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{{short description|Computer designed to be used at a fixed location}}
{{short description|Computer designed to be used at a fixed location}}
{{use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{use mdy dates|date=January 2023}}
[[File:The typical desktop computer system.png|thumb|A desktop computer system. It has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and a computer tower. The computer tower contains the motherboard and processor.]]
[[File:Computer lab showing desktop PCs warwick.jpg|thumb|A computer lab with desktop PCs with flat-panel monitors]]
[[File:Computer lab showing desktop PCs warwick.jpg|thumb|A computer lab with desktop PCs with flat-panel monitors]]
[[File:Desktop computer clipart - Yellow theme.svg|A stylized illustration of a desktop [[personal computer]], consisting of a case (containing the motherboard and processor), a monitor, a keyboard and a mouse|thumb]]


A '''desktop computer''' (often abbreviated '''desktop'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=desktop |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/desktop |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Collins Dictionary}}</ref>) is a [[personal computer]] designed for regular use at a stationary location on or near a [[desk]] (as opposed to a [[portable computer]]) due to its size and power requirements. The most common configuration has a [[computer case|case]] that houses the [[power supply unit (computer)|power supply]], [[motherboard]] (a [[printed circuit board]] with a [[microprocessor]] as the [[central processing unit]], [[computer memory|memory]], [[bus (computing)|bus]], certain [[peripheral]]s and other electronic components), [[disk storage]] (usually one or more [[hard disk drive]]s, [[solid state drive]]s, [[optical disc drive]]s, and in early models a [[floppy disk drive]]); a [[computer keyboard|keyboard]] and [[computer mouse|mouse]] for [[input (computer science)|input]]; and a [[computer monitor|monitor]], [[computer speakers|speakers]], and, often, a [[printer (computing)|printer]] for output. The case may be oriented horizontally or vertically and placed either underneath, beside, or on top of a desk.
A '''desktop computer''' (often abbreviated '''desktop'''<ref>{{Cite web |title=desktop |url=https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/desktop |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=Collins Dictionary}}</ref>) is a [[personal computer]] designed for regular use at a stationary location on or near a [[desk]] (as opposed to a [[portable computer]]) due to its size and power requirements. The most common configuration has a [[computer case|case]] that houses the [[power supply unit (computer)|power supply]], [[motherboard]] (a [[printed circuit board]] with a [[microprocessor]] as the [[central processing unit]], [[computer memory|memory]], [[bus (computing)|bus]], certain [[peripheral]]s and other electronic components), [[disk storage]] (usually one or more [[hard disk drive]]s, [[solid state drive]]s, [[optical disc drive]]s, and in early models a [[floppy disk drive]]); a [[computer keyboard|keyboard]] and [[computer mouse|mouse]] for [[input (computer science)|input]]; and a [[computer monitor|monitor]], [[computer speakers|speakers]], and, often, a [[printer (computing)|printer]] for output. The case may be oriented horizontally or vertically and placed either underneath, beside, or on top of a desk.


Personal computers with their cases oriented vertically are referred to as [[Computer tower|towers]]. As the majority of cases offered since the mid-1990s are in this form factor, the term ''desktop'' (or ''[[Pizza box form factor|pizza box]]'', for compact models) has been retronymically used to refer to modern cases offered in the traditional horizontal orientation.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Dennen | first=Ed | date=July 18, 1994 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A15582553/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=How can it be a desktop if it isn't on top of the desk? | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=11 | issue=28 | page=69 | via=Gale}}</ref><ref name=Prowse2015>{{cite book | last=Prowse | first=David | date=2015 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a5tNCwAAQBAJ | title=CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 Exam Cram | publisher=Pearson Education | page=201 | isbn=9780134391496 | via=Google Books}}</ref>
Desktop computers with their cases oriented vertically are referred to as [[Computer tower|towers]]. As the majority of cases offered since the mid-1990s are in this form factor, the term ''desktop'' has been retronymically used to refer to modern cases offered in the traditional horizontal orientation.<ref>{{cite journal | last=Dennen | first=Ed | date=July 18, 1994 | url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A15582553/GPS?sid=wikipedia | title=How can it be a desktop if it isn't on top of the desk? | journal=PC Week | publisher=Ziff-Davis | volume=11 | issue=28 | page=69 | via=Gale}}</ref><ref name=Prowse2015>{{cite book | last=Prowse | first=David | date=2015 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a5tNCwAAQBAJ | title=CompTIA A+ 220-901 and 220-902 Exam Cram | publisher=Pearson Education | page=201 | isbn=9780134391496 | via=Google Books}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
===Origins===
===Origins===
[[File:Apple II IMG 4212.jpg|right|thumb|[[Apple II]] computer]]
[[File:Apple II IMG 4212.jpg|right|thumb|[[Apple II]] computer]]
Prior to the widespread use of microprocessors, a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small; the type of computers most commonly used were [[minicomputer]]s, which, despite the name, were rather large and were "mini" only compared to the so-called "[[Mainframe computer|big iron]]". Early computers, and later the general purpose high throughput «[[Mainframe computer|mainframes]]», took up the space of a whole room. Minicomputers, on the contrary, generally fit into one or a few refrigerator-sized racks, or, for the few smaller ones, ''built into'' a fairly large desk, not put ''on top'' of it.
Prior to the widespread use of microprocessors, a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small; the type of computers most commonly used were [[minicomputer]]s, which, despite the name, were rather large and were "mini" only compared to the so-called "[[Mainframe computer|big iron]]". Early computers, and later the general purpose high throughput "[[Mainframe computer|mainframes]]", took up the space of a whole room. Minicomputers, on the contrary, generally fit into one or a few refrigerator-sized racks, or, for the few smaller ones, ''built into'' a fairly large desk, not put ''on top'' of it.


