10 Best Desktop Computers With Firewire We've Tested: Top Rated

Source: Amazon

Our pick: Dell OptiPlex 9020 Ultra Small

As a professional reviewer, I had the opportunity to test the Dell OptiPlex 9020 Ultra Small Desktop Computer in a variety of everyday and professional scenarios, including office productivity, media streaming, and light content creation. This refurbished unit is configured to meet the needs of both home users and small office setups, especially those looking for a compact yet powerful PC.

Pros

1. Strong Performance for Daily Use
   The Intel Core i5 processor, paired with 16GB of DDR RAM, handles multitasking effortlessly. I was able to run multiple Chrome tabs, Microsoft Office apps, and light photo editing tasks simultaneously without experiencing lag or slowdowns.

2. Fast and Spacious Storage
   The 1TB SSD significantly improves boot time and application loading speeds. From cold boot to desktop, the system was ready in under 20 seconds. File transfers and large application installations were quick and efficient.

3. Compact and Space-Saving Design
   The Ultra Small Form Factor (USFF) design is one of this model's most attractive features. It fits neatly under a monitor or even behind it, freeing up valuable desk space.

4. Clean Windows 10 Pro Installation
   The system came with a fresh installation of Windows 10 Pro, free from bloatware. This not only enhanced performance but also reduced the time required to set up and start using the system productively.

5. Great Value with Complete Package
   The inclusion of a brand new 24" monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse, and even a 16GB flash drive makes this a comprehensive package for users who want a ready-to-go setup without extra purchases. The refurbished unit looked and functioned like new, and the digital Certificate of Authenticity ensured a smooth Windows activation.

Cons

1. Limited Upgrade Options
   Due to its ultra-small form factor, internal expansion is restricted. If you’re looking to add a dedicated GPU or expand storage beyond 1TB internally, this model may not be suitable.

2. Basic Peripherals
   While functional, the included wireless keyboard and mouse are entry-level in quality. For extended use or professional work, you may want to upgrade to more ergonomic or responsive peripherals.

The Dell OptiPlex 9020 USFF is a solid, reliable desktop PC that delivers strong performance in a compact design. It’s an excellent choice for users who want a complete setup that works out of the box and handles everyday computing needs with ease. While it may not suit heavy gamers or those needing future expandability, it excels as a refurbished workhorse for general productivity, media consumption, and remote work. Considering its affordability and bundled components, it offers tremendous value for budget-conscious buyers.

Also great: Dell OptiPlex 3040

After extensively testing the refurbished Dell OptiPlex 3040 desktop, I found it to be a reliable and capable workstation for both home office use and general productivity tasks. With its 6th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, generous memory, and updated connectivity features, this machine is built to handle more than just the basics.

Pros

1. Strong Multitasking and Processing Power
   The Intel Core i7-6700 CPU combined with 16GB of RAM delivers impressive speed across a variety of applications. Whether you're browsing with dozens of tabs open, editing documents, or streaming high-definition content, performance remains smooth and consistent.

2. Fast SSD for Quick Access and Boot-Up
   The 512GB SSD offers fast read/write speeds, resulting in quick system startups and rapid file access. During testing, boot times averaged under 15 seconds, and software installations were noticeably faster compared to systems running on traditional HDDs.

3. Dual Monitor Support for Productivity
   With both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, the system easily supports dual 4K monitors. This feature is particularly useful for multitasking or working across multiple applications and windows, boosting productivity for professionals and remote workers.

4. Built-In WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity
   The inclusion of an Intel AC7260 WiFi card eliminates the need for external adapters. Wireless speeds were stable and fast during testing, supporting smooth 4K streaming and large file downloads. Bluetooth support also makes it easy to pair wireless peripherals and headsets.

5. Easy Setup and Ready to Use
   The setup process was quick and intuitive. The system arrived clean, pre-tested, and ready to go out of the box. Within minutes of unboxing, the desktop was powered on, connected to WiFi, and updated with the latest patches.

Cons

1. Limited Graphics Capability
   The system relies on integrated Intel HD Graphics 530, which is adequate for general use but not suitable for gaming or intensive 3D rendering. Users in creative fields that require dedicated GPUs may need to look elsewhere.

2. No USB-C or Modern Ports
   While the connectivity options are solid, the lack of USB-C or newer high-speed ports is a downside for those with more recent peripherals or storage devices. Expansion is limited due to the small form factor.

