3 Best Desktop Computers for Business from HP

Virtually every business needs to invest in a computer. Just what form that computer takes will, of course, vary across industries and requirements. The portability, compactness, and weight of a laptop computer is sometimes the answer.

But many times, the high-performance power, cost-efficiency, and upgradability of a desktop computer – not to mention the specialized form factors – is exactly the right choice.

Powerful, secure desktop computers still reign supreme for running a small- or medium-sized business. Here are the best 5 desktop computers for business from HP. But first, we’ll clarify what a desktop computer is in 2020, then get into some of the features to look for as you shop for your top desktop computer.

• What is a desktop business computer?
• Features to look for in a business desktop
• Best 3 desktop computers for business from HP
• Conclusion

Desktop business computers fall into three form factors. There is the traditional tower, the all-in-one (AiO), and the mini PC.
1. The traditional tower is the one we all think of as a “desktop computer” with a standing, rectangular-shaped configuration
     that you’ll usually find under your desk. It has three key components that include the tower itself (or body), a separate monitor,
     and peripherals.
2. The all-in-one blends the tower and the monitor into one cohesive unit, and stores the components behind or inside the monitor.
3. The mini PC is an ultra-small form factor desktop that lacks a display but can be placed virtually anywhere in the office – the entire
     unit often mounts behind certain monitors or can be placed out of the way on a shelf.

FORM FACTOR AND UPGRADABILITY

The various form factors of a desktop computer (traditional tower, AiO, and mini PC) each have distinct advantages:
• Tower desktops, for instance, have powerful components (e.g., the CPU, GPU, memory, and storage) that are both customizable and
   upgradable thanks to easy access to internal hardware. Their size lends itself to better air circulation and heat management as well
   since they can house large fans or liquid cooling units.
• AiOs are usually more portable, compact, sleek, professional-looking, and space-efficient, but may not be as upgradable as the
   traditional tower.
• Mini PCs have an ultra-small form factor, and secure, low-profile design. Like the AiOs, they have a limited capacity for internal
  expansion but can be customized with a range of exclusive accessories.

PROCESSOR AND CPU

Make sure that your desktop computer for business has enough processing power via the central processing unit (CPU) to be able to run the demanding applications, software, processes, and projects that your business requires.

Dual-core processors should be fine for most needs, but quad-core CPUs will perform more tasks simultaneously and at faster speeds, which may be something to consider for specific multitasking functions such as number crunching, high-end visual design, and industrial applications.

Both Intel® and AMD® have a number of options to choose from for every power (and budget) range or requirement – from entry-level to high end.

GRAPHICS AND GPU

The graphics card (or video card), technically termed the graphical processing unit (GPU) is responsible for accurately processing and speeding your desktop’s visual and design operations.

These are available as both integrated GPUs (those that are built into the processor) and discrete GPUs (or separate) models. For most business requirements, the former is perfectly fine, although you’ll find a discrete GPU is ideal for more intensive data analysis, 3D, computer-aided design (CAD), video editing, rendering, and animating processes.

Intel, NVIDIA®, and AMD offer professional graphics cards from entry-level to ultra 3D models.

MEMORY (RAM)

In addition to processing power, you’ll want to ensure that your desktop computer has a sufficient amount of memory (RAM) and storage to run your applications and store your files.

Your desktop’s RAM will affect its performance and speed, so it’s a good idea to look for at least 8GB RAM and 16GB or more if you can, especially for those businesses running multimedia, design, or web development applications.

STORAGE

While desktop computers for business may not require as much storage as consumer desktops, especially if you’re using a network to back up files, look for a minimum of 256GB to 500GB of hard disk drive (HDD) storage and 256GB to 512GB of solid-state drive (SSD) storage.

Towers and workstations have the advantage here as they’re able to house larger storage components. Although all-in-ones and mini PCs often include storage options such as SAS, SATA, and PCIe® SSD.

SECURITY

Your desktop computer is only as secure as the weakest link in the chain, and bad actors know this. Businesses of all sizes and across industries are vulnerable to malware, ransomware, spyware, and viruses. Keep an eye out for security features like antivirus protection, locks, privacy screens, backup storage, and more to help protect your files, data, and programs.

With these features in mind, let’s start looking into the 5 best desktop computers for business.

1. HP Z2 Small Form Factor G5 Workstation Desktop PC

Get high-end performance in a compact device. Completely redesigned to pack more graphics and processing into less space, you can easily take on complex 3D design projects. And with near endless configuration options, it's the ideal hardware when you need a custom solution.

Additiona Features:
•   Performance that defies space constraints.
     Get high-end professional graphics and an Intel® processor in a small form factor. Re-engineered from the ground up, you get full,
     unthrottled performance for real-time rendering and faster visualizations.
•   Make it your own with our most customizable small form factor.
     Build a system matched exactly to your needs with over a million possible configurations. And with customizable I/O ports, you can
     support new and legacy technologies, dynamic displays and even a second LAN––without messy dongles or adapters.
•   We test it so you can trust it. 24/7.
     We know you need performance you can rely on. That's why our products endure over 360K hours of rigorous testing, MIL-STD
     testing and software certifications.
•   HP's most secure workstation.
     Advanced security features come standard on every Z2 Small Form Factor. System safeguards like the industry’s first self-healing
     BIOS help lock your device, data and identity down tight.

2. HP Z2 Tower G9 Workstation Desktop PC

Experience a whole new level of performance for your professional workflow. The Z2 Tower is engineered to seamlessly run multi-threaded apps for fast rendering, simulation, and now real-time ray tracing. And when your demands change, you have impressive expandability to upgrade.

Additiona Features:
•   Your new benchmark for entry workstation power
     Designed for zero throttling so you can render, simulate, and real-time ray trace without overheating or lags.
•   Built to expand. Power to grow
     With room to expand and tool-less access, you can easily upgrade and add components as your needs evolve.
•   ISV Certified
     Work with confidence knowing your PC is certified with leading software applications to ensure peak performance

3. HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Desktop PC

Tackle workflows you never thought before possible on such a tiny PC. The HP Z2 Mini easily fits on your desk or behind your monitor so you can tackle 3D projects without losing valuable office space. All while feeling protected From the BIOS to the browser, above, in, and below the OS with HP Wolf Security Suite.

Additiona Features:
•   Unprecedented Z mini power
     Get a standard low-profile NVIDIA® GPU and an Intel© CPU for seamless design, rendering and simulation.
•   Fits anywhere
     Create your ideal workspace in an office or at home. Mount the Z2 mini behind your monitor or under your desk.
•   Engineered to Evolve with your workflow
     The new slide-out design gives tool-free interior access so you can easily swap graphics, memory, and more.
•   Industry leading security. Reliability you can trust
     Get peace of mind with a PC that's built to endure. The Z2 Mini undergoes 360K hours of rigorous testing, military-standard
     testing and is certified for pro apps. And with HP Wolf Security for Business, it's protected below, in and above the OS.

The best business computers to buy are those that fit your specific needs. Are you looking for raw processing power? Expandability? Customizability? A slim profile? Something that fits your budget?

Desktop computers for business offer enough variety within each of the various form factors to meet those needs and more.

Because we think that future-proofing your business is never a bad idea, we recommend the entry-level, yet impressively expansive, and server-grade power-equipped HP Z workstations as the ideal choice.