Dell’s upgradeable ‘Tower Plus’ PC is a Cyber Monday bargain — and a smart investment for creative gamers

Despite its simple appearance, Dell’s top-of-the-line desktop is designed for all users. It features a stylish, small case that surprisingly holds some of the most powerful computer components available.

I tested the Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) as my main computer for a few weeks to see if it lives up to its high cost.

After testing, it’s clear this product delivers top-tier performance, keeps its temperature under control, offers lots of customization, and has the potential for future upgrades – even serious PC fans will be impressed.

Our recommended Dell Tower Plus Desktop (EBT2250) configuration:

Dell provided us with a review unit for this evaluation, but had no input into the content of our review before it was published.

Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250): Pricing and availability

Design ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Dell Tower Plus is a top-of-the-line desktop computer, and typically costs a lot. But for a limited time during Cyber Monday sales, Dell is offering it at a discounted price of $1,988.99, down from its usual $2,238.99.

As a Dell computer, you can find it worldwide at many stores, including Dell’s website, Amazon, and Best Buy. Keep in mind that some specific models are only sold at certain retailers.

The Dell Tower Plus desktop is available starting at $699.99. This base model includes an Intel Core Ultra 5 225 processor, Intel UHD Graphics, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB solid-state drive. While the starting price is reasonable, upgrading to the highest configuration can cost up to $3,389.99. However, that top-end model offers significantly improved performance, more memory, increased storage, and additional features.

I tested the Tower Plus I, which is packed with powerful components: an Intel Core Ultra processor, Intel UHD Graphics, a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 graphics card, 32GB of DDR5 RAM, and a fast 1TB SSD. It’s a really high-performance machine. It normally costs $2,238.99, but Dell was selling it for $1,988.99 when I checked.

Inside the box, you’ll find the Dell Tower Plus computer, its power cable, some instruction manuals, and a basic Dell wired keyboard and mouse. If you buy directly from Dell’s website, you have the option to upgrade to the Dell Pro Keyboard KM5211W and a better wired mouse for an additional cost.

However, to truly get the most out of your new PC, consider pairing it with one of the top-rated PC keyboards or mice, as the included optional keyboard isn’t quite a good match for the Dell Tower Plus Desktop.

Honestly, when I first saw the Dell Tower Plus, its design didn’t really grab me – it reminded me of older PC cases from the 90s. But after looking closer, I noticed the build quality is actually quite good, mostly thanks to its solid metal construction.

This desktop computer stands out from other high-end models because it avoids flashy RGB lights and a futuristic, gaming-focused design. I personally appreciate this, as I’m not a fan of that style.

The graphics card’s “GeForce RTX” logo lights up brightly when the computer is turned on, and the light is visible through the case’s vents. To avoid glare while using the computer, I decided to position the tower to the left of my monitor.

The build quality is fantastic, with no glaring gaps or separations between the chassis panels.

The Dell Tower Plus Desktop feels very well-made; all the panels fit together perfectly. Plus, the feet are excellent at keeping the computer firmly in place on a desk, so it doesn’t slide around.

The device has a good selection of ports on both the front and back, giving me plenty of options for connecting accessories and monitors.

Overall, this is a fantastic computer tower that prioritizes being easy to use and practical over having a striking appearance.

Performance ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m a creative professional who relies on programs like Photoshop, so having a computer that runs smoothly and quickly is essential. I was really impressed with the Dell Tower Plus – its Intel Core Ultra 7 265K processor and RTX 5070 graphics card delivered excellent performance.

I often use editing tools and filters that can be slow on some computers, taking seconds or even minutes to finish. However, the Dell Tower Plus completed the same tasks almost instantly, or in just a few seconds – it was really convenient!

I also tested the Dell Tower Plus using standard performance tests, and despite not being Dell’s most powerful model, it performed exceptionally well, achieving some of the best results we’ve ever seen at Windows Central.

This new PCIe 5.0 SSD is incredibly fast – it easily handled everything I threw at it. For example, I could convert a 4K copy of Tears of Steel in only 18 minutes, which is much quicker than the 45+ minutes it takes on many other computers.

Even though this computer isn’t built specifically for gaming, it can still handle the latest, most demanding games with ease.

The Dell Tower Plus stays cool and runs smoothly, even when you’re pushing it with demanding tasks or programs, thanks to its powerful air cooling system and two fans.

Dell’s top-of-the-line desktop PC is incredibly quiet – I could hardly hear it, even while playing games or running demanding tests.

Dell’s main desktop computer is usually incredibly quiet – I could hardly hear it, even while playing games or running demanding tests.

During demanding tasks, the fans would briefly activate, reaching a maximum of 65.5 dB, but they were very effective at cooling the system and didn’t run constantly.

Upgradeability ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dell did a fair job ensuring the Dell Tower Plus Desktop is easily accessible and upgradeable.

As a fan, I’ve found taking off the side panel is super easy! All you need to do is unscrew one little screw in the back, and then gently pull on the little lock – it makes the panel just pop right off!

Clear diagrams on the inside panel show you how to safely take apart and remove components if you decide to upgrade them.

The inside of this computer is arranged much like the 2024 XPS 8960, making all the components easy to access.

The device features two large fans: one draws cool air directly over the powerful RTX GPU, while the other vents hot air out the back. It also includes an advanced air cooling system to keep the Intel CPU running cool.

While some might worry about only having two fans, this desktop actually manages heat very well, as I mentioned earlier. The fans are large and get noticeably louder when the system is working hard, but they’re generally quiet during normal use.

Inside, near the upper area, there are spaces for two traditional hard drives (HDDs). You’ll also find two slots for faster solid-state drives (SSDs)—I had one in use and one free—located between the RAM and the Wi-Fi card, giving you options for storing your files.

The power supply is located at the bottom of the computer, and this Dell Tower Plus Desktop can handle power supplies up to 1,000 watts. The internal layout is well-designed, making all components easy to reach.

Software experience ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This desktop computer comes with Windows 11, and it runs smoothly on the Dell Tower Plus – which is exactly what you’d expect with this hardware.

Your computer comes with McAfee Antivirus and Web Advisor pre-installed, but they are optional and you can choose not to use them.

The Dell Tower Plus Desktop also comes with a few pre-installed apps. However, it includes McAfee Antivirus and Web Advisor, which you’re free to remove if you prefer.

This desktop also comes with helpful Dell software like Dell Optimizer and SupportAssist, plus standard Intel tools such as Command Center. You’ll also find Dolby Access, which lets you customize the sound settings for any speakers you connect.

These pre-installed programs aren’t a major problem, and you can easily remove most of them if you need more storage space. A few, like SupportAssist and Dell Update, are actually helpful because they keep your drivers current.

Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250): Should you buy it?

✅ You should buy it if …

You need a powerful, premium desktop PC for creative work, extreme productivity, and/or gaming
You want a simple, understated design that’s still high quality
You’d like an upgradable desktop that also offers plenty of ports
You’re willing to pay a premium for a high-end, pre-built desktop with the latest internals

❌ You should not buy it if …

You’re looking for the best possible value
You want a flashy design with RGB lighting
You want a pure gaming PC packed with gaming-specific features

The new Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) builds on the already great XPS Dell Desktop, offering even more power with the same easy-to-use convenience.

Okay, so this laptop might *look* pretty understated, but trust me, it’s a powerhouse! It’s seriously fast and handles everything I need it to – whether I’m working on spreadsheets, doing creative projects, or even playing games. It really does it all, and does it well.

2025-11-30 17:12