Best Desktops under $800 for compact use

Best Pick

ASUS NUC NUC 14 Pro Tall Barebone Kit Mini PC 2025

85.9 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 5 135H 32GB RAM 2TB Intel Arc Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact, 0.77kg toolless chassis houses a 14-core Intel Core Ultra 5 135H processor and supports high-speed DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0 storage. The system excels as a space-efficient business hub with Thunderbolt 4 and dual HDMI 2.1 outputs for connecting up to four displays. This barebone kit is ideal for office IT managers building standardized, compact workstations or digital signage players.

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ASUS NUC 15 Pro NUC 15 Pro Mini Black 2025

67 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core 5 210H 16GB RAM 512GB Intel Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact 0.36kg chassis houses a modern Intel Core 5 210H processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM, offering solid performance for its size. It stands out with exceptional connectivity, including Wi-Fi 7 and support for driving four 4K displays simultaneously via its dual HDMI 2.1 and Thunderbolt ports. This mini-PC is best for developers or office users who need a reliable, highly connected desktop in an extremely small footprint for multi-monitor productivity setups.

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ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ NUC 15 Pro+ Barebone Kit

66.1 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 5 225H 0 0 Intel Arc Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact 0.59kg chassis houses a 14-core Intel Ultra 5 processor and integrated Intel Arc graphics with 16GB of dedicated VRAM, making it a uniquely powerful mini PC. The system offers excellent future-proofing with PCIe 5.0 storage, DDR5 memory slots, and modern connectivity like WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt. This barebone kit is best for professionals seeking a highly portable, modular workstation for business applications and light creative tasks, not gaming.

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ASUS NUC 15 Pro+ NUC 15 Pro+ Barebone Kit desktop
Price $592

ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Mini

65.6 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core 3 100U 16GB RAM 512GB Intel Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact 0.69kg chassis and 120W PSU make it a highly portable and power-efficient mini desktop. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and Thunderbolt connectivity provides excellent future-proofing for office networks and high-speed peripherals. This system is best for business users who need an ultra-compact, modern, and easily deployable workstation for general office productivity and conferencing.

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ASUS NUC 15 Pro Slim Mini desktop
Price $620

ASUS V500 Dark Gray 2025

61.8 Compact & SFF Score
Intel 13th Generation Core i7 16GB RAM 1000GB Intel UHD Graphics mini-tower
Why we recommend this

Its 10-core Intel Core i7-13620H processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM deliver strong multitasking performance for demanding business applications. The compact desktop features an advanced thermal design for whisper-quiet operation, generating under 38 dB even under load. This system is best for home office users and developers who need a powerful, quiet, and expandable machine for coding, virtual meetings, and productivity tasks.

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ASUS PM700 Dark Gray 2025

51.5 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 1000GB AMD Radeon mini-tower
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor with a 50-TOPS NPU, enabling fast on-device AI tasks within its compact 15L mini-tower chassis. The desktop is highly upgrade-friendly, offering a free 3.5" bay, multiple SATA and M.2 slots, and a generous port selection for multi-monitor setups. This PC is best for home office users and small teams who prioritize reliable, AI-enhanced multitasking and future hardware upgrades over gaming performance.

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ASUS PM700 Dark Gray 2025 desktop
Price $700

ASUS ExpertCenter PN54 Mini Barebone

49.2 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 32GB RAM 0 AMD Radeon 860 Desktop
Why we recommend this

Its compact 0.55kg chassis houses an AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 processor and supports up to 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM, making it a powerful yet space-efficient unit. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and a discrete AMD Radeon 860 GPU provides excellent connectivity and solid graphical output for a business desktop. This system is best for business users and developers who need a reliable, high-performance mini PC for office applications and coding environments.

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ASUS ExpertCenter PN54 Mini Barebone desktop
Price $668

ASUS V440 V440 24" White 2025

42.5 Compact & SFF Score
Intel 13th Generation Core i5 16GB RAM 512GB Intel UHD Graphics aio
Why we recommend this

Its 24-inch anti-glare touchscreen and integrated two-way AI noise-canceling make it a strong choice for video conferencing in bright home offices. The 13th Gen Intel Core i5 H-series processor and 16GB of DDR5 RAM provide capable multitasking for everyday business applications. This all-in-one is best for professionals in shared or public workspaces who need a secure, compact desktop with excellent call clarity.

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ASUS V500SV Dark Gray

42.4 Compact & SFF Score
Core i3 8GB RAM 512GB Intel UHD Graphics sff
Why we recommend this

Its 13th Gen Intel Core i3-1315U processor and 8GB of DDR5 memory provide reliable, everyday multitasking performance for office applications. The slim 3.66-inch chassis offers a tidy footprint and a generous selection of ports, including USB-C and dual video outputs, for a flexible workstation setup. This desktop is best for home offices or small businesses needing a basic, secure, and space-efficient computer for document work, video calls, and web browsing.

