Are you on the hunt for the best desktop computer under 1500?
Chances are, you will come across a variety of options that may not necessarily match your preferences.
Like everything tech-related today, the world of computers has not only significantly grown but evolved over time to form specialized models.
These belong to different classes of computers, making it difficult for the novice buyer to make a calculated decision easily.
Whether you are an avid gamer, a tech-savvy hobbyist, or just an everyday John Doe, finding the best desktop computer under a budget can be quite overwhelming.
To spare you the extra trouble, we have put together a list of the best desktop PCs that will fit your budget.
Comparison Chart
iBUYPOWER Gaming PC Computer Desktop Element MR 9320 (Intel i7-10700F 2.9GHz, NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti 6GB, 16GB DDR4 RAM, 240GB SSD, 1TB HDD, Wi-Fi Ready, Windows 10 Home)
HP Envy Desktop Computer, Intel Core i7-10700, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB Hard Drive & 512 GB SSD Storage, Windows 10 Pro (TE01-1022, 2020 Model)
CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC, Intel i5-10400F 2.9GHz, GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB, 8GB DDR4, 500GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi Ready & Windows 10 Home (GXiVR8060A10)
Best Desktop Computer Under 1500 Reviews
1. iBUYPOWER Element MR 9320 Gaming Desktop PC
iBUYPOWER specializes in manufacturing custom-build and affordable gaming computers.
Even so, it also caters to the needs of everyday users with the same level of commitment.
With more than 20 years of experience delivering high-performing computers, the company has managed to create a leading name for itself in the industry.
The beauty of the iBUYPOWER Element MR 9320 lies in its overall attractive body featuring a radiant tempered glass and partial mirror finish.
Despite its attractive looks, this boutique PC offers impressive specs housed within a mid-range sturdy body.
Review
At first glance, you will immediately appreciate the custom-built PC case this computer is housed in.
Add to that the fact that it offers tool-less access into its interior through the tempered glass side panel, and your search might just be over.
While all the techy parts may not be an appealing sight on their own, the integrated LED rings add an extra punch to this boutique PC’s case.
In terms of port selection, the iBUYPOWER Element MR 9320 houses a plethora from front to back so that you are well connected to all your peripherals.
These include microphone jacks, USB ports, PS/2 port, audio jack, and separate DisplayPort and HDMI video outputs to set up multiple monitors.
Offering maximum power with a relatively new 10th generation CPU, the iBUYPOWER Element MR 9320 is a strong contender.
In fact, you will easily find that it is highly optimized for gaming purposes.
Powered by a reliable Intel i7 CPU processor that comes installed with an NVIDIA graphics card, users can experience gaming at superior resolutions.
To ensure you have a flawless experience, the 16GB of RAM is supported by a 480GB SSD card.
This combination allows speedy access to any files stored on the 1TB hard drive.
Finally, the packaging includes a complimentary gaming mouse and keyboard, both optimized for easy navigation.
Pros:
- Supports smooth gaming
- PC case allows airflow
- Built-in room for expansion
- Comes with a gaming mouse and keyboard
- Can accommodate multiple monitors
- Allows easy access inside
Con:
- Features basic audio output jacks
2. HP Envy Desktop Computer (TE01-1022, 2020 Model)
HP is a leading name when it comes to developing computers that match the needs of a variety of industry specialists, gamers, and even the common man.
Every system has a story to tell, so the user can easily relate and unconditionally rely on its superior technology.
With the Envy TE01-1022, it’s easy to see that HP yet again outperforms many other brands.
Review
Looking for an everyday PC you can use for work?
For a computer with a sleek chassis and multiple high-performing functions, the HP Envy TE01-1022 is an excellent option to consider.
Although not the best option for complicated gaming functions, it can efficiently perform day-to-day graphics-related operations, including video and photo editing.
What’s more, it has immense growth opportunities.
The system is easily expandable, allowing for the integration of new technologies and multimedia prowess.
Featuring a durable standard tower design, this computer has a unique sleek exterior with a ribbed front, rounded corners, and columned ports.
Anything but boring, it can be easily moved beneath desks or stored in plain sight because of its lightweight construction at just 21.7 pounds.
Additionally, the front ports are located in a column on the right side, allowing for easy simultaneous connectivity to several peripherals and storage.
On the other hand, there are also a plethora of rear ports along with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity systems.
These range from USB Type-A ports to HDMI and VGA video and audio outputs, making sure you have a diverse range of connectivity options.
Again, it is not built for complex gaming tasks, but the UHD graphics card can effectively perform day-to-day media editing tasks.
Its mid-range productivity is also due to a sturdy Core i7 processor supported by 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD storage, and 1TB hard drive.
For something under 1500 bucks, this unit offers more than what’s expected.
Pros:
- Minimalistic, sleek design
- High-performing CPU
- Multiple easily accessible USB Type-A ports
- Perfect for video and photo editing
- Lightweight yet sturdy construction
Cons:
- Only one USB Type-C port
- Not for gaming
3. CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC (GXiVR8060A10)
CyberpowerPC is built on the premise of providing different end-users with a customizable experience.
With their highly optimized computer systems, you will easily find what you’re looking for.
From gaming consoles to notebooks and versatile workstations for businessmen and students, the company believes in developing customizable technology.
Featuring impressive specifications, such as a strong Intel Core processor combined with an Nvidia GPU, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme has taken basic gaming equipment to a whole new level.
Review
The CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme is designed with optimal customization in mind.
To allow the avid gamer an option for future upgrades, the manufacturers have included ample white space within the main chassis.
Moreover, the housing features a trio of LED circles upfront, tempered glass on the side for high visibility within, and a LED-lit cooling fan in the back.
All of these successfully embody a colorful, upbeat design perfect for any setup.
