HP EliteDesk and Dell OptiPlex are the two names that dominate the refurbished business desktop market — and for good reason: enterprise-grade build quality, easy upgradability, and prices as low as $100. But the two lines differ in chassis design, internal layout, and price. This guide compares the current generation, the upgrade paths, and which one to buy in 2026.
The Refurbished Desktop Duo
If you've shopped for a refurbished desktop on Amazon, eBay, or Newegg, you've seen these two names everywhere: HP EliteDesk and Dell OptiPlex. They're the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord of the business desktop world — built for reliability, designed for IT departments, and now flooding the secondary market as companies refresh their hardware. They're also the best value in computing right now, but which one should you buy?
The Models You'll Actually Find
Both HP and Dell have confusing model lineups, but the refurbished market focuses on specific generations. You'll mainly find the HP EliteDesk 800 G5, G6, G7, and G8, and the Dell OptiPlex 7080, 7090, and 5000 series. The G5/G6 and 7080/7090 are the sweet spot — they use 8th through 11th-gen Intel processors, have plenty of life left, and are priced aggressively. Newer G8 and 5000-series models exist but cost significantly more.
| Feature | HP EliteDesk 800 G6 | Dell OptiPlex 7080 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor Options | Up to Core i9-10900 | Up to Core i9-10900 |
| Max RAM | 128GB DDR4 | 128GB DDR4 |
| Storage Bays | 2x M.2 + 2x 2.5-inch | 2x M.2 + 1x 3.5-inch |
| PCIe Slots | 1x x16 + 1x x4 | 1x x16 + 1x x4 |
| Form Factors | SFF, Mini, Tower | SFF, Micro, Tower |
| USB Ports | Up to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Price (Refurbished, i5) | $120-$180 | $130-$190 |
Build Quality: HP Edges Ahead
Both brands build for enterprise durability, but the HP EliteDesk line consistently feels more solid. The G6 and G7 use thicker gauge steel in the chassis, the tool-less access panels are more intuitive, and the internal layout is cleaner for upgrades. Dell's OptiPlex is perfectly functional — it's not poorly built by any means — but the HP feels like it was designed by people who actually open their own computers. For a refurbished desktop that you might upgrade with a new SSD or GPU, the HP's tool-less design saves real time.
Upgradability: The Real Reason to Buy Business Desktops
The whole point of buying a refurbished business desktop is upgradability. Both the EliteDesk and OptiPlex support standard desktop components — you can drop in a full-size GPU, add NVMe SSDs, and max out RAM to 128GB. But the HP EliteDesk has a slight edge in internal layout: the M.2 slots are easier to access, the drive bay configuration is more flexible, and the power supply is more accessible for replacement. Both support low-profile GPUs, which is the main upgrade path for turning these into capable gaming or creative workstations.
- NVMe SSD (1TB for $50-60) — the single biggest performance upgrade
- 16GB or 32GB RAM kit ($25-50) — most ship with 8GB
- Low-profile GPU (RX 6400 or GTX 1650 for $100-150) — turns it into a capable gaming box
- WiFi 6 card ($15-20) — if you need wireless connectivity
- Additional storage drive ($30-40 for 1TB HDD) — for media libraries
Reliability: Both Are Excellent
Enterprise-grade hardware is built to run 24/7 for five years without issues. Both the EliteDesk and OptiPlex have excellent track records for reliability. The main failure points in refurbished units are fans (cheap to replace, $10-15) and power supplies (more expensive, $30-50). Hard drives are the biggest risk — always check the SMART status before buying, or budget $30-40 for a fresh SSD. Both brands have extensive driver and BIOS support archives, which is a major advantage over consumer desktops that lose support after 2-3 years.
Which One Should You Buy?
The HP EliteDesk 800 G6 or G7 is the better choice for most people. The build quality is slightly better, the internal layout is more upgrade-friendly, and pricing is typically $10-20 cheaper than the equivalent OptiPlex. The Dell OptiPlex 7080 or 7090 is the better choice if you find a significantly better deal — the performance difference is negligible, and both will last years. Don't overthink it: at $120-180 for a Core i5 system with 8GB RAM, either one is an incredible value.
- HP EliteDesk 800 G6/G7: Better build quality, easier to upgrade, slightly cheaper — buy this one
- Dell OptiPlex 7080/7090: Buy if it's $20+ cheaper than the EliteDesk equivalent
- Either one with an 8th-gen Core i5: Perfect for home office, media server, or light gaming
- Skip anything older than 8th-gen Intel — not worth the savings at this point
The Bottom Line
Refurbished business desktops are the best-kept secret in computing. For $120-180, you get a machine that's faster, more reliable, and more upgradeable than any $300 consumer desktop. The HP EliteDesk 800 G6 or G7 is the pick for most buyers — better build quality, better layout, and usually better pricing. The Dell OptiPlex is a fine alternative if the deal is right. Either way, add a $50 NVMe SSD and a $25 RAM upgrade, and you've got a desktop that'll serve you well for five or more years.
Sources and further reading
- Dell OptiPlex 7080 SFF technical specifications — Dell
- HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Desktop Mini PC specifications — HP
- Best PC Under $200 in 2026
- 8th Gen i5 vs 12th Gen i5
- Intel N100 vs N150 vs N200
Bottom line
Refurbished business desktops are the best-kept secret in computing. For $120-180, you get a machine that's faster, more reliable, and more upgradeable than any $300 consumer desktop. The HP EliteDesk 800 G6 or G7 is the pick for most buyers — better build quality, better layout, and usually better pricing. The Dell OptiPlex is a fine alternative if the deal is right. Either way, add a $50 NVMe SSD and a $25 RAM upgrade, and you've got a desktop that'll serve you well for five or more years.
What we still don't know
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