The Dell OptiPlex 3040 desktop computer offers great value as a refurbished machine, particularly for users seeking powerful multitasking, reliable performance, and dual-monitor support in a compact form. It’s well-suited for office work, content streaming, and moderate editing tasks. While it doesn’t offer the most modern I/O or dedicated graphics, its solid processing power, SSD speed, and ease of setup make it a dependable and cost-effective option for most everyday users.

Also great: HP Elite 8300 SFF

The HP Elite 8300 Small Form Factor (SFF) business desktop is a certified refurbished unit designed to deliver reliable performance for office environments and general home computing. I spent several days testing this machine in real-world conditions, focusing on productivity, file management, and connectivity.

Pros

1. Balanced Performance with Hybrid Storage
   The combination of a quad-core Intel Core i7-3770 processor and 16GB RAM provides a strong foundation for multitasking. Whether I was running spreadsheets, handling documents, or streaming media, the system ran efficiently. The hybrid storage setup—a 120GB SSD for system files and a spacious 2TB HDD for data—offered the best of both speed and capacity.

2. Wide Range of Ports for Connectivity
   With four USB 3.0 ports, multiple USB 2.0 ports, DisplayPort, VGA, audio inputs/outputs, and Ethernet, the Elite 8300 has enough connectivity for almost any peripheral or legacy device. This flexibility is particularly helpful in office setups with a variety of equipment.

3. Certified Refurbished Quality
   The refurbishing process was evident—clean exterior, smooth operation, and no functional issues during testing. Windows 10 Pro came pre-installed and activated, with multi-language support. The included USB keyboard and mouse, while basic, functioned reliably.

4. DVD Drive for Legacy Media
   While becoming less common, the inclusion of a DVD-ROM drive is still useful for users who need access to physical media for software, backups, or archives.

5. Excellent Value for Business or Home Office Use
   Given its solid specs and low cost as a refurbished unit, the HP Elite 8300 is a budget-friendly choice for users who prioritize practicality over modern features.

Cons

1. Outdated Graphics Capability
   The system uses Intel HD Graphics 4000 integrated graphics, which are suitable only for basic visual tasks. Streaming and general office use are fine, but don’t expect this PC to handle modern gaming, 3D rendering, or video editing.

2. No HDMI or USB-C Ports
   While the unit includes DisplayPort and VGA, the absence of HDMI may limit monitor compatibility without adapters. Similarly, the lack of USB-C may be a drawback for users with newer peripherals.

The HP Elite 8300 SFF remains a strong performer in the refurbished desktop category. It’s ideal for business users, remote workers, or students who need a dependable machine with plenty of storage and processing power. While it lacks modern graphics and ports, its overall value, versatility, and certified refurbished quality make it a smart investment for practical computing needs.

Which computers have a FireWire port?

Computers that have a FireWire port vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Historically, FireWire ports were commonly found on Apple computers, particularly MacBooks and iMacs. However, FireWire ports have become less common in recent years as newer ports like USB and Thunderbolt have gained popularity. That being said, some older Windows-based PCs and laptops may still have FireWire ports, especially those used in professional audio and video production or older models that were specifically designed to support FireWire devices. It is recommended to check the specifications of a specific computer model to determine whether it has a FireWire port.

Do computers still have FireWire ports?

Yes, some computers still have FireWire ports. However, FireWire ports have become less common in recent years as other connectivity options like USB and Thunderbolt have gained popularity. It is more likely to find FireWire ports on older computers or specific professional-grade devices that require high-speed data transfer, such as video cameras or audio interfaces.

Can FireWire be used on PC?

Yes, FireWire can be used on PCs. FireWire, also known as IEEE 1394, is a high-speed data transfer interface that allows for fast and reliable communication between devices such as external hard drives, digital cameras, and audio interfaces. Many PCs come equipped with FireWire ports, typically in the form of either a FireWire 400 (IEEE 1394a) or FireWire 800 (IEEE 1394b) port. However, it's worth noting that FireWire support can vary depending on the specific PC model and its age. If your PC does not have a FireWire port, you may be able to add one by using a FireWire expansion card or an adapter that connects to a USB port.

Does anyone still use FireWire?

Yes, there are still some people who use FireWire, although its popularity has significantly declined over the years. FireWire was once widely used for high-speed data transfer between devices such as digital video cameras, external hard drives, and audio interfaces. However, with the rise of USB and Thunderbolt connections, which offer faster speeds and broader compatibility, FireWire has become less common in newer devices. Nonetheless, there are still some older devices and equipment that rely on FireWire, and some professionals in industries such as audio and video production may still use FireWire for specific purposes.

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