It was not until the 1970s when fully programmable computers appeared that could fit entirely on top of a desk. 1970 saw the introduction of the [[Datapoint 2200]], a "smart" [[computer terminal]] complete with keyboard and monitor, was designed to connect with a [[mainframe computer]] but that did not stop owners from using its built-in computational abilities as a stand-alone desktop computer.<ref name="wood">Lamont Wood, [http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=printArticleBasic&articleId=9111341 "Forgotten PC history: The true origins of the personal computer"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814215757/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=printArticleBasic&articleId=9111341 |date=2008-08-14 }}, ''Computerworld'', 8 August 2008</ref> The [[HP 9800 series]], which started out as programmable calculators in 1971 but was programmable in [[BASIC]] by 1972, used a smaller version of a [[minicomputer]] design based on ROM memory and had small one-line LED alphanumeric displays and displayed graphics with a plotter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hewlett Packard 9830A – Complete History of the HP9830A |url=https://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Personal/HP9830A.html |website=history-computer.com|date=4 January 2021 }}</ref> The [[Wang 2200]] of 1973 had a full-size [[cathode-ray tube]] (CRT) and cassette tape storage. The [[IBM 5100]] in 1975 had a small CRT display and could be programmed in BASIC and [[APL (programming language)|APL]]. These were generally expensive specialized computers sold for business or scientific uses.<ref name="Timeline of Computer History">{{Cite web |title=Timeline of Computer History |url=http://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/?category=cmptr |access-date=May 7, 2014 |publisher=Computer History Museum}}</ref>
It was not until the 1970s when fully programmable computers appeared that could fit entirely on top of a desk. 1970 saw the introduction of the [[Datapoint 2200]], a "smart" [[computer terminal]] complete with keyboard and monitor, was designed to connect with a [[mainframe computer]] but that did not stop owners from using its built-in computational abilities as a stand-alone desktop computer.<ref name="wood">Lamont Wood, [http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=printArticleBasic&articleId=9111341 "Forgotten PC history: The true origins of the personal computer"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080814215757/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=printArticleBasic&articleId=9111341 |date=2008-08-14 }}, ''Computerworld'', 8 August 2008</ref> The [[HP 9800 series]], which started out as programmable calculators in 1971 but was programmable in [[BASIC]] by 1972, used a smaller version of a [[minicomputer]] design based on ROM memory and had small one-line LED alphanumeric displays and displayed graphics with a plotter.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hewlett Packard 9830A – Complete History of the HP9830A |url=https://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Personal/HP9830A.html |website=history-computer.com|date=4 January 2021 }}</ref> The [[Wang 2200]] of 1973 had a full-size [[cathode-ray tube]] (CRT) and cassette tape storage. The [[IBM 5100]] in 1975 had a small CRT display and could be programmed in BASIC and [[APL (programming language)|APL]]. These were generally expensive specialized computers sold for business or scientific uses.<ref name="Timeline of Computer History">{{Cite web |title=Timeline of Computer History |url=http://www.computerhistory.org/timeline/?category=cmptr |access-date=May 7, 2014 |publisher=Computer History Museum}}</ref>


===Growth and development===
===Growth and development===
{{See also|Keyboard computer}}
[[Apple II]], [[TRS-80]] and [[Commodore PET]] were first generation personal [[home computer]]s launched in 1977, which were aimed at the consumer market – rather than businessmen or computer hobbyists. [[Byte (magazine)|''Byte'' magazine]] referred to these three as the "1977 Trinity" of personal computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1995 |title=Most Important Companies |url=http://www.byte.com/art/9509/sec7/art15.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618072507/http://www.byte.com/art/9509/sec7/art15.htm |archive-date=2008-06-18 |access-date=2008-06-10 |website=[[Byte (magazine)|Byte]]}}</ref> Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, desktop computers became the predominant type, the most popular being the [[IBM Personal Computer|IBM PC]] and its [[IBM PC compatible|clones]], followed by the [[Mac (computer)|Apple Macintosh]],<ref name="Thirty years of Mac">{{Cite web |title=Thirty years of Mac: 1984 – The Macintosh |url=https://www.apple.com/30-years/1984/ |access-date=8 May 2014 |publisher=Apple}}</ref> with the third-placed [[Commodore International|Commodore]] [[Amiga]] having some success in the mid-1980s but declining by the early 1990s.
[[Apple II]], [[TRS-80]] and [[Commodore PET]] were first generation personal [[home computer]]s launched in 1977, which were aimed at the consumer market – rather than businessmen or computer hobbyists. [[Byte (magazine)|''Byte'' magazine]] referred to these three as the "1977 Trinity" of personal computing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 1995 |title=Most Important Companies |url=http://www.byte.com/art/9509/sec7/art15.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080618072507/http://www.byte.com/art/9509/sec7/art15.htm |archive-date=2008-06-18 |access-date=2008-06-10 |website=[[Byte (magazine)|Byte]]}}</ref> Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, desktop computers became the predominant type, the most popular being the [[IBM Personal Computer|IBM PC]] and its [[IBM PC compatible|clones]], followed by the [[Mac (computer)|Apple Macintosh]],<ref name="Thirty years of Mac">{{Cite web |title=Thirty years of Mac: 1984 – The Macintosh |url=https://www.apple.com/30-years/1984/ |access-date=8 May 2014 |publisher=Apple}}</ref> with the third-placed [[Commodore International|Commodore]] [[Amiga]] having some success in the mid-1980s but declining by the early 1990s.


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Among PC form factors, desktops remain a staple in the enterprise market but lost popularity among home buyers. PC makers and electronics retailers responded by investing their engineering and marketing resources towards laptops (initially [[netbook]]s in the late 2000s, and then the higher-performance [[Ultrabook]]s from 2011 onwards), which manufacturers believed had more potential to revive the PC market<ref name="extremetech.com" /> than desktops.
Among PC form factors, desktops remain a staple in the enterprise market but lost popularity among home buyers. PC makers and electronics retailers responded by investing their engineering and marketing resources towards laptops (initially [[netbook]]s in the late 2000s, and then the higher-performance [[Ultrabook]]s from 2011 onwards), which manufacturers believed had more potential to revive the PC market<ref name="extremetech.com" /> than desktops.


In April 2017, StatCounter declared a "Milestone in technology history and end of an era" with the mobile [[Android (operating system)|Android operating system]] becoming more popular than Windows (the operating system that made desktops dominant over [[mainframe computer]]s).<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://gs.statcounter.com/press/android-overtakes-windows-for-first-time |title=Android overtakes Windows for first time: "Milestone in technology history and end of an era" as Microsoft no longer owns dominant OS}}</ref> Windows is still most popular on desktops (and laptops), while smartphones (and tablets) use Android, [[iOS]] or [[Windows 10 Mobile]].
In April 2017, StatCounter declared a "Milestone in technology history and end of an era" with the mobile [[Android (operating system)|Android operating system]] becoming more popular than Windows (the operating system that made desktops dominant over [[mainframe computer]]s).<ref>{{cite press release | url=http://gs.statcounter.com/press/android-overtakes-windows-for-first-time |title=Android overtakes Windows for first time: "Milestone in technology history and end of an era" as Microsoft no longer owns dominant OS}}</ref> Windows is still most popular on desktops (and laptops), while smartphones (and tablets) use Android or [[iOS]].


