A desktop is one of the best computers for small business owners who need to balance both performance and price. Desktops deliver excellent performance per dollar compared with other PCs. They can serve every need, from straightforward computing to high-performance applications. Even better, you can choose desktops perfectly catered for your business through a wide range of form factors, including towers, All-in-ones (AIO), and mini PCs.
Small Business Desktops
Desktops have been the brawn of small business computing for decades—and for good reason. Today, they remain the preferred machine for processor-intensive applications. So, what exactly is the best desktop for your small business? It all depends on your unique needs.
Choose Workstations for Demanding Workloads
Architects, engineers, analysts, and video editors are all examples of workers who need high performance desktops that can perform a multitude of activities, often all at once. Intel-based workstations are the go-to tools they need to:
- Perform big data analytics
- Conduct economic or financial analysis
- Create and edit video and audio
- Draft technical or engineering documents
- Develop and program applications
Business Desktops for Stationary Roles
Desktops are also ideal for call center and help center representatives, and other employees who need to handle stationary tasks throughout the day, such as viewing and creating documents and spreadsheets, and managing stored files, without the need to change locations.
Small and mini business desktops
When space is at a premium, small and mini desktops, such as the Intel® NUC are ideal. When employees often share desktops at locations where they help customers, place point of sale transactions and orders, small and mini desktops provide flexible computing power in smaller form factors.
All-In-One Desktops for Collaboration
All-in-One Desktops combine the computer and monitor into a single device. This streamlined device can be perfect for today’s video conferencing and collaboration needs.
Desktops Offer Performance Plus Versatility
In summary, desktops are one of the most versatile small business PCs you can purchase to support multiple use cases.
Benefits of Desktop PCs
When you select your new business desktop, you’ll enjoy several key benefits.
- Data Protection. Small businesses depend on desktops for their most sensitive data. Since desktops can be physically secured, they can help make company data more secure as well. Plus, when you choose a desktop with Intel vPro® Essentials you will get hardware-based security out of the box that protects employee devices more than software alone.
- Employee Productivity. Desktops can pack in a great deal of compute performance, especially if they’re powered by the latest Intel® Core™ processors. You can configure a desktop to meet the needs of power users, creators, or anyone with exact needs.
- Maximize Flexibility. Desktops deliver great performance per dollar and typically cost less than other form factors, such as laptops. With low life-cycle costs, desktops can also be readily repaired or upgraded.
Business Desktop PC Buying Tips
The desktop components most critical to performance are the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), and storage. But you’ll also want to consider the operating system, especially if you haven’t yet migrated to Windows*. If your small business uses visual applications, graphics and display are particularly important as well.
1. Pick the right processor (CPU)
To give employees the performance they need, start with a powerful processor. The CPU gives the desktop its brainpower. The more powerful the processor, the better it will be at enabling employee productivity. Employee satisfaction can also go up when they can multi-task with ease, without the computer lagging.
Most PC manufacturers offer a range of desktops with the latest Intel® Core™ i3, i5, and i7 processors, which help ensure they’ll meet even stringent technical requirements. The best processor also makes the most of the memory (RAM) to stretch performance that much more.
2. Buy ample memory (RAM)
RAM is a desktop’s short-term, working memory. This is where the data for the task you’re currently working on gets stored. With more RAM, you can run more programs at once with faster response.
If you’ve selected the right processor, you may already be satisfied with your desktop’s performance. But you can make it even better, especially for heavy workloads, by choosing more RAM.
This choice will help improve the speed with which employees create, work with, and save files. Employees will also be able to work quickly and effectively across multiple apps.
3. Max out desktop storage
You can never have too much storage in a desktop. Storage is where your permanent data, operating system, and software applications reside. When it comes to performance, it’s no place to skimp. But storage speed can make as big a difference as storage size.
You can choose either a hard disk drive (HDD) or Solid State Drive or SSD for storage. The HDD will cost less, but works using mechanical parts that impact the speed of your computer when it accesses data. SSDs are smaller, lighter, faster—and a little more expensive.
4. Upgrade the operating system
Running the new operating system on older PCs may not give you the full benefits.
A new Windows operating system with the latest Intel® Core™ processor can help employees be more productive and creative. Employees can open and use Windows apps quickly and have greater peace of mind thanks to built-in security features and automatic updates.
5. Optimize graphics and display
The way your PC handles graphics can affect user experiences, especially when it comes to photo, video, and image editing. This role falls to the graphics processing unit (GPU). Many desktops use a discrete graphics card. You can elevate creativity and productivity with Intel® Iris® Xe dedicated graphics, available in systems through select partners. Experience amazing HD video capabilities for work, home, and remote learning with the first dedicated GPU Add-in Card for desktop PCs based on Xe architecture. With support for up to 3 simultaneous 4K HDR displays, you can immerse yourself in your favorite content or multi-task like a pro.
To Support Your Growing Business, Choose a Business-class Desktop with Intel vPro® Essentials
Whichever small business desktop computer is right for you, make sure it’s a business-class device powered by the latest generation of Intel® Core™ processors on the Intel vPro® Essentials platform. You’ll know you’re getting a PC built to support the latest workloads and protect your business from security threats. As a result, your PC will be better equipped to support your employees and your business, both today and in the future.