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Think desktops are dead? Think again. Whether you’re a gamer chasing higher frame rates, a creative editing 4K video, or a professional needing reliable workstation performance, desktop computers still deliver the best bang for your buck. Unlike laptops, desktops give you more raw power, better cooling, and upgrade paths that can extend the machine’s life by years. In this guide you’ll find where to shop—big retailers and specialists alike—what models to consider (including popular restored and custom options), and how to make a smart purchase without buyer’s remorse.
Buying a restored or refurbished desktop is like shopping at a high-end thrift store where everything’s been serviced and polished. You get older but powerful hardware at a much lower price. Custom-built systems, on the other hand, are tailored to the job: gaming, streaming, CAD, or content creation. Both routes have advantages—refurbished saves cash and often includes factory-tested parts, while custom builds let you pick the exact GPU, CPU, storage, and cooling you want. It’s all about matching your needs to the right approach.
Walmart has been expanding its desktop selection to include restored and certified units alongside new prebuilt gaming rigs. You’ll find restored Apple iMac 27-inch 5K models, HP Omen 45L GT22 desktops with recent Intel Core processors, and a range of restored Dell Optiplex and Alienware machines. If you want a mix of restored all-in-ones and powerful gaming towers, Walmart often lists units with big storage combinations—think multi-terabyte HDDs paired with smaller SSDs for speed. It’s a strong option when you want a vetted refurbished machine without hunting across multiple marketplaces.
Best Buy is a go-to for people who want hands-on shopping or easy pickup. It stocks major lines like HP Omen, Dell Alienware, and Apple iMacs, and offers packages from manufacturers and custom builders like CyberPowerPC and iBUYPOWER. Best Buy’s Geek Squad and extended warranty options can give extra peace of mind, and their open-box deals often deliver lightly used desktops at steep discounts. If you prefer a brick-and-mortar presence plus a straightforward returns framework, Best Buy is a safe bet.
Newegg is a specialist when it comes to PC parts and prebuilts. If you want a wider selection of refurbished business-class systems—like Dell Optiplex towers or Precision workstations—Newegg is full of options. They also list configurable gaming rigs that mirror custom builds and often include performance benchmarks, user reviews, and component-level details so you can compare RAM, SSD type, and power supply wattage side by side.
If building or upgrading is on your mind, Micro Center is a regional gem. Their stores are treasure troves of components, and the staff usually know PC compatibility inside out. Micro Center often matches online prices and runs in-store-only deals that let you get a great CPU + motherboard combo at a discount. For anyone who likes to assemble their own machine or wants on-the-spot advice, Micro Center beats most competitors.
Amazon marketplace covers the full spectrum: new manufacturer desktops, third-party refurbished units, and custom gaming rigs from boutique builders. The advantage is variety—you’ll see everything from a restored iMac 27-inch 5K to a Velztorm-style custom gaming desktop. Be sure to read seller ratings and product descriptions closely; Amazon’s reviewers often point out real-world issues and upgrade opportunities that can influence your final choice.
The 27-inch 5K iMac is a visual masterpiece for creatives. A restored model with a 3.0 GHz 6-core i5 (2019 vintage) can still handle photo editing, color grading, and light video work thanks to its high-resolution display and ample RAM—some restored listings even include 64 GB of memory. With combo storage setups like a 512 GB flash drive plus a 6 TB hard drive, you get fast boot times and room for big media libraries. If macOS is your workflow and you want a large display in a single chassis, a restored iMac is a sensible value play.
The HP Omen 45L GT22 is a stylish and powerful gaming tower. You’ll find configurations with Core i7-13700KF or Core i9-13900K processors that deliver strong single-threaded and multi-threaded performance—important for gaming, streaming, and encoding. Paired with high-end GPUs, generous cooling, and modern I/O, the Omen is a balanced option for serious gamers who want performance without building from scratch.
Alienware’s Aurora R16 packs the latest Intel chips and exotic cooling solutions into a gamer-friendly chassis. Restored and newer models often appear with Core i7-13700F chips and large storage arrays that combine SSD speed with multi-terabyte HDD capacity. Alienware’s design and lighting appeal to gamers, while the internal layout allows for future upgrades—so you’re not stuck if you want to drop in a stronger GPU later.
Looking for a machine built for productivity? Dell’s Optiplex 7000 mini tower and Precision T3640 workstation are engineered for professionals who run demanding applications like CAD, scientific computing, or digital content creation. You’ll see configurations with Core i9 processors and 1 TB SSDs in refurbished listings—these units emphasize reliability, expandability, and compatibility with professional-grade GPUs and ECC memory where applicable.
