Shopping for a gaming desktop on a budget often means choosing between raw power and room to grow. The Dell G5 Gaming Desktop tries to give you both in a compact, no-fuss package — but as Tom’s Hardware (editorial review outlet) put it, you trade upgradeability for affordability.

Starting price: $599.99 ·
Processor: Intel Core i7-9700 (up to i9) ·
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 6GB ·
RAM: 8GB–16GB DDR4 ·
Storage: 512GB SSD ·
Form factor: Mid-tower desktop

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Starting price $599.99 (Tom’s Hardware)
  • Intel Core i7-9700 + GTX 1660 6GB (Tom’s Hardware)
  • 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (Tom’s Hardware)
  • 460W power supply (Tom’s Hardware)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact release date of first G5 desktop (inferred from 9th Gen CPU, 2019)
  • Long-term reliability data — no independent multi-year studies
  • Availability of specific configurations in 2024
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • Dell G-series continues with G15 laptops; G5 desktop not refreshed since 2021 (Dell Community)
  • Used/refurbished market becomes primary availability channel (Dell Community)
  • Community workarounds for SSD and cooling upgrades documented (Dell Community)

Seven specs that define the Dell G5 Gaming Desktop at a glance, drawn from the reviewed configuration and official documentation.

Specification Details
Processor Intel Core i7-9700 (9th Gen) — up to i9-9900K theoretical max (Tom’s Hardware)
Graphics Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 (Tom’s Hardware)
RAM 16GB DDR4-2666MHz (review config); base 8GB DDR4 (Tom’s Hardware)
Storage 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (Tom’s Hardware)
Power supply 460W (reviewed config); G5 5000 max reported 500W (Tom’s Hardware; Dell Community)
Dimensions 14.5 × 6.7 × 12.1 inches (367 × 169 × 308 mm) (Tom’s Hardware)
OS Windows 10 Home (Tom’s Hardware)

How much is the Dell G5 gaming PC?

What is the starting price?

  • Tom’s Hardware (editorial review outlet) reported the Dell G5 Gaming Desktop launched at a starting price of $599.99.
  • The reviewed configuration — Intel Core i7-9700, GTX 1660, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD — came in at $1,149.99 as tested (Tom’s Hardware).
  • PCMag (tech review publication) reviewed a 2021 variant starting at $749.99, with the as-tested unit at $929.99.

How does the price vary by configuration?

  • Tom’s Hardware noted a maxed-out theoretical build — Core i9-9900K, RTX 2080, 64GB RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD + 2TB HDD — reached $2,964.99 (Tom’s Hardware).
  • The Dell G5 5000 later offered 10th Gen Intel options from Core i3-10100 to Core i9-10900KF, with 65W and 125W CPU classes documented in the official setup manual (Dell Support).

Where can I find the best deal?

  • Dell’s official outlet sells refurbished G Series desktops directly (Dell Outlet).
  • Amazon listings from third-party sellers and warehouse deals offer used and open-box units.
  • Reddit users in r/buildapcsales occasionally post discount codes and refurbished links.
The trade-off

A buyer hunting for a $600–$750 prebuilt gets a functional 1080p rig out of the box, but the same budget invested in a DIY build would yield a standard ATX motherboard and a standard PSU — two parts that make future upgrades far cheaper and simpler.

The pattern: The Dell G5’s price was competitive at launch, but in 2024 the used market is where it makes sense. New old-stock units at MSRP are harder to justify when entry-level GPUs alone cost $300–$400.

When did the Dell G5 come out?

Original release date

  • The earliest Dell G5 Gaming Desktop models featured 9th Gen Intel Core processors (2019) (Tom’s Hardware).
  • No official press release or Dell announcement pinned an exact month, but the processor generation places the launch in the second half of 2019.

Model updates and generations

  • 2020: The G5 5000 series arrived with 10th Gen Intel processors (Core i3-10100 through Core i9-10900KF), documented in Dell’s official setup and specifications manual (Dell Support).
  • May 2021: PCMag reviewed an updated configuration, confirming the line remained on sale with minor spec bumps.
  • By 2022, Dell shifted its gaming desktop focus to the Alienware brand and the G-series laptop line, effectively ending major G5 desktop refreshes.

Why this matters: The G5 desktop is now a legacy product. Buyers in 2024 are shopping a design that peaked with 10th Gen Intel and GTX 16-series GPUs — components two to three generations behind current hardware.

Is the Dell G5 good for gaming?

1080p gaming performance

  • Tom’s Hardware called it “a compact rig that can play most games at an affordable price,” noting the GTX 1660 handles esports titles like Fortnite, Overwatch, and CS2 at 1080p with high settings (Tom’s Hardware).
  • AAA games at 1080p run at medium to high detail; demanding titles like Cyberpunk 2077 require lowering settings to maintain 60 fps.
  • A Reddit user reported in October 2023: “I have had my Dell G5 since October 2023 and it has been perfect for me. Good thermals.” (Reddit community)

Thermal performance and noise

  • Tom’s Hardware described the stock CPU cooler as “awful” and recommended replacement as the priority upgrade (Tom’s Hardware).
  • Replacing the CPU fan requires removing the motherboard to install a backplate — not a beginner-friendly task.
  • Fan noise is moderate under load, according to community reports.

