If you’re looking for a great computer at a low price, you can’t go wrong with the Asus TUF Gaming FX504. It’s got a strong, sturdy frame, and a stylish, textured “faux leather” finish on the outside. It’s also got one of the best display panels on the market.
When it comes to desktops, there are so many choices to make and so many specifications to consider. The first thing you need to know is that there is a huge range. From the very low-end, which often has the lowest price, to the very high end, which has very high specs. So, how do you choose? The answer is, you don’t. You base your purchase on what you can afford, and what you have room for. You don’t even need to do a lot of research, because there are so many good options out there.
If you are looking for a new computer, you’re in luck. There are plenty of options just waiting to be discovered. The average price of a new PC has dropped significantly. You can pick up a pre-built PC for around $400. This is a lot less than you would have paid a few years ago. However, it’s still a lot for a computer that will likely be outdated in a few years. So is buying a used computer. There are plenty of sites that will sell you a pre-owned PC for a reasonable price.. Read more about best budget desktop computer under 300 and let us know what you think.
What are the finest desktop computers for less than $400? Gamers, casual users, business users, and others are all types of computer users. They each have their own set of specifications, as well as budgetary constraints.
Today, we have something for people who wish to spend as little money as possible while still getting the essentials.
You can’t expect extreme performance or a lot of features for $400 or less, but we guarantee you won’t have to sacrifice too much simply because your budget is tight.
Mini PCs are preferable than tower computers, in our opinion. These have improved over time and can now handle the majority of common applications.
In exchange for upgradeability, they provide a small size that may be helpful no matter where a desktop is placed.
But it is up to you to decide, but for your convenience, we have compiled a list of 5 extremely low-cost desktops in this post.
These are budget-friendly choices that, despite their low prices, offer the finest features.
In addition, the buyer’s guide at the conclusion will be useful if you want to explore alternative choices but aren’t sure what to look for.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for Desktops Under $400
The OS you choose is the most significant element in determining the type of specifications you’ll receive in a desktop under $400.
If it’s a Chrome-based desktop, the appropriate specifications will vary from those for a Windows-based desktop.
However, at this price, you should be able to buy an Intel Celeron or AMD Athlon CPU, at least 4 GB of RAM, and the following specifications:
Intel Celeron 3867U or higher CPU 4 GB or more RAM Integrated Intel Graphics (depends on the processor) 128 GB or larger SSD
AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or better processor 8 GB RAM Integrated AMD Graphics (depends on the processor) 256 GB SSD Recommended System Requirements: AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or better processor AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or better processor AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or better processor AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or better processor AMD Athlon Silver 3050U or better
4 Best Under $400 Desktops in 2024:
Best Overall: Desktop Lenovo IdeaCentre 3
Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop
Bottom Line: Unless you’re contemplating the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3, finding a new, mainstream, prebuilt tower desktop for around $400 is almost difficult. Without a doubt, this elegant skyscraper deserves to be at the top.
Features to look for:
- AMD Athlon Silver 3050U processor
- Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics Integrated
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 4 GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD storage
Pros
- Form factor is small.
- Good specifications
- There are many ports.
Cons
- There isn’t a USB Type-C port.
- Not designed for multitasking.
- Expansion and upgrading possibilities are limited.
The IdeaCentre 3 is an excellent value for money choice for anybody looking to spend less than $400 on a new computer.
While it has flaws, it also has some good overall characteristics that may meet your urgent requirements.
The desktop seems to be tiny and compact, and it is. There are no such designs, clashing colors, or other elements in the design.
There are four USB ports on the front panel, as well as a conventional card reader and two inputs for headphones and a microphone.
There are a few more USB connections on the rear, as well as video output connectors.
Bluetooth and WIFI are also available, but they are of older standards.
Now, assuming the things you plan to accomplish on the desktop are light, it may get you through the day in terms of performance.
The 4 GB of RAM on the Athlon CPU can only manage so much.
There is, however, a 256 GB SSD, which offers the machine a small performance bump.
So you should be able to do things like online surfing, viewing movies, reading emails, and other things on this.
You may even purchase one for your child to help them become more comfortable with computers. Take a look at the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Review.
2. NUC8i3BEH Intel NUC8i3BEH NUC8i3BEH NUC8i3BEH – Mini PC with the Most Configurability
Intel NUC 8 NUC8i3BEH
Bottom Line: While the lack of fundamental features like as RAM and storage may seem uncommon, the NUC 8 provides the flexibility to configure the desktop on your own terms for about $400.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i3-8109U processor
- Iris Plus Graphics 655 from Intel
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- RAM is a user-installed component.
