In a world dominated by laptops and tablets, desktop PCs often get overlooked mostly because of their hideously large sizes.
Thankfully, gone are the days when your CPU weighed more than the common planter on your porch.
Today, the world of computers is all about the smartest, sleekest, and ultimately most slender chassis.
While a neat look is essential, tech gurus ensure high-performing components under the lid within a budget-friendly range.
That said, when was the last time you upgraded your desktop computer?
If you are unsure and are thinking about investing in one, the following list aims to help you find the best desktop computer under 300.
Comparison Chart
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)
Dell OptiPlex 9020-SFF, Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHZ, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD Solid State, DVDRW, Windows 10 Pro 64bit (Renewed)
Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop, Tower, AMD Athlon Silver 3050U Processor, AMD Radeon Graphics, 4GB DDR4, 256GB SSD, Wi-Fi 802.11, Bluetooth, HDMI, 8 USB Ports, Windows 10, 90NT0000US, Silver
CHUWI HeroBox Windows 10 Mini PC,Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core Processor,8GB DDR4 256GB SSD,Expandable 2TB 2.5 Inch HDD,1TB SSD with 2.4GHz/5GHz Dual WiFi 1000Mbps/BT4.2
Best Desktop Computer Under 300 Reviews
1. HP Elite Desktop PC Computer
Do you own a startup business that needs more than a few PCs?
For tasks run over the web or LAN network, the HP Elite Desktop Computer is an excellent choice.
Though priced reasonably, the computer can efficiently perform simple tasks, such as database and information management or web designing.
It is most valued by tech geeks who love tinkering with the chassis and building versatile securities or innovative configurations.
Review
For the novice buyer, the sleek and slim yet sturdy chassis of the HP Elite Desktop PC is an attractive feat.
This small form factor (SFF) PC can easily fit under or over any desk as a mini-tower or in a horizontal orientation.
Despite its configurable nature and compact design, the PC comes equipped with full-size features, including an Intel Core i5 processor and Intel HD graphics card.
Coupled with the built-in 500GB hard drive and 8GB memory, it is perfectly equipped to perform the day-to-day tasks of a medium-sized enterprise.
The processor can easily manage traditional work responsibilities, such as web-based tasks and database management over Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
While the built-in graphics card may not be able to handle modern gaming requirements, it can easily take on light to medium tasks, like developing Powerpoint presentations.
More than everything else, we found the HP Elite Desktop PC’s compact yet upgradable nature most appealing.
While housing two full-sized components (the processor and graphics card), you will find that there is still room within the chassis for some upgrades.
For instance, one of the SO-DIMM memory card slots and an MXM graphics card slot is still vacant for configuration.
Apart from these two built-in vacancies, there is space for installing additional storage and many other upgrades to enhance overall performance capacity.
In terms of functionality, the unit boasts a variety of ports, including 10 USBs and some legacy ones.
For example, the PS/2 ports are great for connecting the keyboard and mouse, while the VGA port is made for the monitor.
However, the PS/2 port is often considered obsolete by most tech-savvy enterprises today.
Therefore, the only other alternative available is one DisplayPort in the rear near the Ethernet port.
Despite its relatively inaccessible location, the port allows for connecting multiple monitors in a go.
Similarly, because of a lack of space in the compact HP Elite Desktop PC, there are no HDMI or eSATA ports.
Since the PC is not build to support complex graphics, the lack of either of these ports is mostly inconsequential.
Pros:
- Lockable side door allows easy servicing
- Sturdy body
- LCD monitor, keyboard, and mouse included
- Impressive memory and storage
- Reliable processor
Con:
- Limited connectivity options
2. Dell OptiPlex 9020-SFF
The OptiPlex 9020-SFF is the perfect depiction of Dell’s longstanding reputation of providing reliable computers with top-notch quality.
The 9020-SFF space-saving design offers customization and upgradability, all without compromising the efficiency of the dual-core processor and graphics card.
Combined with exclusive vPro extensions and enhanced connectivity features, the Dell OptiPlex may easily take the lead in this list.
