14 best monoblocks

Personal computers in the monoblock form factor, where the monitor and the whole system part are combined into one unit, have relatively recently received a new life. These are handy tech solutions that are as good as desktop PCs in terms of performance, but take up minimal space. Today’s Expertology review is devoted to the models of monoblocks that our experts have found to be the best for certain tasks.

Rating of the best monoblocks

Nominationplaceproduct namePrice
Best inexpensive monoblocks for the office1Acer Aspire C24-86032 004€
2HP ProOne 440 G330 815€
3Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 520-2430 040€
Best monoblocks for your home1DELL Inspiron 24-547553 305€
2ASUS Zen AiO Pro Z240IE63 922€
3Lenovo ThinkCentre M810z55 990€
4MSI Pro 22ET21 945€
Best Gaming All-in-One Blocks1DELL Precision 5720 27168 200€
2ASUS Zen AiO ZN242IF
3DELL OPTIPLEX 7440
4Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 910-2767 535€
The best monoblocks for working with graphics1Apple iMac Pro341 900€
2Dell XPS One 2720156 330€
3Apple iMac 27 Retina 5K (2017)115 990€

Best budget monoblocks for office

Starting with an inexpensive monoblock that offers all the power and features you need for normal office work. Our experts have identified three interesting models – from Acer, Hewlett-Packard and Lenovo. All are virtually identical in price and include a wireless mouse and keyboard with USB connection.

Acer Aspire C24-860

Rating: 4.9

Acer Aspire C24-860

The first number in our review is an elegant, super slim monoblock from Taiwanese tech giant Acer. The manufacturer has managed to contain very powerful and efficient modules in such a limited volume that the computer looks indistinguishable from a simple monitor.

The dimensions of the monoblock are 321×11.6×540mm, weighs 5 kg. Screen dimensions – 23.8″, 1920×1080 resolution. Powered by a 65 watt power supply.

The system is based on a dual-core Intel Core i5 processor with a nominal PM of 2.5 GHz and a maximum of 3.1 in Boost mode. Resource of RAM – 8GB, type – DDR4-2133 MHz. Intel HD Graphics 620 integrated graphics board serves as graphics subsystem. It has a 1TB HDD. Card reader. No optical drive.

To communicate with peripherals in the monoblock built in the following interfaces: two connectors USB 2.0 and two more USB 3.1, HDMI, network output, audio jack for headset or external audio system. Wireless modules – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

A webcam is placed on the front. The “factory” configuration has an operating system based on

  • Endless OS.

    This model manufacturer provides a 12 month warranty.

    Advantages

    • ultra-thin;
    • not bad performance;
    • sleek design.

    Disadvantages

    • quiet speakers.

    HP ProOne 440 G3

    Rating: 4.8

    HP ProOne 440 G3

    Next in the rating of the best monoblocks from Expertology we look at an interesting model from Hewlett-Packard. The manufacturer offers quite a few options for modifications, so it is easy to find the right package for your needs.

    The dimensions of the device is 53x582x383 mm, weight – 7.27 kg. Screen diagonal 23.8 inch, 1920×1080 resolution. On the front there is a 1 megapixel webcam with 1280 x 720 resolution. Power supply capacity of 120W.

    Computing can be based on various processors, and there are plenty to choose from – Intel’s Core i3 of different specifications, as well as Core i5 or i7, and mobile Celeron and Pentium. The RAM is installed in 4GB or 8GB.

    There could be variations with video system too – it could be integrated Intel HD Graphics from 510 to 630 or discrete adapted NVIDIA GeForce 930MX.

    Storage – 1TB mechanical HDD. As an advantage over the previous model, this monoblock includes an optical “drive DVD-RW.

    In terms of the set of interfaces this model looks much more advantageous than the previous one. port sets are located on the bottom and back of the device. On the bottom: USB 3.1 i 3.0 for recharging, as well as a combined headset jack. On the back: two USB 2 sockets.0, one USB 3.0, HDMI. Wireless connectivity – Bluetooth 4.0 and Wi-Fi module.

