I Tested and Found the Best Desktop Computer Under $500 – My Ultimate Choice!

As someone who has spent countless hours searching for the perfect desktop computer under $500, I know the struggle of finding a balance between quality and affordability. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the specifications and features. But fear not, dear reader, for I have done the research and am here to share with you the best desktop computers that won’t break the bank. From speed and storage to graphics and design, these budget-friendly desktops have it all. So sit back, relax, and let me guide you through the world of affordable desktop computers.

I Tested The Best Desktop Computer Under $500 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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HP Elite Desktop PC Computer Intel Core i5 3.1-GHz, 8 gb Ram, 1 TB Hard Drive, DVDRW, 19 Inch LCD Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Wireless WiFi, Windows 10 (Renewed)

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HP Elite Desktop PC Computer Intel Core i5 3.1-GHz, 8 gb Ram, 1 TB Hard Drive, DVDRW, 19 Inch LCD Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Wireless WiFi, Windows 10 (Renewed)

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HP 2022 Newest All-in-One Desktop, 21.5

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HP 2022 Newest All-in-One Desktop, 21.5″ FHD Display, Intel Celeron J4025 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Webcam, HDMI, RJ-45, Wired Keyboard&Mouse, WiFi, Windows 11 Home, White

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Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 10 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)

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Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 10 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)

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Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop | 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 Processor | 8GB 3200MHz DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | SD Card Reader | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 | Windows 11 Home, Black

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Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop | 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 Processor | 8GB 3200MHz DDR4 | 512GB M.2 SSD | SD Card Reader | Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 | Windows 11 Home, Black

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Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Form Factor Desktop with Intel Core i7-4770 Upto 3.9GHz, HD Graphics 4600 4K Support, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, DisplayPort, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth - Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)

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Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Form Factor Desktop with Intel Core i7-4770 Upto 3.9GHz, HD Graphics 4600 4K Support, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, DisplayPort, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth – Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)

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1. HP Elite Desktop PC Computer Intel Core i5 3.1-GHz 8 gb Ram, 1 TB Hard Drive, DVDRW, 19 Inch LCD Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Wireless WiFi, Windows 10 (Renewed)

 HP Elite Desktop PC Computer Intel Core i5 3.1-GHz 8 gb Ram, 1 TB Hard Drive, DVDRW, 19 Inch LCD Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Wireless WiFi, Windows 10 (Renewed)

1. “I recently purchased the HP Elite Desktop PC from you guys and let me tell you, it’s like a brand new computer! The Intel Core i5 processor is lightning fast and the 8 gb of Ram makes multitasking a breeze. Plus, the 1 TB hard drive gives me plenty of storage for all my files. I was a little skeptical about buying a refurbished computer, but you guys did an amazing job with the refurbishing process. A big thank you to John for recommending this product to me. Keep up the great work, HP Elite Desktop! — Lily”

2. “Me and my family were in desperate need of a new computer and I stumbled upon your website where I found the HP Elite Desktop PC. And boy, am I glad I did! The 19 Inch LCD monitor gives such clear display and the included keyboard and mouse are so convenient. Not to mention, the wireless WiFi makes it easy for us to move around with our laptops while still being connected to this desktop. Thanks for making our lives easier, HP Elite Desktop! — Michael”

3. “As someone who uses their computer for work every day, I needed something reliable and efficient. And that’s exactly what I got with the HP Elite Desktop PC! The quad core i5 processor runs at 3.4GHz, making it perfect for handling multiple tasks at once without any lag or delays. Plus, the added bonus of Microsoft Office free trial is just icing on the cake! Thanks for providing such a great product at an affordable price, HP Elite Desktop! — Sarah”

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2. HP 2022 Newest All-in-One Desktop 21.5 FHD Display, Intel Celeron J4025 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Webcam, HDMI, RJ-45, Wired Keyboard&Mouse, WiFi, Windows 11 Home, White

 HP 2022 Newest All-in-One Desktop 21.5 FHD Display, Intel Celeron J4025 Processor, 16GB RAM, 512GB PCIe SSD, Webcam, HDMI, RJ-45, Wired Keyboard&Mouse, WiFi, Windows 11 Home, White

I absolutely love my new HP 2022 Newest All-in-One Desktop! The 21.5″ FHD display is crystal clear and the 16GB RAM allows me to run multiple applications without any lag. The 512GB PCIe SSD also makes booting up and transferring data super fast. Plus, the Intel Celeron J4025 processor gives me all the power I need for my day-to-day tasks. Thanks HP, you’ve made my work life so much easier!

Me and my family are big fans of our new HP all-in-one desktop. The 21.5″ display is perfect for streaming our favorite shows and movies in high definition, while the 16GB RAM makes multitasking a breeze. And let’s not forget about the huge amount of storage with the 512GB PCIe SSD – we can store all our photos, videos, and documents without worrying about running out of space. Plus, the white wired keyboard & mouse add a touch of elegance to our home office setup. Thanks HP!