===Resurgence===
===Resurgence===
[[File:Sahil ray the gamer first gaming pc.jpg|thumb|right|Desktop gaming PC]]
[[File:Gaming PC-Setup - Astaroth- The Completed System.jpg|thumb| A [[Gaming PC|gaming desktop]] setup.]]
Towards the middle of the 2010s, media sources began to question the existence of the post-PC trend, at least as conventionally defined, stating that the so-called post-PC devices are just other portable forms of PCs joining traditional desktop PCs which still have their own operation areas and evolve.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/9/9115503/post-pc-is-just-pc|title=There's no such thing as post-PC|author=tomwarren|publisher=Vox Media|work=The Verge|date=August 9, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/so-whatever-happened-to-post-pc-1612947222|title=So What Ever Happened to Post-PC?|author=Darren Orf|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Gizmodo|date=August 11, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The 'Post-PC Era' Never Really Happened…and Likely Won't|url=https://techpinions.com/the-post-pc-era-never-really-happened-and-likely-wont/53610|access-date=2020-10-02|website=Tech.pinions|language=en-US|archive-date=October 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005161036/https://techpinions.com/the-post-pc-era-never-really-happened-and-likely-wont/53610|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Epps|first=Sarah Rotman|date=|title=The Post-PC Era: It's Real, But It Doesn't Mean What You Think|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2011/05/17/the-post-pc-era-its-real-but-it-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-does/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810232601/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2011/05/17/the-post-pc-era-its-real-but-it-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-does/?sh=2203319a19a5 |archive-date=Aug 10, 2021 |access-date=2020-10-02|website=[[Forbes]]|language=en}}</ref>
Towards the middle of the 2010s, media sources began to question the existence of the post-PC trend, at least as conventionally defined, stating that the so-called post-PC devices are just other portable forms of PCs joining traditional desktop PCs which still have their own operation areas and evolve.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/8/9/9115503/post-pc-is-just-pc|title=There's no such thing as post-PC|author=tomwarren|publisher=Vox Media|work=The Verge|date=August 9, 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://gizmodo.com/so-whatever-happened-to-post-pc-1612947222|title=So What Ever Happened to Post-PC?|author=Darren Orf|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Gizmodo|date=August 11, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The 'Post-PC Era' Never Really Happened…and Likely Won't|url=https://techpinions.com/the-post-pc-era-never-really-happened-and-likely-wont/53610|access-date=2020-10-02|website=Tech.pinions|language=en-US|archive-date=October 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221005161036/https://techpinions.com/the-post-pc-era-never-really-happened-and-likely-wont/53610|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Epps|first=Sarah Rotman|date=|title=The Post-PC Era: It's Real, But It Doesn't Mean What You Think|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2011/05/17/the-post-pc-era-its-real-but-it-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-does/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810232601/https://www.forbes.com/sites/forrester/2011/05/17/the-post-pc-era-its-real-but-it-doesnt-mean-what-you-think-it-does/?sh=2203319a19a5 |archive-date=Aug 10, 2021 |access-date=2020-10-02|website=[[Forbes]]|language=en}}</ref>


Although for casual use traditional desktops and laptops have seen a decline in sales, in 2018, global PC sales experienced a resurgence, driven by the business market.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://bgr.com/2018/07/13/pc-sales-growth-numbers-show-first-rise-in-six-years/|title=PC sales show first rise in six years|date=2018-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/13/17567760/pc-sales-growth-idc-gartner-july-2018|title=PC sales are growing for the first time in six years|date=2018-07-13}}</ref> Desktops remain a solid fixture in the commercial and educational sectors.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eweek.com/pc-hardware/why-the-much-hyped-post-pc-era-never-arrived|title=Why the Much-Hyped Post-PC Era Never Arrived|date=10 January 2015}}</ref> According to the [[International Data Group|International Data Corporation (IDC)]], PC sales shot up 14.8% between 2020 and 2021 and desktop market grew faster than the laptop market in the second quarter of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48069721|title=PC Demand Remained Strong in the Second Quarter Amid Early Signs That Market Conditions May Be Cooling, According to IDC|website=idc.com|date=12 July 2021|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202181924/https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48069721|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48770422|title=Growth Streak for Traditional PCs Continues During Holiday Quarter of 2021, According to IDC|website=idc.com|date=12 January 2022|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202181934/https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48770422|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/the-desktop-pc-is-making-a-comeback-heres-why|title=The desktop PC is making a comeback – here's why|website=[[TechRadar]]|date= 13 July 2021}}</ref> Total PC shipments during 2021 reached 348.8 million units, up 14.8% from 2020. This represents the highest level of shipments the PC market has seen since 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestreet.com/technology/pcs-make-their-comeback-as-pandemic-changes-how-we-work|title=PCs Make Their Comeback as Pandemic Changes How We Work|website=[[TheStreet.com]]|date=12 January 2022}}</ref> In addition, [[gaming computer|gaming desktops]] have seen a global revenue increase of 54% annually.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.gfk.com/insights/press-release/pc-gaming-still-on-the-rise/|title= PC Gaming Still On the Rise}}</ref> For gaming the global market of gaming desktops, laptops, and monitors is expected to grow to 61.1 million shipments by the end of 2023, up from 42.1 million, with desktops growing from 15.1 million shipments to 19 million.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS44999019| title=Shipments of Personal Computing Devices for Gaming Forecast to Deliver Solid Growth, According to IDC| access-date=2019-05-16| archive-date=2020-10-03| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003082901/https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS44999019| url-status=dead}}</ref> [[PC game|PC gaming]] as a whole now accounts for 28% of the total gaming market as of 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.pcgamesn.com/pc-game-sales-numbers-market-share-2017 |title=PC accounted for 28% of the game market in 2017|date=December 20, 2017 }}</ref> This is partially due to the increasing affordability of desktop PCs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/10/18176297/pc-gaming-most-exciting-radical-experiments-future-products-ces-2019|title=Gaming is driving the wildest PC experiments|date=2019-01-10}}</ref> According to a 2019 survey conducted by [[Statista]], 60% of [[video game developers]] were most interested in developing video games for PC's and 66% of developers were developing a game for the platform.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/chart/4527/game-developers-platform-preferences/|title=The Most Important Gaming Platforms in 2019|website=Statista|date=18 March 2019}}</ref>
Although for casual use traditional desktops and laptops have seen a decline in sales, in 2018, global PC sales experienced a resurgence, driven by the business market.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://bgr.com/2018/07/13/pc-sales-growth-numbers-show-first-rise-in-six-years/|title=PC sales show first rise in six years|date=2018-07-14}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/13/17567760/pc-sales-growth-idc-gartner-july-2018|title=PC sales are growing for the first time in six years|date=2018-07-13}}</ref> Desktops remain a solid fixture in the commercial and educational sectors.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.eweek.com/pc-hardware/why-the-much-hyped-post-pc-era-never-arrived|title=Why the Much-Hyped Post-PC Era Never Arrived|date=10 January 2015}}</ref> According to the [[International Data Group|International Data Corporation (IDC)]], PC sales shot up 14.8% between 2020 and 2021 and desktop market grew faster than the laptop market in the second quarter of 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48069721|title=PC Demand Remained Strong in the Second Quarter Amid Early Signs That Market Conditions May Be Cooling, According to IDC|website=idc.com|date=12 July 2021|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202181924/https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48069721|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48770422|title=Growth Streak for Traditional PCs Continues During Holiday Quarter of 2021, According to IDC|website=idc.com|date=12 January 2022|access-date=February 2, 2023|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202181934/https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS48770422|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.techradar.com/news/the-desktop-pc-is-making-a-comeback-heres-why|title=The desktop PC is making a comeback – here's why|website=[[TechRadar]]|date= 13 July 2021}}</ref> Total PC shipments during 2021 reached 348.8 million units, up 14.8% from 2020. This represents the highest level of shipments the PC market has seen since 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestreet.com/technology/pcs-make-their-comeback-as-pandemic-changes-how-we-work|title=PCs Make Their Comeback as Pandemic Changes How We Work|website=[[TheStreet.com]]|date=12 January 2022}}</ref> In addition, [[gaming computer|gaming desktops]] have seen a global revenue increase of 54% annually.<ref>{{cite press release | url=https://www.gfk.com/insights/press-release/pc-gaming-still-on-the-rise/|title= PC Gaming Still On the Rise}}</ref> For gaming the global market of gaming desktops, laptops, and monitors is expected to grow to 61.1 million shipments by the end of 2023, up from 42.1 million, with desktops growing from 15.1 million shipments to 19 million.<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS44999019| title=Shipments of Personal Computing Devices for Gaming Forecast to Deliver Solid Growth, According to IDC| access-date=2019-05-16| archive-date=2020-10-03| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003082901/https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS44999019| url-status=dead}}</ref> [[PC game|PC gaming]] as a whole now accounts for 28% of the total gaming market as of 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url= https://www.pcgamesn.com/pc-game-sales-numbers-market-share-2017 |title=PC accounted for 28% of the game market in 2017|date=December 20, 2017 }}</ref> This is partially due to the increasing affordability of desktop PCs.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/10/18176297/pc-gaming-most-exciting-radical-experiments-future-products-ces-2019|title=Gaming is driving the wildest PC experiments|date=2019-01-10}}</ref>


