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 Alex Morgan, PC Hardware Editor
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
Which of the 6 picks to look at first. Tap a name for the full analysis.
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)
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)
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.
Check price for Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080 16GB) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Solid Alternative1 of 6
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 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 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)
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 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)
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. The 750W power supply is the stated figure; check its connectors before a later GPU upgrade. It was priced above the Tower Plus 1TB and below the Aurora 64GB at the time of writing.
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
- Power supply wattage trails the Aurora RTX 5070 (1000W)
- Costs more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060 at the time of writing
The catch
It gives ground on power supply wattage, where the Aurora RTX 5070 offers 1000W.
Most Memory4 of 6
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
- 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. You also get this: 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 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)
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 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)
The catch
It gives ground on VRAM, where the Aurora RTX 5080 offers 16GB.
Most VRAM6 of 6
Alienware Aurora ACT1250 (Core Ultra 9 285K, RTX 5080 16GB)
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 also comes with a bundled three-year antivirus licence. 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.
Key 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
The catch
The trade-off is memory; for more, the Aurora 64GB offers 64GB.
How We Chose These Dell Gaming Desktop PCs
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 compared six prebuilt PCs on graphics card, VRAM, processor and memory, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 2 of 6 picks leave out power supply wattage.
- The shared baseline
- All 6, from the Aurora RTX 5070 to the Aurora RTX 5080, state graphics card, VRAM and processor.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5080 give no power supply wattage; the Aurora RTX 5070, the Dell Tower RTX 5060 and the Aurora RTX 5080 give no warranty.
- Price range
- From the Dell Tower RTX 5060 to the Aurora RTX 5080, all sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked.
What to Look for in a Dell Gaming Desktop PC
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
VRAM
The Aurora RTX 5080 tops VRAM at 16GB and the Dell Tower RTX 5060 sits lowest at 8GB. For less, the Aurora RTX 5070 is the runner-up at 12GB.
How much memory you need
Across these 6 picks memory spans 32GB (the Aurora RTX 5080) to 64GB (the Aurora 64GB). 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 Dell Tower RTX 5060 to 2TB on the Tower Plus 2TB, a 100% spread. Start with the Tower Plus 2TB if SSD capacity decides it.
Processor
The Aurora RTX 5070, the Aurora 64GB and the Dell Tower RTX 5060 list Core Ultra 7 265F; the Tower Plus 1TB and the Tower Plus 2TB list Core Ultra 7 265; the Aurora RTX 5080 lists Core Ultra 9 285K.
A desktop PC beside a monitor on a corner gaming desk Memory type
The Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB, the Aurora 64GB and the Aurora RTX 5080 list DDR5; the Dell Tower RTX 5060 lists DDR5-5600. Settling memory type first narrows 6 picks to 5 or 1.
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
The Aurora RTX 5080 leads on VRAM at 16GB, ahead of the Aurora RTX 5070 at 12GB.
| 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
How does the Aurora RTX 5070 compare with the Aurora RTX 5080 on VRAM?
Between the top two, it is 16GB on the Aurora RTX 5080 against 12GB on the Aurora RTX 5070, a 33% difference. The Dell Tower RTX 5060 closes the ranking at 8GB.
Is the Aurora 64GB ahead of the Aurora RTX 5070 on memory?
The Aurora 64GB leads at 64GB, with the Aurora RTX 5070 at 32GB.
Is the Aurora RTX 5080 worth paying more than the Dell Tower RTX 5060?
The spec sheets show VRAM (16GB against 8GB) and SSD capacity (2TB against 1TB) in its favour. Both sat in the over $1500 tier when we checked, so the gains in VRAM and SSD capacity cost little extra by tier.
What makes the Aurora 64GB the Most Memory?
The label rests on 64GB of RAM. It suits gaming alongside streaming, browsers or editing.
Do the Aurora RTX 5070 and the Dell Tower RTX 5060 differ on graphics card?
The Aurora RTX 5070, the Tower Plus 1TB, the Tower Plus 2TB and the Aurora 64GB use RTX 5070; the Dell Tower RTX 5060 uses RTX 5060; the Aurora RTX 5080 uses RTX 5080.
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 second of 6, and third of 6 on VRAM (12GB).
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.
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 cardsHow to Choose a Graphics Card for 4K Gaming
- Similar guideThe Best Dell Gaming Desktops
- 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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