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ASUS ROG RYUO IV SLC 360 ARGB All-in-one CPU Liquid Cooler

11.3 Compact & SFF Score
0 0 All-in-One

Best Desktops under $1,500 for compact use

Best Pick

ASUS Mini PC NUC 15 Pro Plus

82.8 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 32GB RAM 1TB Intel Arc Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact 0.60kg form factor houses a capable 16-core Intel 255H processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, making it a powerful yet space-efficient desktop. The inclusion of Thunderbolt and WiFi 7 connectivity provides excellent future-proofing for high-speed peripherals and networks. This mini PC is best for developers and home office users who need substantial processing power in a minimal footprint, but not for graphics-intensive tasks.

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Price $1,168
ASUS Mini PC NUC 15 Pro Plus desktop

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ASUS NUC 15 Pro Mini Desktop w/USB Hub

77.8 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 255H 64GB RAM 2TB Intel Arc Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact 0.59kg chassis houses a 16-core Intel Ultra 7 processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM, making it a potent mini workstation. The inclusion of a portable USB hub and dual Thunderbolt 4 ports enhances its connectivity for a desktop-replacement setup. This system is best for developers and engineers who need substantial processing power in a highly portable, desk-agnostic form factor.

ASUS NUC 14 Pro NUC 14 Pro Mini

68.6 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 32GB RAM 2TB Intel Arc Graphics Mini
Why we recommend this

Its 16-core Intel Ultra 7 155H processor and 32GB of DDR5 RAM deliver substantial multitasking power for a mini desktop. The extensive connectivity, including dual Thunderbolt 4 ports and support for quad displays, makes it highly versatile for complex workstation setups. This system is best for developers and business users who need a compact but powerful machine for coding, virtualization, and managing multiple monitors.

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ASUS ExpertCenter PN65

49 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 64GB RAM 2TB Intel Arc Graphics Desktop
Why we recommend this

Its standout 64GB of DDR5 RAM and Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor provide exceptional multitasking power for heavy computational workloads. The compact 1.41kg chassis houses a generous 2TB SSD and a comprehensive port selection including Wi-Fi 7 for high-speed connectivity. This mini PC is best for developers running multiple virtual machines or data scientists processing large local datasets, not for gaming due to its integrated graphics.

ASUS VM670 VM670 27" White 2025

43.1 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 32GB RAM 1000GB AMD Radeon 860 aio
Why we recommend this

Its 27-inch touchscreen and integrated AMD Radeon 860M graphics are well-suited for office tasks and light creative work, supported by a 50-TOPS NPU for on-device AI acceleration. The anti-glare IPS display with a 93% screen-to-body ratio provides crisp, roomy visuals ideal for a shared workspace. This all-in-one is best for home office users who prioritize a clean desk setup and need a capable machine for video calls, presentations, and everyday productivity.

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ASUS ROG G700 Gaming

36.3 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 5 225F 16GB RAM 1000GB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Desktop

ASUS ROG Strix GL10DH Gaming

24.2 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 16GB RAM 512GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Tower
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics provide solid 1080p gaming performance. The system's customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting and transparent side panel offer a distinct, gamer-focused aesthetic. This desktop is best for budget-conscious gamers seeking a ready-to-play tower with strong core specs for mainstream titles.

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Best Desktops under $2,500 for compact use

Best Pick

ASUS Republic of Gamers NUC Republic of Gamers NUC NUC15JNK Mini

88.4 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mini
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel Ultra 9 275HX CPU and discrete NVIDIA RTX 5070 graphics deliver exceptional performance for gaming and demanding tasks within a compact 3.12kg chassis. The system is further bolstered by its 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM and comprehensive connectivity, including Thunderbolt and WiFi 7. This mini desktop is best for competitive gamers and software developers who need maximum power in a minimal footprint.

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Price $2,349
ASUS Republic of Gamers NUC Republic of Gamers NUC NUC15JNK Mini desktop

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ASUS ExpertCenter PN54 Mini

70.1 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 16GB RAM 1TB AMD Radeon 860 Mini
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 8-core CPU and integrated Radeon 860M graphics provide solid performance for office tasks in a remarkably compact 0.55kg chassis. The inclusion of WiFi 7 and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD ensures fast connectivity and storage for modern workflows. This mini PC is best for home office users and small businesses needing a powerful, space-saving desktop for productivity and video conferencing.

