Best Desktop Computer For Online Teaching

Best Desktop Computer for Online Teaching
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Are you looking for the best desktop computer for online teaching? If your answer is yes, then allow us to recommend the Dell Optiplex 9020. This computer has all you need to aid you in your online teaching profession, as you will learn in the blog review below.

Comparison Table for the Best Desktop Computer for Online Teaching

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ProductImageSpecifications
1Dell Optiplex 9020Form Factor: Small Form Factor Tower
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 16GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 512GB SSD
Graphics Card: Integrated Intel HD
Connection Ports: 4 USB 3.0, 6 USB 2.0, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 VGA, 2 DisplayPort, 2 Audio-in, 2 Audio-out
2Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3Form Factor: All-in-one
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Hard Disk Storage: 512GB SSD
Graphics Card: Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
Connection Ports: 1 USB 3.1, 2 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 3-in-1 card reader
3Acer Aspire TC-895-UA92Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 12GB DDR4
Hard Disk Storage: 512GB SSD
Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Connection Ports: 1 USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 1, 5 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 USB 2.0, 2 HDMI, 1 Gigabit Ethernet
4Acer Aspire C27-962-UA91Form Factor: All-in-one
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 12GB DDR4
Hard Disk Storage: 512GB SSD
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce MX130
Connection Ports: 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 HDMI, 1 Ethernet RJ-45
5ACEPC AK2Form Factor: Mini PC
Processor: Intel Celeron
RAM: 6GB DDR3
Hard Disk Storage: 120GB SSD
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics
Connection Ports: 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0, 2 HDMI, 1 Gigabit Ethernet
6HP Envy TE01-1022Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel Core i7
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Hard Disk Storage: 1TB HDD, 512GB SSD
Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Connection Ports: 1 Base-T Network, 4 USB Type-A, 1 USB Type-C, 4 USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 HDMI, 1 VGA
Dell Inspiron 3880Form Factor: Tower
Processor: Intel Core i5
RAM: 12GB DDR4
Hard Disk Storage: 512GB SSD
Graphics Card: Intel UHD Graphics 630
Connection Ports: 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI 1.4b, 1 VGA, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet

Compare The Top 7 On One Page

Favorites for the Best Desktop Computer for Online Teaching

1. Dell Optiplex 9020Number 1 Best Desktop Computer for Online Teaching

Design

The Dell Optiplex 9020 is regarded as a small form factor tower computer.

Small form factor computers are smaller when compared to regular-sized tower computers.

A good example is this computer in review; its size dimensions are 11.4 x 12.3 x 3.7 inches.

Hence, you can set the computer on your desk, and it won’t take up much space.

Besides being recommended for online teaching, it is also perfect for schools, business owners, and home offices.

This computer, just like most computers in the Dell Optiplex series, comes with a black casing.

There is a silver mesh cover that is located at the front.

4 USB ports, a headphone port, a microphone port can be seen in the front.

The DVD-Drive opening can also be found in front.

All other ports are located at the back, according to the traditional design for most tower computers.

This Dell computer has a solid build which makes it durable and resistant.

It weighs 13.47 pounds.

If you buy this computer, you will get a free USB keyboard and mouse.

Hence, you get to save some extra cash on these items, which you would have to purchase separately.

Connectivity

Given that you will be using the computer for online teaching, it is necessary to have certain connectivity ports.

Therefore, this Optiplex computer is fitted with 4 USB 3.0, 6 USB 2.0, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, 1 VGA, 2 DisplayPort, 2 Audio-in, and 2 Audio-out.

The presence of the USB ports enables you to connect supported USB devices to the computer.

Good examples of such devices are the free USB keyboard and mouse we mentioned above.

You can also connect a smartphone, tablet, or even a USB flash drive via the USB ports.

Then you can make file transfers from those devices to your computer and vice versa.

Teaching materials, aids, and software can be transferred to your computer this way.

Also, since this computer does not come with a monitor, you will have to connect to one.

This can be done using either the VGA port or the DisplayPorts.

In fact, because of these ports, you can directly connect the computer to three display screens at once.

Although for online teaching, we do not see the need to do so.

To carry out online teaching, one has to be online in the first place.

Therefore, you need to stay connected to the internet, and this computer offers that solution via the RJ-45 Ethernet port.

With this port, you can connect to a LAN or WAN device, which grants you access to the internet.

