Best HP Desktop PCs for College Students
From sports to internships to hanging out with friends, there never seems to be enough time for the average college student to get it all done. Having a reliable desktop can do wonders for the time-strapped learner who needs to balance it all.
With more classes moving to an online format, however, it's not enough to get by with your standard entry-level desktop. Learn how to upgrade your dorm life with our picks for the best desktop computers for college students, along with how to choose the best one for you.
You can also find all you'll need for the school year, whether you're a student or teacher, on our HP Back to School Guide, featuring bundles and curated PC and accessory options picked for your specific education needs. For special discounts every day of up to 40% on tech for school, join the HP Education Store Program - no student ID is required!
Must-have college computer features
Before you buy, consider what today’s college kids need. Because you’ll use the computer for work and play, it’s essential that any “student desktop” can handle multiple tasks and provide versatility for after-class hours, too. Consider these must-have features, then think about how they fit into your overall tech personality.
Simplicity
Dorm rooms and campus apartments are small, and space comes at a premium. Will your new PC fit into the décor or stick out as a big gadget you need to make room for? What type of setup will it require? Most PCs should have plug-and-play functionality that gets you started in mere minutes.
For those who want an out-of-sight, out-of-mind experience, the best computer for college will be a small-form-factor or mini PC that you can mount behind a compatible display.
Storage
While much of what students do is based in the cloud these days, it’s important to keep backups of assignments and important documents. If you’re a gamer, you already know those files will take up a good amount of space. The same goes for any creative pursuits like photography, animation, 3D rendering, or video editing. Look for a minimum of 1TB in a solid-state drive (SSD).
Processing
Gaming, editing, and engineering tasks don’t just use up space; they’ll put your processor (CPU) through its paces. Make sure that your PC’s processor is rated for these tasks if your major warrants them. And even if you’re not a gamer right now, that could always change. We recommend an Intel® i5 processor, or higher.
Display
Many students prefer to use their computer as a full-time entertainment hub; watching movies, streaming YouTube videos, gaming, and giving their creative projects a proper view. Look for displays with HDMI ports and at least Full High Definition (FHD) resolution.
Accessories
Plan ahead with a suite of accessories that support learning and make every task easier. Printers and wireless keyboards are just a few items students are asking for. Virtual reality (VR) gear is another option for the wish list, but make sure your PC is compatible before buying a new headset.
The best college computers from HP
Now that you know what you need in a computer, which models fit your needs? There is a different PC for every personality type and educational goal, but these picks for the best desktop computers for students repeatedly make the grade.
HP ENVY 34” All-in-One PC
If you want to get all the tech you need in a single easy setup, the ENVY 34-inch All-In-One PC may be the best way to do it. The PC and monitor are contained in one streamlined and beautiful unit, which includes the 34-inch diagonal screen with an amazing Ultra High-Definition (UHD) 5120 x 2160 resolution and a 21:9 aspect ratio. The anti-reflective coating makes it brilliant from every angle, and the detachable, magnetic 16MP IR privacy camera makes it easy to connect with loved ones.
While it’s notable for its range of available multi-core Intel® Core™ processors, 1TB SSD storage, and up to 16GB RAM, it's the little things you’ll love most. A privacy camera, built-in wireless charging station, and multifunction keyboard put this PC well above the competition. Add in the audio streaming tool that works when the PC is shut down, and you have one of the best computers for college students.
Key features:
- 34" diagonal WUHD display
- 16GB DDR5-4000 MHz RAM
- 12th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- 1TB PCIe® NVMe™ M.2 SSD storage
- HP True Vision 16MP binning IR privacy camera
Victus by HP 15L Gaming Desktop
In case you’ve forgotten how prevalent gaming is in college, the Victus 15L Gaming Desktop is here to remind you. This PC comes complete with everything a gamer needs to play the top titles, including a robust 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor. It pairs nicely with the NVIDIA® GeForce® RTX 3060 graphics with 12GB of dedicated GDDR6 to ensure smooth gameplay.
The white case with customizable “V” lighting looks smart in any room and saves space over bulkier gaming towers, but the best part may be the massive storage and memory. With 16GB of memory and 1TB HDD storage (plus 512GB SSD storage), you can keep more than a few of your favorite games around. Something this powerful is more than capable of handling the rigor of academic computing and among the best desktop computers for college.
Key features:
- 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM
- 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Discrete NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3060 GPU, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 770
- Hybrid storage (1TB HDD + 512 SSD)
HP All-in-One (24-cr0055t) Bundle PC
Yet another feature-packed option is the slightly smaller HP All-in-One 24-inch PC, with Intel Iris® Xe Graphics shown through 23.8-inch FHD display with plenty of ports to connect accessories. The 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor is a mid- to upper-level option that keeps price and performance in check, but you can do a lot with this budget-friendly PC. Neat extras include clutter-free port placement and a HP True Vision 1080p FHD IR tilt privacy camera.