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ASUS ROG NUC Gaming 2025

66.8 Compact & SFF Score
2.7 GHz intel_core_ultra_9 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Mini
Why we recommend this

Its compact 3L chassis houses a potent Intel Core Ultra 9 CPU and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, delivering desktop-class gaming performance in a mini PC form factor. The premium build features a sophisticated triple-fan QuietFlow cooling system that effectively manages heat while maintaining quiet operation. This system is best for gamers seeking a powerful, space-saving desktop replacement that can handle modern titles at high settings.

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ASUS Republic of Gamers Republic of Gamers G700TF-XS776 Desktop Gaming

34.6 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 7 265F 32GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Desktop
Why we recommend this

Its 20-core Intel Core Ultra 7 265F CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 with 12GB GDDR7 VRAM provide a powerful foundation for demanding tasks. The system is further bolstered by fast 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD for excellent responsiveness. This desktop is best for competitive gamers and 3D artists who require high frame rates and fast rendering with modern ray-traced titles.

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ASUS Republic of Gamers Republic of Gamers G700TF-XS776 Desktop Gaming desktop
Price $1,944
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ASUS TUF Gaming PRC Series Special Edition Gaming

26.2 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 16GB RAM 1.3TB AMD Radeon RX 5700 Tower
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor and Radeon RX 5700 XT GPU deliver solid 1080p gaming performance, housed in a durable ASUS TUF case with tempered glass. The system offers a practical dual-storage setup with a 256GB NVMe SSD and a 1TB hard drive, plus a 700W power supply for future upgrades. This desktop is best for budget-conscious gamers seeking a reliable, pre-built system for mainstream titles at high settings.

ASUS ROG GM700 Gaming Desktop PC

21.4 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 32GB RAM 1TB AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT Tower
Why we recommend this

Its standout 64-core AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor and AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT GPU deliver immense power for high-fidelity gaming and demanding creative tasks. The system is further bolstered by 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 1TB PCIe Gen 4.0 SSD for excellent multitasking and load speeds. This desktop is best for competitive gamers and streamers who need maximum frame rates and the headroom to encode broadcasts simultaneously.

ASUS ROG Strix GA15DK Gaming

18.3 Compact & SFF Score
AMD Ryzen 7 5800X 16GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Tower
Why we recommend this

Its AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics deliver strong 1440p gaming performance, supported by a 1TB NVMe SSD and a 700W PSU. The system features effective Flow Tech Ventilation cooling and customizable Aura Sync RGB lighting within its tower chassis. This desktop is best for gamers seeking a high-performance, well-cooled rig for modern titles at high settings.

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Best Desktops under $4,000 for compact use

Best Pick

ASUS ROG NUC Gaming 2025

93.3 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 9 32GB RAM 2TB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 Mini
Why we recommend this

Its 24-core Intel 275HX CPU and discrete NVIDIA RTX 5080 GPU deliver desktop-class gaming performance in a compact 3L chassis. The system's QuietFlow cooling and tool-free upgrade design make it both quiet and user-serviceable. This mini PC is best for gamers who need maximum power in a small footprint for high-refresh-rate 1440p or 4K gaming.

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ASUS ROG Strix G700

25.6 Compact & SFF Score
Intel Core Ultra 9 285K 128GB RAM 4TB NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Tower
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the massive 192GB of DDR5 RAM paired with a 24-core Intel 285K CPU, providing extreme multitasking capability. The build is a powerful tower workstation with extensive connectivity, including Wi-Fi 6E and numerous rear ports for multiple monitors and peripherals. This desktop is best for developers running heavy virtual machines or data scientists processing large in-memory datasets.

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ASUS Ascent GX10

20.3 Compact & SFF Score
NVIDIA GB10 128GB RAM 1TB NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Desktop
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the NVIDIA GB10 Grace Blackwell Superchip paired with 128GB of LPDDR5x unified RAM, delivering petaflop-scale AI performance in a compact 1.48kg chassis. The system is further specialized with a 10Gb Ethernet port and 200Gb QSFP112 networking for high-throughput data transfer. This desktop is best for AI researchers and developers needing a powerful, integrated platform for full-stack model training and deployment.

ASUS Ascent GX10 desktop
Price $3,494

Premium Desktops for compact use

Best Pick

ASUS Ascent GX10

22.7 Compact & SFF Score
NVIDIA GB10 128GB RAM 4TB NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Desktop
Why we recommend this

Its standout feature is the NVIDIA Grace Blackwell Superchip, delivering petaflop-scale AI performance in a compact 1.48kg chassis. It pairs this with 128GB of unified LPDDR5x RAM and a 4TB NVMe SSD for massive data throughput. This system is built specifically for AI researchers and developers working on full-stack model training and deployment.

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Price $4,699
ASUS Ascent GX10 desktop