    The warranty period of the device is 12 months.

    Advantages

    • expanded set of interfaces;
    • Many modifications;
    • has an optical drive.

    Disadvantages

    • not mentioned.

    Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 520-24

    Rating: 4.7

    Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 520-24

    And the group of inexpensive office monoblocks is completed by the model from the Chinese manufacturer Lenovo, which is well known to the average consumer for its high quality budget electronics.

    The dimensions of the device is 541x416x57 mm, weight – 6.17 kg. This volume has a 23″ screen built into it.8 inches, WVA matrix with 1920×1080 resolution and anti-glare coating. On the “front” is a retractable 2 megapixel webcam. Power supply capacity – 90W.

    As with the previous model, here the manufacturer offers a variety of configuration options, starting already with the processor. There are variants on Pentium 4415U or G4560T mobile, as well as the whole range of Intel Core from i3 to i7. RAM options are 4, 8 and 12GB, DDR4-2133 MHz type. Graphics module – integrated Intel HD Graphics card from 520 to 630, and optionally Intel UHD Graphics 620 or 630. Storage is a 1TB mechanical hard drive.

    A set of interfaces for connecting to peripherals is not as extensive as the model described above, but sufficient for most office needs: two USB 3 connectors.0 and three USB 2.0, HDMI video output, network output, standard audio output. Wireless connectivity – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. There is a device for reading SD, SDHC, SDXC flash cards. No optical drive.

    Warranty from Lenovo on this model – 12 months.

    Advantages

    • attractive design;
    • many modifications;
    • The most affordable price in the group.

    Disadvantages

    • come across complaints about noise and vibration;
    • It is extremely difficult to open the case to upgrade.

    The best monoblocks for home use

    Now in the Expertology rating of the best monoblocks we will consider a number of interesting solutions, optimal for home use. Our experts have highlighted four models – from DELL, ASUS, Lenovo and MSI. Each of them, like the previous group of monoblocks, has a wireless mouse and keyboard with USB connection (except for Lenovo’s model, which has wired accessories).

    DELL Inspiron 24-5475

    Rating: 4.9

    DELL Inspiron 24-5475

    Let’s start with one brilliant solution from American corporation DELL. This is a monoblock with an elegant design in a strict black and gray body. Dimensions are 351.8 x 539.75 x 53 mm, weight – 7.35 kg. Power supply capacity – 130.

    Screen size in this model – 23.8 inches, matrix – IPS, coating – matte. The resolution of the matrix is 1920×1080. There is a webcam on the front.

    The manufacturer offers several versions of the monoblock based on the AMD A10-9700E seventh-generation quad-core 3 GHz “hybrid” processor. Modifications allow memory from 4GB to 32GB, type – DDR4-2400. AMD Radeon R7 card is used as graphics subsystem.

    There are several options of hard drives for the monoblock. In the minimum version – a mechanical HDD of 500 GB with a spindle speed of 5400 rpm. In the maximum – a pair of drives – SSD for 256 GB and a mechanical one for 1 TB. No optical drive. There is a flash card reader.

    The feature of this model is the extended set of USB ports of different specifications: one USB 3.1 Type-C, four USB 3.1 Type-A, two are USB 2.0. There is also HDMI video output, standard audio output, network output. Wireless connectivity – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1.

    Advantages

    • Many USB ports of different specifications;
    • Quiet cooling system;
    • good ergonomics;
    • quality sound.

    Disadvantages

    • No major drawbacks identified.

    ASUS Zen AiO Pro Z240IE

    Rating: 4.8

    ASUS Zen AiO Pro Z240IE

    Next in our ranking is something special. This is a monoblock from ASUS Zen AiO Pro series, which the manufacturer itself, without false modesty, posits as “an alloy of art and advanced technology. Even a quick glance at the specifications of the model is enough to understand that the developer does not lie. Monoblock size – 585 x 434 x 52 ~190 mm, weight – 7.3kg.