You’ll also operate with peace of mind knowing this PC is made with high environmentally-friendly standards. It’s the world’s first PC constructed using recycled coffee grounds (used as speckles in the PC’s finish), and 50% of this computer also contains post-consumer recycled and ocean-bound plastics. How’s that for green?
Key features:
- 23.8-inch FHD anti-glare and three-sided micro-edge display
- 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
- Intel Iris Xe Graphics
- 16GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM
- 1TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD storage
- Pop-up HP True Vision 1080p FHD IR tilt privacy camera
OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop (GT22-1470se)
The HP OMEN 45L series of gaming desktops is another way for students to stay productive and play the latest games after finishing homework. From the speedy 16-core 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor with Intel Turbo Boost technology to its accompanying NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics and even its front bezel black glass with RGB liquid cooler, this machine is built to pass tests and impress peers.
This HP OMEN is equipped for the entire college career, too. It features a 16GB memory, customizable to 64GB, to keep all those tasks in perfect balance while creating a place to store everything in its hybrid storage of 1TB SSD and optional HDD up to 2TB. With that kind of power, it’s easily one of the best computers for students who also love gaming.
Key features:
- 13th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, up to i9
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 Ti graphics, up to RTX 4090
- Kingston FURY 16GB DDR5-5200 MHz XMP RGB Heatsink RAM, up to 64GB
- 1TB WD Black PCIe 4x4 NVMe TLC M.2 SSD, up to 2TB; and optional secondary 7200 rpm SATA HDD storage up to 2TB
- OMEN Cryo Chamber™ liquid cooler radiator pulls in cold air to cool CPU
HP ProDesk 600 G6 Mini PC
With Windows 10 Pro preinstalled to provide enhanced security, the HP ProDesk 600 G6 Desktop Mini PC is a tiny machine with huge potential. The 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor ensures enough power to do homework, watch movies, video chat, and more, while the Intel UHD Graphics 630 helps to ensure those visuals remain crisp.
This stylish desktop takes up almost no space, making it easily mountable under a desk or behind the monitor itself. The HP ProDesk series has been rigorously tested to endure over 120,000 hours of usage, so you know it will be there through all those late nights spent studying (and binging your favorite shows with friends).
Key features:
- 10th Generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 630
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB M.2 SSD storage
- Mountable
HP EliteDesk 800 G9 Mini PC
The perk-packed HP EliteDesk 800 G9 is another small desktop PC for students that combines compact design with pro-level features. In addition to Windows Pro, it offers the right amount of RAM (16GB) as well as 512GB of SSD storage to keep your most important work close.
Tuck away the streamlined USB-C power supply in the optional holder and keep cables at bay by mounting this PC on the back of a coordinating HP EliteDisplay monitor. The HP security suite is included to help protect data, wireless connections, and even your video chats.
This mid-range option is perfect for those who like value. Even better, it weighs just a little over 3 lbs so you can easily carry it from dorm to home and back or across campus for a late night study session.
Key features:
- 13th Generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 770
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB SSD storage
- Mountable
HP Slim Desktop (S01-pF3000t) Bundle
Who says your desktop PC has to blow your careful budget? The HP Slim S01-pF3000t desktop is a fan favorite among HP loyalists and those new to the brand alike. With a 13th Generation Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of memory, it’s made to cover all the tasks a college kid needs to get done in a day and any weekend entertainment needs, too.
The 1TB SSD is built to provide reliable storage for homework, video downloads, and photo transfers from a smartphone. The DVD-writer is a nice extra touch that’s not commonly found on most PCs these days, and it gives students another way to document their latest project or even watch their favorite flicks. This well-balanced machine won’t disappoint.
Key features:
- 13th Generation Intel Core i5 processor
- Intel UHD Graphics 730
- 16GB RAM
- 1TB SSD storage
- DVD-Writer
Summary
When planning what to take to the dorms this year, a laptop may be at the top of the list. Even for remote learners, however, a desktop PC has many advantages over a laptop, including more processing speed and power for the price. How can you determine which model is ideal for your life-long learner? It’s better to buy a little more than you need right now, rather than feel disappointed by lackluster performance later.
Also, since many college students use their PCs as their complete entertainment and creative centers, buying the right accessories is almost as important as getting the right machine. Displays, in particular, require careful scrutiny if buying separately, but you can always avoid that hassle with one of HP’s great all-in-ones.
Whatever you’re drawn to, remember to take the entirety of your college career into account. A proper pick can last all four years, and then some. It’s not uncommon for college grads to return home with their first college desktop still serving them well; giving them a boost into their job search or grad school efforts.
