Collection: All-In-One Computer

Which all-in-one computer do you actually need?

Most PC builders look at an All-In-One Computer and assume it's just a tower with a screen bolted on. It isn't. The engineering is closer to a laptop: a mobile or low-power desktop CPU, a thin chassis, and a cooling system shared with the panel. That changes how the tiers behave.

Entry-tier units typically use a low-power Intel Core or Ryzen chip with 8GB to 16GB of memory, a 1080p panel and a SATA or budget NVMe drive. They're fine for browsing, office work and video calls. The catch is thermal headroom. A thin heatsink with a single small blower can't hold boost clocks, so you'll see performance sag under sustained load.

The sweet spot is a 24 to 27 inch machine with a 45W-class mobile CPU or a good Core Ultra chip, 16GB to 32GB of dual-channel memory and a PCIe 4.0 NVMe drive. Dual-channel matters here. A single-stick config halves memory bandwidth, which hurts integrated graphics badly. A QHD or 4K IPS panel with decent sRGB or DCI-P3 coverage also matters more than a bump in CPU tier.

Enthusiast AIOs add a discrete mobile GPU, thicker vapour chamber cooling and mini-LED or high-refresh panels. Diminishing returns kick in fast. Mobile GPUs are power-limited, so a laptop-class RTX part in an AIO won't match its desktop namesake. If you want serious gaming or rendering, a separate Computers build paired with a quality Monitor will outperform it for the same money and stay upgradeable.

Upgrading and technical nuances

Upgradability is the biggest dividing line. Many AIOs use SO-DIMM memory slots, so you can add Crucial, Kingston Fury Impact or Corsair Vengeance SO-DIMM kits, but some models solder the RAM to the board. Apple's iMac line is the obvious example, and plenty of slim Windows models do the same. Check the spec sheet for "onboard" or "LPDDR5X". LPDDR offers excellent bandwidth and efficiency but can never be expanded, so buy the capacity you'll need in three years, not today.

Storage is usually the easiest upgrade. Most AIOs have one M.2 2280 slot, and a Samsung 990, Crucial T500 or WD_BLACK SN850X-class drive is a straightforward swap. Browse Solid State Drives (SSD) with the slot's interface in mind. A PCIe 5.0 drive will run in a 4.0 slot, but you'll pay extra for speed you can't use, and Gen5 controllers run hot in a cramped chassis. A good Gen4 drive is the better bet.

You can't swap the CPU or GPU. They're soldered or on proprietary boards, so you can't treat an AIO like an AM5 or LGA1851 build with standard Motherboards, CPUs & Processors and Graphics Cards / GPU. That's the trade you accept for a clean desk.

Look at the display engineering too. IPS gives better colour consistency and viewing angles. VA panels offer higher contrast but slower pixel response. Few AIO panels are fast enough for competitive gaming, so a 60Hz panel is typical.

Series worth shopping include Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO and Yoga AIO, HP Envy and OmniStudio, Dell's all-in-one range, ASUS Vivo AIO and MSI Modern AM. Apple's iMac is the premium, sealed alternative.

Practical things to check before buying

Start with the stand. Many AIOs ship with a fixed or tilt-only foot. If you want height adjustment, look for a VESA mount option, which usually means 100x100mm, though some models need a proprietary bracket. Measure your desk depth too, because a 27 inch screen sitting too close is tiring.

Check the ports. Count the USB-A and USB-C ports, and whether the HDMI is an input or only an output. Some AIOs can act as an external monitor and some can't. Rear ports on a wall-hugging unit can be awkward, so keep a few quality Cables & Connectors on hand.

Power is usually an external brick, often 120W to 330W. Unlike a desktop, there's no standard ATX PSU to replace, so Power Supplies and ATX Power Supply options don't apply. If the brick dies, you're relying on the manufacturer or an exact replacement.

Thermals deserve attention. AIOs need clearance for vents, usually at the rear or top. Pushing one against a wall or a monitor arm can raise fan noise and lower sustained clocks. Aftermarket Fans, Heatsinks & Cooling or CPU Cooling won't fit, so the stock design is what you live with. Check reviews for fan noise under load, and look for models with dual-fan designs.

Wireless matters as well. Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 helps if your router supports it, and a solid TP-Link router or mesh from our Networking range will make a bigger difference to day-to-day responsiveness than most spec bumps. If you later outgrow the AIO's internals, a compact build in a small Computer Case is the logical next step.

Finally, check the webcam and speakers. They're better on premium models but rarely replace a decent headset.

Brands and local warranty

Established names include Apple, Lenovo, HP, Dell, ASUS, MSI and Acer. They all have Australian distribution and service channels, but the experience varies. Some offer on-site repair, while others need you to ship the unit away, which is awkward with a 27 inch screen.

Genuine local warranty matters because AIOs are hard to repair at home. If the screen, board or cooling system fails, you can't swap a part like you would in a tower. Under Australian Consumer Law you have guarantees beyond the manufacturer warranty, but they're much easier to enforce with a local retailer and a locally supplied product. Grey imports may have the wrong power plug, keyboard layout or no support at all. Always keep your invoice, and check whether warranty is carry-in, pick-up or on-site.

Frequently asked questions

Can I upgrade the RAM in an all-in-one computer?

It depends on the model. Many Windows AIOs use SO-DIMM slots and accept standard laptop memory, while others solder the RAM to the board. Check the manual or spec sheet before buying, and always fit matching sticks to keep dual-channel bandwidth.

Is an all-in-one good enough for gaming?

Casual and esports titles run fine on models with a decent integrated GPU or a modest discrete mobile chip. For modern demanding games, the power limits and thermals mean a separate desktop will perform far better for the money.

Can I use an all-in-one as a second monitor?

Only some models support HDMI or USB-C input. Many only output video, so confirm this in the specs if you want dual-use.

How much storage should I get?

Go for 1TB if you can. Since the drive is usually the only easy upgrade, you can add capacity later, but a larger drive from the start saves cloning your system.

Do all-in-ones run hot?

They run warmer than a tower because the cooling system is compact. Good airflow around the unit and a model with proper heatpipe cooling keep noise and throttling in check.