Dell 5040-T Black

The Dell 5040-T is a budget refurbished desktop with an old i7-6700 and integrated graphics. It's fine for basic office tasks and web browsing, but it's not for gaming or heavy workloads. At $243, it's a cheap option, but you might be better off with a newer mini PC.

In our database, the i7-6700 lands in the 16th percentile for CPU performance, which means it's slower than most modern desktops. For everyday tasks like spreadsheet work, email, and streaming video, it's perfectly fine. But if you're planning to do any heavy multitasking or video editing, you'll feel the age. The integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 is even more of a bottleneck, scoring a dismal 18.2/100 for gaming. You can forget about playing anything modern at decent settings. On the bright side, the 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM help keep things snappy for basic use, and the port selection is generous with 4 USB-C, 6 USB-A, DisplayPort, and HDMI.

Benchmark-wise, this thing is not a speed demon. The CPU is about average for a 2015-era chip, but it's well behind any current budget processor like the ones in the Minisforum DeskMini UM880 Plus. The GPU is one of the worst we've seen for gaming, so don't even think about it. For office work, though, it's perfectly adequate. Just don't expect to run multiple virtual machines or compile code without waiting.

Compared to the HP OmniDesk M02-0244, the Dell offers a faster CPU and more storage, but the HP might have better build quality. The Apple Mac mini M4 is a completely different beast, with a much faster chip and better graphics, but it costs significantly more. The Minisforum DeskMini UM880 Plus is a modern alternative with a Ryzen CPU that crushes the i7-6700 in performance, but it's also pricier. If you're on a tight budget and only need basic tasks, the Dell is fine, but if you can stretch your budget, the Minisforum is a better long-term investment. The Lenovo IdeaCentre Mini and BOSGAME P3 are also worth a look, but they tend to have weaker CPUs or less storage at similar prices.

At $243, this is a budget-friendly option for basic office use. You could get a newer mini PC like the Minisforum DeskMini UM880 Plus for a bit more, but that comes with a modern CPU and better integrated graphics. If you just need a web browser and Office machine, this Dell is hard to beat on price, but you're sacrificing future-proofing. The refurbished nature also means you're taking a gamble on longevity, though the 4.7/5 rating from a handful of buyers suggests it's been reliable so far.

The Dell 5040-T is a refurbished business desktop that's been around the block. It's a mini-tower with an Intel Core i7-6700, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, all for around $243. That's a tempting price for a machine that can handle everyday office tasks, web browsing, and light productivity. But don't let the 'i7' badge fool you, this is a 6th-gen chip from 2015, so it's not going to win any speed contests. It's a solid budget option for basic computing, but you'll want to check the specs carefully before you commit.

One thing to watch out for: the spec sheet says DDR4, but a Newegg support rep said it's actually DDR3. That's a red flag, so verify with the seller before buying. Also, there's no WiFi built in, and the only video outputs are DisplayPort and HDMI, so if you need VGA or wireless, you'll need adapters or dongles. For a refurbished machine, the port selection is actually generous, with 4 USB-C and 6 USB-A, which is nice for a budget desktop.

Skip this if you're a gamer, video editor, or anyone who needs modern performance. The 6th-gen i7 and integrated graphics will frustrate you. Also, if you need WiFi or VGA, this isn't the one. For a similar price, consider a newer mini PC like the Minisforum DeskMini UM880 Plus or a used business machine with a newer CPU.

Should you buy the Dell 5040-T? If you need a cheap desktop for basic office work, web browsing, and light productivity, and you're okay with a refurbished unit, it's a decent deal. But if you're hoping to do any gaming or heavy multitasking, look elsewhere. The old CPU and integrated graphics are the main drawbacks. Also, double-check the RAM type, since the specs say DDR4 but a support rep said DDR3. For most people, we'd recommend spending a bit more on a modern mini PC like the Minisforum DeskMini UM880 Plus, which will last longer and handle more demanding tasks.