Best Desktop PC Under $300? Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF i7-7700 Review [2025]
Looking for a powerful desktop PC without breaking the bank? You’re not alone. With rising prices on new computers, many savvy shoppers are turning to Amazon Renewed for reliable, high-performance alternatives—like the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF with an Intel Core i7-7700.
At under $300, this compact workhorse packs surprising speed, generous memory, and modern features like WiFi, Bluetooth, HDMI, and dual monitor support—all bundled with Windows 11 Pro and a 90-day warranty.
But is it really a smart buy in 2025? In this full review, we’ll break down the specs, performance, pros and cons, and real-world use cases to help you decide if the Dell OptiPlex 7050 is the best budget desktop PC for your needs.
Let’s dive in.
JUMP LIST
- Why Choose a Refurbished Desktop PC?
- Quick Specs Overview: Dell OptiPlex 7050 i7-7700 SFF Configuration
- Design and Build: Compact Yet Expandable
- Connectivity and Ports: Ready for Modern Needs
- Performance: Power Meets Practicality
- Upgrade Potential: Future-Proofing on a Budget
- Pros and Cons of the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF
- Who Is the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF For?
- Dell OptiPlex 7050 vs Others Budget Desktops PC
- FAQs: People Also Ask
- Final Verdict: Is the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF Worth It in 2025?
Why Choose a Refurbished Desktop PC?
The renewed desktop PC market is booming, and for good reason. Refurbished systems like the OptiPlex 7050 offer high-end specs at a fraction of the cost of new machines. Released in 2017, this small form factor desktop is still a viable option in 2025, especially for budget-conscious buyers who need reliability without breaking the bank.
With a 7th-gen Intel Core i7-7700 processor, up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM, and a 1TB SSD in some configurations, it’s built to handle everyday tasks and more. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone setting up a home office PC, this machine offers impressive value. Let’s break down what makes it tick.
Also read Top Affordable Gaming PCs for 2025
Quick Specs Overview: Dell OptiPlex 7050 i7-7700 SFF Configuration
Here’s a snapshot of what you’re getting with this renewed small form factor desktop:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF (Renewed) |
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700 (4 Cores, 3.60GHz) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Pro (64-bit) |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (Integrated) |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Bluetooth, Ethernet |
| Ports | USB 3.0/2.0, HDMI, DisplayPort, Audio I/O |
| Extras | DVD+RW Drive, Wired Keyboard & Mouse |
| Dual Monitor Support | Yes (via HDMI + DisplayPort) |
| Condition | Professionally Renewed + 90-Day Warranty |
Design and Build: Compact Yet Expandable
The OptiPlex 7050 SFF is designed with practicality in mind. Its small form factor desktop build fits easily on or under a desk, making it perfect for tight spaces. At just 11.57 pounds, it’s portable enough to move between workstations if needed. The sleek black chassis with a red stripe adds a professional touch, while the reinforced metal build ensures durability.
What sets this PC apart is its tool-less design. Upgrading RAM, storage, or adding a low-profile GPU is straightforward, thanks to the removable side panel. The lockable rear cage protects ports and cables, which is a thoughtful touch for office environments where tampering or accidental disconnections are a concern
Connectivity and Ports: Ready for Modern Needs
The OptiPlex 7050 SFF doesn’t skimp on connectivity. It’s loaded with ports to support a variety of peripherals:
- Front: 2x USB 2.0, 1x USB 3.0 Type-A, 1x USB 3.0 Type-C, universal audio jack, optional SD card reader
- Rear: 4x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, HDMI, 2x DisplayPort, RJ-45, serial port
- Wireless: USB Wi-Fi and Bluetooth adapters included in some refurbished models
The dual monitor setup support via HDMI and DisplayPort is a standout feature for multitaskers. You can extend or mirror displays effortlessly, boosting productivity for tasks like coding, data analysis, or video editing.
Performance: Power Meets Practicality
The Intel i7 7th gen processor in the OptiPlex 7050 SFF is a quad-core beast that handles most tasks with ease. Whether you’re juggling spreadsheets, streaming 4K videos, or editing photos in Photoshop, the i7-7700 keeps things smooth. The 32GB DDR4 RAM option ensures you can run multiple apps without slowdowns, making it ideal for professionals and multitaskers.
For storage, the 1TB SSD option is a game-changer. It delivers lightning-fast boot times and quick file access compared to traditional HDDs. If you’re working with large files—like videos or graphic design projects—the SSD makes a noticeable difference.
The integrated Intel HD Graphics 630 isn’t built for high-end gaming, but it supports dual monitor setups and 4K displays, which is great for productivity or media consumption. Want to play games like Valorant or Minecraft? You’ll get decent performance, but for more demanding titles, you’ll need a dedicated GPU.
