List of the Best Desktop Computer Under $500 in 2021

Although now, when the technology has been covered and we have a lot of choices of different technology products such as tablets, laptops, etc. desktop computers are still a perfect choice for those who want to utilize its full capacity. However, it is difficult to choose a desktop computer at an affordable price. With that in mind, Studydroid has compiled a list of the best desktop computer under $500 this time.

1. Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 Desktop

In many ways, the Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 Desktop is exactly what most budget desktop shoppers are looking for. Affordable, compact, and fully equipped, this basic mini tower includes the essentials, plus some extra features that similarly priced competitors lack. 

Equipped with a "real" 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor with legitimate performance, 512GB SSD and support for USB Type-C, SD card, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, this basic PC doesn't have any disadvantage, a good value of money. (Some low-cost machines rely on processors or lower quality Rs for laptops.) This combination of processing power and functionality leads the competition in value, winning our best desktop computers under $500 award in this review.

Performance is a highlight, as the Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 Desktop comes with an Intel Core i3-9100 processor with Intel UHD Graphics 630 built in. Acer combined it with 8GB of storage and a 512GB SSD, turning it into a reliable everyday desktop. The newer 9th Gen processor hits a top speed of 4.0Hz, making it perform better than most of the Core i3 desktops around. If you need more power, perhaps for office work, Acer offers the same base model but with a Core i5 CPU and 12GB of RAM in the Acer Aspire TC-885-UA92.

2. Dell Optiplex 9020 Mini Tower Desktop PC

The Dell OptiPlex 9020 comes in four form factors, giving you a variety of sizes to choose from to suit your office needs. We have rated the greatest value because it gives you the most power and opportunity to grow with your business. 

The 3.6GHz quad-core processor offers a lot of power to multitask and run all your essential programs. However, the power supply unit is below average, which means you may need to upgrade it if you add components later.

To determine the best business computer performance is a top priority. To gauge performance, we looked at the processor's PassMark score, an industry benchmark submitted by actual users. Then we analyze RAM and memory, followed by connectivity and expansion. The best business computer should be able to handle all your essential applications without slowing down, and it needs to be able to store all your files. Hence, the Dell OptiPlex 9020 is one of the best business computers out there.

The best aspect of the OptiPlex 9020 is the processor, which is the Intel Core i7-4790. This processor has 8 MB of cache and a base speed of 3.6 GHz. PassMark score is 10,017. This is one of the highest scores in our review. The highest is 11,000. This score shows that the processor is capable of easily handling multitasking tasks and using a considerable amount of data.

3. HP 22-inch All-in-One Desktop Computer

The HP 22-inch All-in-One is an affordable all-in-one desktop PC, with a 21.5-inch HD display (1,920 x 1,080 resolution), A6-7310 quad-core processor and connectivity options. useful, including HDMI output and 802.11b / g / n Wi-Fi. This entry-level Windows system isn't the most powerful but is packed with features that make it last longer than most of the low-cost PCs around.

On this best all-in-one desktop computer under $500, you have a white plastic body with the same aesthetic texture as on last year's HP 20-c010. As an all-in-one PC, all components are housed in a 15.6 x 7.2 x 21.2-inch (HWD) case; the computer weighed a total of 12.16 pounds. The console sits on a four-legged stand, it doesn't wobble even a bit. On the top panel there is a webcam and microphone, while the bottom bezel houses the speaker.

The HP 22-inch All-in-One is powered by a quad-core (2.0GHz) AMD A6-7310 processor, 4GB of RAM and integrated AMD Radeon R4 graphics, a setup that's not too powerful but good enough. That's more than enough for everyday computing, made up of an AMD A6 chip, nestled between a 7th-generation Core i3 processor and Intel's Core i5. 

The system performance compares well with Intel Core i5 desktops including the HP 24-e030 and the Acer Aspire C24-865-ACi5NT. This profile will let you open more than 10 browser tabs, and simultaneously stream full YouTube videos with little or no lag.

