There's plenty of crossover between the two, but not every tiny PC is inexpensive. If you're interested specifically in tiny PCs but budget is less of a factor, also check out our picks for favorite micro-desktops overall.

Read on to see what to look for in these systems, and what kind of components you can find inside. Apple has one, too, and is pushing the Apple Mac Mini to the very edge of budget-desktop pricing with its 2018 relaunch (models start at $799), but it just barely qualifies. Compact-system specialists such as Azulle, ECS, Shuttle, and Zotac focus on this area, and some broader PC players such as Asus have offerings in this category, too. Intel is a big player, but not the only one, when it comes to small, inexpensive desktops. These machines can be bought as fully configured systems, or, for the more DIY-minded, as barebones kits that enable you to install components of your choice. Intel's Next Unit of Computing (NUC) mini-PC line is among the most configurable, with plenty of variation among its models. If you're looking at a very small system, mini PCs tend to come in a limited set of models to choose among, tightly designed to do what they do well. Shopping for a budget desktop isn't too different from standard desktop-buying considerations, but there are some differences. *Deals are selected by our partner, TechBargains.

Dell OptiPlex 3070 Micro Intel Core i5-9500T Ultra Compact Desktop - $611.93 with code ' SAVE35' (List Price $941.43 Save $329.50).

Dell Optiplex 3020 SFF Intel Core i5-4570 Desktop With 512GB SSD, 16GB RAM (Off-Lease Refurbished) $329.99 (List Price $449.99 Save $470).

Desktop home budgeting software