Finding an affordable yet capable desktop computer can be challenging. With so many models available from different manufacturers, it‘s tricky to know which one offers the best value for your needs and budget.
In this guide, we‘ll recommend five of the top-rated desktop computers under $500 for 2024. We‘ve researched the latest budget models across various categories to help you find your perfect match.
Quick Picks:
- Best Overall: HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF
- Best Mini PC: ASUS ExpertCenter Mini Desktop PC
- Best All-In-One: HP 22-dd0110 21.5" All-In-One Desktop PC
- Best For Businesses: Lenovo V50t Gen 2
- Most Affordable: Acer Aspire Tower D17W6
When reviewing budget desktop PCs, we looked at six key factors:
- Processor performance
- RAM capacity
- Storage type and capacity
- Port selection
- Connectivity
- Value for money
We favored 2021 and 2022 model desktops in order to get the latest generation components while sticking to affordable pricing. Let‘s take a closer look at each of our top recommendations.
#1 Best Overall: HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF
The HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF is our top overall pick, providing excellent performance and value in a compact form factor.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i3-10105 CPU
- 12GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB PCIe SSD
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
- Windows 11 Home
This HP desktop computer is powered by Intel‘s Core i3-10105 quad-core processor with base and boost clock speeds up to 4.4GHz. It‘s speedy enough for everyday home and office tasks like web browsing, document editing, video calls, and basic photo editing.
You also get a generous 12GB of RAM, which is more than enough for smooth multitasking abilities. The 256GB SSD ensures fast boot and load times as well.
Connectivity is covered with the latest Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5. HP includes a wireless keyboard and mouse in the box too.
With competitive pricing under $500 for the specs, the HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF is a compact yet mighty home desktop PC pick.
Pros
- Powerful enough Intel Core i3 CPU
- 12GB RAM for smooth multitasking
- Fast 256GB SSD storage
- Wireless keyboard & mouse included
- Compact 14" x 13" footprint
Cons
- No USB-C port
- No SD card reader
Bottom Line: The HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF punches above its weight with a speedy 10th gen Intel Core i3 processor, abundant RAM and SSD storage, wireless peripherals, and compact design making it our top overall choice.
Check Price on Amazon: HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF
#2 Best Mini PC: ASUS ExpertCenter Mini Desktop PC
For those short on space, mini PCs like the ASUS ExpertCenter pack serious performance in a tiny 6.5-inch square body.
Key Specs:
- AMD Ryzen 7 5700U CPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 1TB PCIe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2
- Windows 11 Pro
This Asus mini desktop computer features AMD‘s impressive Ryzen 7 5700U 8-core, 16-thread APU with Radeon graphics. It delivers laptop-class performance that rivals Intel Core i7 CPUs.
You get a very generous 16GB RAM and 1TB NVMe SSD, letting you take on demanding programs for creativity and productivity. There‘s also speedy Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 onboard.
The ExpertCenter gives you all the power you need minus the bulky tower. It supports up to three 4K displays as well for impressive multimonitor setups. At just $589, this feature-packed mini PC is a fantastic bargain.
Pros
- Powerful 8-core Ryzen 7 5700U APU
- 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD
- Compact 6.5-inch design
- Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2
Cons
- No keyboard/mouse included
- Fewer USB ports due to small size
Bottom Line: The ASUS ExpertCenter Mini Desktop PC packs a punch with AMD‘s speedy Ryzen 7 processor, abundant RAM and storage, Wi-Fi 6, and a tiny footprint perfect for tight spaces.
Check Price on Amazon: ASUS ExpertCenter Mini Desktop PC
#3 Best All-In-One: HP 22-dd0110 21.5" All-In-One Desktop PC
All-in-one desktops like the HP 22-dd0110 integrate all the core computer components behind the monitor for simplified setup.
Key Specs:
- AMD Athlon Silver 3050U CPU
- 4GB RAM
- 128GB SSD
- 21.5" 1920 x 1080 Display
- Windows 10 Home
- Wireless keyboard & mouse
The HP 22-dd0110 may not have the highest-end internals, but it‘s perfectly suitable for basic home and student computing. The AMD Athlon Silver 3050U chip and 4GB RAM easily handle web apps, document editing, video streaming, and more.
You get a crisp, vibrant 21.5-inch full HD screen backed by AMD Radeon graphics. The 128GB SSD offers ample storage for the operating system and everyday programs and files. HP also includes a wireless keyboard and mouse in white.
If you want an affordable all-in-one desktop bundle for homework and browsing, the HP 22-dd0110 is a great pick with all the essentials covered.
