10 Best Desktop Computers in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by IT Specialist

Dominating the OS market today is the Windows operating system due to its expansive software compatibility with most applications and hardware. Its interface is user-friendly, and upgrades are constantly available to keep the system faster and better.

Although more prone to viruses and malware, hundreds of antivirus software available could prevent intrusion or, better yet, use the equally good built-in Windows Defender that comes with the operating system.

The latest Windows 10 comes in a Pro and Home edition, where you can choose which one will better suit your usage. If you're a hardcore gamer, this OS will be your top choice because most of the best PC games are available on the Windows platform only.

As the second most used operating system, macOS is a more secure platform. Cybercriminals and malware creators are less interested in making viruses for this OS since there are fewer macOS users out there. Plus, the closed-ecosystem approach by Apple on its products makes it difficult to distribute malware.

The macOS Mojave is Apple's current flagship operating system that offers protection and more privacy options. Artists and designers love this OS because of its features and top-notch performance. With less support for the latest PC games, this will, unfortunately, deter hardcore gamers from using the system.

Linux is fairly similar to other operating systems where the same types of software such as word processors, photo editors, and the likes are still present. But the best thing about the Linux OS is it's free and open-sourced. 

In simple terms, users can choose any Linux-based operating system from many publicly shared distributors and developers to suit their intended use. The code used to create Linux is free and available to all. 

This means that the operating system is open to customization and some knowledgeable users have the freedom to contribute or tweak it on their own to get a better computing experience. This OS is highly efficient and effective in running a server or large mainframe systems.

Based on Linux, Chrome OS is designed by Google and was derived from the free software called Chromium OS. It uses the Google Chrome web browser as its main user interface. The boot up is faster and everything is integrated into Google's services. It offers low-cost desktop operation for users with just basic needs.

The addition of Android app support is the best feature of the operating system. You could download the apps you need from the Play Store and you're good to go. For those who just want to browse the web, use online productivity tools, write an email, or maybe play casual games, Chrome OS is a practical and affordable alternative.

The main advantage of a full-sized case is its flexibility when it comes to accommodating inner parts and components. It has enough space to fit in bigger and powerful hardware as a form of an upgrade to your device. High system performance works best with hardcore gamers, graphic-design artists, or video editors.

There is a trend right now among desktop users to put in bigger fans with colorful LED lights or liquid-cooling systems into their towers to effectively dissipate heat. This allows better ventilation and temperature control for longer hours of usage, especially when playing power-hungry games.

Most cases have a myriad of port provisions at the back to cater to multiple wired connections for power stability. These computer cases could be categorized into three sizes: a full, a mid, and a mini or micro tower.

For some who aren't too particular with bulkier and powerful components, a slimmer and compact tower could be the right option. It still houses the necessary hardware to run a business or create documents, spreadsheets, and do some programming work. 

Due to the simple fact that it could be stashed on a small corner under the desk or mounted on a desk beside the monitor, its space-saving properties are what attract a good amount of users.

Gamers on a budget could get this type of form factor. It has enough capacity to run games that don't require higher specifications or they could run it on low to medium settings to work just fine. There are three types of compact form factors: the slim, the small, and the mini.

All-in-ones, as the monicker says, is a single device that houses both the monitor and other parts into one. The idea is to mash-up two separate devices into one and still provide a mean computing machine. These are pricier than other types of desktop computers since the screen is bigger and most of its components are newer.

Although it's difficult to upgrade and repair because all of the parts are tightly packed, it can be used as a high-powered graphics workstation for illustrators or a simple production device at a premium look with a high price tag.

When it comes to CPUs, speed matters. The faster it could process information and carry out instructions, the better. This is the clock speed which is measured in gigahertz (GHz). Some computer experts can overclock a processor to push it to the limit and extract the best performance that it could offer.

Another determinant when it comes to processing is the number of cores a processor has. For example, an AMD Ryzen Threadripper has 12 cores, which means it can efficiently run twelve separate processes at any given time. While a dual-core Intel Core i3 can only do two simultaneous processes.