    Let’s start the description not even with the processor and not with the video card, but with the screen, as it is one of the most outstanding components. Its size is “standard” 23.8 inches, but the matrix – IPS with a resolution of a full 4K 3840×2160, a viewing angle of 178 °, 185ppi with impressive color reproduction. The screen is touch sensitive, multi-touch, recognizes up to 10 simultaneous touches. Face recognition camera with infrared vision on the front.

    Next, the sound deserves rave words. SonicMaster Premium sound system consists of six high-quality speakers with total output power of 16 watts. Sound quality in the wide range impresses even the most experienced users.

    The electronics runs on an Intel Core i7 processor (i5 is also possible). Installed capacity of RAM – from 8 to 32 GB. NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 discrete gaming card is the video subsystem.

    Variations are possible with hard drives: a pair of SSD 128 GB and a mechanical HDD 1 TB 5400 rpm; one SSD 512 GB and a number of combinations. There is a flash card reader.

    Peripheral capabilities of the device are as follows: four USB 3 interfaces.0, one USB 3.1 (Type-C), one USB 2.0, two HDMI video outputs, network output, headphone output. Wireless connectivity – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0.

    12 months warranty provided by manufacturer.

    Advantages

    • 4K resolution display;
    • High quality surround sound;
    • exquisite design;
    • touch-sensitive m
        ti-touch screen;
      • Powerful, high-performance electronics.

      Drawbacks

      • The cooling doesn’t always take the heat off when using resource-intensive apps.

      Lenovo ThinkCentre M810z

      Rating: 4.7

      Lenovo ThinkCentre M810z

      Next in the Expertology rating is a nice monoblock from the Chinese manufacturer Lenovo. Compared with other models in the group it is not the most productive, but some advantages are still not lacking.

      Monoblock dimensions are 431x535x245 mm and weighs 7.7kg. The screen size – 21.5″, 1920×1080 resolution, VA/WVA, anti-glare coating. Power supply capacity – 150W.

      The manufacturer offers several modifications of this model, built around Intel Core i3 or i5 processors of different specifications. You can choose the capacity of RAM from 4GB to 8GB. The video subsystem is an integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 or 630. Options are also available with hard drives – both SSD and mechanical HDD with capacities from 256GB to 500GB can serve as the drive. The presence of an optical drive is an option and also depends on the modification.

      Communication interfaces are located on the front and back: front – two connectors USB 3.1, standard audio output, 9-in-1 card reader; Four USB 3 connectors on the back.1, DisplayPort, optional COM port (RS-232), network output. Wireless connectivity – Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi.

      Built-in audio system consists of just two speakers with not particularly outstanding power.

      Advantages

      • Nice design;
      • The presence of an optical drive (optional);
      • high quality cooling;
      • Repairability and upgradability.

      Disadvantages

      • weak audio system.

      MSI Pro 22ET

      Rating: 4.6

      MSI Pro 22ET

      MSI series closes the “home” group with simple, but nice-looking and extremely inexpensive monoblocks. The monoblock has a very original design with comfortable positioning.

      Dimensions of the device – 561.7×410.8×93.6 mm, weight – 8.96kg. These volumes “incorporate” a 21″ diagonal touch screen.5 inches and 1920×1080 pixels matrix resolution. The body is made of high quality plastic with transparent parts.

      Electronics is built around mobile processor – available options Intel Celeron N3150- N3160 or Pentium N3700- N3710, depending on the specific modification with frequency from 1.6GHz to 2.08 GHz. Comes with 4GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM. A video subsystem is an integrated module Intel HD Graphics 400 or 405.

      Basic configuration includes a 500GB HDD with a 5400 rpm spindle. DVD-RW optical drive and 3-in-1 card reader (SD, MS, MMC) installed.