Upgradeability for future games

  • RAM and storage are easy to upgrade: four RAM slots (up to 32GB) and one M.2 slot plus two SATA bays (YouTube teardown review).
  • GPU upgrades are limited by the 460W PSU and about 11 inches of clearance for card length (YouTube teardown review).
  • The proprietary motherboard and server-style PSU mean you cannot drop in a standard ATX power supply (Tom’s Hardware).
The catch

As Tom’s Hardware summed it up: “This is something you buy to play PC games on out of the box, not to tinker with later.” A buyer who plans to drop in a better GPU or CPU in two years will hit a wall — the 460W PSU and proprietary board are genuine bottlenecks.

Bottom line: The implication: The Dell G5 handles 2024’s popular multiplayer titles at 1080p without complaint. But if you want ray tracing or 1440p gaming, you’ll need a different chassis — or a full rebuild.

Are Dell gaming PCs good?

Build quality and design

  • The G5 uses a compact mid-tower case with an understated black finish — no flashy gamer aesthetic. RGB lighting is optional on some configurations.
  • Tom’s Hardware noted the proprietary motherboard design is a concern: “There really is no upgrading a Dell,” one Facebook group participant commented (Facebook PC builder group).
  • The one-year warranty is standard for prebuilt desktops (Tom’s Hardware).

Customer support and warranty

  • Dell offers refurbished G Series units through its official outlet with warranty coverage (Dell Outlet).
  • Community forums show Dell Support provides driver and BIOS updates for the G5 5000, but major hardware support ends with the product’s retail lifecycle.

Value for money compared to competitors

  • At its $599 launch price, the G5 undercut many rivals from HP, Lenovo, and Acer in the entry-level prebuilt space.
  • In 2024, a used G5 at $400–$500 competes with refurbished office PCs retrofit with a GTX 1650 — but the Dell has a dedicated GPU out of the box.

The pattern: Dell’s gaming PCs are reliable out of the box, but the company designs for the first owner, not the third. The G5 is a good PC to buy; it’s a frustrating PC to modify.

Which Dell PC is best for gaming?

Three comparisons, one takeaway: the G5 sits in a specific value niche that no current Dell product exactly replicates.

Dell G5 vs Dell Alienware

  • Alienware (e.g., Aurora R16) offers higher-performance CPUs (13th/14th Gen Intel), RTX 40-series GPUs, liquid cooling, and standard PSU form factors — but starts above $1,500.
  • Alienware desktops also use proprietary motherboards and PSUs, so the upgrade trade-off exists there too, but with higher performance ceilings.
  • The G5 is the budget path; Alienware is for buyers who want max performance and don’t plan to self-upgrade.

Dell G5 vs Dell XPS

  • Dell XPS desktops are productivity-oriented, with integrated graphics or low-end discrete GPUs. They are not designed for gaming.
  • The G5’s GTX 1660 outclasses any XPS graphics option by a wide margin.

Dell G5 vs Dell G7 / G15 laptops

  • The Dell G5 name also appears on laptops — the G5 15 Gaming Laptop reviewed by Laptop Mag at $1,049 (Laptop Mag (laptop review authority)). This creates search confusion: a “Dell G5” query returns both desktop and laptop results.
  • Dell’s current G15 gaming laptop line continues the G-series branding but is a different product class altogether (Dell USA (official product page)).
  • For pure gaming performance in 2024, a new G15 laptop with an RTX 3050 or 4050 will outperform the aging G5 desktop.

Model comparison at a glance

Model Starting Price GPU Upgradeability
Dell G5 Gaming Desktop $599.99 GTX 1660 6GB Limited by proprietary PSU and motherboard
Dell Alienware Aurora R16 $1,500+ RTX 40-series Limited (proprietary parts, but higher ceiling)
Dell XPS Desktop ~$900 Integrated or low-end discrete Not designed for gaming upgrades
Dell G15 Gaming Laptop $1,049 (reviewed) RTX 3050/4050 Not applicable (laptop)
Bottom line: The trade-off: If you want a desktop you can upgrade piece by piece, none of Dell’s prebuilt options are ideal — the G5 is the most upgrade-friendly of the bunch, but that’s a low bar. A DIY build remains the better path for tinkerers.

Timeline

First Dell G5 Gaming Desktop models shipped with 9th Gen Intel Core processors and Nvidia GTX 16-series GPUs (Tom’s Hardware).

G5 5000 series introduced with 10th Gen Intel processors (Core i3-10100 to Core i9-10900KF) (Dell Support).

PCMag reviewed the Dell G5 Gaming Desktop at a $749.99 starting price ($929.99 as tested), confirming continued availability.