==Types==
==Types==
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====Compact====
====Compact====
[[File:Dell OptiPlex behind TFT screen.jpg|thumb|Compact desktop can be used similar to All-in-one computer]]
[[File:Dell OptiPlex behind TFT screen.jpg|thumb|Compact desktop can be used similar to all-in-one computer.]]
{{Main|Small form factor (desktop and motherboard)|Nettop}}
{{Main|Small form factor (desktop and motherboard)|Nettop}}
Compact desktops are reduced in physical proportions compared to full-sized desktops. They are typically small-sized, inexpensive, low-power computers designed for basic tasks such as [[Web navigation|web browsing]], accessing [[web application|web-based applications]], document processing, and audio/video playback.<ref>http://techreport.com/articles.x/21556 Zotac's Zbox Nano AD10 Plus nettop - Zacate in the palm of your hand</ref> Hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Santo-Domingo|first1=Joel|title=Is A Nettop Right for You?|url=https://www.pcmag.com/commentary/237102/is-a-nettop-right-for-you|website=PCMAG}}</ref> and hence make them less appropriate for running complex or resource-intensive [[application program|application]]s. A [[nettop]] is a notable example of a compact desktop. A laptop without a screen can functionally be used as a compact desktop, sometimes called a "slabtop".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=2022-03-26 |title=Honey, I decapitated the MacBook |url=https://www.theverge.com/22965732/macbook-decapitation-slabtop-mod-mac-studio-event-rumor-keyboard-computer-diy |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>
Compact desktops are reduced in physical proportions compared to full-sized desktops. They are typically small-sized, inexpensive, low-power computers designed for basic tasks such as [[Web navigation|web browsing]], accessing [[web application|web-based applications]], document processing, and audio/video playback.<ref>http://techreport.com/articles.x/21556 Zotac's Zbox Nano AD10 Plus nettop - Zacate in the palm of your hand</ref> Hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Santo-Domingo|first1=Joel|title=Is A Nettop Right for You?|url=https://www.pcmag.com/commentary/237102/is-a-nettop-right-for-you|website=PCMAG}}</ref> and hence make them less appropriate for running complex or resource-intensive [[application program|application]]s. A [[nettop]] is a notable example of a compact desktop. A laptop without a screen can functionally be used as a compact desktop, sometimes called a "slabtop".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shakir |first=Umar |date=2022-03-26 |title=Honey, I decapitated the MacBook |url=https://www.theverge.com/22965732/macbook-decapitation-slabtop-mod-mac-studio-event-rumor-keyboard-computer-diy |access-date=2022-03-30 |website=The Verge |language=en}}</ref>

===Form factor===
{{See also|Mini PC|Keyboard computer}}


====All-in-one====
====All-in-one====
Line 72: Line 76:
[[File:Dell Inspiron One 23 Touch AIO Desktop PC.png|thumb|[[Dell Inspiron]] One 23 Touch as an example of an AIO desktop PC]]
[[File:Dell Inspiron One 23 Touch AIO Desktop PC.png|thumb|[[Dell Inspiron]] One 23 Touch as an example of an AIO desktop PC]]
An ''all-in-one'' (AIO) desktop computer integrates the system's internal components into the same case as the display, thus occupying a smaller footprint (with fewer cables) than desktops that incorporate a tower.<ref name=pcmag-howtoaio>{{cite web|title=How to Buy an All-in-One PC|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409554,00.asp|website=PC Magazine|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> The All-in-one systems are rarely labeled as desktop computers.
An ''all-in-one'' (AIO) desktop computer integrates the system's internal components into the same case as the display, thus occupying a smaller footprint (with fewer cables) than desktops that incorporate a tower.<ref name=pcmag-howtoaio>{{cite web|title=How to Buy an All-in-One PC|url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409554,00.asp|website=PC Magazine|access-date=18 October 2015}}</ref> The All-in-one systems are rarely labeled as desktop computers.