      For connectivity to peripherals is a set of USB ports of different specifications, HDMI video output, optional COM port (RS-232), network output, standard audio output. Wireless connectivity – Bluetooth 4.1, Wi-Fi.

      On the front panel there is a 1 megapixel webcam. Built in a simple audio system of two 3W speakers.

      Advantages

      • Nice appearance;
      • there is a DVD-RW;
      • The most affordable price in the group.

      Disadvantages

      • The most minimalistic “iron”.

      The best gaming monoblocks

      In a separate unit, our experts have allocated units, power and key specifications which are enough to comfortably play modern video games. For Expertology’s review we look at four models – two from DELL and one each from ASUS and Lenovo. All monoblocks are equipped with a mouse and keyboard.

      DELL Precision 5720 27

      Rating: 4.9

      DELL Precision 5720 27

      The first number in the group of gaming monoblocks is the model, which by a number of characteristics has no analogues. This is one of the most powerful all-in-one form factor machines in its class as of 2018.

      Dimensions of the device – 625.0×80.2×435.0 mm, the weight is quite impressive – 16.9 kg. 27 inches diagonal screen. IPS 4K 3840×2160 pixels matrix with innovative LED backlighting InfinityEdge. On the front there is a widescreen webcam with 720p HD resolution.

      The manufacturer offers several basic packages with Intel Xeon, Core i5 or i7 processor with a rated frequency of 3.6 GHz and a maximum of 4.2GHz Turbo Boost mode. Nominal capacity of installed RAM – 32 GB, maximum – 64 GB. The latest and most powerful graphic engine is AMD Radeon Pro WX 7100 with 8 GB of RAM (a modification of Radeon Pro WX 4150 with 4 GB of RAM is also possible).

      Modification options allow you to choose the best drive – there is a choice of a mechanical HDD up to 2TB or SSD up to 1TB. Optical drive is not provided. There is a SD card reader.

      The built-in audio system is a bundle of high-definition speakers with Waves MaxxAudio Pro technology, which guarantees deep, crystal-clear sound.

      Five USB ports of different specifications (one port with PowerShare support), SIM-card slot, HDMI-out, two Thunderbolt 3 interfaces, network output, DisplayPort 1.2, standard audio output.

      Manufacturer gives 3 years warranty on this model.

      Advantages

      • top “iron”;
      • metal case;
      • 4K matrix;
      • exquisite design.

      Disadvantages

      • not marked.

      ASUS Zen AiO ZN242IF

      Rating: 4.8

      ASUS Zen AiO ZN242IF

      Continues the ranking of gaming monoblocks with a very worthy machine from ASUS. The letter combination Zen in the nomenclature of the ASUS electronics product line is almost magical and automatically means that we are dealing with something extraordinary. Although this model is significantly inferior to the previous one from DELL, it is still a very bright technological solution.

      The dimensions of the device is 540x406x193 mm, weight – 5 kg. External Power Adapter is 180W. The touchscreen diagonal is 23.8 inches, 1920×1080 resolution, type of matrix – IPS, viewing angle – 178 degrees.

      The computing base of the electronics of this model is Intel Core i5 or i7 processor with four cores and a frequency of 2.5 GHz (3.5GHz in acceleration mode). 16GB DDR4 2400 MHz RAM installed. The video subsystem is a powerful, full discrete GeForce GTX1050 card with 4GB of RAM.

      For gaming purposes, the manufacturer has optimized the data storage scheme – this model uses a pair of hard drives: a 128MB SSD and a 1TB mechanical HDD. There is an SD/MMC card reader. No optical drive.

      The monoblock has the following interfaces for communication with peripherals: one USB 2.0, four USB 3.1, HDMI video output, network output, standard audio output. Wireless Communication – Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi.

      Advantages

      • The best combination of price, performance and quality;
      • 100% coverage of the sRGB color space;
      • elegant design;
      • NanoEdge almost frameless display (2 mm frame).

      Disadvantages

      • No disadvantages noted.