The audio-in ports allow you to connect microphones to the computer.

While the audio-out port allows the connection of headphones and external speakers.

Features and Performance

The Optiplex 9020 is equipped with an Intel Core i5-4570 Quad-core processor.

It can reach a maximum clock speed of 3.2GHz.

We reckon this to be more than adequate for your online teaching purposes.

Furthermore, to ensure that your current tasks run smoothly, this computer makes use of 16GB DDR3 RAM.

This RAM capacity allows the computer to manage multiple programs at the same time.

Hence, it is perfect for online teaching, given that you will have to run multiple programs simultaneously.

More so, speaking of programs, you can store all your programs on the computer’s 512GB SSD.

As far as we are concerned, we don’t see you filling up this storage with your basic teaching programs.

Therefore, it means you have enough storage capacity at your disposal for other things like documents, music, videos, etc.

Because the storage is SSD, you are guaranteed that files will be retrieved at a faster rate when compared to HDD computers.

This is why none of the computers on this list are fitted with HDD storage.

Apart from speed, SDD is more reliable and durable.

Online teaching requires quality graphics since you will, in most cases, be having live video teachings.

While this is true, this graphics demand is not high-end when compared to playing certain high-end games.

Therefore, Integrated Intel HD graphics which this computer sports, can handle the graphics need for your online teaching.

One of the important things also needed is a good operating system that allows you to interface with the computer.

This is provided on this computer via a pre-installed Windows 10 Pro.

Therefore, you don’t have to worry about installing an operating system after purchasing this computer.

Pros

Audio-in and audio-out ports

Cons

It can be hot at times

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2. Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3

Design

The next computer on this list for the best desktop computer for online teaching is an all-in-one computer.

All-in-one computers differ from tower computers and mini-computers because they are designed with display screens.

A monitor and a computer unit are merged into one device, similar to how a laptop is designed.

However, a laptop has a keyboard and mouse as part of the device, while an all-in-one computer has these devices separately.

In other words, the monitor and computer unit make up a single device while you still have a regular keyboard and mouse.

The fact that all-in-one computers come with display screens is a major advantage for these computers.

This is because you don’t have to worry about getting a monitor.

Speaking of the monitors of all-in-one computers, the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 sports a 24-inch monitor.

This monitor is designed with a narrow bezel which provides you with a wider viewing area.

We will discuss the features and performance of this screen in the features and performance section below.

This computer has a stand that curves out from the back of the monitor.

Also, the stand allows the computer to tilt, thereby offering you ergonomic comfort as you choose your best-suited position.

The computer’s back is black.

A built-in webcam allows you to record videos and carry out live video teaching.

The webcam has a manual shutter that allows you to protect your privacy by covering the webcam with a button click.

This computer weighs 21.6 pounds and has size dimensions of 21.3 x 7.28 x 17.61 inches.

All-in-one computers are, in most cases, more expensive than tower computers; therefore, you need to consider this.

Connectivity

All the following connectivity ports are located at the back of this computer: 1 USB 3.1, 2 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI, 1 RJ-45 Ethernet, and a 3-in-1 card reader.

The USB ports and the RJ-45 Ethernet provide the same functions as discussed above when we reviewed the Dell Optiplex 9020.

Although this computer has its screen, you can still connect an external screen to the computer.

You might need to do this if you need a larger screen, but we don’t see you having such a need as far as online teaching is concerned.

Anyway, the HDMI port allows you to do such.

Not only can you use the USB ports for file transfers, but the 3-in-1 card reader slot can also serve this function.

Just insert your memory card into the slot, and you are good to go.

Features and Performance

This IdeaCentre AIO computer features an AMD Ryzen 5 4500U Quad-core mobile processor.

This processor can easily manage multiple programs and multitasking, which is necessary during online teaching.

More so, this computer’s multitasking ability is further enhanced thanks to its 16GB DDR4 RAM.

Although the RAM capacity is the same as that of our number 1 computer on this list, the RAM type is different.

DDR4 RAMs are much faster than DDR3 RAMs, and this is an advantage you will get if you choose to buy this computer.

Storage-wise, this all-in-one computer uses 512GB SSD, which is the same as that of the Optiplex 9020.

Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics handles all the graphic needs of this computer.

Let’s look at the features of the display screen briefly.

It is a Full HD screen with 1920 x 1080 pixels.

