We are constantly looking for the best performance, and this is also the case when we decide to buy a computer. Should you get a desktop or a laptop? What do we need ? Today, there is the solution best suited to the greatest number of people: the “all-in-one” PC.

Good to know before purchasing:

• An all-in-one PC takes up less space than a desktop computer, but remains less practical than a laptop depending on its uses.
• The screens of some of the all-in-one PCs are touchscreen. This allows you to work on many things, but also to use it as your tablet for your games or videos or even your design and computer graphics work.
• They are suitable for the greatest number of people, professionals and individuals alike, but have some shortcomings, especially when you are looking for a desktop computer solely for playing your online games.

Comparison of the best all in one PCs

Are you looking for an all-in-one PC? Here is a complete and detailed comparison of the best models on the market!

1. Lenovo Ideacentre AIO 3: The all-in-one desktop computer you need!

2. MECHAZER Z1: The high-performance All In One PC that attracts attention

3. Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 24IMB05: The 2-in-1 desktop designed to make you productive

4. HP Pavilion 24-k1010ng: A mega powerful All in One PC!

5. MECHAZER Z1 Pro: The all-in-one PC that gives you great comfort

6. ASUS Zen AiO 24: The all-in-one PC with extraordinary performance!

What exactly is an all-in-one PC?

An all-in-one PC (or all-in-one in French) has this name because it brings together all the components of a desktop computer on the same device.

Indeed: the screen, the tower, the keyboard and the mouse become one. Everything is in one place, like on laptops, which has many advantages and disadvantages.

Even if having everything on a single monoblock is practical in terms of saving space, it can prove problematic when the PC encounters some technical problems. 

What are the differences between an all-in-one PC and a desktop or laptop PC?

The first thing is already the cables. When on the classic desktop computer you can end up with around ten different cables (for the tower, for the screen, for the mouse, for additional devices, etc.) with an all-in-one PC you don't have to than the power supply cable to be plugged into the mains, since all the other components are already integrated into the device!  

The all-in-one PC is also more compact than the classic desktop computer thanks to this: saving space and saving time for connections! 

As for the differences with a laptop PC, let's already note the performance. An all-in-one PC is made to combine the best of both devices: it will therefore be more efficient than a laptop PC in terms of memory and processor, for example.  

Let's also not forget to talk about the battery: integrated into a laptop PC, it allows it to be used even when it is not connected to a power supply ; this is not the case for an all-in-one PC.  

The advantages of an all-in-one PC 

• Save space: no more cables and wires getting tangled everywhere!
• More compact and more aesthetic design than a traditional desktop computer or laptop
• Possibility of rotating the screen, to be able to use it in landscape or portrait mode
• Very practical touch screen on certain models
• Non-integrated battery, which makes it lighter

The disadvantages of an all-in-one PC

• Watch out for a breakdown! If a part needs to be changed, the entire device must be overhauled!
• Not suitable for uses requiring a gaming PC
• The non-integrated battery which prevents you from moving it without turning it off

As you will have understood, buying an all-in-one PC can be a good alternative when you want to have a office tool that does not take up too much space on your desk; which is more aesthetic and practical to install and maintain than a traditional desktop computer! In addition, its touch screen options and the possibility of a rotating screen make the device more practical and more interactive if you use it for your computer graphics work or drawings!

On the other hand, if a part needs to be changed, you run the risk of having to completely change the device, because all the components are on a single-piece structure.

Is an all-in-one PC suitable for all uses?

As seen previously: NO , an all-in-one PC will not necessarily be best suited to all the uses you make of it.

For family use, that is to say for surfing the Internet, watching photos, videos or even playing certain games, they are also very good: the interactive touch screen which exists on certain models also allows to enjoy it even more.

For uses of " gamer ", there will rather be considering turning to a special "gamer" computer to be able to fully enjoy your online games. All-in-one PCs do not have the speed or memory to be able to install, store and load these games optimally, so they are not advised for "strictly" play use.

You will have understood: the all-in-one PC is primarily aimed at professionals. Everything has been thought of for them, from saving space and time to the touchscreen and rotating features of the screen.  

Whether you work in pure office automation (secretarial work, accounting); or in IT fields (web designer, community manager, SEO expert); or even in more artistic activities (graphic designer, content creator, photographer/retoucher) these all-in-one PCs were created to make your life easier.  

Criteria to see before purchasing!

What screen size is best suited?

Given the number of hours we spend in front of our screens today, it is essential to choose screens adapted to our needs and uses.

When you are looking to acquire an all-in-one PC, as with all other PCs, you must also think about the screen size you want to have. Are you more comfortable on a wide screen or do you prefer screens that don't take up too much space?

PC screen sizes are generally listed in inches (1 inch is approximately 2.5 cms), and there are several sizes to choose from, from 5 to 27 inches (12.5 cms to 67.5 cms approximately).

