. This shift led many desktop factories to close. Laptops became common for both work and personal use. By 2008, more laptops were sold worldwide than desktops. Even Apple Macintosh sales shifted toward laptops. Many people already had desktops that worked well, so they didn’t need to buy new ones often. The rise of smartphones and tablets also changed how people used computers, though desktops were still important for serious work.

Resurgence

In the middle of the 2010s, people began to question whether desktops were truly fading away. While laptops and tablets grew in popularity, desktops remained important, especially for businesses and schools. By 2021, the sale of PCs, including desktops, had grown again. Gaming desktops became especially popular, with more people buying them for playing games. In 2024, the number of PCs sold, including desktops and laptops, reached new heights.

Types

By size

An HP 9000 workstation can be used as a desktop or a tower. It can stand upright with plastic feet for extra stability.

Full-size

Full-sized desktops have separate parts for display and processing. These parts connect with cables or wireless connections. They often come in a tall tower shape and can be customized for different needs, like adding extra expansion card features.

Compact

Main articles: Small form factor (desktop and motherboard) and Nettop

Compact desktops are smaller and less powerful than full-sized ones. They are made for simple tasks like web browsing, using web-based applications, writing documents, and playing audio or videos. They have less power, so they are not ideal for very complicated tasks. A nettop is a good example of a compact desktop. Sometimes, a laptop without a screen can act like a compact desktop, called a "slabtop".

Form factor

See also: Mini PC and Keyboard computer

All-in-one

Main article: All-in-one computer

An all-in-one (AIO) desktop combines all the inner parts of the computer into the same case as the screen. This saves space and reduces the number of cables needed. These systems are not usually called desktop computers.

Tower

Main article: Computer tower

In personal computing, a tower is a tall form factor for a desktop computer case. It is much taller than it is wide, looking like a standing tower block.

Pizza box form factor

Main article: Pizza box form factor

In computing, a pizza box enclosure is a design for desktop computers. These cases are wide and flat, like pizza delivery boxes, which is where they get their name.

Cube

Cube Workstations have a square case enclosure that holds the motherboard, PCI-E cards, GPU, CPU, memory slots, cooling parts, connections, hard disk drives, and solid-state drives.

Open Frame

Open Frame cases are easy to service and have good airflow. They are great for liquid-cooled systems and have an industrial look, but they collect dust more easily and need regular cleaning.

By usage

Gaming computer

Main article: Gaming computer

Gaming computers are desktops with strong CPU, GPU, and memory, made for playing video games at high quality. They often have special mechanical keyboards and a gaming computer mouse for better performance.

Home theater

Main article: Home theater PC

These desktops connect to home entertainment systems and are used for fun. They have high-quality displays, video features, surround sound, and TV tuning to go along with normal computer features.

Thin client / Internet appliance

Main articles: Thin client and Internet appliance

Some desktop computers have been replaced by thin clients that use computing power from the internet. As more services and applications come from online servers, local computers need less power. This makes desktops smaller, cheaper, and less powerful. Many applications and even whole desktops can be run from a server, and the desktop only needs to show the screen. Thin clients often do their computing on a virtual machine somewhere else. Virtual desktops give users the same experience no matter where they are.

Workstation

Main article: Workstation

HP Integrity server with rack-mountable and desktop variants

HP9000 workstation, based on an Integrity desktop server

Workstations are advanced personal computers made for users. They are more powerful than regular PCs but less powerful than servers. They can handle high-quality and three-dimensional work and are often used for scientific and engineering tasks. Like servers, they are often connected to other workstations. The most common shape is a Tower case, but many makers also make compact or all-in-one workstations. Most tower workstations can be changed into a rack-mount version.

Desktop server

Desktop servers are made for small business use. They have similar power to workstations or gaming PCs but include some server features. They usually have basic graphics, and some can be turned into workstations.

Comparison with laptops

See also: Laptop § Disadvantages

Desktop computers are easier to update and fix than laptops because their parts are made in standard sizes. This makes it simpler and cheaper to add new parts or improve old ones. Desktops also let people change many parts, which is popular with gamers and technology fans.

Laptops are smaller and can be carried around easily. They have built-in keyboards and can run on battery power. They also often include tools to connect to the internet without wires. However, desktops can hold more powerful parts and are better at handling extra tasks.