- User-installed storage is required.
Pros
- Good performance and a variety of options to select from
- Exceptionally adaptable
- There is a Type-C port accessible.
Cons
- Major components must be fitted individually.
- There isn’t a ready-to-use desktop here.
- Not recommended for usage in dusty conditions.
A $400 budget won’t buy you a powerful CPU or many cores, but it will offer you good entry-level processing.
This is only feasible if you utilize a standard Intel Core processor, which the Intel NUC 8 does.
However, since this is a barebones kit, you’ll need to install certain components on your own before you can use it.
This is the Core i3 version of the NUC, but be assured that it can offer even greater performance due to the availability of Core i5 and Core i7 processors, as well as larger form factors.
However, for our needs and the work at hand, the Core i3-8109U CPU in it delivers satisfactory results.
While performing simple activities like as surfing the web or editing documents, the two cores and four threads will not let you down.
As previously stated, extra components are required to operate the tiny PC. This includes RAM, storage disks, and other components that must be purchased individually.
This shouldn’t be a concern since adding them won’t significantly raise your spending, although it does depend on their size and brand.
Upgrading shouldn’t be a problem since there are two RAM slots, as well as a PCIe slot and a hard drive bay.
Bluetooth and WIFI are built-in, and all you have to do to utilize them is modify the BIOS settings.
The price of this NUC 8 version typically stays around $300, so keep an eye out for specials and discounts to buy it when it’s the best bargain.
3. ThinkCentre M900 from Lenovo – Business Desktop at a Low Price
Lenovo ThinkCentre M900
Bottom Line: The Lenovo ThinkCentre M900 may be the ideal sub-$400 desktop for regular home use or any corporate setting. It’s also very small, which makes it ideal for these reasons.
Features to look for:
Pros
- Size is quite little.
- Good specifications
- Ports in abundance
Cons
- Hyperthreading is not supported.
- There are minor hardware problems from time to time.
- Upgrades or expansions are limited.
The M900 from Lenovo is the next desktop, which, despite its age, may be quite useful. This desktop is a good option if your budget is $400 or less.
Any desktop at this price range is designed for light computing, but the M900 is also capable of running basic office software.
This desktop’s CPU, a Core i5-6500T, runs at a maximum speed of 3.1 GHz and enables hyper-threading.
However, unlike the current Core i5 choices of the same type, which have more cores and enable hyperthreading, it is a quad-core, four-threaded CPU.
It also comes with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB SSD. DDR4 RAM is installed, and the computer supports dual-channel memory.
Although the system specifications of this PC aren’t the most up-to-date, there are other things to appreciate about it.
Its small size, for example, makes it simple to store even in the smallest of spaces.
There are plenty of ports, most of which are on the rear panel, but some are also on the front. Check out our review of the Lenovo ThinkCentre M900.
4. Chromebox CX13 by Acer – Good Value
Sale
Acer Chromebox CX13
Bottom Line: The Chromebox 3 is the most affordable choice on our list, and it comes with the Google Chrome operating system. It’s also extremely tiny, and if you just have light web-based activities, it may be an effective desktop for around $400.
Characteristics:
- Intel Celeron 3867U processor
- Intel HD Graphics 610 integrated graphics
- Chrome OS is the operating system.
- 4 GB RAM
- 128 GB SSD storage
Pros
- It’s easy to use
- Good connections
- Working in a virus-free environment
Cons
- Because of the Chrome OS, there are some obvious restrictions.
- Thunderbolt 3 isn’t available right now.
- Higher variations are more costly.
The last option on our list isn’t another Windows small PC, but rather something a little different.
Windows isn’t the only suitable operating system for a budget PC, as we’ll discuss more in the tutorial that follows.
Chrome OS is just as capable of fulfilling your needs.
The Acer Chromebox is the first small PC, which comes with Chrome OS and an Intel Celeron processor to power it.
There are other models available with more powerful processors, but this is the most affordable one we could locate.
The Celeron 3867U CPU runs at 1.8 GHz and cannot be overclocked. Hyperthreading is also not supported by the two cores.
This may lead you to believe that the performance would be poor, however this is not the case.