Review
The dual-core Intel i5 processor of the Dell OptiPlex 9020-SFF is incredibly sturdy and versatile.
With a 6MB cache and the chipset’s average speed clocking at 3.2GHz, you can enjoy a lag-free performance even during high traffic scenarios.
Despite the CPU’s preliminary model, the PC is competent enough to support data-intensive tasks with high-level multitasking capabilities.
Additionally, the high-performing integrated HD-4600 graphics card supports a variety of media-related functions.
These can vary from streaming videos to editing pictures and even accommodating simple gaming tasks to ensure an unforgettable creative experience.
The most attractive feature of the OptiPlex 9020-SFF is its high storage capacity despite the space-saving design.
Although we found the built-in 16GB RAM sufficient for performing multiple tasks fluidly, the chassis has enough capacity to support a future upgrade up to 32GB.
Combined with 2TB of a hard disk drive, this PC ensures versatility in several capacities.
For instance, users can easily use up to three monitors simultaneously without any freezing.
Additionally, the significant storage space allows for efficiently storing heavy documents, media files, software, and games onsite for easy access.
In terms of connectivity, it houses several essential ports that help connect it to other peripherals like scanners and printers, among others.
In a nutshell, the OptiPlex 9020-SFF is built to perform both regular and high-demanding tasks flawlessly.
On the other hand, business professionals will notice a drawback to the PC’s 240-Watt power supply.
This is primarily because most high-performing business desktops function between 460 and 500 watts.
With a reduced power supply, the PC’s expandability is significantly hindered because the system is unable to support any addition of heavy optical drivers and hard drives.
Pros:
- Space-saving design
- Multifunctional processor
- Multipurpose utility
- Expandable and customizable capacity
Con:
- Lack of industrial-grade power supply unit
3. Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 Desktop
A pioneer of high-performing, budget-friendly, and supremely unique computers, Lenovo has built a true powerhouse in the form of the IdeaCentre 3.
Unlike its counterparts, the IdeaCentre 3 runs on a powerful dual-core AMD Radeon R5 processor with unparallel multitasking capacities.
It is not designed to support complex graphics, such as heavy multimedia and gaming tasks.
Still, it outperforms when it comes to conducting day-to-day tasks.
Review
If you are looking for a laptop-level CPU in a desktop computer, the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 is a great model to consider.
More than anything, we found the integrated AMD Radeon R5 to be its core strength.
The high speed and extremely versatile dual-core processor offer unmatched multitasking capacities when combined with the graphics processor.
You can easily stream videos or play your favorite audio via the DVD drive. And then conduct day-to-day business simultaneously with multiple work tabs open.
Perhaps the most disappointing feature of this PC is the built-in 4GB DDR4 SD-RAM, which may cause some delays when firing up the system.
However, the manufacturers ensure some extra space inside the small form factor (SFF) chassis for easy upgradable RAM.
If not already obvious, this feature is most attractive to media gurus and high-volume data managers.
While the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 boasts a simplistic and discrete profile, it loses some points on the lack of a substantially sized internal fan.
Despite the tiny one given over the processor, the PC will always be inches away from crashing or slowing down as the interior heats up.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 does not come with a built-in graphics card.
Instead, there is an integrated high-performing graphics processor that, to our happy surprise, produces impeccably clear images during gaming and multimedia tasks.
Combined with the 1TB internal storage capacity, you can have a wide range of documents and multimedia files readily available at the tips of your fingers.
Finally, various connectivity ports are included in the design to easily connect multiple peripherals, such as Wi-Fi routers and printers.
Pros:
- Compact and portable design
- Ample memory space
- Great for multitasking
- Easily upgradeable RAM
Con:
- Lack of internal ventilation
4. CHUWI HeroBox
The most eye-catching feature of the CHUWI HeroBox is its super compact, portable, and durable aluminum chassis.
While it is easy to move around and set up in practically any confined space, the PC’s size does not hamper its performance.