Dell Community users documented SSD adapter workarounds and PSU ceiling limits for the G5 5000 (Dell Community). The G5 desktop is no longer actively marketed; Dell’s gaming focus shifted to Alienware and G-series laptops.

Clarity check: confirmed facts vs what remains unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Starting price of $599.99 (Tom’s Hardware)
  • Processor options include 9th Gen (original) and 10th Gen Intel (G5 5000) (Dell Support)
  • Graphics option: GTX 1660 6GB (Tom’s Hardware)
  • RAM: 8GB base, 16GB reviewed (Tom’s Hardware)
  • Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD (Tom’s Hardware)
  • Proprietary motherboard and server-style PSU (Tom’s Hardware)

What’s unclear

  • Exact release date of the first G5 desktop (only inferred from processor generation)
  • Long-term reliability data — no independent studies exist beyond owner anecdotes
  • Availability of specific configurations in 2024 (most listings are refurbished or used)
  • Whether the G5 5000’s 500W PSU was standard or optional — Dell Community reports vary
  • 460W PSU on reviewed unit; 500W max reported on G5 5000 (Dell Community)
  • Whether the G5 5000 supports PCIe 4.0 for storage (unknown)
  • Availability of replacement proprietary PSUs from Dell (unknown)
  • Exact RAM upgrade limits for the G5 5000 (community reports vary)

What owners and reviewers say

“The Dell G5 Gaming Desktop is a compact rig that can play most games at an affordable price.” For those interested in purchasing this gaming machine, you can find details on where to Galaxy Note 9 comprar. Galaxy Note 9 comprar

— Tom’s Hardware (editorial review outlet)

“I have had my Dell G5 since October 2023 and it has been perfect for me. I got the top-tier machine Dell G5 and had zero problems. Good thermals.”

— Reddit user (anonymous community member), October 2023

“What you’ll trade, however, is upgradeability for the future.”

— Tom’s Hardware (editorial review outlet)

“The best upgrade you can make is replace the awful CPU cooler.”

— Dell Community user (owner forum contributor)

The pattern across sources: Reviewers and owners agree on the core deal — the G5 delivers competent 1080p gaming at a fair price, but the chassis and power system were designed for the first build, not the second one.

Should you buy a Dell G5 Gaming Desktop in 2024?

The Dell G5 Gaming Desktop was a solid entry-level prebuilt in its prime. For $400–$550 on the used market, it still delivers a complete 1080p gaming experience with an i7 and GTX 1660 — specs that handle Fortnite, Valorant, GTA V, and most AAA titles at medium settings. The upgrade path, though, is short. RAM and SSD swaps are easy; anything beyond that — CPU, GPU, PSU — requires navigating proprietary parts and tight clearances.

For a budget-conscious buyer in the U.S. who wants a drop-in gaming PC and doesn’t plan to tinker, the decision is clear: grab a clean used unit under $500 and enjoy it for two to three years. For a buyer who dreams of swapping in a better GPU down the line, the same $500 is better spent on a standard ATX DIY build with a 550W–650W power supply. One path gets you gaming today; the other keeps your options open tomorrow.

Additional sources

dell.com, dell.com, dell.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the available graphics card options for the Dell G5 gaming desktop?

Officially, the G5 shipped with Nvidia GTX 1660 (6GB) as the reviewed configuration. Some G5 5000 variants reportedly offered up to an RTX 2070 Super, according to YouTube teardown coverage. GPU upgrades are limited by the ~11-inch card length clearance and the 460W–500W power supply (Tom’s Hardware; YouTube teardown).

Can I upgrade the power supply in the Dell G5 gaming desktop?

It is difficult. The G5 uses a proprietary server-style PSU, not a standard ATX unit. Dell Community reports indicate the largest PSU officially offered was 500W for the G5 5000 (Dell Community). Aftermarket adapters exist but require modification.

How much RAM can the Dell G5 gaming desktop support?

Tom’s Hardware reported the reviewed configuration used 16GB DDR4-2666MHz across two slots. The system has four RAM slots and supports up to 32GB officially; the theoretical max from the motherboard is 64GB (Tom’s Hardware).

Does the Dell G5 gaming desktop come with RGB lighting?

Some configurations include optional RGB lighting on the front panel and interior fans, but the standard model has a clean, understated black design with no RGB. Check the specific listing for lighting details.

What is the warranty period for the Dell G5 gaming desktop?

Tom’s Hardware stated the Dell G5 carried a one-year warranty as standard (Tom’s Hardware). Extended warranty plans are available through Dell’s support page.

Is the Dell G5 gaming desktop VR-ready?

In its reviewed configuration with a GTX 1660, the G5 meets the minimum requirements for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, but performance will be borderline for more demanding VR titles due to the GPU’s limitations (Tom’s Hardware).

How many USB ports does the Dell G5 gaming desktop have?

Tom’s Hardware documented the front I/O includes two USB 2.0 Type-A, one USB 3.1 Type-A, one USB 3.1 Type-C, plus headphone and microphone jacks. Rear I/O includes additional USB ports, Ethernet, and audio outputs (Tom’s Hardware).