Upgrade Potential: Future-Proofing on a Budget
One of the biggest strengths of the OptiPlex 7050 SFF is its expandability. Here’s what you can upgrade:
- RAM: Supports up to 64GB DDR4 across four slots for heavy multitasking or future needs.
- Storage: Add an M.2 SSD or swap the HDD for a larger SSD for faster performance.
- Graphics: The PCIe x16 slot supports low-profile GPUs like the AMD Radeon RX 6400 or NVIDIA GTX 1650 (with a PSU upgrade to 300W for the latter).
- Wi-Fi: Add a PCIe-based wireless adapter for better performance than USB dongles.
However, the 180W or 240W PSU limits GPU options, and the proprietary power supply design can make upgrades tricky. For light gaming, a low-profile GTX 1050 or GT 1030 works without needing a new PSU, but more powerful cards may require creative solutions like external PSU adapters.
Pros and Cons of the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF
Who Is the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF For?
This budget-friendly PC shines in several scenarios:
- Home Office Workers: Perfect for remote work, video calls, and multitasking with its fast processor and ample RAM.
- Small Businesses: Reliable for office tasks like accounting, CRM software, or managing databases.
- Students: Great for research, coding, or virtual classes, with enough power for light creative work.
- Casual Gamers: Can handle eSports titles or older games, especially with a low-profile GPU upgrade.
- Budget Builders: Ideal for those who want a solid base to customize without spending a fortune.
If you’re looking for a high-end gaming rig or a PC that officially supports Windows 11, you might need to look elsewhere. But for most everyday and professional needs, this PC delivers.
Dell OptiPlex 7050 vs Others Budget Desktops PC
Before you buy, it’s smart to compare. Here’s how the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF i7-7700 stacks up against other top contenders in the sub-$300 desktop category.
 Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF |  HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF |  Lenovo ThinkCentre M710s | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i7-7700 (3.6GHz) | Intel Core i5-7500 (3.4GHz) | Intel Core i5-6500 (3.2GHz) |
| RAM | 32GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR4 | 16GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 1TB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 630 (Integrated) | Intel UHD 630 (Integrated) | Intel HD 530 (Integrated) |
| Dual Monitor Support | Yes (HDMI + DisplayPort) | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi & Bluetooth | Included via USB dongle | May vary by seller | Usually not included |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro |
| Form Factor | Small Form Factor (SFF) | Small Form Factor (SFF) | Small Form Factor (SFF) |
Why Dell Wins:
- More RAM and Storage than both competitors
- Newest i7 CPU in the lineup
- Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro for better security and future support
- Dual monitor support + wireless connectivity out of the box
If performance-per-dollar is your priority, the Dell OptiPlex 7050 i7 is a no-brainer in 2025.
FAQs: People Also Ask
Is the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF good for gaming?
It’s decent for light gaming (e.g., Valorant, Minecraft) with integrated graphics, but for modern titles, you’ll need a low-profile GPU like the GTX 1050 or RX 6400. The 240W PSU limits high-end GPU options unless upgraded.
Can the OptiPlex 7050 SFF run Windows 11?
No, it doesn’t meet Windows 11’s hardware requirements (7th-gen CPUs aren’t officially supported). You’re limited to Windows 10, which reaches end-of-life in October 2025. Linux is an option for extending usability.
How reliable are refurbished Dell OptiPlex PCs?
Refurbished OptiPlex units from reputable sellers (e.g., Amazon, Newegg, PCLiquidations) are rigorously tested and often come with warranties (e.g., 100 days to 1 year). They’re built for business use, so durability is a strong suit.
Can I upgrade the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF for video editing?
Yes, with 32GB RAM and a 1TB SSD, it’s capable of light to moderate video editing in software like Premiere Pro. For faster rendering, consider adding a low-profile GPU and maxing out RAM to 64GB.
Final Verdict: Is the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF Worth It in 2025?
For under $300, the Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF is a fantastic deal. Its Intel i7 7th gen processor, ample RAM, and SSD storage make it a versatile workhorse for home offices, small businesses, and casual users. The compact design, robust connectivity, and upgrade potential add to its appeal, though the lack of Windows 11 support and limited PSU are drawbacks to consider.
If you need a reliable, affordable workstation that balances performance and price, the OptiPlex 7050 SFF is hard to beat. It’s not a cutting-edge gaming rig, but for everyday tasks and light creative work, it’s a budget champion. Ready to grab one? Check trusted retailers like Amazon, Newegg, or PCLiquidations for the best deals.
What’s your take? Have you used the OptiPlex 7050 SFF or another budget PC? Share your thoughts below!
