before you roll, the inevitable question is about whether you need a desktop computer or a portable laptop.

You might want toconsider building your own computer desk, too.

There are plenty of options below $200, but you should steer clear of them.

dirt-cheap-desktop-pc

The best cheap mini PC to buy off the shelf is theMinix NEO Z83-4, so start there.

The limitations are obvious.

The processor is also not the best you’ve seen.

Minix Neo Z83-4 is the cheapest desktop PC you should buy

It gets the job done for common tasks, but don’t ask too much of it.

And the box can’t be opened to upgrade parts.

Hey, at this budget, you expect some sacrifices.

Zotac Zbox CI325 nano is cheap and easy to upgrade later

Apart from that, the two devices are identical.

If you don’t need Windows 10 Pro, stick with the regular NEO Z83-4.

The big differentiator is that the Zotac Zbox CI325 nano is easy to upgrade.

Intel NUC6CAYH is a cheap mini PC with lots of storage space

you might launch the Zbox to find neat slots to add afast 2.5-inch SSDfor extra storage.

There’s also an additional memory slot to upgrade the limited 4GB RAM.

These are nice touches, since the Intel Celeron N3160 can benefit from the extra RAM while multi-tasking.

Acer Aspire Desktop TC-780 is the best cheap desktop computer for most users

But upgrades aside, there isn’t much else here.

Are these worth $70 more though?

That’s up to you.

Asus Chromebox 3 is a cheap desktop computer that supports Android apps and Linux programs

There is a wide range of specifications available in this same tiny box.You should want one too.

Choose the combination that best fits your budget.

Windows 10 is pre-installed, and the hardware is decent enough for most home and office tasks.

PC

It includes everything that someone in a home, home office, or small office would need.

One of those features is the integrated support for 802.11ac Wi-Fi.

Overall, the TC-780 makes sure there aren’t hidden costs.

Simply attach it to a monitor and you’re ready to go.

The hook of this machine is that Chrome OS runs better on such low-powered hardware.

The machine will also support Crostini, the new Chrome OS update that lets users install Linux programs.

Given what you’re able to install, the 32GB of storage will be insufficient.

You will want to add some extra storage space by using one of those three USB ports.

Build or Buy?

Generally, those work out cheaper than buying a pre-assembled computer.

The big reason behind this is Windows 10.