In terms of optimal connectivity to other peripheral devices, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme features a variety of ports upfront and in the back.
These include USB 3.1 ports, USB 2.0 ports, Ethernet LAN, and audio jacks. At the same time, there is a separate built-in Wi-Fi connectivity system.
Additionally, the computer’s interface also allows multiple monitors to connect simultaneously with the HDMI and DisplayPort.
Dubbed as a high-performing gaming computer, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme’s performance features make it a jack of all trades.
The 10th generation six-core i5 Intel processor, 8GB RAM, 500GB SSD storage, and a 6GB Nvidia graphics card ensure you can use the computer for other mid-level productive tasks.
These include web-browsing, video graphics editing, and even photo editing.
Moreover, the Nvidia graphics card allows for the delivery of high-performing frame rates if set at 1080p resolution, making it compatible with many gaming processors.
Pros:
- Supports versatile peripheral devices
- Ample interior space for upgrades
- Multipurpose usage
- Supports more than one monitor
- Can be used for gaming
Con:
- Gaming keyboard not included
4. New Apple Mac Mini With Apple M1 Chip
Always priding itself to be innovators in the industry, Apple has really outdone itself with the New Apple Mac Mini.
It has catapulted its processing power up to three times more than the previous models by incorporating silicon in its core GPU.
Although the new hardware posed many questions for the desktop’s future, the New Apple Mac Mini outperformed in every test.
Review
At first glance, the New Apple Mac Mini is anything but ordinary.
Its slim, sleek, and inconspicuous design allows it to naturally blend into its atmosphere without compromising the quiet yet sturdy functioning.
Compared to its space-gray Intel brothers, the New Apple Mac Mini comes in a striking silver color that helps users distinguish between the two easily.
A definite game-changer, it is the first of its family to stray away from the Intel Core hardware and feature an M1 Processor.
Compared to the Intel processors installed in previous models, the M1 is more power-efficient with overall improved performance.
The eight-core CPU is not only more power-efficient compared to its predecessors, utilizing the Intel Cores. It has also improved the performance of running applications.
Statistically, it is able to complete background and foreground tasks 3.5 times faster with the eight-core CPU.
In terms of connectivity, it has a simplistic outlook featuring a range of ports, such as an Ethernet LAN, Thunderbolt ports, HDMI, USB Type-C, and an audio jack.
The New Apple Mac Mini does not come with a mouse or keyboard, though.
In terms of graphics, graphic designers and videographers are incredibly pleased. The Mac Mini can perform six times better because of its silicon-based integration.
This also means the overall gaming experience will significantly improve. The M1 can play graphically intensive games with four times high frame rates.
Additionally, it is able to easily support two displays with the help of the Thunderbolt port (which supports up to 6K resolution) and an HDMI port (which supports up to 4K resolution).
In terms of versatility, the M1 is designed to run all Apple-based applications and programs automatically.
It also allows Intel-designed applications to run, though at a relatively slower rate, with the help of the Rosetta emulator by Apple.
Due to its 16-core neural engine, the New Apple Mac Mini is able to perform 15 times better on machine learning tasks, making it a leading pioneer in the internet of things.
Pros:
- Compatible with Apple and Intel apps
- Fast-performing CPU
- Sleek, low-profile design
- Compact and easy to setup
- Does not make any annoying noise
Cons:
- No provision for storage upgrades
- Does not support connecting external graphic cards
- Will not support complex gaming graphics
5. Skytech Archangel Gaming Computer
Building budget-friendly gaming computers for the common man, Skytech takes special care in developing high-performing and aesthetically pleasing systems.
They are a big believer in strengthening the local economy, so they design and manufacture locally to ensure high quality in every model they release.
As a top-of-the-line boutique PC builder, Skytech has outperformed on many levels with the Archangel Gaming Computer.
Review
At an affordable price, this gaming computer is fitted with some of the best boutique features.
These include a six-core AMD Ryzen 3600X processor supported by an Nvidia GeForce graphics card.
Combined with the tempered glass and RGB-lit fans, it offers a holistic 1080p gaming experience you will definitely love.
Unlike the usual towering computers, the Skytech Archangel features a mid-tower height with a metallic chassis that adds to its overall minimalistic design.
It is made from a combination of steel and tempered glass, so the user has a clear view of the trio of remote-controlled RGB-lit fans within the interior.
This feature is beneficial to users planning on adding programmable upgrades to the modem or storage unit.
In terms of convenient connectivity to other peripherals, the Skytech Archangel does not provide a USB Type-C port upfront but one in the back instead.
You will find that there are two USB Type-A ports with separate headphone and microphone jacks in the front.
There are some more ports provided in the back, such as HDMI, Ethernet, headphones, and audio jacks.
A feature we love most is the availability of additional ports given in the graphics card. This allows for a convenient multi-monitor setup.
Combined with the AMD Ryzen 3600X processor, 16GB RAM, and 500GB SSD card, the gaming experience at 1080p is nothing but flawless.
Pros:
- Includes a standard gaming keyboard and mouse
- Upgradable interface
- Attractive and sturdy design
- Easy installation
- High-quality gaming experience
Con:
- Lacking in front USB Type-C port and card reader
Which Is the Best Desktop PC Under 1500?
After careful research and analysis, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme easily bags the title for the best desktop computer under 1500 on multiple aspects.
Its high-performing processor with a strong graphics card makes this an excellent computer for gaming and regular everyday tasks.
As a bonus, the computer’s trio of LED circles and LED-lit cooling fans ensures an aesthetically appealing experience, as well.
With ample space in the interior for future upgrades, the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme fulfills its longstanding promise of providing custom-grade boutique computers.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a budget computer specifically made for everyday usage, the HP Envy Desktop is a better option overall in terms of performance.