      DELL OPTIPLEX 7440

      Rating: 4.7

      DELL OPTIPLEX 7440

      Next in the ranking is a very decent monoblock from the American tech giant DELL. The manufacturer itself positions its brainchild as “the most secure, manageable and reliable monoblock in the world”. Even if there is some marketing exaggeration, a slight.

      The size of the monoblock depends on the specific modification, because the choices start with the screen itself – touch or non-touch, resolution F

        l HD or
          HD. Thus, the height of the device is 39.29 mm, width – 57.52 mm, depth – 6.26 or 6.34 mm. Weight 7.21 or 8.15 lbs. Screen size – 23.8 inches. Runs on a variety of power supply options, including 80 PLUS Platinum (up to 92% efficiency) and 80 PLUS
          onze (85% efficiency).

          The high variability in configuration also applies to the electronics of the monoblock. So, as a central processor can be used a relatively budget Intel Core i3 with two cores, or the more productive Core i5 or i7 with four cores. Dual-channel DDR4 SDRAM memory up to 32GB is supported.

          The manufacturer also offers a variety of hard drive options – solid state SSD of PCIe NVME standard, mechanical HDD form factor 2.5 inch with up to 2TB each and combinations thereof. Has a memory card reader.

          Peripheral capabilities of this model are as follows: two USB ports 2.0, four USB 3 ports.0, HDMI-out, HDMI-in (F only)

            l HD), line output, network output, DisplayPort, USB 3 port.0 with Powershare support, a standard headset jack.

            Advantages

            • a lot of options for modifications;
            • 4K matrix as an option;
            • security and safety;
            • High manageability through BIOS, including remote control;
            • power efficiency.

            Disadvantages

            • not marked.

            Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 910-27

            Rating: 4.6

            Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 910-27

            And closing the top four list of the best gaming monoblocks is a relatively inexpensive model from Lenovo. Especially favorable price looks on the background of very decent technical characteristics of this series.

            The dimensions of the monoblock are 615x475x64 mm, weight 10.8 kg. The power supply capacity is 280W. Screen size is 27 inches, with matrix options from F

              HD 1920×1080 to 4K 3840×2160. The screen coating is glossy.

              Several variants of the base configuration based on Intel Core i5 or i7 processors of different specifications with a rated frequency of 2.2 GHz or higher are offered. DDR4-2133 RAM from 8GB to 16GB. The video subsystem is a full-fledged NVIDIA GeForce GTX 950A card with 2GB of memory. Minimum video card configuration – NVIDIA GeForce 920A.

              The nominal hard drive set is a 128GB SSD and a 1TB mechanical HDD. Minimal package – only 1TB HDD. No optical drive. Has a 3-in-1 card reader.

              Four USB ports of different specifications, HDMI-out, network output and standard headset port are provided for connection to peripherals. Bluetooth 4 wireless connectivity.0 and Wi-Fi.

              Advantages

              • A modification with a touch screen and a 4K matrix is available;
              • HDMI combo;
              • Relatively affordable price (depends on modification).

              Flaws

              • No obvious disadvantages.

              The best monoblocks for graphics

              Finally, let’s look at the range of monoblocks that Expertology experts have considered the best for heavy graphics processing, video editing, 3D modeling and other similar tasks. The ranking includes two Apple iMac models (senior and junior) and one made by Dell.

              Apple iMac Pro

              Rating: 4.9

              Apple iMac Pro

              Opens the last group of the best monoblocks from Expertology Apple iMac Pro model of the end of 2017. It’s more than a successful implementation of Apple’s long-held idea to combine the strengths of two product lines, the iMac and Mac Pro, into one device. Technically, the Cupertinians offer a fairly wide range of configurations of this model, but in our country when ordering through the official online Apple store only one modification is available – the minimum. That’s what we’re going to look at.

