Someone recently asked me to evaluate a computer unit for office use.
Not for gaming. Not for video editing. For the Filipino government office workload. Microsoft Word, Excel, internet browsing, email, PDF documents, data entry, printing and the occasional video conference.
The unit being considered was an All-in-One PC. The kind where the computer is built directly into the monitor eliminating the CPU tower entirely.
My answer: yes. But with one change before purchasing.
Here is my full assessment.
What Is an All-in-One PC?
For readers who're not familiar with the term. An All-in-One (AIO) PC combines the computers internal components and the display into a single unit. There is no tower. No cables running between a monitor and a CPU box under the desk. Everything is in one package sitting on the desk.
Think of it as a desktop computer that looks like a monitor.
Popular in offices, schools and hospital workstations. AIOs have become increasingly practical as processors become more power-efficient and compact. You get a Windows computer in a footprint not much larger than a standard monitor.
The Configuration I Was Looking At
Without naming the brand or model. The unit under consideration had the following specs:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U or equivalent
Memory: 8GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD
Display: 23.8-inch Full HD IPS
Graphics: Integrated
Network: Gigabit Ethernet + Wi-Fi
Operating System: Windows 11
For most of those specs. My assessment was positive. The processor is more than capable. The storage is practical. The display size is comfortable for office work.
There was one spec I flagged immediately.
The RAM.
My Recommended Configuration
Before purchasing I would change one thing:
Upgrade the RAM from 8GB to 16GB DDR5.
Everything else on the spec sheet is reasonable for office use. That single upgrade makes a difference in day-to-day performance for a busy office workstation.
My recommended configuration for an office deployment:
Processor: Intel Core Ultra 5 125U ✅ Keep
Memory: 16GB DDR5. Upgrade from 8GB
Storage: 512GB NVMe PCIe SSD ✅ Keep
Display: 23.8-inch Full HD IPS ✅ Keep
Graphics: Integrated ✅ Fine for office use
Network: Gigabit Ethernet + Wi-Fi ✅ Keep
OS: Windows 11 Pro. Prefer Pro for organizational deployment
Office software: Properly licensed Microsoft 365 or Office for business use
Warranty: Preferably 3 years with reliable local or on-site service
Advantages of an All-in-One PC for Office Use
1. Saves desk space.
This is the practical advantage. Especially for offices with multiple workstations. No CPU tower under or beside the desk. The entire computer fits in the monitors footprint. For a hospital records section an admin office or a shared workspace. That space saving adds up across every desk.
2. Less cable clutter.
A traditional desktop requires cables running between the monitor and the CPU. Power, video, USB. With an AIO those connections disappear because everything is integrated. You still have power, keyboard, mouse and network cables.. The overall setup is significantly cleaner.
3. Excellent for office work.
Word. Excel. Browser. Email. PDF. Data entry. Online government systems. Video conferencing. Printing. For all of these. An AIO with a Core Ultra 5-class processor handles everything comfortably.
You do not need a graphics card for any of those tasks.
4. Comfortable screen size.
A 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display is a size for most office employees. Large enough for spreadsheets and documents side by side. Fits comfortably on a desk. IPS panel means viewing angles. Useful in shared workspaces where people occasionally view each others screens.
5. Easier to standardize for IT support.
If an organization purchases units of the same AIO model. IT support becomes more predictable. Same drivers. Same Windows configuration. Same printer setup. Same network settings. Same security policies.
As someone who manages IT support for an office. Standardization reduces troubleshooting time significantly. One model means one set of solutions for recurring issues.
6. Professional workspace appearance.
A small thing.. Across an entire office it matters. AIOs give workstations an organized look. For offices where clients, patients or visitors see the workspace. The professional appearance of a clutter- desk reflects on the organization.
Disadvantages of an All-in-One PC
1. More difficult to repair.
This is the significant disadvantage and the reason warranty terms matter so much with AIOs.
With a desktop component replacement is relatively straightforward. The RAM, storage, GPU and power supply are accessible and replaceable by a technician. With an AIO many components are integrated into the display housing. Repairs are more involved sometimes requiring tools and potentially more expensive.
Buy the configuration from the start. Upgrading components after purchase is significantly harder than with a desktop.
2. Limited upgrade options.
A traditional desktop can be upgraded across every component over its lifetime. RAM, storage, graphics card, even the processor in some cases. AIOs are more restricted.
This is why I recommend buying 16GB RAM from the beginning rather than purchasing 8GB and planning to upgrade later. With an AIO. That upgrade may not be straightforward or even possible depending on the model.
3. Why 8GB RAM is not what I would choose for an office PC.
The unit I evaluated came with 8GB DDR5. It will function for tasks. But consider what a typical office workstation actually runs simultaneously:
Microsoft Excel → Word → Chrome or Edge with multiple tabs → PDF reader → Microsoft Teams or Zoom → Email → Government online system → Background Windows processes
That combination comfortably consumes 8GB. With 16GB the computer has breathing room for all of those applications running simultaneously without performance degradation. For a purchase in 2026. 8GB is the minimum, not the target.
4. A single point of failure.
With a desktop. If the monitor fails you temporarily connect another monitor and continue working. If the CPU fails you temporarily use another machine while it is repaired.
With an AIO. A display failure can take the workstation out of service until the unit is repaired or replaced. The computer and monitor are one unit. One failure affects both.
This makes after-sales support and warranty terms important decisions when purchasing an AIO for organizational use.
5. Not suitable for high-performance users.
An AIO with integrated graphics is not the tool for employees who need professional video editing, 3D rendering, CAD work, advanced graphic design or heavy data processing. Those users need workstations.
For the office worker. It is more than enough.. Know your users before specifying the hardware.
A Note on Software Licensing
Before purchasing any office computer. Verify the software licensing situation.
Windows 11 Home vs Pro:
For deployments Windows 11 Pro is preferable. Pro includes features that Home does not. BitLocker drive encryption, Remote Desktop, Group Policy management and better domain join support. For an IT-managed office environment Pro is the appropriate choice.
Microsoft 365:
If the unit comes with "Office Home & Student”. Verify whether that license is appropriate for commercial use. Home & Student is licensed for use. An organization using it for business purposes may be in violation of the licensing terms. For office deployment Microsoft 365 Business or a volume license is the path.
Licensing is not glamorous. It is also not optional.
System Disclaimer: This post is based on my professional assessment as an IT professional in a government setting. Hardware performance varies by use case. Always consult your organizations IT team or a qualified procurement officer before making purchasing decisions. Think of this post as a report. Your IT team runs the actual deployment.
Mavs Final Diagnosis
For data-entry personnel, administrative staff and employees who primarily use Word, Excel, browsers, email, PDFs and office systems. An All-in-One PC is a space-saving professionally appropriate choice.
The configuration I evaluated was mostly right. One change. And it is an one:
Upgrade the RAM to 16GB before purchasing.
AIOs are harder to upgrade after the fact than desktops. Buy it right the time and it will serve the office reliably for years. Buy the minimum. You will feel it in performance within months as applications grow heavier and multi-tasking becomes more demanding.
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