A desktop computer isn’t a relic of the past — it’s the smartest way to get serious computing power at the best possible price. While laptops get most of the attention, a refurbished desktop delivers more performance per dollar, runs cooler, lasts longer, and gives you a better working experience for anything that happens at a desk — from daily office work to creative projects to running a small business.
At Computer and Laptop Sales, we stock professionally refurbished desktops from $250 to $1,580 — including ultra-compact mini PCs that fit in the palm of your hand, all-in-one machines with built-in displays, and Apple iMacs and Mac Minis for macOS users.
This guide compares every refurbished desktop currently available in our store, explains the differences between form factors, and helps you choose the right machine for your needs and budget.
Desktop computers come in very different shapes and sizes. Understanding the form factor is the first step to choosing the right machine.
These are ultra-compact PCs roughly the size of a paperback book — typically around 18cm × 18cm × 3.5cm. Despite their tiny footprint, they pack full desktop-class processors, ample RAM, and SSD storage. They mount behind a monitor with a VESA bracket, sit neatly on a desk, or tuck away out of sight entirely.
Mini desktops are the fastest-growing segment in business computing. Major corporations and government departments are deploying them by the thousands because they save desk space, consume less power, run silently (many are fanless or near-silent), and are easier to manage at scale.
Machines in this category from our store: HP ProDesk 600 G3 DM, HP ProDesk 400 G3 DM, Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro, HP EliteDesk 800 G8 Mini, HP Elite Mini 800 G9.
SFF desktops are larger than minis but significantly smaller than traditional towers — roughly the size of a thick hardcover book stood upright. They offer more expansion options than minis (additional drive bays, more RAM slots, and sometimes low-profile expansion card slots) while still maintaining a compact footprint.
Machines in this category from our store: HP ProDesk 400 G4 SFF.
All-in-one desktops integrate the computer and display into a single unit — like an iMac. There’s no separate tower or mini PC; everything lives behind the screen. AIOs save maximum desk space and create a clean, minimalist setup with fewer cables.
Machines in this category from our store: Lenovo V50a All-in-One, Apple iMac 21.5, Apple iMac 27.
Apple’s compact desktop — similar in concept to Windows mini PCs but running macOS. The Mac Mini is Apple’s most affordable desktop, designed to be paired with your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Machines in this category from our store: Apple Mac Mini Late 2012, Apple Mac Mini Late 2014 (two variants).
Price: $250
The most affordable desktop in our entire range — and a genuinely capable machine for everyday professional use. The HP ProDesk 600 G3 Desktop Mini features a 7th Gen Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD in an ultra-compact form factor that barely takes up any desk space.
For standard office tasks — email, web browsing, Microsoft Office, video calls, accounting software, and cloud-based tools — this machine performs smoothly and reliably. It was originally deployed in corporate environments where thousands of these units sat on office desks handling exactly these workloads, day after day.
At $250, this is the entry point for anyone who needs a reliable, compact desktop without spending a dollar more than necessary.
Best for: Reception desks, point-of-sale stations, basic office workstations, shared family computers, students who need a desk setup, and anyone on the tightest budget.
Price: $360
A significant step up in both RAM and storage. The ProDesk 400 G4 Small Form Factor doubles the RAM to 16GB and doubles the storage to 512GB compared to the 600 G3 DM above — for just $110 more. The SFF form factor is slightly larger than the Desktop Mini, but still compact enough for any desk.
With 16GB of RAM, this machine handles heavier multitasking comfortably — keeping multiple Office applications, a browser with numerous tabs, a video call, and accounting or CRM software all running simultaneously without slowdown. The 512GB SSD provides ample room for files, applications, and local data storage.
Best for: General office professionals, small business owners, accountants, administrative staff, and anyone who needs comfortable multitasking and generous storage at an exceptional price.
Price: $390
This Desktop Mini variant swaps the Core i5 for a Core i7 processor, providing more processing power for CPU-intensive tasks. The i7 offers additional performance headroom for spreadsheet-heavy workloads, data processing, running multiple applications simultaneously, and any task where raw processor speed matters.
The trade-off compared to the ProDesk 400 G4 SFF above is less RAM (8GB vs 16GB) and less storage (256GB vs 512GB) — but the i7 processor provides more muscle for demanding individual applications.
Best for: Users whose workload is processor-intensive rather than memory-intensive — heavy spreadsheet users, data processing, light software development, and tasks where single-application performance matters most.
