Buying Guide
The Best Dell Gaming Desktop PCs
Six Dell and Alienware gaming desktop PCs, from RTX 5070 to RTX 5080, each with its CPU, graphics, memory and storage named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read6 products evaluated
Below $4,000, Dell's gaming desktops run from an RTX 5060 Dell Tower to RTX 5080 Alienware systems. These six cover that span.
Our comparison uses what each seller states, not hands-on testing. Listings without a named CPU, a GPU with its VRAM, a RAM figure or an SSD size were dropped, as were renewed units and outlier prices.
Quick Picks
Our 6 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
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.
Our take Check price for Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB) (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.
Our take Check price for Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/1TB) (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.
Our take Check price for Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/2TB) (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.
Our take Check price for Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 64GB) (opens in a new tab)
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.
Our take Check price for Dell Tower (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5060 8GB) (opens in a new tab)
Most VRAM
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080 16GB)
16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080.
Best for: High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Our take Check price for Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080 16GB) (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Solid Alternative1 of 6
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB, the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5080 on memory (32GB).
It matches the Aurora 64GB on power supply wattage (1000W). Like the Aurora 64GB and Dell Tower RTX 5060, it has a core Ultra 7 265F processor, while the Aurora RTX 5080 uses a core Ultra 9 285K 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. Its price falls between the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Tower Plus 1TB, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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 Considering2 of 6
Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/1TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 price comes first: the Dell Tower RTX 5060 cost less when we checked.
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 Aurora RTX 5070 and the Dell Tower RTX 5060 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 RTX 5080 goes with a core Ultra 9 285K 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. It was priced above the Aurora RTX 5070 and below the Tower Plus 2TB at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & 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
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
Well-Rounded Choice3 of 6
Dell Tower Plus EBT2250 (Core Ultra 7 265, RTX 5070 12GB, 32GB/2TB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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 power supply wattage matters most to you; the Aurora RTX 5070 offers 1000W.
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 and the Aurora RTX 5080 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 RTX 5080 goes with a core Ultra 9 285K 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. It was priced above the Tower Plus 1TB and below the Aurora 64GB at the time of writing. It gives ground on power supply wattage, where the Aurora RTX 5070 offers 1000W.
Key dimensions & 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
- Power supply wattage trails the Aurora RTX 5070 (1000W)
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
Most Memory4 of 6
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5070 12GB, 64GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Price-first buyers should look at the Dell Tower RTX 5060, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
The power supply is rated at 1000W. Its 64GB memory is the most here; the Aurora RTX 5070 comes next at 32GB. It matches the Aurora RTX 5070 on power supply wattage (1000W).
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. Worth noting too: 12GB of VRAM for high texture settings. Its price falls between the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora RTX 5080, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & 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
Lowest Price Here5 of 6
Dell Tower (Core Ultra 7 265F, RTX 5060 8GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
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
- Look at the others if this bothers you: 8GB of VRAM can force lower texture settings in newer games at 1440p.
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 5080 offers 16GB. On memory it ties with the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora RTX 5080 at 32GB.
You get an RTX 5060 graphics card here, which sets it apart from the Aurora RTX 5070 and its an RTX 5070 graphics card. It shares a core Ultra 7 265F processor with the Aurora RTX 5070 and Aurora 64GB; the Aurora RTX 5080 goes with a core Ultra 9 285K processor. A DDR5-5600 memory type is unique to it among these picks, while the Aurora RTX 5080 uses a DDR5 memory type. It cost the least of the 6 picks at the time of writing, with the Aurora RTX 5070 the next step up.
Key dimensions & 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 5080 (16GB)
- SSD capacity trails the Tower Plus 2TB (2TB)
Most VRAM6 of 6
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Inside the Aurora RTX 5080 are a Core Ultra 9 285K and an RTX 5080 with 16GB of VRAM, backed by 32GB of DDR5 and 2TB of SSD storage.
Best for
- High texture settings at 1440p and above.
Skip if
- Skip it if memory matters most to you; the Aurora 64GB offers 64GB.
Why we like it
It also comes with a 240mm liquid cooler on a Core Ultra 9 285K. Its PSU wattage isn't published, so ask the seller before a GPU upgrade. Nothing else here matches its 16GB VRAM; the Aurora RTX 5070 comes closest at 12GB.