For budget-conscious gamers or streamers who want a solid entry-level rig, the Velztorm Fultix custom system is an example worth noting. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5-5500 CPU, a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti GPU, 16 GB DDR4 RAM, a 2 TB PCIe SSD plus a 6 TB HDD, and a 750 W PSU, it’s tuned for storage-heavy libraries and mid-range gaming. Custom systems like this demonstrate how storage and a decent PSU can extend a build’s life even if the GPU is modest.
Deciding which category fits you is the first step to a happy purchase. Gaming desktops prioritize GPU performance and fast refresh rates, workstations focus on CPU cores, ECC memory, and I/O for professional apps, and all-in-ones like the iMac emphasize compact design and display quality. Ask yourself: will you game, edit video, run simulations, or just browse the web? Your intended use should guide CPU core count, GPU class, RAM size, and storage type.
Custom builds let you pick each component to match needs and budget—ideal if you want a specific GPU or plan to upgrade piece by piece. Prebuilt systems, including refurbished units, are convenient and often come with a warranty and driver support. Refurbished workstations and business desktops are a sweet spot when you need robust parts at lower cost; they’re usually tested to meet business reliability standards. If you’re comfortable with a screwdriver and researching compatibility, building will give you max value. If not, a prebuilt or restored machine gets you running quickly.
When browsing specs, look for these priorities: CPU clock speed in GHz and core count for multitasking; at least 16 GB of RAM for modern gaming and content creation (32 GB or 64 GB for heavy editing); an NVMe SSD for the OS and applications to shave seconds off boot and load times; and a dedicated GPU for gaming or GPU-accelerated tasks. Also consider PSU wattage—750 W is common in many gaming rigs and gives headroom for future GPUs. Cooling and case airflow matter more than most shoppers realize: a well-ventilated chassis keeps performance consistent under load.
There are clever ways to cut cost. Refurbished units and open-box deals often give 20–50% savings. Buy last-generation CPUs and GPUs—they still offer outstanding performance but at a reduced price. Prioritize an SSD and sufficient RAM over an ultra-high-end GPU if your tasks are productivity-oriented. Also, consider splitting storage: a smaller NVMe drive for the OS and a larger HDD for media is a practical combo for many users. Finally, check for seasonal sales and student discounts if they apply.
Want a desktop that grows with you? Look for systems with easy access to RAM slots, extra M.2 and SATA ports, and a PSU with headroom. A desktop with 32 GB of RAM capacity or support for multiple storage drives will stay relevant longer. If you buy a refurbished workstation, confirm the motherboard’s socket and chipset so you know what future CPUs are compatible. Think of upgradeability as insurance: it costs a little now but saves money later.
Before you click checkout, run through a short checklist: confirm the CPU specs and clock speed (GHz), check RAM capacity and type, verify SSD type (NVMe is preferred), note GPU model and VRAM, ensure adequate PSU wattage, and confirm the chassis supports future expansion. Also scan user reviews for noise and thermal behavior—nobody wants a machine that sounds like a vacuum. Finally, compare warranty options and any included software or utilities that matter to your workflow.
If you want convenience and a broad selection, start at Walmart, Best Buy, or Amazon. If you want specialist advice or components, Newegg and Micro Center should be on your shortlist. For heavy-duty workstations and certified refurbished business machines, focus on Dell and enterprise refurbishment sellers. Put another way: big-box stores are great for ease of purchase, marketplaces are great for variety, and specialist retailers are best for parts and technical depth.
Buying a desktop in the US today offers more choices than ever: restored all-in-ones like the iMac 27-inch 5K, powerhouse gaming towers such as the HP Omen 45L or Alienware Aurora R16, and dependable refurbished workstations like Dell’s Optiplex and Precision lines. The smart strategy is to identify your core needs—gaming, content creation, or professional workloads—then pick a retailer that matches your comfort level with building, warranty needs, and price sensitivity. Shop refurbished for value, custom builds for precision, and prebuilt new systems for convenience. With a clear checklist and an eye on upgradeability, you can grab a machine that serves you well for years.
| Desktop Computers | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Restored Dell Optiplex 7000 7090 Mt Mini Tower Desktop 2021 Core I9 - 512gb Ssd | $ 3.009,02 | |
| Restored Dell Precision T3260 Compact Workstation Desktop 2022 Core I3 - 512gb Ssd | $ 3.059,55 |