Price: $420
The Dell OptiPlex is the Windows desktop equivalent of the Latitude laptop — the workhorse of corporate Australia. The 7070 Micro features a 9th Gen Core i5 processor (newer than the ProDesk 600 and 400 models above), 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD in Dell’s ultra-compact Micro form factor.
Dell’s OptiPlex line is renowned for reliability and manageability. These are the desktops deployed across Australia’s major banks, government departments, and enterprise environments — built to run 8–10 hours a day for years without issues. The 7070’s 9th Gen processor provides a noticeable performance improvement over the older HP models for everyday tasks.
Best for: Anyone who wants a reliable, modern mini desktop with 16GB RAM from a trusted brand. Excellent for office deployments, home offices, and small businesses that value Dell’s enterprise reputation.
Price: $420
The ProDesk 600 G3 series sits above the 400 series in HP’s business hierarchy, offering a slightly more refined build and additional manageability features for IT departments. This Core i7 variant provides strong processing power in the compact Desktop Mini form factor.
At the same price as the Dell OptiPlex 7070, the choice between them comes down to processor generation (Dell’s 9th Gen i5 vs HP’s 7th Gen i7) and RAM configuration (Dell’s 16GB vs HP’s 8GB). If you prioritise multitasking and memory, choose the Dell. If you prioritise raw CPU power, choose this HP.
Best for: Users who need a Core i7 processor in a compact form factor at a competitive price.
Price: $750
The EliteDesk is HP’s premium business desktop line — the desktop equivalent of the EliteBook laptop. The 800 G8 features an 11th Gen Core i5 processor (significantly newer than the ProDesk models), 16GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, and HP’s full suite of enterprise security features including HP Sure Start (BIOS-level protection), HP Sure Sense (AI-driven malware detection), and hardware-level TPM 2.0.
The 11th Gen processor delivers meaningfully better performance than the older models in the range, with Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics that can comfortably drive dual monitors. The build quality, thermal management, and component selection are a tier above the ProDesk range.
Best for: Professionals and businesses that need modern performance, premium build quality, and enterprise-grade security. Financial advisors, legal practices, medical offices, and any business handling sensitive data.
Price: $1,580
The powerhouse of the range. The HP Elite Mini 800 G9 packs a 12th Gen Intel Core i9 processor and 32GB of RAM into a compact mini desktop form factor — an extraordinary combination of power and size. This is a machine that would cost well over $3,000 configured new, delivering workstation-adjacent performance in a package smaller than a hardcover novel.
The Core i9 processor provides extreme multi-threaded performance for demanding workloads — large-scale data analysis, financial modelling, software compilation, virtualisation, database management, and heavy multitasking across numerous applications. With 32GB of RAM, you’re unlikely to ever encounter a memory bottleneck in standard professional use.
Best for: Power users, data analysts, developers, IT professionals running virtual machines, finance professionals working with large datasets, and anyone who needs the absolute maximum performance from a compact desktop form factor.
Price: $520
The Lenovo V50a is a 23.8-inch all-in-one desktop — the monitor and computer are integrated into a single, clean unit. No separate tower, no extra cables, no clutter. Just the display, a keyboard, and a mouse. It’s the simplest, most space-efficient desktop setup possible.
With a 10th Gen Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, the V50a handles everyday professional workloads comfortably. The built-in 23.8-inch Full HD display provides ample screen space for documents, spreadsheets, and multitasking, and the integrated webcam and speakers make it ready for video calls out of the box — no external peripherals needed.
Best for: Offices that want a clean, minimalist desk setup, reception areas, shared workstations, small businesses, home offices where space is limited, and anyone who values simplicity and aesthetics. Also excellent for elderly users or anyone who prefers an all-in-one solution without separate components to manage.
Price: $300
The most affordable Apple desktop in our range — and notably, the only Mac Mini with 16GB of RAM. The Late 2012 Mac Mini was the last generation to feature user-upgradeable RAM, which is why this unit has been upgraded to a generous 16GB. The 512GB SSD keeps things responsive for everyday macOS tasks.
At $300, this is an incredibly affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem for basic tasks — web browsing, email, media consumption, light document work, and casual use. However, it’s important to note that this model is limited in macOS update support. It will not run macOS Tahoe (26) — Apple’s current operating system. It’s best suited for users with simple needs who are comfortable running an older version of macOS.
Best for: Budget Apple users, media consumption, basic web and email use, and anyone who wants a Mac desktop for casual use at the lowest possible price. Not recommended for users who need the latest macOS features or security updates.