====Tower====
{{main|Computer tower}}
[[File:Falcon Northwest Talon.png|thumb|A mid-tower computer case from {{circa}} 2011]]
In [[personal computing]], a [[Computer tower|tower]] is a [[computer form factor|form factor]] of desktop [[computer case]] whose height is much greater than its width, thus having the appearance of an upstanding [[tower block]].<ref>https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-is-a-computer-tower.htm</ref>

====Pizza box form factor====
{{Main|Pizza box form factor}}
In [[computing]], a [[Pizza box form factor|pizza box]] [[Computer enclosure|enclosure]] is a design for desktop computers. Pizza box cases tend to be wide and flat, resembling [[pizza box|pizza delivery boxes]] and thus the name.<ref>https://wiki.edunitas.com/IT/en/114-10/pizza-box_20900_eduNitas.html</ref>
[[File:NeXT Pizzabox-IMG 7227.jpg|thumb|center|[[NeXTstation]] [[Pizza box form factor|pizzabox form factor]]]]

====Cube====
[[File:NEXT Cube-IMG 7154.jpg|thumb|right|[[NeXTcube]] had a cube [[Computer enclosure|enclosure]]]]
Cube [[Workstation]]s have a cube case [[Computer enclosure|enclosure]] to house the [[motherboard]], [[PCI Express|PCI-E]] expansion cards, [[GPU]], [[central processing unit|CPU]], [[Dynamic random-access memory|DRAM]] [[DIMM]] slots, [[Computer cooling]] equipment, [[chipset]]s, [[Input device|I]]/[[Output device|O]] ports, [[hard disk drive]]s, and [[solid state drive]]s.<ref>https://www.overclockers.co.uk/blog/pc-case-form-factors-explained-everything-you-need-to-know/</ref>
{{multiple image
| align = center
| total_width = 410

| image1 = Workstation cube.webp
| caption1 = 3D sketch of a half cube workstation

| image2 = Workstation cube lid off.webp
| caption2 = Case enclosure holds a [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]], [[PCI Express|PCI-E]] [[Solid-state drive|SSD]], [[DRAM]] [[DIMM]] sticks, and [[air cooling]] [[heat sink]] on the [[CPU]]
}}


=== By usage ===
=== By usage ===
==== Gaming computer ====
==== Gaming computer ====
{{Main|Gaming computer}}
{{Main|Gaming computer}}
Gaming computers are desktop computers with high performance [[Central processing unit|CPU]], [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]], and [[Random-access memory|RAM]] optimized for playing video games at high resolution and [[frame rates]]. Gaming computer peripheries usually include [[Keyboard technology|mechanical keyboards]] for faster response time,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cbn|website=nbc.com|title=Why are mechanical keyboards better|url=https://nbc.com/2020/01/12/why-mechanical-keyboards-are-becoming-more-popular-among-techies.html#:~:text=On%20mechanical%20keyboards%2C%20each%20plastic,more%20comfortably%20on%20these%20keyboards.}}{{Dead link|date=January 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> and a gaming [[computer mouse]] which can track higher dots per inch movement.<ref>{{Cite web|website=spacehop.com|title=Gaming mice|date=13 January 2021|url=https://spacehop.com/gaming-mouse-vs-normal-mouse/}}</ref>
Gaming computers are desktop computers with high performance [[Central processing unit|CPU]], [[Graphics processing unit|GPU]], and [[Random-access memory|RAM]] optimized for playing video games at high resolution and [[frame rates]]. Gaming computer peripheries usually include [[Keyboard technology|mechanical keyboards]] for faster response time,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Laura |first=Bremner |date=12 January 2020 |title=Why are mechanical keyboards better |url=https://pcsite.co.uk/why-mechanical-keyboards-are-becoming-more-popular-among-techies/ |website=PcSite.co.uk}}</ref> and a gaming [[computer mouse]] which can track higher dots per inch movement.<ref>{{Cite web|website=spacehop.com|title=Gaming mice|date=13 January 2021|url=https://spacehop.com/gaming-mouse-vs-normal-mouse/}}</ref>


==== Home theater ====
==== Home theater ====
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====Thin client / Internet appliance====
====Thin client / Internet appliance====
{{Main|Thin client|Internet appliance}}
{{Main|Thin client|Internet appliance}}
Over time some traditional desktop computers have been replaced with thin clients utilizing off-site computing solutions like the cloud.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bleicher |first1=Paul |title=The Evolution of the Desktop Computer |journal=Applied Clinical Trials |location=Monmouth Junction |volume=17 |issue=6 |date=June 2008 |pages=44, 46, 48 |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/95c886d489223ac95e1014b588abe231/1 }}</ref> As more services and applications are served over the internet from off-site servers, local computing needs decrease, this drives desktop computers to be smaller, cheaper, and need less powerful hardware. More applications and in some cases entire virtual desktops are moved off-site and the desktop computer runs only an operating system or a shell application while the actual content is served from a server. Thin client computers may do almost all of their computing on a virtual machine in another site. Internal, hosted virtual desktops can offer users a completely consistent experience from anywhere.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fata |first1=Matt |title=Corp to Cloud: Google's Virtual Desktops |publisher=Communications of the ACM |doi=10.1145/3233233 |s2cid=53112965 }}</ref>
Over time some traditional desktop computers have been replaced with thin clients utilizing off-site computing solutions like the cloud.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Bleicher |first1=Paul |title=The Evolution of the Desktop Computer |journal=Applied Clinical Trials |location=Monmouth Junction |volume=17 |issue=6 |date=June 2008 |pages=44, 46, 48 |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/95c886d489223ac95e1014b588abe231/1 }}</ref> As more services and applications are served over the internet from off-site servers, local computing needs decrease, this drives desktop computers to be smaller, cheaper, and need less powerful hardware. More applications and in some cases entire virtual desktops are moved off-site and the desktop computer runs only an operating system or a shell application while the actual content is served from a server. Thin client computers may do almost all of their computing on a virtual machine in another site. Internal, hosted virtual desktops can offer users a completely consistent experience from anywhere.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fata |first1=Matt |title=Corp to Cloud: Google's Virtual Desktops |publisher=Communications of the ACM |doi=10.1145/3233233 |s2cid=53112965 }}</ref>


==== Workstation ====
==== Workstation ====
Line 96: Line 124:


{{Main|Workstation}}
{{Main|Workstation}}
Workstations are advanced class of personal computers designed for a user and more powerful than a regular PC but less powerful than a server in regular computing. They are capable of high-resolution and three-dimensional interfaces, and typically used to perform scientific and engineering work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Workstation Definition & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/workstation|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> Like server computers, they are often connected with other workstations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Workstation Definition|url=https://techterms.com/definition/workstation|access-date=2021-05-27|website=techterms.com}}</ref> The main form-factor for this class is a Tower case, but most vendors produce compact or all-in-one low-end workstations. Most tower workstations can be converted to a [[19-inch rack|rack-mount]] version.
Workstations are advanced class of personal computers designed for a user and more powerful than a regular PC but less powerful than a server in regular computing. They are capable of high-resolution and three-dimensional interfaces, and typically used to perform scientific and engineering work.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Workstation Definition & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/technology/workstation|access-date=2021-05-25|website=Encyclopedia Britannica|language=en}}</ref> Like server computers, they are often connected with other workstations.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Workstation Definition|url=https://techterms.com/definition/workstation|access-date=2021-05-27|website=techterms.com}}</ref> The main form-factor for this class is a Tower case, but most vendors produce compact or all-in-one low-end workstations. Most tower workstations can be converted to a [[19-inch rack|rack-mount]] version.


==== Desktop server ====
==== Desktop server ====
Line 103: Line 131:
=== Non-common types ===
=== Non-common types ===
==== Quantum technology ====
==== Quantum technology ====
On January 29, 2021 Shenzhen SpinQ Technology announced that they will release the first-ever desktop quantum computer. This will be a miniaturized version of their previous quantum computer based on the same technology (nuclear magnetic resonance) and will be 2 qubit device. Applications will mostly be educational for high school and college students. The company claims SpinQ will be released to the public by the fourth quarter of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/a-desktop-quantum-computer-for-just-usd5-000|title=A Desktop Quantum Computer for Just $5,000|website=Discover Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spinq.cn/#hardware-anchor|title=SpinQ 量旋科技|website=www.spinq.cn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.quantaneo.com/Bringing-a-two-qubit-desktop-quantum-computer-to-life_a393.html|title=Bringing a two-qubit desktop quantum computer to life|first=Press release from University of|last=Guelph|website=Quantaneo, the Quantum Computing Source}}</ref>
On January 29, 2021, Shenzhen SpinQ Technology announced that they will release the first-ever desktop quantum computer. This will be a miniaturized version of their previous quantum computer based on the same technology (nuclear magnetic resonance) and will be 2 qubit device. Applications will mostly be educational for high school and college students. The company claims SpinQ will be released to the public by the fourth quarter of 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.discovermagazine.com/technology/a-desktop-quantum-computer-for-just-usd5-000|title=A Desktop Quantum Computer for Just $5,000|website=Discover Magazine}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.spinq.cn/#hardware-anchor|title=SpinQ 量旋科技|website=www.spinq.cn}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.quantaneo.com/Bringing-a-two-qubit-desktop-quantum-computer-to-life_a393.html|title=Bringing a two-qubit desktop quantum computer to life|first=Press release from University of|last=Guelph|website=Quantaneo, the Quantum Computing Source}}</ref>


==Comparison with laptops==
==Comparison with laptops==
Line 136: Line 164:
{{Wikibooks|How To Assemble A Desktop PC}}
{{Wikibooks|How To Assemble A Desktop PC}}


* [http://videos.howstuffworks.com/computer-tour-video.htm Computer Tour]{{snd}} of major components of a desktop computers at HowStuffWorks
* [http://videos.howstuffworks.com/computer-tour-video.htm Computer Tour]{{snd}}of major components of a desktop computers at HowStuffWorks


{{Computer sizes}}
{{Computer sizes}}

Revision as of 08:01, 9 March 2024

A desktop computer system. It has a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, and a computer tower. The computer tower contains the motherboard and processor.
A computer lab with desktop PCs with flat-panel monitors

A desktop computer (often abbreviated desktop[1]) is a personal computer designed for regular use at a stationary location on or near a desk (as opposed to a portable computer) due to its size and power requirements. The most common configuration has a case that houses the power supply, motherboard (a printed circuit board with a microprocessor as the central processing unit, memory, bus, certain peripherals and other electronic components), disk storage (usually one or more hard disk drives, solid state drives, optical disc drives, and in early models a floppy disk drive); a keyboard and mouse for input; and a monitor, speakers, and, often, a printer for output. The case may be oriented horizontally or vertically and placed either underneath, beside, or on top of a desk.

Desktop computers with their cases oriented vertically are referred to as towers. As the majority of cases offered since the mid-1990s are in this form factor, the term desktop has been retronymically used to refer to modern cases offered in the traditional horizontal orientation.[2][3]

History

Origins

Apple II computer

Prior to the widespread use of microprocessors, a computer that could fit on a desk was considered remarkably small; the type of computers most commonly used were minicomputers, which, despite the name, were rather large and were "mini" only compared to the so-called "big iron". Early computers, and later the general purpose high throughput "mainframes", took up the space of a whole room. Minicomputers, on the contrary, generally fit into one or a few refrigerator-sized racks, or, for the few smaller ones, built into a fairly large desk, not put on top of it.

It was not until the 1970s when fully programmable computers appeared that could fit entirely on top of a desk. 1970 saw the introduction of the Datapoint 2200, a "smart" computer terminal complete with keyboard and monitor, was designed to connect with a mainframe computer but that did not stop owners from using its built-in computational abilities as a stand-alone desktop computer.[4] The HP 9800 series, which started out as programmable calculators in 1971 but was programmable in BASIC by 1972, used a smaller version of a minicomputer design based on ROM memory and had small one-line LED alphanumeric displays and displayed graphics with a plotter.[5] The Wang 2200 of 1973 had a full-size cathode-ray tube (CRT) and cassette tape storage. The IBM 5100 in 1975 had a small CRT display and could be programmed in BASIC and APL. These were generally expensive specialized computers sold for business or scientific uses.[6]

Growth and development

See also: Keyboard computer

Apple II, TRS-80 and Commodore PET were first generation personal home computers launched in 1977, which were aimed at the consumer market – rather than businessmen or computer hobbyists. Byte magazine referred to these three as the "1977 Trinity" of personal computing.[7] Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, desktop computers became the predominant type, the most popular being the IBM PC and its clones, followed by the Apple Macintosh,[8] with the third-placed Commodore Amiga having some success in the mid-1980s but declining by the early 1990s.