It matches the Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Dell Tower RTX 5060 on memory (32GB). No other pick in this guide offers an RTX 5080 graphics card; compare the Aurora 64GB, which has an RTX 5070 graphics card. No other pick in this guide offers a core Ultra 9 285K processor; compare the Aurora RTX 5070, which has a core Ultra 7 265F processor.
It was the highest-priced of the 6 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the Aurora 64GB and the rest. The trade-off is memory; for more, the Aurora 64GB offers 64GB.
Key dimensions & specs
- Graphics card: RTX 5080
- VRAM: 16GB
- Processor: Core Ultra 9 285K
- Memory: 32GB
- Memory type: DDR5
- SSD: 2TB
Pros
- A RTX 5080 graphics card
- 16GB of VRAM for high texture settings
- 32GB of RAM
- A 2TB SSD
Cons
- Memory trails the Aurora 64GB (64GB)
- No published power supply wattage
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
How We Chose These Dell Gaming Desktop PCs
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Price and warranty
- We compared prices at the time of writing and the warranty terms each listing states.
- Power and upgrades
- We recorded PSU wattage and rating where listed, which decides later GPU upgrades.
- Balance
- We compared how the CPU, memory and storage match the graphics card's class.
- Stated parts
- We included only listings that name the CPU, the GPU with its VRAM, the RAM and the SSD capacity.
What to Look for in a Dell Gaming Desktop PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Start with the graphics card
The GPU decides gaming performance more than any other part. Match it to your monitor: an RTX 5060 class card suits 1080p, an RTX 5070 suits 1440p, and 4K high-refresh play needs an RTX 5080 or above.
Check the VRAM figure too; 8GB cards can need lower texture settings in newer games.
Read the warranty terms
Prebuilt warranties vary from one year of parts and labor to three years. Check who handles repairs and whether shipping is covered.
Check memory and storage
16GB of RAM runs games; 32GB leaves room for streaming, browsers and editing. A 1TB SSD holds a handful of large games, so plan for a second drive if you keep a big library.
Trust specific listings
Prefer listings that name every part: CPU model, GPU model and VRAM, RAM, SSD and PSU. Vague terms like "Core i7" or "brand may vary" leave room for weaker parts.
Look for a named power supply
A listing that states wattage and an 80 Plus rating is easier to trust and to upgrade later. When a listing is silent, ask before buying.
Pair a sensible processor
A current six- or eight-core CPU is enough for most games. X3D chips with extra cache help at high frame rates, while older or unnamed CPUs are a warning sign in a listing.
How to Choose a Dell Gaming Desktop PC
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing | Aurora 64GB | 64GB of RAM |
| Keeping the budget tight | Dell Tower RTX 5060 | The lowest price among these picks at the time of writing |
| High texture settings at 1440p and above | Aurora RTX 5080 | 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080 |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
Figures as each maker states them.
| Prebuilt PC | Graphics card | VRAM | Processor | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Dell Tower RTX 5060 | RTX 5060 | 8GB | Core Ultra 7 265F | 32GB |
| Aurora RTX 5080 | RTX 5080 | 16GB | Core Ultra 9 285K | 32GB |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 16GB of RAM enough for gaming?
For most games, yes. 32GB helps when you stream, keep many browser tabs open or edit video alongside gaming.
How much VRAM do I need?
8GB works at 1080p with some texture compromises in newer games; 12GB to 16GB is more comfortable at 1440p and 4K.
Is a prebuilt cheaper than building a PC?
Sometimes. Prebuilts include Windows, assembly and a system warranty; building yourself can cost less but you handle part choices and support.
Do prebuilt PCs come with extra software?
Some do. Check the product page for trial software, and remove what you do not need after setup.
Can I upgrade a prebuilt later?
Usually. Check the power supply wattage and connectors, the case's GPU clearance and free RAM slots before buying a part.
What does "brand may vary" mean in a listing?
The builder may ship an equivalent part from a different maker. The model and capacity should match; ask the seller if it matters to you.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Aurora RTX 5070. Look at the Dell Tower RTX 5060 for the lowest price among these picks at the time of writing and the Aurora RTX 5080 for 16GB of VRAM on the RTX 5080 if those matter more to you.
Resellers sell some Dell Tower Plus units with upgraded parts; their one-year warranty is the reseller's, not Dell's.