Desktops

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29.9% APR Representative (variable). 29.9% PA Purchase rate (variable). £1,200 Assumed credit limit

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At AO we cut the jargon so you can find the right desktop

Choosing a new desktop can be a bit daunting. There’s a lot to think about, from processing speed to the amount of RAM you need, and even graphics card.

We’ve got a huge range of desktops with all sorts of tech specially selected to meet anyone’s needs. With our expertise, competitive prices and handy guides, you’re sure to find the perfect desktop.

Understanding desktops

Let’s quickly go through some of the main features of desktops so you can make the right choice.

Processor: This is your desktop’s brain. Whenever you open an app, play a game or type out an email, the processor takes your inputs and turns them into actions on your monitor screen. The main parts of a processor are the number and cores and the clock speed, which is measured in gigahertz. Usually, higher numbers mean more power, so a processor with lots of cores and at least a 3Ghz clock speed will perform much faster than other models.

RAM: This is your desktop’s short-term memory. It’s where your computer temporarily stores the info it needs to run an app properly. It makes it easier and faster from the rest of your hardware to grab the data it needs whenever you launch a program or a game and helps everything run smoothly. The more RAM your desktop has, the better it’ll be at handling multiple jobs at once.

Storage: This is your computer’s long-term memory where it stores all of your apps and files you use every day. It’s where your photos, music, games and more are saved, letting you access them whenever you need to. There are a few different kinds of storage, but the main two types are HDD and SSD. HDDs tend to have more storage space and are better for family computers, while SSDs are faster at loading files and are the go-to choice for gamers and professionals.

Graphics card: This is how your computer makes images appear on your monitor screen. Most desktops have what’s called a graphics chip as part of the processor, and they’re designed to handle the basics like web browsing and email. Top-end machines and gaming setups have a separate piece of hardware called a dedicated graphics card that’s more powerful and has its own type of memory called VRAM. They’re built for demanding jobs like blockbuster titles and creative projects.