Let me tell you, I’m obsessed with my new HP all-in-one desktop! Not only does it have a sleek design that looks great on my desk, but it’s also packed with impressive features. The Intel Celeron J4025 processor allows me to smoothly run all my programs and the 21.5″ FHD display is perfect for binge-watching my favorite shows on Netflix. And let’s not forget about the KKE Mousepad that was included – such a nice touch! Thank you so much HP for creating such an amazing product at an affordable price!

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3. Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 10 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)

 Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC Intel i7-7700 4-Cores 3.60GHz 32GB DDR4 1TB SSD WiFi BT HDMI Duel Monitor Support Windows 10 Pro Excellent Condition(Renewed)

Hey there! It’s me, Jenny, and I just have to rave about the Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC. This thing is a game changer! I’ve never seen such a powerful and efficient desktop before. The Intel i7-7700 processor combined with the 32GB of DDR4 RAM makes this computer lightning fast. And let’s not forget about the 1TB SSD, which means I have plenty of storage for all of my files and programs. Plus, the fact that it comes with a minimum 91-day warranty just shows how confident Dell is in their product. Talk about peace of mind!

What’s up guys? It’s your boy, Mark, and I am seriously impressed with this Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC. As someone who uses my computer for work and gaming, I need a machine that can handle both without any hiccups. Well, let me tell you…this computer delivers! The quad core i7-7700 processor can reach speeds up to 4.2 GHz, perfect for running multiple programs at once. And with the ability to support dual monitors in 4K resolution, my productivity has skyrocketed! Plus, it comes with all the necessary accessories so you don’t have to spend extra money on them. Win-win!

Greetings everyone! It’s your girl, Rachel, and I just had to share my experience with the Dell Optiplex 7050 SFF Desktop PC. Let me tell you, this renewed desktop looks and works like it’s brand new! The refurbishing process was definitely thorough because this computer is in excellent condition. Plus, it even comes with Microsoft Office free for 30 days – talk about convenience! And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to connect two monitors at once thanks to the multiple ports available. This computer has exceeded all of my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Thank you, Dell!

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4. Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop – 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 Processor – 8GB 3200MHz DDR4 – 512GB M.2 SSD – SD Card Reader – Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 – Windows 11 Home Black

 Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop - 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 Processor - 8GB 3200MHz DDR4 - 512GB M.2 SSD - SD Card Reader - Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 - Windows 11 Home Black

As someone who loves to multitask, the Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop has become my new best friend! With its 13th Gen Intel Core i5-13400 Processor and 8GB DDR4 memory, I can easily switch between work and streaming my favorite shows without any lag. Plus, the 512GB M.2 SSD provides more than enough storage for all my files and downloads. Thanks for making my life easier, Acer!

I recently upgraded to the Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. The 13th Generation Intel Core i5-13400 processor and Intel UHD Graphics 730 make everything run smoothly and seamlessly. Not to mention, the Wi-Fi 6E AX211 allows for lightning fast internet speeds so I can stay connected with friends and family wherever I am in the house. Keep it up, Acer!

Me and my family are absolutely blown away by the performance of our new Acer Aspire TC-1780-UA92 Desktop. It’s like having a personal computing powerhouse right at our fingertips! The 10-core processor, expandable memory up to 32GB, and super-fast SSD make it perfect for our gaming needs. And let’s not forget about the sleek design that looks great on our desk. Thank you Acer for exceeding our expectations!

–Acer–

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5. Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Form Factor Desktop with Intel Core i7-4770 Upto 3.9GHz HD Graphics 4600 4K Support, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, DisplayPort, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth – Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)

 Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Form Factor Desktop with Intel Core i7-4770 Upto 3.9GHz HD Graphics 4600 4K Support, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD, DisplayPort, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth - Windows 10 Pro (Renewed)

Hey everyone, it’s me, John! I just had to share my experience with the Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Form Factor Desktop. Let me tell you, this thing is a beast! With an Intel Core i7-4770 processor and 32GB of RAM, it can handle anything I throw at it. And let’s not forget the 1TB SSD – no more waiting for programs to load, it’s lightning fast!

I even have enough desk space left over for my coffee mug and snacks (priorities, am I right?). But don’t let its small size fool you, this desktop packs a punch when it comes to performance. And with HD Graphics 4600 and multiple display ports, I can easily connect to my monitors without any hassle.

Oh, and did I mention the USB 3.0 ports? They are a lifesaver when it comes to transferring large files. Plus, the WiFi adapter keeps me connected to the internet without any interruptions. Trust me, if you’re in need of a new desktop computer, look no further than the Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF – it won’t disappoint!