On the contrary, its silent operation, upgradable storage, high-speed RAM make it an ideal mini PC for day-to-day tasks.
Review
Weighing a mere 2.49 pounds, the CHUWI HeroBox offers maximum portability and durability in a lightweight, compact aluminum housing.
Despite its small size, the chassis incorporates some interesting features that enhance its overall utility.
For instance, the power-saving technology within the design makes this mini PC an energy-efficient and cost-effective powerhouse.
Unlike many of its competitors, it has an inbuilt quad-core processor by Intel.
This processor significantly enhances overall processing speeds during multitasking.
Additionally, its fanless design ensures silent functioning. In turn, this reduces noise pollution or latent white noise and allows for maximum concentration during work.
While the CHUWI HeroBox boasts an upgraded RAM of 8GB over the previous model, it significantly lacks built-in storage space.
At 256 SSD, the storage capacity may be deemed as compromising the overall performance level.
To solve this issue, you will find a built-in provision within the chassis for expandable storage, ensuring versatility and decreasing overhead upgrading costs.
We found the 4K Ultra Streaming capability of the CHUWI HeroBox a most interesting feature of this mini PC.
Building upon its versatile processing power, the PC can double as a powerful media center or home theatre.
This feature ensures you have a holistic graphical experience with high-speed streaming capacities.
With this, you can watch 4K videos all day without interruptions.
Pros:
- Ensures quiet operation
- Portable and compact design
- Durable and sturdy chassis
- Compatible with Linux operating system
Con:
- The fanless design may lead to overheating
5. HP Flagship Pro Desktop 2018 Computer
As an upgraded version of the HP Compaq series, the HP Flagship Pro packs in the additional processing punch necessary for accomplishing PC-related tasks.
At a competitive price, it has a lot to offer in terms of a sturdy body, a high-speed processor with RAM, and sufficient memory.
The computer is primarily built to handle the basic day-to-day functions of an enterprise.
You can use it to do everything from web browsing and word processing to preliminary database management.
Review
Despite its space-saving design, the HP Flagship Pro is on the heavier side at 19 pounds. At this weight, portability is significantly reduced.
Still, in terms of a compact design, the computer’s original horizontal orientation allows for easy placement over desks or workstations.
While you can also position it vertically, doing so might cause problems because of the DVD drive’s traditional disk tray, which features an internally placed spindle.
When it comes to usability, you will find a built-in 8GB RAM and an Intel HD 2500 graphics card supported by a quad-core Intel i5 processor.
This combination ensures fast processing power without any significant lags.
Unfortunately, unlike many of its counterparts, the graphics card of the HP Flagship Pro did not uphold its reputation.
At 30 frames per second, the computer produces 150% fewer frames than similar models with new generation integrated graphics cards.
If the math is not already self-explanatory, understand that the PC is better equipped to handle lower-traffic tasks, such as Skype calls and word processing.
Finally, in terms of network connectivity, there’s the HP Flagship Pro’s user-friendly and extremely sturdy interface.
This feature ensures a speedy setup against both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections.
Pros:
- Faster processing and file transfer
- Speedy internet connectivity
- Compact design
- User-friendly operation
- No lags
- Keyboard and mouse included
Cons:
- DVD drive does not burn CDs or DVDs
- HDMI port missing
Which Is the Best Desktop PC Under 300?
In conclusion, we found the Dell OptiPlex 9020-SFF to be the best desktop computer under 300 because of many core aspects of functionality and processing.
For starters, the integrated graphics processor allows for easy handling of some level of light graphic-intensive tasks.
This is an excellent feature for a low-budget desktop PC. Most other models, such as the HP Elite Desktop, do not support complex graphics.
Unlike others in this list, the Dell OptiPlex lets you easily connect dual 19-inch monitors simultaneously.
By enhancing overall utility, it ensures a holistically advanced graphical experience.
If you are looking for an exceptional graphics experience, the CHUWI HeroBox is a better model to consider because of its 4K Ultra Streaming Capability.