4. HP EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF Desktop Computer

This simple yet performance-oriented desktop is best suited for your home or office. HP EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF is powered by a 4th generation Intel Core i5 with 3.20GHz processor. It has 8GB of memory and 500GB HDD storage space. The daily operations are pretty smooth and easy to do. 

Great speed gives you great productivity. Ordinary calculator can be done on this desktop with ease. These key specifications make this desktop a perfect fit for your home and office. EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF is compatible with Windows 10, so you can get the best desktop interface. The system performance interface is very simple and easy. In addition, Windows 10 gives you the best security tools and features so you can feel safe. It updates automatically, saving you time and hassle of updating system software manually.

Connecting to your devices is now simple with HP EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF. HP has equipped this desktop with a super DVDRW drive. It can burn your precious data to DVD, so you can store and save it. However, if you have written on DVD then fear not, as this can also record the data you want to burn on it. This makes storing your data quite easy and secure. 

The overall graphics of this desktop are fine. Although you can't play graphically heavy games on this desktop, you can still enjoy graphically casual games. The results of streaming and casual gaming are still excellent with this HP desktop's integrated graphics. You can enjoy smooth graphics while streaming something or doing multimedia editing.

5. Dell Inspiron Desktop 3880

The Dell Inspiron 3880 is a budget desktop computer powered by a 10th-generation Intel Core processor. Designed for the cost-sensitive users, the Inspiron 3880 offers basic functions in one style. However, the Inspiron 3880 comes with WiFi 6 and bluetooth connectivity, a versatile card reader and optional DVD writer.

The Dell Inspiron 3880 has a minimalistic, no-frills design reminiscent of a business machine, while introducing some eye-catching accents on the front panel. The system has cross vents on the front, it lacks the blue backlighting you find on the player-centric Dell i5680-5842BLU-PUS. 

This best desktop computer under $500 has a pretty basic black, plastic chassis, though there are configurations with ribbed fronts for enthusiasts who want a little more pizazz. 

Port selection is complete, at least you have all the essentials for connectivity, starting with two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a card reader and a headphone jack on the front. On the back, you have two more USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0 ports, an Ethernet port, a VGA port, and an HDMI port. Front-facing HDMI and USB-C connectivity, both of which are gaining popularity will be welcomed by many, but their absence should not be a factor in breaking the deal either.

1. How much processing power do I need?

The processor in a computer is a bit like an engine in a car - it determines how fast your machine can operate and how well it can handle the job. As a student, you'll likely need something that can download a movie (or two), run some creative programming and let you put together a presentation or type in an essay, All with Mom chats on Skype at the bottom of your screen. It's all about multitasking.

Intel has different Core processors for everyone's needs.

• For web browsing, Netflix streaming and working in Office - Intel Core i3.

• To browse and stream Spotify while working in Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator- Intel Core i5.

• For in-depth video editing and rendering, 3D modeling and serious gaming - Intel Core i7.

2. What about the graphics side of my best desktop computer under $500?

Your need for graphics will depend on the way you use your computer. The built-in or the built-in graphics are good enough for everyday use. For creative work and gaming, a dedicated graphics card (using separate memory) could be better.

• Photoshop/Illustrator: Get more out of Adobe with better integrated graphics (Intel Iris or NVIDIA GeForce).

• High-end PC video editing and gaming: PCs with NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics card for best results.

3. Which should I choose: traditional HDD drive or a new SSD drive?

HDD (hard disk drive)

• Found on most desktop PCs.

• Can store thousands of songs / files / photos but slower and noisier.

SSD (solid disk drive)

• Found on PC higher specifications.

• Will make your PC super fast and more powerful but with less storage space.

Finding the best desktop computer under $500 will become easier with the list that Studydroid has presented to you. To sum up, we all agree that the Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 Desktop is the best on the list because of the great features it offers at an affordable price point. In addition, we also select other potential products as in the short list below:

• Best desktop computer under $500 for overall: Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 Desktop.

• Runner up: HP EliteDesk 800 G1 SFF and Dell Inspiron 3880.

• Best desktops computer under $500 all-in-one: HP 22-inch All-in-One.

• Best desktops computer under $500 for business: Dell OptiPlex 9020.