Price: $380
The Late 2014 Mac Mini features a slightly newer processor and design compared to the 2012 model, with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Like the 2012, it’s limited in macOS update support — it cannot run macOS Tahoe. The RAM is also soldered in the 2014 model, meaning it cannot be upgraded.
Best for: Similar use case to the 2012 model — basic macOS tasks, media, web, and light productivity at an affordable price for Apple users.
Price: $390
The same 2014 Mac Mini with double the storage — 1TB SSD versus 512GB. For $10 more than the 512GB variant, the extra storage makes this the better buy if you’re choosing between the two 2014 models. The additional space is useful for media libraries, photos, and documents.
Best for: Anyone choosing between the two 2014 Mac Mini variants — the extra 500GB of storage for $10 is an obvious choice.
Price: $520
The 2017 iMac 21.5 is an all-in-one Apple desktop with a beautiful 21.5-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and a generous 1TB SSD. This model does support macOS Tahoe (26), making it more future-proof than the Mac Mini models above. The integrated display means no need for a separate monitor — plug in a keyboard and mouse and you’re ready to go.
The iMac’s display quality is a standout — vibrant colours, sharp text, and excellent viewing angles. For users who want a clean, attractive Apple desktop setup with a modern operating system, the 2017 iMac delivers at a price that’s a fraction of a new iMac.
Best for: Apple users who want an all-in-one setup with macOS Tahoe support, creative hobbyists, home offices, families, and anyone who values Apple’s design and display quality.
Price: $620
The 27-inch iMac offers a significantly larger display with stunning 5K-level resolution — the screen alone is worth the price of admission. The 1TB SSD provides generous storage for media, photos, and documents. At $620, you’re getting a 27-inch premium Apple display AND a full computer in one unit — a new 27-inch monitor alone would cost more than this.
However, the 2015 model is limited in macOS update support. It may not support macOS Tahoe (26), so check compatibility if running the latest macOS is important to your workflow.
Best for: Users who want a large, beautiful display for photo viewing, media consumption, light creative work, and general use. The 27-inch screen is also excellent for users with vision concerns who benefit from a larger display.
| Model | Type | Processor | RAM | Storage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP ProDesk 600 G3 DM | Mini | Core i5 | 8GB | 256GB | $250 |
| Mac Mini 2012 | Mac Mini | Core i5 | 16GB | 512GB | $300 |
| HP ProDesk 400 G4 SFF | SFF | Core i5 | 16GB | 512GB | $360 |
| Mac Mini 2014 (512GB) | Mac Mini | Core i5 | 8GB | 512GB | $380 |
| HP ProDesk 400 G3 DM | Mini | Core i7 | 8GB | 256GB | $390 |
| Mac Mini 2014 (1TB) | Mac Mini | Core i5 | 8GB | 1TB | $390 |
| Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro | Micro | Core i5 | 16GB | 256GB | $420 |
| HP ProDesk 600 G3 Mini | Mini | Core i7 | 8GB | 256GB | $420 |
| iMac 21.5 (2017) | AIO | Core i5 | 8GB | 1TB | $520 |
| Lenovo V50a AIO | AIO | Core i5 | 16GB | 256GB | $520 |
| iMac 27 (2015) | AIO | Core i5 | 8GB | 1TB | $620 |
| HP EliteDesk 800 G8 Mini | Mini | Core i5 | 16GB | 512GB | $750 |
| HP Elite Mini 800 G9 | Mini | Core i9 | 32GB | 512GB | $1,580 |
| Your Situation | Recommended Desktop | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tightest budget, need a Windows PC | HP ProDesk 600 G3 DM | $250 |
| Best value — 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD | HP ProDesk 400 G4 SFF | $360 |
| Trusted brand, modern processor | Dell OptiPlex 7070 Micro | $420 |
| Clean all-in-one setup (Windows) | Lenovo V50a AIO | $520 |
| Premium business with latest security | HP EliteDesk 800 G8 Mini | $750 |
| Maximum power, no compromises | HP Elite Mini 800 G9 | $1,580 |
| Budget Apple desktop | Mac Mini 2012 | $300 |
| Apple all-in-one with modern macOS | iMac 21.5 (2017) | $520 |
From a $250 compact mini PC to a $1,580 Core i9 powerhouse, there’s a refurbished desktop for every need and every budget. These machines were built for corporate environments where reliability isn’t optional — and they’re available now at prices that make building a professional desktop setup genuinely affordable.
Browse all refurbished desktops at Computer and Laptop Sales →
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