Woman with Desktop Computer

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?

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.

Features to look for in a business desktop

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.

Best 3 desktop computers for business from HP

1. HP Workstation Z4 G4 Tower
HP Workstation Z4 G4 TowerHP Workstation Z4 G4 Tower
HP Workstation Z4 G4 Tower

Perfect for engineering, visualization and Machine Learning, HP's most popular workstation delivers disruptive performance for a wide spectrum of applications. With a choice of Intel® Xeon® or Core™ X processors, and support for dual extreme graphics, you get all you need, nothing more.

Additional features:
•   Feature Rich Functionality
     The Z4 is ahead of its time with more standard features than any other single processor HP workstation. With multiple
     configuration options, you can choose the perfect blend of components that meet your performance requirements. 
•   Visualization powerhouse
     Visualize your project anytime with the power to move seamlessly between 3D CAD, rendering and simulation applications.
     The Z4 can easily handle tasks that require high frequency processing, multiple cores and high-powered GPUs for an optimized
     design process.
•   HP's most secure workstation
     Advanced security features come standard on every Z4. Rest assured your device, identity and data are safe with
     security software like HP Client Security Suite Gen3[2] and HP Sure Start Gen3[10] featuring a self-healing BIOS.
•   Intel® Xeon® W Processor
     Get optimized performance whether your professional application utilizes high core count or high frequency with the
     Intel® Xeon® W processor.
•   Intel® Core™ X-Series Processors
     Experience disruptive price-performance on multi-threaded applications, or combined workflows such as simulation based
     design, with Intel® Core™ X-Series processors: the high-performance single-socket processors from Intel®.

2. HP Z1 G9 Tower Desktop PC

HP Z1 G9 Tower Desktop PCHP Z1 G9 Tower Desktop PC
HP Z1 G9 Tower Desktop PC

Pro-grade performance is now within reach with a desktop built for designing, editing and even gaming. From 2D and 3D CAD to entry VR content creation, gain speed and efficiency across your workflows. Go beyond a commercial PC with a desktop certified for select professional software applications.

Additional features:
•   Intel® Core™ I7 Processor
     Run several CPU–heavy programs simultaneously without sacrificing performance with an Intel® Core™ i7 processor. 
•   NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 Graphic Card
     Creating in VR? Amp up your experience with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3070 graphics.
•   Certified for your workflow
     Work confidently knowing your desktop is tested and certified for select professional apps. We've worked closely with
     software providers on apps like AutoCAD®, SOLIDWORKS® and Revit® so you get seamless, reliable performance
     across your workflow.
•   Industy leading security
     HP Wolf for Business security[4] features come standard on every Z1 Tower, for an always-on, always-acting, resilient defense.
     From the BIOS to the browser, above and below the OS, these constantly evolving solutions help protect your PC from threats.

3. HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Wolf Pro Security Edition

HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Wolf Pro Security EditionHP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Wolf Pro Security Edition
HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation Wolf Pro Security Edition
SHOP HP Z2 Mini G9 WORKSTATION NOW

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.

Additional 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[4], it's protected below,
     in and above the OS.

The HP Wolf Pro Security Edition provides preconfigured enterprise-level PC protection for small and medium sized businesses.

Conclusion

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.