Also think about the use you will have of your PC: will you only use it for office automation or for any other work requiring an IT tool, or will you rather use it for your entertainment (watching videos , drawings, games)?

22 to 27 inch screens are the most common screens on the market, but a screen size of 15 to 19 inches is generally sufficient for office use; for video games, it is better to opt for a large screen of at least 24 inches in order to benefit from optimal quality.

What other information do you need to know about the screen?

Also consider the resolution and ratio of your PC screen. 

The resolution corresponding to the number of pixels displayed in height and width on your screen (1900 x 1080 pixels being a high definition screen), having a high resolution allows you to have more space on your computer desk and a very good image quality. 

You should also know that “very high definition” resolutions are available (QHD: 2560 x 1440, 4K: 3840 x 2160, 5K: 5120 x 2880, Ultralarge: 3840 x 1080) but that taking the highest resolution is not not recommended depending on the screen size in inches you choose.

The ratio, for its part, corresponds to the size of the screen. You have the choice between 4:3 and 16:9 (the latter being the most common and being the panoramic ratio).  

Good to know: to find out more about high resolution PC screens, discover our comparison of the best 4K monitors !

Which processor to choose?

When choosing a new all-in-one PC, try to take an interest in its processor: being the central part of your PC, it is what allows your computer to function correctly and satisfy you whatever your use.

Functioning as the brain of the PC , it is therefore important to know which processor is included in your all-in-one PC before purchasing it.

For many years, Intel and MHD have been increasingly innovating to stay at the top of processor sales. Possessing 1 to 8 cores (2 cores: Dual Core , 4 cores: Quad Core , 8 cores: Octo Core ), or even 18 or even 64 cores for the very latest generations, the number of cores that your processor has allows it to be more efficient by being able to carry out several tasks at once.

Although there are other manufacturers, it is most likely that your PC will be equipped with one of these two processors when purchased.

Don't panic : You don't need to be an expert to choose the right processor! Find out more from the seller or reseller who will be able to advise you best depending on the uses you are going to make of your PC!

Depending on the use you are going to have of your all-in-one PC, it will be wise to look at the processor it is equipped with. Indeed, not all processors are equal in terms of power and speed.

Intel and AMD equivalences and uses:

• Intel Celerion/Pentium Silver or AMD Ryzen 3: correspond to entry-level.

• Core i3: corresponds to the entry level. This software will only be Dual Core .

• Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 : corresponds to the mid-range. This software will be the perfect software for pure office automation, if you do not use too much advanced software.

 • Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7: correspond to the higher range. It will be recommended for all advanced uses of photo editing or video editing software for example, but it will be necessary to ensure that it is associated with a dedicated graphics card.

• Intel Core i9 : just like the i7, it corresponds to the higher range.

Remember: An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor will be more than sufficient for basic, daily use. Beyond that, choose Core i7/Core i9 or Ryzen 7 in order to have higher performance. You can consult our page dedicated to PC processors .

Be careful, however, that your graphics card is well suited to the processor you want to choose.

What storage capacity should you choose?

Depending on how you use your PC, you should carefully choose the storage capacity of your device. Indeed, if you want to store a lot of data on your computer (photos, videos, software, tables, texts, etc.) you will certainly need a large memory capacity.  

There are 3 types of memory on a computer:

• RAM: or “ Random Access Memory ” or random access memory, which stores your data temporarily

• The HDD: or the hard drive of your computer , on which you will be able to store the data that you process more or less permanently; the software you use or the work you have done (paintings, photo editing, etc.)

• The SDD: or “ Solid State Drive ” which is also a hard drive, except that it has no mechanical part and is much faster than a traditional hard drive

About RAM:

When you buy an all-in-one PC, you should focus on these components if you need a lot of storage space for your activities. 

Indeed, the RAM spaces required are not the same for all uses:

• If you only do office automation: 8 GB of RAM will be necessary and sufficient

• For simple work and basic photo editing: between 16 GB and 32 GB of RAM will be necessary

• If you use a lot of software and do advanced editing: 64 GB will be the minimum to have enough memory capacity

RAM capacities vary today from 1 GB to 128 GB.

About HDD and SSD:

The first notable difference is the operation of these two hard drives: HDDs are older generation storage devices that operate mechanically (moving read/write head to access data). SDDs , on the other hand, are more recent and work with a system of instantly accessible memory chips on which your data is stored.

Whereas previously desktops and laptops only came with HDDs, all-in-one PCs usually only come with SSDs (only a few offer both) .

Depending on the model range of your all-in-one PC (entry-level, high-end) the storage capacity will not be the same. Thus, you can find all-in-one PCs with only 128GB of SSD and others with more than 500 GB, or even 2 TB.

Frequently Asked Questions :