IBM 5150 Personal Computer
A person working on a 2004 tower PC computer with a Dell monitor

Early personal computers, like the original IBM Personal Computer, were enclosed in a "desktop case", horizontally oriented to have the display screen placed on top, thus saving space on the user's actual desk, although these cases had to be sturdy enough to support the weight of CRT displays that were widespread at the time. Over the course of the 1990s, desktop cases gradually became less common than the more-accessible tower cases that may be located on the floor under or beside a desk rather than on a desk. Not only do these tower cases have more room for expansion, they have also freed up desk space for monitors which were becoming larger every year. Desktop cases, particularly the compact form factors, remain popular for corporate computing environments and kiosks. Some computer cases can be interchangeably positioned either horizontally (desktop) or upright (mini-tower).

Influential games such as Doom and Quake during the 1990s had pushed gamers and enthusiasts to frequently upgrade to the latest CPUs and graphics cards (3dfx, ATI, and Nvidia) for their desktops (usually a tower case) in order to run these applications, though this has slowed since the late 2000s as the growing popularity of Intel integrated graphics forced game developers to scale back. Creative Technology's Sound Blaster series were a de facto standard for sound cards in desktop PCs during the 1990s until the early 2000s, when they were reduced to a niche product, as OEM desktop PCs came with sound boards integrated directly onto the motherboard.

Decline

Laptops in store

While desktops have long been the most common configuration for PCs,[9] by the mid-2000s the growth shifted from desktops to laptops.[10] Notably, while desktops were mainly produced in the United States, laptops had long been produced by contract manufacturers based in Asia, such as Foxconn. This shift led to the closure of the many desktop assembly plants in the United States by 2010. Another trend around this time was the increasing proportion of inexpensive base-configuration desktops being sold, hurting PC manufacturers such as Dell whose build-to-order customization of desktops relied on upselling added features to buyers.[11]

Battery-powered portable computers had just a 2% worldwide market share in 1986.[12] However, laptops have become increasingly popular, both for business and personal use.[13] Around 109 million notebook PCs shipped worldwide in 2007, a growth of 33% compared to 2006.[14] In 2008, it was estimated that 145.9 million notebooks were sold and that the number would grow in 2009 to 177.7 million.[15] The third quarter of 2008 was the first time when worldwide notebook PC shipments exceeded desktops, with 38.6 million units versus 38.5 million units.[13][16][17][18]

The sales breakdown of the Apple Macintosh has seen sales of desktop Macs staying mostly constant while being surpassed by that of Mac notebooks whose sales rate has grown considerably; seven out of ten Macs sold were laptops in 2009, a ratio projected to rise to three out of four by 2010. The change in sales of form factors is due to the desktop iMac moving from affordable G3 to upscale G4 model and subsequent releases are considered premium all-in-ones. By contrast, the MSRP of the MacBook laptop lines have dropped through successive generations such that the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro constitute the lowest price of entry to a Mac, with the exception of the even more inexpensive Mac Mini (albeit without a monitor and keyboard), and the MacBooks are the top-selling form factors of the Macintosh platform today.[19]

The decades of development mean that most people already own desktop computers that meet their needs and have no need of buying a new one merely to keep pace with advancing technology. Notably, the successive release of new versions of Windows (Windows 95, 98, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10 and so on) had been drivers for the replacement of PCs in the 1990s, but this slowed in the 2000s due to the poor reception of Windows Vista over Windows XP. IDC analyst Jay Chou suggested that Windows 8 actually hurt sales of PCs in 2012, as businesses decided to stick with Windows 7 rather than upgrade.[20] Some suggested that Microsoft had acknowledged "implicitly ringing the desktop PC death knell" as Windows 8 offered little upgrade in desktop PC functionality over Windows 7; instead, Windows 8's innovations were mostly on the mobile side.[21]

The post-PC trend saw a decline in the sales of desktop and laptop PCs.[20][22] The decline was attributed to increased power and applications of alternative computing devices, namely smartphones and tablet computers.[23] Although most people exclusively use their smartphones and tablets for more basic tasks such as social media and casual gaming, these devices have in many instances replaced a second or third PC in the household that would have performed these tasks, though most families still retain a powerful PC for serious work.[24]

Among PC form factors, desktops remain a staple in the enterprise market but lost popularity among home buyers. PC makers and electronics retailers responded by investing their engineering and marketing resources towards laptops (initially netbooks in the late 2000s, and then the higher-performance Ultrabooks from 2011 onwards), which manufacturers believed had more potential to revive the PC market[9] than desktops.

In April 2017, StatCounter declared a "Milestone in technology history and end of an era" with the mobile Android operating system becoming more popular than Windows (the operating system that made desktops dominant over mainframe computers).[25] Windows is still most popular on desktops (and laptops), while smartphones (and tablets) use Android or iOS.

Resurgence

A gaming desktop setup.

Towards the middle of the 2010s, media sources began to question the existence of the post-PC trend, at least as conventionally defined, stating that the so-called post-PC devices are just other portable forms of PCs joining traditional desktop PCs which still have their own operation areas and evolve.[26][27][28][29]

Although for casual use traditional desktops and laptops have seen a decline in sales, in 2018, global PC sales experienced a resurgence, driven by the business market.[30][31] Desktops remain a solid fixture in the commercial and educational sectors.[32] According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), PC sales shot up 14.8% between 2020 and 2021 and desktop market grew faster than the laptop market in the second quarter of 2021.[33][34][35] Total PC shipments during 2021 reached 348.8 million units, up 14.8% from 2020. This represents the highest level of shipments the PC market has seen since 2012.[36] In addition, gaming desktops have seen a global revenue increase of 54% annually.[37] For gaming the global market of gaming desktops, laptops, and monitors is expected to grow to 61.1 million shipments by the end of 2023, up from 42.1 million, with desktops growing from 15.1 million shipments to 19 million.[38] PC gaming as a whole now accounts for 28% of the total gaming market as of 2017.[39] This is partially due to the increasing affordability of desktop PCs.[40]

Types

By size

An HP 9000 workstation oriented as both a desktop (left) and as a tower (both). Optional plastic feet (pictured bottom right) allow the workstation to be held sturdily upright in the tower configuration.

Full-size

Full-sized desktops are characterized by separate display and processing components. These components are connected to each other by cables or wireless connections. They often come in a tower form factor. These computers are easy to customize and upgrade per user requirements, e.g. by expansion card.

