A guide to desktop PC accessories

Updated June 2023

Let’s imagine you’ve just bought a fantastic desktop PC – perhaps even a top-of-the-line gaming PC? It’s exciting, of course, but you might quickly realise that a desktop alone doesn’t make a complete computer set-up.    

When it comes to computers, people often choose a desktop PC over a laptop so they can have full control over its specs, and the freedom to pick the internal components they want. But desktop PCs also allow you to choose from an enormous breadth of PC accessories and peripherals as well.

From fantastic keyboards and mice to headsets and speakers, getting the best PC accessories is all part of the fun of putting together your computer workstation.

So, to help you nail this vital part of your computer space, let’s take a look at a selection of accessories which will enable you to work more effectively, and look good at the same time!

What are PC accessories and peripherals?

A peripheral for a computer can be defined as a device which connects to a computer to increase its functionality. Peripherals have nothing to do with a computer’s memory or processing power, instead existing outside of a computer’s core tower.

A peripheral can be many things, from a standard wired mouse to a gaming monitor or 3D printer. Other terms used to describe peripheral devices include auxiliary components, external or integrated peripherals, and I/O devices (input/output devices).

A key feature of a peripheral is its inability to work as a standalone device. In other words, a peripheral must be connected to something (e.g. a computer) to be able to operate correctly

Computer keyboards

One of the most common peripherals, a good mechanical keyboard is a must if you’re a PC gamer or frequent typer. They make your in-game reactions that little bit faster, your typing that little more accurate, and the overall experience of using your keyboard that much more satisfying.

Of course, there are other keyboard types available, including standard keyboards and wireless models that connect to your desktop PC via cables and Bluetooth respectively.

There are various keyboards out there from well-known brands that you can make use of, but for gaming specifically, there are a few different mechanical keyboards which are popular.

Some models even have a mechanical RGB keyboard – look out for features like durable switches for responsive and reliable performance. Customisable all-key RGB lighting offers great personalisation options, while options like a wrist rest give you extra support and comfort for gaming marathons.

Computer mice

Another must-have when it comes to accessories for computers is the humble PC mouse. You can get plenty of standard mice or ergonomic models, both wired and wireless, or you can grab yourself a gaming mouse instead.

It might seem like overkill if you’re just working on your PC, but a gaming mouse has some of the best ergonomics and functionality of any mouse out there and are good no matter what you use your computer for.

External speakers

The next crucial peripheral when it comes to accessories for PC set-ups, a good set of PC speakers is ideal for enjoying music, movies, and games on your PC, and is a must if you use your computer for pretty much anything.

They add depth and presence to experiences that would otherwise feel tinny and underwhelming on the kind of speakers that come with pre-built PCs or monitor speakers.

Headphones and headsets

Naturally, if you prefer to use headphones with your PC, then you can get these as accessories for PC stations as well. A great headset can sometimes even be better than high-end speakers in both sound quality and emersion.

Gaming headsets are perfect for both work and play, often built with superior comfort, extended durability, and crystal-clear sound to help you get the most out of your listening experience.

The oval design of many headsets create a comfortable fit and plush feel, with adjustable headband sliders to provide greater flexibility and durability to prevent twisting and bending from prolonged use.

External microphones

You may have experienced sound issues when it comes to working or gaming calls, so when it comes to accessories for PCs, a good PC microphone can take your video calls to a new level of intimacy and clarity, or improve your home video recording for streaming, voice-over, or any other audio projects you have.

Even amateur PC users will be able to find good-quality, inexpensive microphones, with great features for one-to-one and multi-person recording, and many come with a solid stand right out of the box if you don’t want to attach it to a boom arm.

External webcams

If you’re working from home or video calling with friends and family, a good PC webcam can make a big difference; and owning these kinds of accessories for a computer is kind of necessary for video calls anyway.

Plenty of webcams out there come at a fantastic price with great features and image quality. You should have no trouble finding a camera with a 1080-pixel resolution that delivers polished, full HD video calls that makes every chat and catch up look and sound great.

USB drives

A good USB drive is something a PC user should not be without. USB flash drives are a quick and easy backup solution, whether you’re sitting at home or on the go, and they’re light, portable, and relatively affordable at even quite large capacities.

With a USB drive, you’ll spend less time waiting to transfer files thanks to high transfer speeds. With some drive, you can transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds!

Their durable and sleek metal casing is tough enough to handle knocks with style, and with password protection on many models, you can rest assured that your private files stay private.

Additional Wi-Fi adaptors

Although most modern computers come with Wi-Fi support right out of the box, that’s not always the case with desktop PCs. Some high-end motherboards support it, but far from all.

A good wireless adapter can help get you online when a wired connection won’t work, and it’s a good way to add faster Wi-Fi support to older portable devices.

Printers

So, you’ve got your desktop PC ready and everything else you need for the perfect desktop setup. But don’t forget your printer. It was said that when computers took over, we wouldn’t need printers, but guess what?