Therefore, you can rest assured that you are getting quality resolution with high-quality picture detail.

Furthermore, this monitor employs IPS panel technology.

Therefore, you get a wider viewing angle, allowing you to experience uniform color display across the screen.

Apart from that, the colors are much richer and sharper.

Windows 10 is pre-installed on this computer.

Pros

Sleek design

Strong processor performance

Private Webcam

Cons

Runs hot sometimes

Ports are difficult to reach

Click on the Image Above to Buy the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 from Amazon Now!

3. Acer Aspire TC-895-UA92

Design

The Acer Aspire TC-895-UA92 also a tower computer.

A USB keyboard and mouse are sold along with this computer.

The design of this computer is akin to traditional tower computers as it has a black casing.

Also, 2 USB ports, a headphone port, a microphone port, and the DVD-Drive opening are in the front.

The back has the rest of the ports, which we discuss in the next subheading.

On the left, an air vent is visible and is responsible for airflow in and out of the computer.

You can enjoy high-definition audio thanks to the built-in 5.1 channel surround support speakers.

This computer’s weight and size dimensions are 14.04 pounds and 13.78 x 6.42 x 13.39 inches, respectively.

Connectivity

This Acer computer is fitted with 1 USB 3.2 Type-C Gen 1, 5 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 2 USB 2.0, 2 HDMI, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port.

It also has Bluetooth 5.1 and dual-band 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.1.

Hence, you can connect wirelessly to Bluetooth-supported as well as Wi-Fi devices.

Features and Performance

The TC-895-UA92 makes use of an Intel Core i5-10400 processor.

This Hexa-core 10th Generation processor has a maximum clock speed of 4.3GHZ.

Hence, it can handle any program and task efficiently.

This computer uses 12GB DDR4 RAM, which is lower than our best desktop computer for online teaching.

Although it has a lower RAM capacity, it has a better RAM type and can execute tasks faster since it has a 2666MHz memory speed.

It is similar to the Dell Optiplex 9020 storage-wise as both employ 512GB SSD.

It also uses integrated graphics in Intel UHD Graphics 630, and the operating system pre-installed is Windows 10 Home.

Pros

Sleek design

USB Type-C

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Cons

Somewhat confined interior

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4. Acer Aspire C27-962-UA91

Design

The Acer Aspire C27-962-UA91 is another all-in-one computer on this list.

It comes with a black wireless mouse and keyboard, unlike the Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 with a wired keyboard and mouse.

The 27-inch monitor is designed with edgeless borders.

Hence it makes the viewing area appear wider.

The computer has a black back cover and a silver stand.

Even more, the stand offers tilt adjustment that enables you to enjoy comfort while you work.

The two built-in speakers found on this computer can produce incredible stereo sound.

More so, the 1.0MP HD High-Sense webcam can be used to make video calls or video recordings.

This webcam can be manually shut by sliding the shutter.

Doing this will protect your privacy from spies when it is not in use.

This computer’s size dimensions are 24.21 x 0.27 x 17.72 inches, and its weight is 14.82 pounds.

Connectivity

This Acer computer is fitted with a 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 1 HDMI, and 1 Ethernet RJ-45 port.

It also has Bluetooth 5.0 for connection to Bluetooth devices and 802.11ac Wi-Fi for connection to other wireless devices.

Features and Performance

The C27-962-UA91 makes use of an Intel Core i5-1035G1 processor.

This 10th Generation Quad-core processor’s maximum clock speed is 3.6GHz.

Hence, it is more than fast to run your online teaching software.

Like the Acer Aspire computer above, this Acer Aspire computer also sports 12GB DDR4 RAM.

This guarantees you efficiency and speed when multitasking.

Therefore, you are guaranteed speed and efficiency.

It also uses 512GB SSD for file and program storage.

The Aspire C27-962-UA91 is the only computer on this list for the best desktop computer for online teaching to use a dedicated graphics card.

With the Nvidia GeForce MX130, you can rest assured that you will enjoy top-quality graphics with rich colors.

And as a result of the Full HD resolution of the computer’s monitor, you get to enjoy these graphics in high-quality detail.

Furthermore, the color richness is enhanced since the monitor is an IPS display.

All this will be run on a pre-installed Windows 10.

