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All information from Mr. Labo's website
While the tower models are more iconic due to the vertical drive the desktops without hesitation have more power than their tower predecessors.
All desktops generally have 4 expansion slots in the back with one for a video card and 3 for general purpose cards such as a MIDI card. They also have CPU upgrade sockets. Later models require them to function as they don't have a DX2 or above CPU soldered to the motherboard. All desktops are also capable of FAST mode. Some parts are interchangeable with one another as far as power supplies and CD rom drives. Generally it should be visually obvious which models belong in the same family of parts.
Pay attention at times to the disc drive cover as well. It usually is an obvious way to denote the model if you can't see the dataplate in the back.
HG - 386SX CPU
HR - 486SX CPU
ME - 486SX CPU
MA has a 486SX
MX has a 486DX. Generally parts can be swapped between MA and MX
FRESH / MF / Fresh・TV type 486SX
Desktops from this point on have only 3 expansion slots which mean they sit shorter and therefore only take certain CPU upgrade cards that are small enough. Well, you could add a DX4 card meant for a 4 slot desktop but you wont be able to shut the case.