The best desktop for home studios is one that can be upgraded as your needs change. It should have enough power to handle the editing software you’ll use, but not so much that it’s too heavy or bulky.
The best budget desktop for music production 2020 is a topic that has been trending on the internet. This article will discuss 5 of the best desktops for home studios in 2021.
What are the finest Home Studio desktops? For artists and editors, having a good setup for audio or video recording at home is a must.
It’s extremely convenient since it eliminates the need to go to an outside studio for recording or editing, particularly considering the circumstances. This may be done in a similar manner at home, but in a more comfortable manner.
There are many different types of music, each of which requires a different set of abilities, and therefore there is a variation in the performers as well.
However, all types of audio and music creation require a set of instruments, the recording of voices, the mixing of recordings, and a computer to bring it all together.
Only with the proper editing software installed on the right PC can the best version of a track be produced.
Because of their mobility, laptops are also popular for this reason, but we’re talking about desktops here.
Specifically, 5 of the finest desktops that we believe are the best pre-built choices for a home studio right now.
These are very productive, and with your knowledge and experience, they may provide excellent outcomes.
We’ve also included a buyer’s guide at the end that may be used as a reference to what you should be searching for.
Many aspects must be addressed when purchasing a desktop for a home studio, and the buyer’s guide makes this process simpler.
Price of Home Studio Desktops
10th Gen Intel Core i7-10700K 8-Core up to 5.1 GHz CPU, XPS 8940 from Dell Special Edition Desktop,…
$2,699.00
1 used starting at $2,699.00
as at 6:39 a.m. on August 14, 2021
iMac (Apple) 2020 with 5K Retina Display (27-inch, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD Storage)
$1,879.00
$1,999.00
4 brand new starting at $1,879.00
From $1,630.47, 5 were utilized.
as at 6:39 a.m. on August 14, 2021
HP 27-inch Touchscreen All-in-One Desktop Computer, 16 GB RAM, 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7 Processor
$1,399.00
1 used starting at $1,399.00
as at 6:39 a.m. on August 14, 2021
Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7GHz, RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6, 16GB DDR4 3200, Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7GHz, RTX 3070 8GB GDDR6, Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop – AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 3.7
$1,999.99
3 new items starting at $1,999.99
as at 6:39 a.m. on August 14, 2021
Desktop Acer Aspire TC-875-UR13, Intel Core i5-10400 6-Core Processor, 8GB 2666MHz DDR4, Acer Aspire TC-875-UR13 Desktop, Acer Aspire TC-875-UR13 Desktop, Acer Aspire TC-875-UR13 Desktop, Acer Aspire TC-875-UR
$489.00
$549.99
10 brand new items starting at $489.00
as at 6:39 a.m. on August 14, 2021
The information on this page was last updated at 6:39 a.m. on August 14, 2021.
Minimum & Recommended System Requirements for Home Studio
Audio editing, mixing software, and DAWs such as FL Studio, Ableton Live, Reaper, and others must all be installed on any desktop used in a home studio.
Now, they recommend specifications such as the fastest CPU you can buy, as well as at least 4 GB of RAM and 4 GB of free storage space.
The least Windows version required varies per program, although Windows 8 and anything released after it should be supported by all. Some of them have Mac M1 versions as well.
So, these are the specifications you should look for on your new desktop:
Minimum System Requirements: Intel Core i5 CPU (10th generation preferred) Integrated Intel or AMD Graphics 256 GB SSD and secondary storage
Intel Core i7-1065G7 or higher CPU NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super or better GPU (if dedicated graphics is required at all) 32 GB RAM 512 GB or larger SSD
5 Best Home Studio Desktops for 2021:
Best Overall: 1. Dell XPS 8940 Special Edition Desktop
Dell XPS 8940
The XPS 8940 SE is currently one of the finest options for your home studio. There’s everything you’ll need for audio creation and editing tasks, including a dedicated GPU.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i7-10700 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Super graphics
- Windows 10 is the operating system.
- 32 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD Plus 3 TB HDD storage
Pros
- A good performance
- Excellent connections
- Easily upgradeable
Cons
- The design isn’t particularly appealing.
- Overclocking of the CPU is not possible.
- Not all of the time
The Dell XPS 8940 Special Edition we have here isn’t the most expensive, but it comes with a lot of features.
If you want a different setup, Dell can accommodate you as well.
The 10th generation Intel Core i7 processor that we have here is one of Intel’s most powerful desktop CPUs. It may not be overclockable, but it still provides enough performance.
A GTX 1650 Super GPU with 4 GB of VRAM is used for graphics. If you don’t need dedicated graphics, the standard XPS 8940 with integrated graphics should suffice.