Pros

Great processor performance

Superb build

Cons

Hardware issues

Poor quality speakers

It can be loud at times

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5. ACEPC AK2

Design

The ACEPC AK2 is the only Mini PC on this list for the best desktop computer for online teaching.

Mini PCs are very portable and are good for traveling teachers.

For instance, this particular computer is just 5.51 x 5.51 x 1.89 inches, and it weighs 1.9 pounds only.

This computer has a grey casing, and all the ports we discuss are located around the sides.

Connectivity

This ACEPC has the following connectivity ports: 2 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0, 2 HDMI, and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port.

It has Bluetooth 4.2 and dual-band Wi-Fi.

Features and Performance

The AK2 features an Intel Celeron J3455 Quad-core processor.

Its base clock speed is 1.5GHz, and the burst mode speed is 2.3GHz.

While this might look low compared to others on this list, it is sufficient to run all your online teaching programs.

As expected, it also sports the lowest RAM and Storage on this list.

It is fitted with 6GB DDR3 RAM and 120GB SSD.

Before you complain, allow us to assure you that this RAM capacity is perfect for your needs.

In fact, the RAMs of the computers reviewed so far are a bit of overkill for the work you’ll be using them for.

More so, you can still expand the storage by replacing the SSD with higher capacity storage.

The maximum capacity is 2TB, and you can use either SSD or HDD.

Another way to expand the storage is to use a Micro SD card and install it in the card reader slot on the computer.

The maximum card capacity that can be used for this is 128GB.

With Intel HD Graphics, this computer will efficiently run all your graphics tasks.

You enjoy all this on a pre-installed Windows 10 Pro.

Pros

Supports 4K video

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Storage can be expanded.

Cons

No USB Type-C

Click on the Image Above to Buy the ACEPC AK2 on Amazon Now!

6. HP Envy TE01-1022

Design

HP Envy TE01-1022 is a tower computer, and it comes in a nightfall-black casing.

You also get a black USB keyboard and mouse when you buy this computer.

The front of the computer is designed with parallel vertical lines that give the computer a unique look.

The power button, a headphone/microphone port, 4 USB Type-A ports, 1 USB Type-C port, and a card reader slot are found in front.

The computer’s size dimensions and weight are 11.97 x 6.12 x 13.28 inches and 13.14 pounds, respectively.

Connectivity

1 Base-T Network, 4 USB Type-A, 1 USB Type-C, 4 USB 2.0 Type-A, 1 HDMI, and 1 VGA are the connectivity ports found on this computer.

It also has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2.

Features and Performance

The TE01-1022 features an Intel Core i7-10700 processor.

It makes use of 16GB RAM for running your tasks.

This HP computer has the largest storage capacity on this list for the best desktop computer for online teaching.

It sports 1TB HDD ad 512GB SSD, and it uses Intel UHD Graphics 630.

It is pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro.

Pros

USB Type-C

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Cons

Limited expansion room

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7. Dell Inspiron 3880

Design

The Dell Inspiron 3880 is the last but not least computer on this list for the best desktop computer for online teaching.

It is a tower computer, and like most of the tower computers on this list, it is packaged with a free USB mouse and keyboard.

It comes in a black casing and has a patterned-line design at the front.

The DVD-Drive opening, 2 USB 2.0 ports, 2 USB 3.2 ports, a card reader, an audio combo port, and the power button are also at the front.

This computer’s size dimensions are 12.77 x 6.06 x 11.54 inches, and it weighs 14.77 pounds.

Connectivity

This Dell computer is fitted with 4 USB 3.2 Gen 1, 4 USB 2.0, 1 HDMI 1.4b, 1 VGA, and 1 RJ-45 Ethernet port.

It also sports 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Features and Performance

The Inspiron 3880 makes use of an Intel Core i5-10400 processor.

This 10th Generation has a 12MB cache, 2.9GHz base clock speed, and a maximum clock speed of 4.3GHz.

It runs current tasks on its 12GB DDR4 RAM, and it stores files and programs on the 512GB SSD.

While all graphical needs are handle by the Intel UHD Graphics 630.

Windows 10 Home is pre-installed on this computer.

Pros

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Audio combo port

Cons

Limited expandability

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Conclusion for the Best Desktop Computer for Online Teaching

We chose the Dell Optiplex 9020. as our best computer for online teaching after extensive research based on its unique qualities.

Therefore, you will be getting the best out of this computer.

Go ahead, click on the link above to buy yours now!