6 Pros and Cons of Owning a Desktop Computer

BY Jeffrey October 5, 2020

Computers are a part of everyday life. You see them in schools, the office, supermarkets, even built into the doors of appliances. For personal use, laptops and desktops are more popular than ever.  From binge watching your favorite shows, to finishing up important work documents and homework, many people view computers as a necessity. 

If you’re in the market to buy a new computer, you might be wondering if a desktop or laptop is the better choice for you. There are a number of pros and cons to each and we’ll be exploring some of those in this post series. Read on below for 6 desktop pros and cons. 

Pros

Price

With very few exceptions, a desktop will always be cheaper than a laptop that has similar specs and components. This is even more true if you already have a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. While laptops need to pack all of their features into a portable unit, desktops aren’t restricted by space.  Another thing to consider is you’ll be getting more for your money with a desktop. Full-sized parts, room to breathe, and a dedicated power source make desktops faster and more efficient than their laptop counterparts.

Upgrading/Replacement

Desktop computers are amazingly easy to repair and upgrade. The tower itself is quite empty apart from the actual components. Getting into the tower is a cinch and usually only requires removing a few screws from the side. Once you’re in, most of the parts are secured by a clip and small removeable connector pieces. All you’ll need is the new part to watch a quick instructional vid on YouTube, and you’ve just saved yourself some time and money. 

Options

You have a considerable amount of freedom when negotiating desktop features and extras. This is primarily due to how accessible all the parts are. While a laptop is typically restricted to “What you see is what you get,” desktop components can be swapped around with ease. Don’t think you’ll need that beefy graphics card? Downgrading it can free up money to use on more storage, memory, or other things you need. Desktops give you plenty of options and are perfect for people who like to customize their tech.

Cons

Bulky

Desktop computers are big and have a lot of parts. Even with a sizeable work area, your desktop will fill out a surprising amount of space. With so many separate parts, moving a desktop to another location isn’t nearly as simple as throwing a laptop into your backpack. Consider this if your computer needs require mobility and portability. 

Assembly

Laptops come out of the box ready to go. The same can’t be said about a desktop computer. On top of that, you can’t move a desktop to another location very easily. Every component is a separate piece, and you’ll need to move them all if you ever relocate. Monitor, tower, speakers, mouse, keyboard, and all the wires and cords that come with. It can be a huge hassle and headache to move a desktop around, which is why they usually stay in one location.

Power management

All those parts have cords and plugs that need access to an electrical outlet. This can make power strips a necessary purchase to keep your computer powered and running. Due to all these connections and plugs, your desktop will use significantly more electricity to run than a laptop. These costs can add up over time.

If these cons outweigh the pros of owning a desktop, this style of computer might not be fore you. For those looking for a more compact experience, check out our post detailing 6 Pros and Cons of Owning a Laptop.