There’s also 32 GB of RAM, which gives the CPU ample capacity for multitasking or heavy audio processing.
You may utilize the empty PCIe slots to install sound cards, which might be handy for your home studio.
There is also a lot of additional connections. USB 2.0, USB 3.1, and a USB Type-C port are all included.
This is a PC that is readily upgradeable, and even if you select a lesser version, a significant upgrade will not be difficult. Check out our review of the Dell XPS 8940 Desktop.
2. Apple iMac – 2nd place
Sale
Apple iMac
Bottom Line: If you require Mac OS optimization, AIO features, and are OK with the price tag of these machines, the Core i5 powered iMac is also something you may consider for a home Studio.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i5 processor
- AMD Radeon Pro 5300 graphics
- Macintosh Operating System
- 8 GB RAM
- 512 GB of storage
Pros
- Exceptional performance
- Features that provide good connection
- Upgrades to the RAM
Cons
- Very Expensive
- Only external storage may be added.
- Lower versions aren’t always the better option.
Many of you would rather have an AIO, and why not get one of the most powerful? The Apple iMac can keep up with your demands.
If you opt to purchase this 27″ model, it has the potential to be the primary desktop in your home studio setup.
The CPU in this model is a mid-tier Core i5 with a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and 6 cores, which will provide you the greatest performance possible while producing or editing music.
Our is one of the PCs on this list that you can rely on for top-notch audio processing in your home studio.
Then there’s the 512 GB of SSD storage, which you can’t expand with additional internal drives.
This one comes with enough of storage capacity by default, while the lesser Core i5 version comes with just 256 GB.
This has 8 GB of RAM and can be expanded, but only by a little amount. An AMD Radeon Pro 5300 GPU has been included for graphics processing.
As a result, you’ll be able to edit movies and utilize the gadget for design work without difficulty.
Thunderbolt ports and 5K display capabilities are also included, should you need them.
In addition, the Mac would be able to operate two 4K screens at once, which is a highly appealing feature.
The lesser versions’ high cost and limited storage may be a problem for the budget consumer.
However, if you’re looking to purchase a Mac, this one should be on your list. Take a look at the Apple iMac Review.
3. AIO HP 27 DP0180 – A Less Expensive, More Attractive iMac
HP 27 DP0180 AIO
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an AIO but don’t want to spend a lot of money, HP’s touch-enabled model is a fantastic alternative. It performs well and has a large enough screen for you to use in your home studio.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i7-1065G7 processor
- Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphics Intel Iris Plus Graphic
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- 16 GB RAM
- 512 GB of storage
Pros
- Design that is appealing
- Outstanding performance
- Exceptionally prolific
Cons
- Upgradability is limited.
- Not all of the time
- WIFI and Bluetooth aren’t the most up-to-date.
The HP AIO desktop is the PC with the most features in this collection. It has a stylish appearance, a touch screen display, plenty of performance, and nearly everything else an AIO should have.
The sleek 27-inch display is mounted on a stand that provides for some viewing angle flexibility. It has virtually no bezels, which allows for a wide viewing area.
Because of the touch-screen capabilities, your productivity will be much higher. This is the list’s only touch-screen desktop.
It, too, has a Core i7 processor and is somewhat less expensive than the Mac. The system also has 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD for storage.
With such specifications, the PC has adequate processing capacity to handle complicated and long audio sessions, and you’ll be able to run whatever software you need for your home studio on it with ease.
There is no possibility to install an external GPU since the visuals are generated by an inbuilt GPU.
This isn’t much of a problem, however, since most people using home studio PCs don’t need much graphics in the first place.
The PC includes a single HDMI out connection that may be used to connect a second monitor.
However, considering the AIO’s other features and pricing, the lack of a Type-C connection is rather surprising.
However, there are three USB Type-A ports available.
4. Shiva Gaming PC by SkyTech – Full-fledged Creator’s Workstation
SkyTech Shiva Gaming PC
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a decent desktop for your home studio, the SkyTech Shiva is a fantastic choice. Not only does it have a strong CPU, but it also has a great GPU for graphics-intensive applications.
Characteristics:
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600X processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- 16 GB RAM
- 1 TB SSD storage
Pros
- Features a plenty
- Exceptional performance
- Suitable for a broad range of applications, including gaming.
Cons
- More built-in storage would have been preferable.
- Not everyone need an RTX GPU.
- WIFI 6 is not available.
This SkyTech gadget is your best option if you need a gaming PC as well as a home studio desktop.
The PC can offer great performance and graphics capabilities for each of the two jobs.
You are also free to utilize this PC for a variety of other programs, such as video editing, ensuring that you get the most out of all it has to offer.
If you’re interested in RGB customisation, a gadget like this may appeal to you. The insides of the casing are viewable via a glass panel, and the case is white.
