Buying Guide
The Best Dell Gaming Desktops
Five Dell and Alienware gaming desktops, from RTX 5060 to RTX 5070, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
12 min read5 products evaluated
Dell sells gaming desktops under its own name (Dell Tower and Tower Plus) and under Alienware. These five are the lower-priced configurations that name every part.
Every pick names its CPU model, graphics, memory and SSD capacity in the listing; we left out renewed units and listings that hide a part behind "brand may vary". We researched the listings and did not test the machines.
Quick Picks
Which of the 5 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
Lowest Price Here
Dell Tower (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5060 8GB)The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing.
Best for: Keeping the budget tight.
Check price for Dell Tower (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Solid Alternative
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB)Aurora RTX 5070 pairs a Core Ultra 7 265F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Check price for Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worth Considering
Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/1TB)Inside the Tower Plus 1TB are a Core Ultra 7 265 and an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Check price for Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/1TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Well-Rounded Choice
Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/2TB)Inside the Tower Plus 2TB are a Core Ultra 7 265 and an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for: Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Check price for Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/2TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)Most Memory
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 64GB)64GB of RAM.
Best for: Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Check price for Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 64GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
Dell Tower (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5060 8GB)
Inside the Dell Tower RTX 5060 are a Core Ultra 7 265F and an RTX 5060 with 8GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5-5600 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Keeping the budget tight.
Skip if
- Worth skipping when 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p is a problem.
Why we like it
Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. On VRAM it trails the group at 8GB, while the Aurora RTX 5070 offers 12GB. On memory it ties with the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB and the Tower Plus 2TB at 32GB.
An RTX 5060 graphics card is unique to it among these picks, while the Tower Plus 1TB uses an RTX 5070 graphics card. It shares a core Ultra 7 265F processor with the Aurora RTX 5070 and Aurora 64GB; the Tower Plus 2TB goes with a core Ultra 7 265 processor. You get a DDR5-5600 memory type here, which sets it apart from the Aurora 64GB and its a DDR5 memory type. No other pick here cost less at our last price check, and the Aurora RTX 5070 was closest.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5060
- VRAM
- 8GB
- Processor
- Core Ultra 7 265F
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5-5600
- SSD
- 1TB
Pros
- A RTX 5060 graphics card
- 32GB of RAM
- 32GB of DDR5-5600 in a plain office-style tower
- DDR5-5600 memory type, the only one here
Cons
- 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p
- VRAM trails the Aurora RTX 5070 (12GB)
- No published power supply wattage
The catch
VRAM is its weakest area, and the Aurora RTX 5070 covers it better at 12GB.
Solid Alternative2 of 5
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB)
Aurora RTX 5070 pairs a Core Ultra 7 265F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 32GB of DDR5 and a 1TB SSD.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Dell Tower RTX 5060 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 1000W power supply behind an RTX 5070. It matches the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora 64GB on VRAM (12GB). It matches the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Tower Plus 1TB on SSD capacity (1TB).
It matches the Aurora 64GB on power supply wattage (1000W). Like the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and Aurora 64GB, it has a core Ultra 7 265F processor, while the Tower Plus 1TB uses a core Ultra 7 265 processor. Check the Aurora RTX 5070's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The 1000W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the pricier Tower Plus 1TB, at the time of writing.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core Ultra 7 265F
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 1000W
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 1000W power supply
Cons
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
Worth Considering3 of 5
Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/1TB)
Inside the Tower Plus 1TB are a Core Ultra 7 265 and an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 1TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Skip if
- Skip it if SSD capacity matters most to you; the Tower Plus 2TB offers 2TB.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 750W power supply and reseller-upgraded memory. On VRAM it ties with the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora 64GB at 12GB. On SSD capacity it ties with the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5070 at 1TB.
On power supply wattage it ties with the Tower Plus 2TB at 750W. It shares a core Ultra 7 265 processor with the Tower Plus 2TB; the Aurora 64GB goes with a core Ultra 7 265F processor. Check the Tower Plus 1TB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The 750W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. When we checked, only the Aurora RTX 5070 and cheaper picks cost less, and the Tower Plus 2TB cost more.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core Ultra 7 265
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 1TB
- Power supply
- 750W
- Warranty
- 1 year (reseller)
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 750W power supply
Cons
- SSD capacity trails the Tower Plus 2TB (2TB)
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
The catch
SSD capacity is its weakest area, and the Tower Plus 2TB covers it better at 2TB.
Well-Rounded Choice4 of 5
Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/2TB)
Inside the Tower Plus 2TB are a Core Ultra 7 265 and an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- Buyers who want a rtx 5070 graphics card.
Skip if
- Skip it if memory matters most to you; the Aurora 64GB offers 64GB.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 2TB SSD fitted by the reseller. The power supply is rated at 750W. On VRAM it ties with the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB and the Aurora 64GB at 12GB.
On SSD capacity it ties with the Aurora 64GB at 2TB. On power supply wattage it ties with the Tower Plus 1TB at 750W. It shares a core Ultra 7 265 processor with the Tower Plus 1TB; the Aurora 64GB goes with a core Ultra 7 265F processor.
Check the Tower Plus 2TB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. The 750W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. When we checked, only the Tower Plus 1TB and cheaper picks cost less, and the Aurora 64GB cost more.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core Ultra 7 265
- Memory
- 32GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 2TB
- Power supply
- 750W
- Warranty
- 1 year (reseller)
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 2TB SSD
Cons
- Memory trails the Aurora 64GB (64GB)
- Power supply wattage trails the Aurora RTX 5070 (1000W)
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
The catch
Memory is its weakest area, and the Aurora 64GB covers it better at 64GB.