The CPU war between two manufacturers, AMD and Intel, has intensified over these past few years. This led to better, faster, and high-performance CPUs in the market that consumers exceedingly enjoy nowadays.

Akin to CPUs, a graphics processing unit or GPU is a component solely devoted to the manipulation and production of graphics and visual images. There are two types of GPUs that might come with a pre-built desktop computer: an integrated graphics and a dedicated graphics card.

Integrated graphics are GPUs that come integrated with the CPU. This means that if there is no graphics card installed in the motherboard, this GPU will handle the video output for the CPU. Intel has started this integration with its Intel HD and Iris graphics. 

This type of GPU is like the ones installed on smartphones where the GPU is bundled with the CPU. It is a much affordable choice since there is no extra cost for a dedicated graphics card, but has limited capability when you try to run a graphics-intensive program.

Dedicated GPUs come as a separate component that takes care of all the video or display that you see on your monitor. Two brands have been making waves on the current market: NVIDIA and AMD. If you see GeForce on the specifications list of a desktop you intend to buy, that is from NVIDIA, while Radeon is from AMD.

There are many types of graphics cards, but we can categorize them into two types: a desktop GPU and a workstation GPU. A workstation GPU is used to run high-level programs such as computer-assisted drawing or 3D modeling, where animations or computer graphics are created. A desktop GPU is commonly used for gaming, photo editing, video streaming, or video editing.

Random-access memory or RAM contributes to the computing speed of a desktop. It works like a storage system, where information is stored temporarily for easy access to be retrieved in an instant and on-demand. As software and programs become more advanced, the need for bigger RAMs became evident. 

There are two factors to be looked at when it comes to RAM: type and speed. Type refers to the data-rate class of each module. If you see a DDR3 or the much higher DDR4, that is the type. DDR stands for double data rate. The speed refers to how quickly system commands can be sent out and is measured in megahertz (MHz).

A low-end memory can range from 2-4GB; on the midrange, it could be from 8-16GB, and on high-end units, the range is at 32GB or above RAM. This component is the first one to be upgraded on pre-built desktops, not unless there is enough memory to start with.

Before introducing SSDs, all desktop PCs used HDDs and partitioned them to separate documents or media files from the operating system and program files. It has a spinning hard disk inside where data is stored. The speed of revolution per minute or rpm will dictate how fast the PC can start up the OS or how fast a program can be installed.

Seeing this issue, manufacturers were compelled to build HDDs with bigger capacity and higher RPMs. Nowadays, HDDs with at least a 7,200-rpm and 500 gigabytes (GB) up to 2 terabytes (TB) capacity are the standard.

SSDs are on a different level when it comes to efficiency. There are no moving parts inside, and it isn't prone to mechanical failure. Access to data is quicker, so installation or program start-up is faster. Plus, it uses less power and is virtually resistant to damage. A typical SDD capacity should range from 120GB up to 240GB.

If you're wondering if both can be used simultaneously on a single desktop, the answer is a resounding YES. The best setup is to use HDD to store your collection of media files and documents, while the SDD handles the operating system and necessary programs. 

On top of the list of peripherals for consideration is the monitor. Generally, if you're into gaming, you will need a high refresh rate display. Or, if you're multitasking, then you might need more than just one monitor for the workload. Those into graphics designing will require a specific color-oriented monitor to ensure that their output is accurate and on-point. 

Next, keyboards and mice are fairly easy to use and plug into your desktop, that is, if you're using wired connections. Most wired peripherals are plug and play, which doesn't require complicated installations or software drivers to work. 

If you're aiming for wireless peripherals, you need to identify whether it connects via radio frequency (RF) or through Bluetooth. RF keyboards and mice might require a USB dongle to provide signals specifically for them. The same goes for Bluetooth connection where an adapter is needed to set up any Bluetooth compatible devices.

Audio devices such as speakers, headphones, or microphones have their dedicated slots, as discussed in the Ports section of this article. All you need to do is plug in the 8mm jack to the slot and you're good to go. If your audio device connects via Bluetooth, it should work via the adapter together with the other Bluetooth compatible devices.