There is just enough RGB to give it a vibrant appearance without being overpowering. However, the PC’s excellent aesthetics aren’t the only reason it’s here.
The Skytech Shiva Gaming PC is powered by a Ryzen 5 5600X processor with 6 cores, 12 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 4.6 GHz.
The L3 cache is also very big, with 32 MB of instructions available for the CPU to utilize.
There’s also PCIe 4.0 support if you require more bandwidth.
The RTX 3070 GPU on this PC boasts 8 GB of VRAM, but you won’t need it if you’re not going to be performing graphics-intensive tasks.
Given the price, it seems to be a good deal that has adequate functionality, as well as upgradeability and the ability to operate multiple monitors.
Not only that, but there are plenty of ports, so you’ll never run out of places to plug in USB devices.
The desktop’s many applications make it a must-have for every music producer’s home studio. Check out our review of the Skytech Shiva Gaming PC.
5. Acer Aspire TC-875-UR13 Desktop – Excellent Value
Sale
Acer Aspire TC-875-UR13 Desktop
Bottom Line: As part of your home studio equipment, the Acer TC 875-UR-13 is a very cheap choice for you to consider. Its small size and up-to-date connection will undoubtedly be useful to you.
Characteristics:
- Intel Core i5-10400 processor
- Intel UHD 630 integrated graphics
- Windows 10 Home is the operating system.
- 8 GB RAM
- 512 GB SSD storage
Pros
- Good first-year performance
- Design that is compact
- Two monitors are supported.
Cons
- The expansion’s restricted breadth
- Only mid-priced choices are available.
- Upgrading your power supply may be difficult.
Among all of the expensive computers, this is the most cost-effective choice we could discover.
It may not have the greatest specifications, but it provides the best performance in this price range for everyday usage in your home studio.
This desktop has a 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 8 GB of DDR4 memory, and a 512 GB SSD. The graphics are integrated Intel HD 630, which should be sufficient.
The lack of a dedicated GPU shouldn’t be a problem since the Hexa-core CPU will handle the majority of the job.
There are USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 connections, as well as a USB Type-C port and WIFI 6, making it excellent in terms of connectivity.
The specifications aren’t top-of-the-line, but they make perfect sense if your job isn’t as demanding.
It does, however, allow for a few improvements, which should come in handy as your projects get more complicated.
This is also a fantastic option for those of you who are just getting started with music or audio creation.
If you are a newcomer to the field, this is an excellent option.
Before you buy a best desktop for home studio, there are a few things you should know.
While the choices we’ve discussed in this post are the simplest method to choose a new computer, this guide may also be useful.
Apart from all the other instruments you use, your home studio would be fully complete if you have a PC in your arsenal.
However, before you begin manufacturing, you must first create the appropriate environment. As someone who works in this field, you should be aware that certain modifications to the space in which you set up the studio are required.
Unwanted sounds may sneak in and distort your hard work if you don’t have the appropriate characteristics and furnishings.
Only when the room is ready can you bring in a computer and begin working.
The kind of PC setup you desire is determined by the job you perform and your budget. However, there are a few fundamentals that apply to everyone in this situation.
The following are the most essential considerations when planning, purchasing, or constructing a new PC for your home studio.
Processor
The CPU in your home studio desktop will make the most impact, particularly if you exclusively use it for audio recording.
This is partially due to the fact that audio creation has little to do with visuals. Another reason is that music creation is one of the most CPU-intensive activities a computer can do.
As a result, a powerful multi-core CPU is required for a seamless experience. It will affect the performance of any program you employ for the associated task.
But, now that every CPU on the market is multi-core, how many cores do you really need? You’ll need at least 4-8 functioning cores, as well as numerous threads, depending on the intensity of your job.
As you record or mix multiple songs at the same time, the difference between having more cores will become apparent.
When there is enough system memory, the PC will perform considerably better if there are many free cores available.
Not only does a PC with more cores function better, but it also works better when the processor it uses has a faster clock rate.
Tasks may be completed more rapidly with increased speed. However, without free cores, a higher clock rate would be ineffective.
You could even start working in your home studio with a dual-core CPU, but it wouldn’t last long as the workload or intricacy of the editing increased.
As a result, our recommendation is to go with at least a quad-core CPU and the maximum clock rate you can find.
Graphics
Whether or not you use graphics in your job will decide how important a GPU is on your desktop.
The majority of audio and video editors use separate computers for audio and video intensive operations.
Others, on the other hand, have a single PC with a powerful CPU and GPU.
This implies that they may use it for both audio and visual activities. You may think about it since it’s a desktop for a home studio.
As previously stated, music creation depends heavily on the CPU’s processing capacity.