Pros
- Space-saving all-in-one design
- 21.5-inch 1920×1080 display
- Wireless keyboard and mouse
- AMD Athlon Silver CPU and Radeon graphics
Cons
- Only 4GB RAM
- Small 128GB storage capacity
Bottom Line: The HP 22-dd0110 all-in-one desktop PC makes for a solid budget home system for basic computing and streaming with its 21.5-inch display, AMD Athlon Silver processor, wireless peripherals, and sub-$400 pricing.
Check Price on Amazon: HP 22-dd0110
#4 Best For Businesses: Lenovo V50t Gen 2
The Lenovo V50t Gen 2 offers business-oriented features like Windows 11 Pro and an optical disc drive for under $500.
Key Specs:
- Intel Core i3-10100 CPU
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD
- Windows 11 Pro
- Optical disc drive
- Wired keyboard & mouse
This Lenovo tower PC provides reliable performance via Intel‘s popular Core i3-10100 quad-core chip clocked at up to 4.3GHz speeds, which is still very capable for everyday office programs. You also get 16GB RAM for ample multitasking abilities.
Storage is handled by both a speedy 256GB solid-state drive and ample 1TB hard drive. Windows 11 Pro brings business-focused tools as well. Connect legacy hardware and software with the included DVD writer too.
While not the flashiest system, the Lenovo V50t Gen 2 brings excellent value and business-ready features for under $500.
Pros
- Intel Core i3-10100 quad-core CPU
- 16GB RAM for smooth workflows
- 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage
- Windows 11 Pro
- Optical DVD drive included
Cons
- Wired mouse & keyboard
- Dated 4-core processor
Bottom Line: The Lenovo V50t Gen 2 desktop computer makes for a reliable pick for businesses requiring Windows 11 Pro, solid productivity performance via 16GB RAM and Core i3-10100 CPU, robust wired peripherals, and an optical disc drive all for under $500.
Check Price on Amazon: Lenovo V50t Gen 2
#5 Most Affordable: Acer Aspire Tower D17W6
If you‘re on a strict budget, the Acer Aspire Tower D17W6 desktop PC provides good value just under $400.
Key Specs:
- Intel Celeron J4125 CPU
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 4.2
- Windows 11 Home
- Wired keyboard & mouse
Acer‘s Aspire Tower desktop runs Intel‘s quad-core Celeron J4125 chip paired with 8GB RAM, which delivers enough muscle for web apps, HD video streaming, and basic multitasking.
You also get a speedy 256GB SSD for fast boot and load times. The wired keyboard and mouse are serviceable for getting started.
Connectivity is covered with Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 support. And Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed for out-of-box use.
If your computing needs are simple like email, document editing, and media streaming, the Acer Aspire Tower D17W6 gets the job done with reliable performance.
Pros
- Costs less than $400
- 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD
- Good connectivity with Wi-Fi 5/Bluetooth 4.2
Cons
- Lower-end Intel Celeron CPU
- Wired mouse & keyboard
Bottom Line: The Acer Aspire Tower D17W6 desktop computer delivers reliable entry-level performance for under $400, making it a top affordable choice for basic home and student computing.
Check Price on Amazon: Acer Aspire Tower D17W6
How to Choose the Best Desktop Computer Under $500
Focusing your search on desktop computers released in 2021 and 2022 helps enormously in finding strong performers. Newer low-cost models utilize modern processors and DDR4 memory while still hitting affordable price points.
Here are some key factors to evaluate:
CPU: Look for Intel Core i3 chips (10000/11000-series) or AMD Ryzen processors with decent GHz speeds for responsive performance. Avoid older or entry-level CPUs.
RAM: 8GB is the minimum RAM for a good experience. 16GB is even better for heavy multitasking.
Storage: Favor 256GB+ SSDs over hard disk drives for much faster speeds. But large 1TB+ HDDs work for mass storage.
Graphics: Integrated GPUs are fine for basic tasks. Discrete cards provide a boost for media workflows.
Ports: Ensure your model has sufficient USB-A and video output ports. USB-C and SD slots are nice bonuses.
Peripherals: Wireless keyboards/mice are preferred for flexibility but you can save money with wired sets.
OS: Windows 10 is still well-supported. Windows 11 offers a refreshed interface and new features.
Staying under $500 does involve some trade-offs like average build quality and lack of expansion. But the models above provide the essentials you need for solid home and office computing.
Wrapping Up
The desktop computers showcased here represent the best budget models under $500 available in 2024. They provide a balance of capable performance, ample memory and storage, modern connectivity standards, and Windows 10/11 support.
For most shoppers, the HP Slim Desktop TPC-F125-SF is a leading pick with its speedy Intel Core i3 CPU, generous RAM and SSD capacity, wireless peripherals, and compact form factor.
But mini PC, business, and all-in-one designs also have their advantages covered by our other top recommendations.
We hope this guide has helped narrow down your search for a reliable yet affordable desktop computer. Let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below!