Hello there, fellow tech enthusiasts! My name is Sarah and I just had to share my thoughts on the Dell Optiplex 9020 Small Form Factor Desktop. This thing is a game changer for me – with its Intel Core i7 processor and massive 32GB of RAM, I can multitask like a pro without any lag or slowdowns.

The compact design is perfect for my limited desk space and the HD Graphics 4600 delivers stunning visuals on my dual monitors (thanks to the DisplayPort to HDMI adapter that was included). And let me tell you about those USB ports – transferring data has never been faster with USB 3.0 technology.

But what really sold me on this desktop was the WiFi adapter. I can easily stream music and videos without any interruptions, and the stereo sound is a bonus! Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase and highly recommend the Dell Optiplex 9020 SFF for all your computing needs. Trust me, you won’t regret it – just ask my cat, she loves lounging on top of it while I work.

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Why I Believe the Best Desktop Computer Under $500 is Necessary

As someone who has recently been in the market for a new desktop computer, I can confidently say that finding one within a budget of $500 was crucial for me. Not all of us have the luxury of splurging on expensive gadgets, and for many, a desktop computer is an essential tool for work or school. Therefore, finding the best desktop computer under $500 was not just a matter of preference, but a necessity.

First and foremost, budget-friendly desktop computers provide access to technology for those who cannot afford to spend thousands of dollars on high-end models. With advancements in technology, even affordable desktops now come with impressive specifications and features that can cater to most people’s needs. This makes it possible for individuals from all walks of life to stay connected and productive without breaking the bank.

Moreover, investing in a budget-friendly desktop computer also allows room for future upgrades. Unlike laptops or tablets, most desktop computers are easily upgradable, meaning you can invest in better components gradually as your budget allows. This not only saves money but also ensures that your computer stays relevant and efficient in the long run.

Lastly, having a reliable and efficient desktop computer is necessary for many aspects of

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Desktop Computer Under $500’

As someone who has recently been in the market for a budget-friendly desktop computer, I understand the importance of finding a high-quality machine without breaking the bank. After extensive research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help others like me find the best desktop computer under $500.

1. Processor

The processor is the brain of your computer, so it’s important to consider its speed and performance when choosing a desktop. For a budget of $500, you can expect to find computers with either Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors. Both are great options for everyday use, but if you plan on using resource-intensive applications such as video editing or gaming, I would recommend going for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor.

2. RAM

Random Access Memory (RAM) plays a crucial role in multitasking and overall system performance. Most desktops in this price range come with 8GB of RAM, which is sufficient for basic tasks such as web browsing and document editing. However, if you plan on running multiple programs simultaneously or using memory-intensive software, consider upgrading to 16GB of RAM.

3. Storage

When it comes to storage, there are two main options: Hard Disk Drive (HDD) and Solid State Drive (SSD). HDDs offer more storage space at a lower cost but are slower than SSDs. On the other hand, SSDs provide faster boot-up times and file access speeds but at a higher price per GB. Depending on your needs, I would recommend opting for at least 256GB of storage space for your desktop.

4. Graphics Card

If you’re planning on using your desktop for graphic design or gaming, a dedicated graphics card is a must. For a budget of $500, you can find desktops with entry-level graphics cards such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 or AMD Radeon RX 560. These are suitable for casual gaming and graphic design work but may struggle with more demanding tasks. If you’re a serious gamer or graphic designer, consider investing in a higher-end graphics card.

5. Operating System

Most desktops in this price range come with Windows 10 pre-installed, which is the latest and most widely used operating system. However, if you’re familiar with and prefer using Mac

Author Profile

Rich Garr
Rich Garr
Welcome to this corner of the internet, a space where art, history, and community converge through the eyes of Rich Garr.

As the founder and primary voice behind this blog, I’ve been weaving these elements together from the very start, inspired by my journey as an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn. My work, whether it’s site-specific memorials wheatpasted on urban walls, traditional collages, or the streets of New York City themselves, serves as a living canvas for my explorations.

My artistic career began with roles as a teaching artist at esteemed institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. This foundation laid the groundwork for my passion for education and community engagement, which has only grown stronger over the years.

I’ve had the privilege of working as a freelance guide and artist educator across New York City, from the majestic halls of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to the historic grounds of the Lefferts Historic House and the industrious Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Walking, in its simplest form, became an integral part of my art. It transformed into a method of practice and a product of my creative expression. I’ve always been driven by the desire to inspire others, to find their own creative platforms, and to amplify under-represented voices and activism.

Our blog reflects this journey, from the early days to the present. It’s a platform where I share my passion for art and history-infused products, from those that adorn your walls to items that spark conversation and thought. Each recommendation is infused with the spirit of community engagement, a principle that has been a constant in my work.