Editing Desktop computer (section)

== Comparison with laptops ==
{{See also|Laptop#Disadvantages}}
Desktops have an advantage over [[laptop]]s in that the spare parts and extensions tend to be standardized, resulting in lower prices and greater availability. For example, the size and mounting of the [[motherboard]] are standardized into [[ATX]], [[microATX]], [[BTX (form factor)|BTX]] or other [[computer form factor|form factor]]s. Desktops have several standardized [[expansion slot]]s, like [[conventional PCI]] or [[PCI Express]], while laptops tend to have only one [[mini-PCI]] slot and one [[PC Card]] slot (or [[ExpressCard]] slot). Procedures for assembly and disassembly of desktops tend to be simple and standardized as well. This tends not to be the case for laptops, though adding or replacing some parts, like the [[optical drive]], [[hard disk]], or adding an extra [[memory module]] is often quite simple. This means that a desktop computer configuration, usually a [[tower case]], can be customized and upgraded to a greater extent than laptops. This customization has kept tower cases popular among [[Gaming computer|gamers]] and [[Enthusiast computing|enthusiasts]].

Another advantage of the desktop is that (apart from [[Green computing|environmental concerns]]) [[power consumption]] is not as critical as in laptop computers because the desktop is exclusively powered from the wall socket. Desktop computers also provide more space for cooling fans and vents to dissipate heat, allowing enthusiasts to overclock with less risk. The two large microprocessor manufacturers, [[Intel]] and [[AMD]], have developed [[Notebook processor|special CPUs for mobile computers (i.e. laptops)]] that consume [[CPU power dissipation|less power]] and lower heat, but with lower performance levels.

Laptop computers, conversely, offer portability that desktop systems (including small form factor and all-in-one desktops) cannot due to their compact size and [[clamshell design]]. The laptop's all-in-one design provides a built-in keyboard and a pointing device (such as a [[touchpad]]) for its user and can draw on power supplied by a rechargeable battery. Laptops also commonly integrate wireless technologies like [[Wi-Fi]], [[Bluetooth]], and [[3G]], giving them a broader range of options for connecting to the internet, though this trend is changing as newer desktop computers come integrated with one or more of these technologies.

A desktop computer needs a [[Uninterruptible power supply|UPS]] to handle electrical disturbances like short interruptions, blackouts, and spikes; achieving an on-battery time of more than 20–30 minutes for a desktop PC requires a large and expensive UPS.<ref>[http://www.apc.com/products/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=BR1500GI&full_sku=BR1500GI%20%2B%20%281%29BR24BPG APC BackUPs UPS] Specs</ref><ref>Cost of APC [https://www.amazon.com/Back-ups-1500VA-230V-Power-Saving/dp/B0041MP81Y Back-ups-1500VA-230V]</ref> A laptop with a sufficiently charged battery can continue to be used for hours in case of a power outage and is not affected by short power interruptions and blackouts.

A desktop computer often has the advantage over a comparable [[laptop]] in computational capacity. Overclocking is often more feasible on a desktop than on a laptop; similarly, hardware add-ons such as discrete graphics co-processors may be possible to install only in a desktop.<ref name="Comptolaptop">{{cite document|title=Laptops vs desktops. Personal Computer World|publisher=Incisive Media Limited|author= Cliff, J.|id={{ProQuest|213495868}}}}</ref>