5 Best Desktop Computers for Nursing School (2025)

We’ve created this guide for nursing students who need reliable, high-performance desktop pc. If you’re attending virtual lectures, managing intensive coursework, or working with digital tools for patient charting or pharmacology, the these desktop computers are suitable for you.

You’re expected to run electronic medical record (EMR) simulators, use pharmacology databases, attend high-resolution Zoom calls, multitask with spreadsheets and note-taking tools, and sometimes even operate lightweight 3D anatomy software.

Entry-level machines slow down or become unresponsive. On the other hand, gaming rigs or overbuilt workstations might cost too much or include features you’ll never touch. It’s hard to find the right fit.

We’ve selected systems that provide the ideal balance for nursing school demands. These desktops deliver reliable performance, essential features, and long-term usability without unnecessary complexity or inflated prices.

You should expect each recommended desktop to meet or exceed the following minimum specifications: a quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, integrated or entry-level discrete graphics, Wi-Fi 5 or higher, and a full HD display output. These specs ensure your machine can handle multitasking, EMR access, video conferencing, medical research tools, and coursework platforms.

Processor (CPU)
We look for modern Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors. The CPU governs your system’s speed when launching programs, switching between windows, or processing data. A solid mid-tier processor ensures zero hiccups in video calls, EMR software, and PDF-heavy research.

Memory (RAM)
We recommend at least 8GB of RAM, though 16GB is ideal. RAM determines how many applications and browser tabs you can run concurrently. Nursing school often requires toggling between textbooks, drug databases, patient case simulations, and documentation tools. Insufficient RAM leads to slowdowns and forced restarts.

Storage Type and Capacity
Solid State Drives (SSDs) are essential. We prioritize desktops with 512GB SSDs or higher. SSDs dramatically improve boot time, program launch speed, and file access rates compared to mechanical drives. You can boot up your system in seconds, open large eBooks or PowerPoint decks swiftly, and move between applications without delay.

Form Factor and Build Quality
Compact desktops take up less space on cramped dorm desks or shared study tables. We consider all-in-one units and mini PCs where appropriate. Systems should feel durable, not flimsy, especially if you need to move them between dorms and home during breaks. Good airflow and quiet cooling are a plus for long study sessions.

Operating System
We focus on Windows 11 machines for full compatibility with most healthcare software. While macOS is supported in many online learning systems, certain EMR platforms or digital charting tools may require Windows. Some nursing programs explicitly recommend or even require Windows-based systems.

These are the Best Desktop Computers for Nursing School:

HP 2023 Victus 15L Gaming Desktop PC, AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5600G Processor (Up to 4.4 GHz), 16GB RAM, 512GB NVMe
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CPU	AMD 6-Core Ryzen 5600G
Processor Speed	up to 4.4GHz
GPU	AMD Radeon RX6400
Graphics Card Memory	4GB GDDR6
RAM	16GB RAM
Storage Space	512GB NVMe
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	20 x 16 x 10 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Price, Performance, Ports
Disadvantages	Storage

Dell Optiplex 7000 Tower Desktop Computer, Intel i9-12900K, 64GB RAM, 2TB NVMe SSD
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CPU	Intel i9-12900K
Processor Speed	5.2 GHz
GPU	‎Intel UHD Graphics 770
Graphics Card Memory	Integrated graphics
RAM	64 GB DDR4
Storage Space	‎2 TB SSD
Operating System	Windows 10
Dimensions	11.84 x 6.65 x 14.45 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Very good performance, Large storage capacity, large amounts of RAM
Disadvantages	Dedicated Graphics

Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD
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CPU	Intel i7-7700
Processor Speed	4.2 GHz
GPU	Intel UHD Graphics 630
Graphics Card Memory	Integrated
RAM	32GB DDR4
Storage Space	1tb ssd
Operating System	Windows 10 Ppro
Dimensions	11.5 x 3.7 x 11.4 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Provided
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Value for money, supports dual display, good performance
Disadvantages	Storage capacity

HP 2023 Newest Desktop, AMD Ryzen 5 5600G Processor (6-core), 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD, 2TB HDD, AMD Radeon Graphics
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CPU	AMD Ryzen 5 5600G
Processor Speed	3.9GHz
GPU	AMD Radeon Graphics
Graphics Card Memory	Radeon
RAM	32GB
Storage Space	2TB SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	29 x 29 x 29 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Sold Separately
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Value for money, Storage, Performance
Disadvantages	Na

HP Pro Tower 290 G9 Desktop Computer, 12th Gen Intel 4-Core Processor (Beats Core i7-9700), 16GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD
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CPU	12th Gen Intel Core i3-12100
Processor Speed	up to 4.3 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 12 MB L3 cache, 4 cores, 8 threads)
GPU	Intel UHD 730
Graphics Card Memory	Integrated
RAM	16GB
Storage Space	1TB NVMe SSD
Operating System	Windows 11
Dimensions	19.57 x 15.67 x 11.26 inches
Keyboard & Mouse	Not included
Computer Monitor	Sold Separately
Advantages	Good performance and Value for Money
Disadvantages	Storage