You receive 4 GB of RAM, which is sufficient for running several applications or basic multitasking on Chrome OS.
It also has a 128 GB M.2 SSD for quick storage, as well as WIFI 5, a USB Type-C connector, and other key kinds of communication.
If you like Chrome OS, it’s worth a look at a price of around $300. Review of the Acer Chromebox CXI3.
Best Desktops Under $400 Buyer’s Guide
If you’re searching for a tower desktop, the price range of about $400 isn’t great, particularly if it’s prebuilt.
Those of you who are willing to construct a PC may now be able to get superior components.
Budget-conscious customers must forego some features, such as upgradability in this instance.
Some may argue that the PCs listed above do not provide a broad range of performance, which is somewhat correct.
While the budget option precludes the use of a dedicated GPU completely, the incorrect selection of even a single component may raise the price.
This does not, however, imply that you must purchase the cheapest components available, which can only offer low-range performance.
One of the most important things you must give up is significant upgradeability, and this is not due to a lack of funds. Rather, the size of the desktops is the issue in this instance.
Graphics may also be very costly, therefore we don’t see any other choice than to depend on integrated solutions.
Even yet, there are certain things you just cannot overlook.
Such topics have been covered in depth below, and we hope you’ve learned all you need to know.
OS
When working with a limited budget, such as one of less than $400, the most common storage choices are Windows or Chrome OS.
You’d have to pay a lot more money to get the Mac OS, which is better suited to people who need greater performance.
Most desktops and small PCs run on the Windows operating system. It adds a lot of functionality while also improving hardware and software support.
It does, however, take up a significant amount of room.
When utilizing tiny storage, such as an SSD or eMMC, this becomes a major issue. However, external drives are always an option.
The Google Chrome OS is another choice, which is a lightweight and basic operating system that is also virus-free.
Even yet, it has limits, and a lack of storage space on your desktop from the start may be a problem.
With a Chromebox, you’ll need access to cloud storage that makes things simpler in more ways than one.
Processor
The CPU is the first and most important item to select since it is likely the most costly component of your sub $400 PC.
The appropriate CPU would fit within your budget while also ensuring that you didn’t have to sacrifice performance.
So, what are your options? When constructing your PC or choosing components separately, you may utilize standard Core i3 or Ryzen 3 CPUs.
Finding such a desktop from a company that sets the price tag of prebuilt desktops according to their requirements, on the other hand, might be a bit of a challenge.
These are uncommon, but not hard to get by.
Intel’s Celeron and AMD’s Athlon series are the more straightforward choices. These are designed for people like you who value light performance at a low cost.
If the members of your family or coworkers do not use any demanding software or apps, such a CPU may meet a range of requirements, including yours and your family’s or colleagues’.
One thing to consider is if the CPU enables hyperthreading, regardless of the number of cores.
Not that you’d need more than four cores in this case, but hyper-threading on a dual-core CPU may be just as effective.
A CPU’s clock rate, among other things, affects its performance while doing a job.
However, since CPUs with higher clock rates may be very costly, it cannot be given much weight here.
A CPU with a maximum clock rate of 2-3 GHz is undoubtedly modest by 2024 standards, but it will suffice.
Graphics
Then there’s graphics, and having a dedicated GPU on a desktop-like device would be tough unless you got to handpick each component.
Not only that, but other system requirements, such as the CPU and RAM, must be fulfilled as well, otherwise the GPU will be rendered worthless.
As we have said, sticking to integrated graphics may be the best option. Intel’s integrated graphics are adequate for basic tasks, while AMD’s Vega series is somewhat superior.
If you can afford it, a Ryzen APU is preferable than similar Intel integrated GPUs in terms of graphics performance.
It is your best chance for excellent graphics if you have a budget of about $400.
Even those with a larger budget may not need a separate GPU since the integrated one suffices.
Unless you choose an old CPU, which we do not recommend, any graphics included with the processor should be enough for everyday usage.
RAM
The RAM in a computer is what keeps the processor going, and a certain quantity of RAM would be required in your case as well.
You’d think that a $400 desktop would have limited RAM, but this isn’t necessarily the case.
It depends greatly on the model you select, since some of them provide up to 8 GB of memory for such a low price.
Because the CPU is maintained at a low level, and the typical RAM module is not particularly expensive, such specifications may be put together at a cheap cost.
You benefit since the desktop may be utilized for a longer period of time without the need to update the RAM.