Early extended-size (significantly larger than mainstream ATX case) tower computers sometimes were labeled as "deskside computers",[41][42] but currently this naming being quite rare.[43]

Compact

Compact desktop can be used similar to all-in-one computer.
Main articles: Small form factor (desktop and motherboard) and Nettop

Compact desktops are reduced in physical proportions compared to full-sized desktops. They are typically small-sized, inexpensive, low-power computers designed for basic tasks such as web browsing, accessing web-based applications, document processing, and audio/video playback.[44] Hardware specifications and processing power are usually reduced[45] and hence make them less appropriate for running complex or resource-intensive applications. A nettop is a notable example of a compact desktop. A laptop without a screen can functionally be used as a compact desktop, sometimes called a "slabtop".[46]

Form factor

See also: Mini PC and Keyboard computer

All-in-one

Main article: All-in-one computer
Dell Inspiron One 23 Touch as an example of an AIO desktop PC

An all-in-one (AIO) desktop computer integrates the system's internal components into the same case as the display, thus occupying a smaller footprint (with fewer cables) than desktops that incorporate a tower.[47] The All-in-one systems are rarely labeled as desktop computers.

Tower

Main article: Computer tower
A mid-tower computer case from c. 2011

In personal computing, a tower is a form factor of desktop computer case whose height is much greater than its width, thus having the appearance of an upstanding tower block.[48]

Pizza box form factor

Main article: Pizza box form factor

In computing, a pizza box enclosure is a design for desktop computers. Pizza box cases tend to be wide and flat, resembling pizza delivery boxes and thus the name.[49]

NeXTstation pizzabox form factor

Cube

NeXTcube had a cube enclosure

Cube Workstations have a cube case enclosure to house the motherboard, PCI-E expansion cards, GPU, CPU, DRAM DIMM slots, Computer cooling equipment, chipsets, I/O ports, hard disk drives, and solid state drives.[50]

3D sketch of a half cube workstation
Case enclosure holds a GPU, PCI-E SSD, DRAM DIMM sticks, and air cooling heat sink on the CPU

By usage

Gaming computer

Main article: Gaming computer

Gaming computers are desktop computers with high performance CPU, GPU, and RAM optimized for playing video games at high resolution and frame rates. Gaming computer peripheries usually include mechanical keyboards for faster response time,[51] and a gaming computer mouse which can track higher dots per inch movement.[52]

Home theater

Main article: Home theater PC

These desktops are connected to home entertainment systems and typically used for amusement purpose. They come with high definition display, video graphics, surround sound and TV tuner systems to complement typical PC features.

Thin client / Internet appliance

Main articles: Thin client and Internet appliance

Over time some traditional desktop computers have been replaced with thin clients utilizing off-site computing solutions like the cloud.[53] As more services and applications are served over the internet from off-site servers, local computing needs decrease, this drives desktop computers to be smaller, cheaper, and need less powerful hardware. More applications and in some cases entire virtual desktops are moved off-site and the desktop computer runs only an operating system or a shell application while the actual content is served from a server. Thin client computers may do almost all of their computing on a virtual machine in another site. Internal, hosted virtual desktops can offer users a completely consistent experience from anywhere.[54]

Workstation

HP Integrity server with rack-mountable and desktop variants
HP9000 workstation, based on an Integrity desktop server
Main article: Workstation

Workstations are advanced class of personal computers designed for a user and more powerful than a regular PC but less powerful than a server in regular computing. They are capable of high-resolution and three-dimensional interfaces, and typically used to perform scientific and engineering work.[55] Like server computers, they are often connected with other workstations.[56] The main form-factor for this class is a Tower case, but most vendors produce compact or all-in-one low-end workstations. Most tower workstations can be converted to a rack-mount version.

Desktop server

Oriented for small business class of servers; typically entry-level server machines, with similar to workstation/gaming PC computing powers and with some mainstream servers features, but with only basic graphic abilities; and some desktop servers can be converted to workstations.

Non-common types

Quantum technology

On January 29, 2021, Shenzhen SpinQ Technology announced that they will release the first-ever desktop quantum computer. This will be a miniaturized version of their previous quantum computer based on the same technology (nuclear magnetic resonance) and will be 2 qubit device. Applications will mostly be educational for high school and college students. The company claims SpinQ will be released to the public by the fourth quarter of 2021.[57][58][59]

Comparison with laptops

See also: Laptop § Disadvantages

Desktops have an advantage over laptops in that the spare parts and extensions tend to be standardized, resulting in lower prices and greater availability. For example, the size and mounting of the motherboard are standardized into ATX, microATX, BTX or other form factors. Desktops have several standardized expansion slots, like conventional PCI or PCI Express, while laptops tend to have only one mini-PCI slot and one PC Card slot (or ExpressCard slot). Procedures for assembly and disassembly of desktops tend to be simple and standardized as well. This tends not to be the case for laptops, though adding or replacing some parts, like the optical drive, hard disk, or adding an extra memory module is often quite simple. This means that a desktop computer configuration, usually a tower case, can be customized and upgraded to a greater extent than laptops. This customization has kept tower cases popular among gamers and enthusiasts.

Another advantage of the desktop is that (apart from environmental concerns) power consumption is not as critical as in laptop computers because the desktop is exclusively powered from the wall socket. Desktop computers also provide more space for cooling fans and vents to dissipate heat, allowing enthusiasts to overclock with less risk. The two large microprocessor manufacturers, Intel and AMD, have developed special CPUs for mobile computers (i.e. laptops) that consume less power and lower heat, but with lower performance levels.

Laptop computers, conversely, offer portability that desktop systems (including small form factor and all-in-one desktops) cannot due to their compact size and clamshell design. The laptop's all-in-one design provides a built-in keyboard and a pointing device (such as a touchpad) for its user and can draw on power supplied by a rechargeable battery. Laptops also commonly integrate wireless technologies like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 3G, giving them a broader range of options for connecting to the internet, though this trend is changing as newer desktop computers come integrated with one or more of these technologies.

A desktop computer needs a UPS to handle electrical disturbances like short interruptions, blackouts, and spikes; achieving an on-battery time of more than 20–30 minutes for a desktop PC requires a large and expensive UPS.[60][61] A laptop with a sufficiently charged battery can continue to be used for hours in case of a power outage and is not affected by short power interruptions and blackouts.

A desktop computer often has the advantage over a comparable laptop in computational capacity. Overclocking is often more feasible on a desktop than on a laptop; similarly, hardware add-ons such as discrete graphics co-processors may be possible to install only in a desktop.[62]

See also

References

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External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Desktop computers.
Wikibooks has a book on the topic of: How To Assemble A Desktop PC
  • Computer Tour – of major components of a desktop computers at HowStuffWorks
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Desktop_computer&oldid=1212721781"