Unbelievably, even with all our advances in technology, we’re actually using more paper than ever before, in spite of how digitised everything has become, and that’s because all manner of documents need to be kept as ‘hard copies’.

The best way of checking work is by looking at a printed copy. And if you have children, how many times have they needed printouts for school projects? A PC printer is a must-have in your home or work office.

External Monitors

Did you think we’d forgotten one of the most important accessories for your computer? If you have a desktop computer, you’ll need a monitor to go with it, and there are hundreds and hundreds to choose from.

It’s fair to say that most monitors these days, even budget ones, are pretty good. However, depending on if you need a computer monitor to excel at a specific job, you’ll want to get a high-quality screen.

 

First, you need to know what size screen you want. For more on how to find the right screen size for your needs, you can read our article on what size monitor do you need right now!

And once you know this, you’ll then need to decide on the type of screen you need. Tech terms can be quite confusing, and we’re not going to give you a detailed description of each now, but we’ll help you decide which is best for what you need.

Computer monitor types

If you’re primarily going to be using your monitor for work, and by that we mean generally looking at text and images, then you would benefit from a screen with either IPS (in-plane switching) or VA (vertical alignment) panels.

You’ll find this information on the monitor’s specifications. These two screen technologies offer better clarity and colours than TN (twisted nematic) screens. This is particularly important if your budget is small, as cheap TN panels are usually of poor quality with substandard colours and narrow viewing angles.

Screen resolution

In simple terms, screen resolution refers to the number of dots which make up your screen. These dots are also known as pixels. The more dots you have, then the sharper the image will be. When it comes to the best PC accessories, a good screen resolution is a must for your monitor.

At the very least, most monitors should come with a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080/1080p) resolution. Anything less than this will mean two things. Firstly, the picture you have won’t be as clear. And, secondly, the panel you’re buying will not be of high quality.

When you’re thinking about resolution, you also need to think about the size of the screen. For most people, as long as they get HD, that’s enough, but if you’re looking for the very best option and larger screens, you should consider an upgrade if you have the budget.

There are two main options to consider. QHD (2,560 x 1,440): also known as 2K, or 1440p, QHD screens are a middle ground between Full HD and 4K resolution monitors.

An adjustable stand

It’s probably one of the last things you’d think about, and in fact, you might not have thought about it at all! But you should. An adjustable computer stand can help you set up the perfect height for your monitor so you don’t have to crick your neck or position your monitor on a pile of books just to get it into a reasonable position.

Portrait mode

If you work in code, you might find a screen in vertical orientation is better for your needs. Some monitors allow you to tilt them 90 degrees to get the perfect angle. If you work with social media, this is a really useful thing, as some formats such as TikTok rely on portrait format specifically.

Screen portability

Lastly, if you’re short on space, why not opt for a small monitor which has a built-in stand and a case? This means you can carry it around with you easily. These devices are usually self-powered, so you simply need to plug in an HDMI port and a USB into your laptop, and away you go.

Cable management sleeves

Yes, this is just a fancy name for something which keeps your leads all neat around your work area, but it makes a big difference when you can fit different cables into the same sleeve to keep things bundled together.

Cable Management Sleeves are an effective and affordable solution for more complicated set-ups, and for people who just prefer a tidy desk in front and behind it adds a nice aesthetic.

Surge protectors  

One of the most important things to consider when plugging your computer, home entertainment equipment, office equipment, or handheld gadgets into the mains is ensuring that they won’t get destroyed should there be an unexpected surge in electricity.

Power surges occur when something affects the normal flow of power. Surges can be caused by several different factors. In many cases, they are triggered by a nearby heavy electrical load being suddenly switched on or off.

In addition, a surge can sometimes occur just before or after a power failure, whilst a bolt of lightning hitting power lines could also be a cause.

Power surges are more common than you think, but the good news is that there are lots of surge-protectors on the market by quality brands such as Belkin and APC, and they’re not overly expensive: £20 will easily get you a good quality one.

A chair

Ok, so it’s technically not a typical peripheral, but as accessories for a computer go, it’s a must!

Choosing a computer or gaming chair is very important considering that you might be using it for several hours each day. When your office chair is well-designed, it can improve your productivity and lowers the chance of any discomfort.

On the other hand, if you have a bad chair for computer use, it can increase the chances of fatigue and discomfort. So, when it comes to designing your workstation, whether at home or the office, you need to make sure that you have a great chair.

Peripheral connections

With all this info in mind, you should have everything you need to pick out the best PC accessories for your computer. Of course, one very important thing to remember is that all these peripherals will use a different type of connector.

Most peripherals will usually have some form of USB, either USB-A, B, or C. Be sure to check what ports your computer has so you can buy peripherals that will properly connect.

Desktop PC accessories at Ebuyer

You can find all the peripherals you need to complete your set-up in the Ebuyer store, today. Get started browsing from your peripheral needs or head over to the Ebuyer blog for more guides like this one.

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