              The size of the monoblock is 51,6×65,0×20,3 mm and weighs 9.7 kg. System is based on the powerful server processor Intel Xeon W-2140B with eight cores at 3.2GHz nominal speed and Turbo Boost speed up to 4.2GHz. There’s 32GB of high-performance DDR4 2666 MHz RAM installed. AMD Pro Vega 56 professional graphics card serves as the video subsystem. Storage is a 1TB solid state SSD. No optical drive. Supports SDXC memory card.

              The device is made in a distinctive, very elegant and graceful body in dark silver shade. Screen size – 27 inches. The IPS-matrix has an absolutely maximum resolution – 5120×2880 pixels, so the monoblock literally “asks” for the fine work with highly detailed graphics. FaceTime HD (1080p) camera on the front.

              In terms of interfaces, the situation is as follows. “There are four USB 3 sockets on board.0, four Thunderbolt 3 interfaces (via USB Type-C), a wired network connector, combined audio output. No HDMI or VGA video output directly, but you can “add on” them with an adapter.

              Advantages

              • Ultra-high screen resolution;
              • A glorified brand;
              • Overall top performance, stability and reliability;
              • professional graphics card;
              • A powerful server processor;
              • stylish design.

              Disadvantages

              • high price.

              Dell XPS One 2720

              Rating: 4.8

              Dell XPS One 2720

              The second model in the rating of the best monoblocks for graphics is high-performance model with a big screen produced by American corporation Dell. Let’s face it, this computer is significantly inferior to the Apple iMac Pro. But, taking into consideration the prohibitive cost of the latter, the solution from Dell looks quite a good alternative.

              The size of the screen of the monoblock is 27 inches. Matrix resolution – 2560×1440 pixels, WLED backlight, better color rendering Adobe RGB. Touch screen, multitouch, with up to 10 simultaneous touch recognition. The audio system is formed by quality Infinity Premium speakers with Waves MaxxAudio 4.

              Two basic configurations based on Intel Core i5 or i7 with nominal frequency from 3.2 to 3.9 GHz. This is the fourth generation Intel Core (Haswell). Can be equipped with different size RAM (maximum – 16 GB). The video subsystem is Nvidia GeForce GT 750M with 2GB GDDR5 memory.

              Hard drives in this model – a pair of SSD for the operating system of 32 GB and a mechanical HDD of 2 TB with a spindle speed of 7200 rpm. There is an optical drive with slot loading. Built-in 8-in-1 card reader.

              For communication with peripherals are interfaces: as many as six USB 3 connectors.0 (two of them with side placement), network output, HDMI-out, HDMI-in, DisplayPort, Thunderbolt. Wireless connectivity – Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

              Advantages

              • competitive price;
              • Large screen diagonal;
              • 10-touch multi-touch display.

              Disadvantages

              • Incomplete cooling.

              Apple iMac 27 Retina 5K (2017)

              Rating: 4.8

              Apple iMac 27 Retina 5K (2017)

              And completes the group of ranking monoblocks for graphics, and at the same time our entire review is another great model from Apple. The design still sparkles with minimalist elegance, like previous generations of iMacs.

              The dimensions of the device is 516x650x203 mm, weight – 9.44 kg. The diagonal screen is 27 inches. Delighted with a screen resolution of 5120×2880 pixels and stunning color reproduction, but disappointed that the screen isn’t touch sensitive.

              Offered several basic packages Apple iMac – based on Intel Core i5 or i7. The monoblock can be equipped with RAM from 4 GB to 32 GB. You can also choose from several variants of AMD Radeon Pro graphics cards from 500 to RX 570 with different amounts of RAM.

              Also, depending on the modification, can be installed either a single mechanical hard drive up to 2 TB, or a pair of solid state and mechanical. No optical drive in this model. SDXC card reader.

              Four USB 3 ports for communication with peripherals.0, an audio port, two Thunderbolt 3 interfaces and an Ethernet connector.

              Advantages

              • exquisite design;
              • exceptional performance;
              • high screen resolution;
              • impeccable color reproduction;
              • The brand.

              Flaws

              • The screen is not touch screen.
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