Best Desktop Computers with 8GB RAM (2025)

This guide focuses on helping you choose a desktop PC with 8GB RAM that fits real-world computing needs. If you’re working within a tighter budget, or you simply don’t need the highest-tier specs for your current workflow, this is for you.

We’re talking to home users, students, casual developers, and entry-level professionals who want stability, performance, and upgrade potential.

There’s a reason so many users start with 8GB RAM. It’s often the base spec on systems that feel fast out of the box and run most everyday software with no lag.

So let’s get real about the challenges. 8GB is enough, but barely, for today’s multitasking environment. You’re working with browser-heavy apps, modern OS updates, frequent background processes, and maybe even light media editing. You might be coding in Visual Studio Code, running PostgreSQL locally, or compiling Java. Each action eats into memory. And if your RAM is soldered or non-upgradable, you’re stuck.

That’s why our focus isn’t only on the RAM size. We evaluate systems that ship with 8GB but also offer real value in CPU strength, SSD speed, GPU capability, and upgradability. These are machines that start strong and grow with your needs.

We assess based on five key criteria: CPU performance, RAM type and upgrade path, storage speed and flexibility, integrated or discrete graphics power, and I/O connectivity. Every system recommended includes a modern quad-core processor (or better), 8GB DDR4 or DDR5 RAM (non-soldered), a 512GB NVMe SSD (minimum), and at least four USB ports.

CPU: With limited RAM, CPU strength becomes even more critical. You’ll want an Intel Core i3/i5 (12th Gen or newer) or AMD Ryzen 3/5 (5000 series or better). These provide the processing efficiency that offsets RAM constraints, keeping your multitasking responsive and reliable.

RAM: Yes, these systems come with 8GB, but here’s the requirement, it must be upgradable. We prioritize models with open RAM slots. This gives you flexibility to jump to 16GB or 32GB later. DDR4 and DDR5 modules are cheap and easy to install.

Avoid machines with soldered or single-channel memory, which limit performance and block future expansion.

Storage: A 256GB or 512GB NVMe SSD is non-negotiable. It keeps your system fast even when memory fills up. Swap files, cache management, and disk read/write speeds are critical when RAM is tight. NVMe SSDs help minimize slowdown and reduce boot or load times dramatically.

Graphics: For general users, integrated graphics like Intel UHD, Iris Xe, or AMD Vega handle displays and video playback smoothly. They’re fine for streaming, office tools, light coding, and even photo editing. If you need light 3D modeling or GPU-accelerated tasks, some systems with low-tier discrete GPUs (like GTX 1650) give an edge, though not required for most.

Ports and Connectivity: Desktops should have at least four USB-A ports, HDMI or DisplayPort, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 5 or 6. This keeps you connected to peripherals, external drives, printers, and second monitors. USB-C is a bonus, especially for modern accessories.

Let’s set clear expectations. These are not ultra-high performance rigs. They’re not built for high-end gaming, 4K rendering, or massive multi-threaded tasks. But they handle web development, data entry, video streaming, scripting, online classes, and office suites effortlessly. You’ll be able to edit documents while watching videos, run light software stacks, and install dual-boot environments.

If you’re a student, casual gamer, aspiring coder, or work-from-home user who doesn’t yet need massive compute power, these desktops are excellent starting points. And with upgradable RAM, they don’t trap you as your workload grows.

You should also take a look at the Best 16GB RAM Desktop computers in addition to the Best Desktop PCs with 32GB RAM.

These are the Best Desktop Computers with 8GB of RAM:

Lenovo IdeaCentre Gaming 5i - 2022 - Gaming Desktop - NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 - Intel i5 12400-8GB RAM - 512GB SSD
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CPU	Intel i5 12400
Processor Speed	2.5 GHz core_i5
GPU	Nvidia Ge Force Rtx 3050
Graphics Card Memory	8GB
RAM	‎8 GB DDR4
Storage Space	512 GB
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	11.97 x 6.69 x 14.8 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Value
Disadvantages	Storage

VR Ready HP Pavilion Gaming PC Desktop Computer, Intel Core i5-9400F, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD
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CPU	Intel Core i5-9400F
Processor Speed	‎2.9 GHz core
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti
Graphics Card Memory	6GB
RAM	‎8 GB DDR4
Storage Space	256 GB
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	10.9 x 6.7 x 13.3 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Performance, Value for Money
Disadvantages	Storage

Skytech Gaming Chronos Mini Gaming Computer PC Desktop - Intel Core-i3 10100F 3.6GHz, GTX 1650 4G, 500GB SSD
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CPU	Intel Core-i3 10100F
Processor Speed	3.6GHz
GPU	GTX 1650
Graphics Card Memory	4GB
RAM	8GB
Storage Space	500GB SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	19.5 x 12.6 x 18.5 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Performance, Value for money
Disadvantages	Storage

Corsair Vengeance a7200 Series Gaming PC (Zen 3 AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU, NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3060 Ti Graphics, 16GB
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CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 5600X CPU
Processor Speed	3.7 GHz
GPU	NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
Graphics Card Memory	8 GB
RAM	‎16 GB DDR4
Storage Space	1 TB SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	17.8 x 9.06 x 18.35 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Design, Performance
Disadvantages	Storage

Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 Processor 8GB 3200MHz DDR4 512GB
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CPU	13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400
Processor Speed	Up to 4.6GHz
GPU	Intel UHD Graphics 730
Graphics Card Memory	Integrated
RAM	8GB 3200MHz DDR4 Memory
Storage Space	512GB
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	-
Keyboard & Mouse	Included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Good performance
Disadvantages	Storage space

Acer Aspire XC-830-UA91 Desktop Intel Celeron J4125 Quad-Core Processor (Up to 2.7GHz) 8GB 2400MHz DDR4 256GB NVMe M.2 SSD
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CPU	Intel Celeron
Processor Speed	2.7GHz
GPU	Intel UHD
Graphics Card Memory	Integrated
RAM	8GB 2400MHz DDR4
Storage Space	256GB
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	‎12.99 x 3.94 x 11.61 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Value for money
Disadvantages	Storage

Acer Nitro 50 N50-620-UA91 Gaming Desktop 11th Gen Intel Core i5-11400F 6-Core Processor NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 8GB DDR4
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CPU	Intel Core i5-11400F
Processor Speed	4.4 GHz
GPU	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
Graphics Card Memory	4 GB
RAM	8GB DDR4
Storage Space	512GB NVMe M.2 SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	15.2 x 6.89 x 15.43 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Performance
Disadvantages	Storage

Dell OptiPlex 3000 3080 Desktop Computer - Intel Core i5 10th Gen i5-10505 Hexa-core (6 Core) 3.20 GHz - 8 GB RAM
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CPU	Intel Core i5 10th Gen
Processor Speed	3.20 GHz
GPU	Intel
Graphics Card Memory	Integrated
RAM	8GB
Storage Space	256 GB NVMe M.2 PCI Express M.2 SSD
Operating System	Windows 10 Pro
Dimensions	11.4 x 3.7 x 11.5 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Really affordable, value for money, many ports
Disadvantages	None

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