However, even if the graphics onboard the CPU should enough in most cases, you may want to retain an entry-level dedicated GPU.
Again, this isn’t always essential, but a dedicated GPU may keep you safe if your PC’s integrated graphics fail to provide the required graphical performance.
RAM
After you’ve decided on a CPU and graphics card, you’ll need to think about RAM.
This is yet another critical feature of any home studio PC, since the CPU uses a significant amount of RAM to analyze the incoming audio chains.
You won’t be able to fully use the capabilities of your computer if you don’t have enough RAM, no matter how many cores it has or how fast it is.
It will also run at a slower rate than it should. The most serious issue, though, is that the computer would be prone to crashes.
If you have fewer difficult duties to cope with, 8 GB of RAM is what you should buy.
However, if you add another 8 GB to your PC, it will be capable of handling most audio processing jobs.
Although more RAM than 16 GB is seldom required, the usage of 32 GB memory is not commonplace.
When you have professional duties to do on your home studio PC, this is the case.
Storage
For his work, an audio producer need both expertise and reliable computer gear. He’ll also need storage for the completed products.
Not only that, but a lot of raw files are downloaded for mixing and editing, which necessitates storage.
The DAWs and other big software required for audio production are examples of this.
An SSD is required for main storage, and the larger the capacity, the better.
Though cost is a consideration, especially given the other high-cost equipment, you cannot usually spend a large amount on storage alone.
The answer to this is to maintain a hard drive for bigger files and an SSD for the required files on the desktop you use for your home studio.
External hard drives may also be used to transport your work from one location to another.
As a result, a 256 GB or 512 GB SSD combined with a 2 TB hard drive (internal or external) be enough.
You may always modify and choose the combination you believe is ideal for you.
Connectivity
One more element is required for a successful desktop, and that is connection. With so much equipment to connect, double-check that the PC has all of the necessary ports.
What matters now is that you have adequate ports to connect audio interfaces, headphones, microphones, and other devices.
You may want to utilize a USB hub if you have many pieces of equipment that would take up all of your USB ports on your desktop.
Some of them are very dependable and reasonably priced, so getting one for your home studio shouldn’t be difficult.
Make sure your desktop has a fast internet connection, which necessitates the use of an Ethernet slot.
To upload and download songs, software, and a variety of other items, you’d need access to the internet.
There must be facilities for wireless connectivity in addition to conventional ones.
This includes Bluetooth and WIFI, whose use may not be clearly stated.
Accessories
You’ll also need certain accessories in addition to the aforementioned components. These include a second monitor, since a dual-monitor configuration may help with music creation.
Then you’ll need headphones, microphones, cables, stands, and other audio-production-related equipment for your home studio.
You’ll also need a midi keyboard, which may be used for a variety of purposes.
Some of them include built-in controls, synthesizers, and other helpful features that you may find useful.
Yes, the keyboard that is used for typing is also required. If your budget permits, you may go with a wireless one.
Wireless keyboards save up space on your desk so you may use it for anything else.
Next, a mouse with side-scrolling capabilities may be quite useful.
A PC That Is Quiet
Your home studio setup will be faulty even if you have the appropriate equipment and gadgets if your PC produces noise while working.
Soundproofing the space in your home that you use as a studio is also needed since audio production needs a specific degree of noise-free environment.
Noise from your computer may be caused by a variety of factors, including overworking or overheated components, cooling fans, and so on.
However, undesirable sounds must be reduced, and you may do so by doing some of the following:
- Make use of a silent case.
- Examine the internal components’ performance and heat levels.
- Use cooling fans in such a manner that they can effectively cool the PC without making a lot of noise. There are certain fans that are built especially for noise-free operation, which you may look into.
- lowering the computer’s fan speed or workload
- You may also try liquid cooling, which would greatly reduce fan noise.
- Hard drives should be avoided since the rotating disks may make a lot of noise. SSDs are the most cost-effective option.
- If necessary, upgrade the heat sink.
- When one or more components are in need of replacement, upgrade them.
Putting the finishing touches on
Music production as a career takes time to develop, and it requires both talent and patience to succeed. There will be many failures if you are a novice, but you must maintain producing music, regardless of the genre.
Yes, you’ll also need a dependable computer system for your home studio, which is something we can assist you with.
The best computer for music production 2020 is a question that has been asked before. In 2021, there are many computers that will be released. They will all be better than the desktops of today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best home computer for 2021?
What should I look for in a 2021 desktop?
You should look for a desktop that has a powerful processor, a good amount of RAM, and the ability to support multiple video cards.
What is a good desktop computer for recording music?
If you are looking for a good desktop computer for recording music, I would recommend the HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop.
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