Most Memory5 of 5
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 64GB)
Aurora 64GB pairs a Core Ultra 7 265F with an RTX 5070 with 12GB of VRAM, plus 64GB of DDR5 and a 2TB SSD.
Best for
- Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the Dell Tower RTX 5060 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
The power supply is rated at 1000W. On memory it leads this guide at 64GB, ahead of the Dell Tower RTX 5060 (32GB). It matches the Tower Plus 2TB on SSD capacity (2TB).
It matches the Aurora RTX 5070 on power supply wattage (1000W). Like the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and Aurora RTX 5070, it has a core Ultra 7 265F processor, while the Tower Plus 1TB uses a core Ultra 7 265 processor. Check the Aurora 64GB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want.
The 1000W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Tower Plus 2TB and the rest.
Key specs
- Graphics card
- RTX 5070
- VRAM
- 12GB
- Processor
- Core Ultra 7 265F
- Memory
- 64GB
- Memory type
- DDR5
- SSD
- 2TB
- Power supply
- 1000W
- Warranty
- 1 year (reseller)
Pros
- A RTX 5070 graphics card
- 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 64GB of RAM
- A 2TB SSD
Cons
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Dell Gaming Desktops
Alex Morgan compared the manufacturer specifications, connectivity, warranty terms and compatibility of every pick. Figures come from the makers unless a third-party source is named; we did not test these products ourselves.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and power supply wattage and warranty are missing for at least one pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Dell Tower RTX 5060 to the Aurora 64GB, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Dell Tower RTX 5060 gives no power supply wattage; the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5070 give no warranty.
- Price range
- From the Dell Tower RTX 5060 to the Aurora 64GB, all sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Dell Gaming Desktop
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM across these picks
Across these 5 picks VRAM spans 8GB (the Dell Tower RTX 5060) to 12GB (the Aurora RTX 5070). If VRAM is your first filter, the Aurora RTX 5070 sets the ceiling at 12GB.
Memory
Here memory runs from 32GB on the Tower Plus 2TB to 64GB on the Aurora 64GB, a 100% spread. Start with the Aurora 64GB if memory decides it.
A white desktop PC beside a monitor on a bright home-office desk How much SSD capacity you need
Here SSD capacity runs from 1TB on the Tower Plus 1TB to 2TB on the Tower Plus 2TB, a 100% spread. The Tower Plus 2TB is the pick for SSD capacity.
Processor
The Dell Tower RTX 5060, the Aurora RTX 5070 and the Aurora 64GB list Core Ultra 7 265F; the Tower Plus 1TB and the Tower Plus 2TB list Core Ultra 7 265.
A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk Memory type
The Dell Tower RTX 5060 lists DDR5-5600; the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora 64GB list DDR5. Settling memory type first narrows 5 picks to 4 or 1.
How to Choose a Dell Gaming Desktop
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keeping the budget tight | Dell Tower RTX 5060 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing | Aurora 64GB | 64GB of RAM |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Aurora RTX 5070 leads on VRAM at 12GB, ahead of the Tower Plus 1TB at 12GB.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dell Tower RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core Ultra 7 265F | 32GB |
| Aurora RTX 5070 | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core Ultra 7 265F | 32GB |
| Tower Plus 1TB | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core Ultra 7 265 | 32GB |
| Tower Plus 2TB | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core Ultra 7 265 | 32GB |
| Aurora 64GB | RTX 5070 | 12GB | Core Ultra 7 265F | 64GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has the most memory: the Aurora 64GB or the Dell Tower RTX 5060?
The Aurora 64GB tops memory at 64GB; the Dell Tower RTX 5060 follows at 32GB, 100% apart.
Is the Aurora 64GB worth paying more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060?
On paper it adds VRAM (12GB against 8GB), memory (64GB against 32GB) and SSD capacity (2TB against 1TB). Both sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked, so the gains in VRAM and memory cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Aurora 64GB the Most Memory?
It carries the badge for 64GB of RAM. It makes sense for gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Do the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5070 differ on graphics card?
The Dell Tower RTX 5060 uses RTX 5060; the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora 64GB use RTX 5070.
What should I check before buying the Tower Plus 1TB?
Check the Tower Plus 1TB's ports against your monitor: most graphics cards use DisplayPort and HDMI, so match the cable to the refresh rate you want. In this guide it ranks third of 5, and second of 5 on VRAM (12GB).
Beyond the specs, what sets the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5070 apart?
The Dell Tower RTX 5060: 32GB of DDR5-5600 in a plain office-style tower. The Aurora RTX 5070: a 1000W power supply behind an RTX 5070. The Tower Plus 1TB: a 750W power supply and reseller-upgraded memory.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Dell Tower RTX 5060, chosen for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing. Look at the Aurora 64GB for 64GB of RAM if those matter more to you.
The plain Dell towers suit a quiet office look; Alienware adds a showier case and larger cooling.
Related Guides
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs
- Related guideThe Best Prebuilt Gaming PCs Under $2,000
- Related guideThe Best Graphics Cards for 1440p Gaming
- Lower budgetThe Cheapest Gaming Desktops Worth Buying
- Higher budgetThe Best High-End Gaming Desktops
- ExplainerWhat a Prebuilt PC Product Page Leaves Out: PSU, Motherboard and RAM Layout
- ExplainerHow to Choose an All-in-One PC Without Overpaying
- Check compatibility: graphics cardsGPU Power Connectors Explained
- Similar guideThe Best Dell Gaming Desktop PCs
- Topic hubAll prebuilt gaming pcs guides
About the author
PC Hardware Editor
Alex covers PC hardware, monitors, components, upgrades and peripherals for The PC Journal, with a focus on helping readers understand specifications, compatibility and meaningful product trade-offs.
Covers: Monitors, Graphics cards, Processors, PC components, Peripherals, Upgrades and compatibility
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