Because we aren’t concerned about performance, a single or dual-channel RAM setup would make no difference.
For the same reason, RAM speed and frequency should be unimportant here. Nothing to be concerned about as long as the average RAM speed is maintained.
However, you should ensure that there is at least one open RAM slot so that you may expand it later.
Not only that, but having more than one slot for RAM improves the desktop’s overall dependability.
Storage
Only when you have adequate storage on your computer will it be helpful.
However, because of the financial constraints, both the kind and amount of storage may not always be to your taste.
In lightweight PCs, hard drives or eMMC storage are the storage choices, although both have performance and space limitations.
A smaller SSD may be utilized if you can live with less capacity but require greater speed, as you can see in some of the finest under $400 (or near) options listed above.
If your desktop allows you to add additional storage, SATA SSDs are the way to go since NvME slots aren’t available.
Most small-sized desktops still enable you to add a storage drive, but you may always utilize external disks if yours doesn’t.
These may be hard disks or SSDs, and flash storage is another option.
Connectivity
It is critical that the PC provides the appropriate connection, regardless of how limited your budget is or whatever form factor you choose.
Most recent models include USB Type-C ports, so make sure you have one on your desktop as well, especially if you don’t want to pay more than you have to.
There must be extra USB 3.0 ports, since USB 2.0 ports are rapidly becoming obsolete.
Ethernet, a headphone connection, and a card reader are examples of additional ports that may be useful to you.
Aside from that, some basic connection is required, such as WIFI, Bluetooth, and so on, and it’s ideal if these are included with the PC when you purchase it.
The motherboard in micro PCs is very compact, and you may not have simple access to it.
To prevent complications, it’s preferable to have adapters for both already installed, even if it means spending a bit more than $300.
Upgradability
Yes, we mentioned that one of the things you may have to compromise with a cheap PC is upgradability, and it’s true that tiny PCs don’t allow for many updates.
However, this does not rule out the possibility of future updates to the PC.
No matter how inexpensive a desktop is, certain fundamental upgrades, like as RAM, are required.
Many times, replacing an outdated RAM module with a newer one with greater memory has improved the speed and responsiveness of a PC.
If you can’t increase the RAM on a desktop, it’s best to search for another alternative that costs less than $300.
Graphics upgrades would be limited unless the PC has available PCIe slots. However, they are very uncommon in small PCs or AIOs in this price range, leaving storage as the only option.
At this price, a tower would undoubtedly provide you with additional storage disks, but you won’t find that on a small PC.
Accessories
Regardless of whether you purchase the cheapest or most costly desktop, a PC is only functional if you have the appropriate peripherals to utilize it.
RGB peripherals and a high refresh rate on the display aren’t necessary for a low-end desktop, but there are a few additional considerations.
The most important thing to remember is to get at least an FHD monitor. Although some of the PCs we listed support 4K, you don’t necessarily need to purchase a 4K monitor to use them.
A 1080p resolution is the minimum, and you may go higher if necessary.
The monitor’s screen size must also be determined depending on how you plan to use it.
The typical 24-30 inch range would be ideal if you wanted to keep your total costs modest.
It’s up to you if you need more than one display, which may need a little increase in your budget from $300.
There are a variety of peripherals that one may need, but for basic use, a decent keyboard, mouse, speakers, and a camera are required.
The quality of these gadgets will be determined by your preferences and convenience.
Putting It All Together
Even at a lower price point of $300 or so, there are several good prebuilt alternatives to consider. Things may still be perplexing for people who do not want to get involved in the intricacy of creating a desktop on their own.
Make a point of remembering what we recommended, and you may just end up getting the greatest bang for your buck.
If you got your first computer just for games or school, then you have likely had to upgrade in the past to handle these tasks, or if you are a student, then you probably need it for class. Regardless, a desktop is likely one of your most important computing devices. So, what should you get for its first upgrade?. Read more about best desktop computers 2024 and let us know what you think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best home computer for 2024?
The best home computer for 2024 is the Acer Predator Triton 700.
How much is a good PC in 2024?
A good PC in 2024 would be around $800.
What is the best budget PC 2024?
The best budget PC for 2024 is a computer that has a processor with at least four cores, 8 GB of RAM, and an SSD.
Related Tags
This article broadly covered the following related topics:
- best budget pc
- best desktop computer under 500
- best budget desktop 2018
- best budget pc build
- cheap gaming pc
