Desktop Computer Sales in Australia: Trends and Statistics

Desktop computers have been a staple in both personal and professional settings for decades.

However, with the rise of laptops, tablets, and smartphones, desktop sales in many parts of the world, including Australia, have faced significant fluctuations. This article delves into the statistics of desktop sales in Australia, exploring trends, the factors affecting the market, and future projections.

 

Overview of the Desktop Market in Australia

The Australian desktop computer market has undergone significant changes over the years. While desktop computers once dominated the tech landscape, advancements in portable computing, such as laptops and mobile devices, have significantly influenced sales trends. Despite this shift, desktops remain essential in various industries, including gaming, content creation, and professional workstations, where power and expandability are paramount.

According to industry data, desktop sales have been fluctuating but continue to maintain a significant presence in the Australian tech market, especially in niche sectors where performance, longevity, and customization are critical.

 

Historical Desktop Sales Trends

1. 2010-2015: Decline Due to Portability Trends

From 2010 to 2015, desktop sales in Australia experienced a sharp decline as consumers shifted towards more portable solutions like laptops, ultrabooks, and tablets. The convenience of mobile computing devices, combined with their growing capabilities, saw many businesses and home users transitioning away from bulky desktop setups.

• 2010: An estimated 1.5 million desktops were sold.
• 2011: Sales dropped to 1.35 million units as laptops and tablets gained popularity.
• 2015: By the end of this period, sales had declined further, with less than 1 million desktops sold across Australia.

Despite this overall decline, desktops remained popular among gamers, designers, and users who required higher computing power than what most laptops offered at the time.

2. 2016-2019: Stabilization and Niche Market Growth

In the latter half of the decade, the market stabilized as desktops became a niche but essential product for specific consumer groups, such as gaming enthusiasts and professional content creators. The gaming industry, in particular, saw a boost in high-performance desktop sales.

• 2016: Approximately 950,000 desktops were sold, marking a slight increase as gaming PCs became more sought-after.
• 2017: A further stabilization occurred, with around 930,000 units sold.
• 2018-2019: Desktop sales hovered around 900,000 units, largely due to steady demand from professional and gaming sectors.

During this period, desktop computers also saw a resurgence in schools and offices, particularly for jobs requiring intensive tasks like video editing, coding, and design.

3. 2020: Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a massive shift in work culture. With millions of Australians transitioning to work-from-home setups, there was a sudden surge in demand for computing devices, including desktops. Many businesses and households required new or upgraded desktops to accommodate the increased demand for home offices and remote learning setups.

• 2020: Desktop sales in Australia saw a significant rebound, with 1.3 million units sold, up from previous years, marking the first substantial growth in the sector in over a decade.

The rise in demand was fueled by several factors:

• The need for stable and powerful machines for video conferencing, remote work, and online learning.
• Gaming and entertainment saw increased consumption, leading to higher demand for high-end gaming desktops.
• Home businesses and freelance work increased, requiring more powerful machines.

 

Desktop Sales by Segment in Australia

Desktops in Australia can be categorized into three main segments: consumer desktops, business desktops, and gaming PCs.

1. Consumer Desktops

Consumer desktop sales have been steadily declining over the years as more households prefer laptops or tablets. However, many families still opt for desktops due to their longevity, lower maintenance, and ability to upgrade components over time.

• 2018-2019: Consumer desktop sales made up about 40% of the total desktop market.
• 2020: This share grew slightly during the pandemic as more homes needed reliable setups for work and study, but it returned to around 35% in 2021.

2. Business Desktops

Business desktops, particularly those used in large corporations and government institutions, have shown resilience even during the laptop boom. Many businesses prefer desktops for their durability, lower cost of maintenance, and ease of upgrading parts.

• 2019: Business desktops accounted for approximately 45% of the total market, with steady purchases from industries like finance, healthcare, and education.
• 2020-2021: The demand for business desktops spiked due to remote work needs, although it is expected to normalize as more companies adopt hybrid working models.

3. Gaming Desktops

The gaming desktop market is the fastest-growing segment in Australia, driven by the country’s burgeoning gaming industry and the rising demand for high-performance machines. Gaming PCs often feature advanced GPUs and CPUs, making them a premium product in the desktop market.

• 2019: Gaming desktops made up around 15% of total desktop sales, driven by enthusiasts and e-sports players.
• 2020-2021: This share rose to approximately 20%, fueled by increased time spent on gaming during lockdowns and the growing popularity of streaming platforms like Twitch.

 

Future Trends in Desktop Sales

As of 2024, desktop sales in Australia are expected to undergo modest growth in specific segments, particularly in gaming and professional use, but will likely decline in general consumer and business sectors. Here are some key trends shaping the future of desktop sales:

1. Gaming and High-Performance Desktops to Lead the Market

The gaming industry’s continuous growth in Australia means that gaming desktops will likely lead the charge in the desktop market. With advancements in graphics, processing power, and VR gaming, demand for powerful gaming desktops will likely sustain the market for the foreseeable future.

• Forecast (2024): The gaming desktop market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6-8%, with sales surpassing 300,000 units annually.

2. Remote and Hybrid Work

The remote work trend triggered by the pandemic has become a permanent fixture in Australia. While laptops are more portable, desktops are increasingly used for permanent work-from-home setups due to their superior performance and cost-effectiveness for long-term use.

• Forecast (2024): The business desktop segment will see steady demand in industries that require high computing power, such as finance, engineering, and creative industries, maintaining around 40% of the total market.

3. Shift Towards Custom-Built PCs

More users are becoming interested in custom-built PCs, especially in the gaming and creative industries. This trend is expected to continue as DIY PC-building communities grow, driven by enthusiasts seeking optimized performance and customization.

• Forecast (2024): Custom-built desktops could account for 15-20% of all gaming desktop sales, thanks to the flexibility of choosing components that match specific performance needs.

4. Environmental Concerns and Sustainability

Environmental consciousness is also affecting desktop sales trends. Many companies and consumers are moving towards energy-efficient and sustainable computing solutions. Desktops, with their ability to be upgraded rather than replaced entirely, are increasingly seen as a more sustainable option than laptops or tablets.

 

Conclusion

Desktop sales in Australia have fluctuated significantly over the years due to various technological shifts and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic.

While overall sales have declined in some segments, niche markets such as gaming and high-performance desktops continue to thrive. As remote work, gaming, and DIY customization trends persist, desktops are expected to remain an important part of Australia’s tech ecosystem.

Looking forward, the desktop market in Australia will likely stabilize with continued demand in specific sectors like gaming, professional workstations, and business applications. Although consumer preferences are shifting towards more portable devices, desktops still offer unparalleled performance and longevity, ensuring their place in the evolving tech landscape.