AI-ready productivity
Intel Core Ultra processors with built-in AI acceleration help streamline everyday work and support Copilot-enabled workflows while staying efficient.
Mid-range
Dell Tower Desktop ECT1250
Core Ultra 7 tower with SD card reader and bundled peripherals for fast, clean office setups.
4.1 / 5
Mid-range
$1,259.92
55 ratings
Mid-range
Desktops
Future-Ready Tower
A flexible, AI-ready workhorse for everyday teams
The Dell Tower Desktop ECT1250 is a modern mid-tower built for home offices and small businesses that want dependable performance, clean organization, and room to grow. Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors with integrated AI acceleration, it is ready for day-to-day productivity plus smarter background tasks like noise suppression, system tuning, and Copilot-enabled workflows.
Its compact tower footprint keeps desks tidy without sacrificing internal flexibility. A tool-less chassis makes upgrades simple, so adding RAM, storage, or expansion cards is fast and IT-friendly for teams that plan to scale.
DDR5 memory and NVMe SSD storage keep multitasking smooth across office apps, browser-heavy work, and light creative tasks. Integrated Intel graphics handle everyday visuals, while the tower layout leaves space for future expansion when needs evolve.
Connectivity is practical and well rounded, with USB-A and USB-C ports front and back, modern display outputs, and Gigabit Ethernet alongside current Wi-Fi and Bluetooth options depending on configuration. The understated design fits naturally in professional or home settings without drawing attention.
Tech Specs
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7-265 (20 cores, 30MB cache, 2.4 GHz)
Operating system
Windows 11 Home (Dell recommends Windows 11 Pro for business)
Video card
Intel UHD Graphics
Memory
16 GB (1 x 16 GB) DDR5-5600
Storage
1 TB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Microsoft Office
Microsoft 365 30-day trial
Security software
McAfee+ Premium 30-day trial
Support
Basic onsite service after remote diagnosis (hardware-only), 12 months
Accidental damage protection
None
Keyboard
Dell Wired Keyboard KB216 (US English, Black)
Mouse
Dell Wired Mouse MS116 (Black)
Ports (front)
2 x USB 2.0 (480 Mbps); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-C (5 Gbps); 1 x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A (5 Gbps); 1 x global headset jack; power button; media card reader
Ports (rear)
1 x DisplayPort 1.4; 1 x HDMI 2.1; 1 x serial port (optional); 2 x USB 3.2 Type-A; 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A; 1 x RJ45 Ethernet (1Gbps); power supply; power indicator; Kensington lock slot; padlock loop
USB transfer note
USB port transfer speeds are approximate and depend on system configuration; actual speeds may vary.
Optical drive
None
Slots (Core i3/i5/i7 configs)
1 x SATA 3.0 for 3.5-inch HDD; 2 x full-height Gen3 PCIe x1; 1 x M.2 2230/2280 for SSD; 1 x full-height Gen3 PCIe x16; 1 x M.2 2230 for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; 1 x SD-card 3.0 (optional); 1 x security-cable slot (Kensington lock)
Slots (Core Ultra 5/7 configs)
1 x SATA 3.0 for 3.5-inch HDD; 2 x full-height Gen3 PCIe x1; 1 x M.2 2230/2280 for SSD; 1 x full-height Gen3 PCIe x16; 1 x M.2 2230 for Wi-Fi/Bluetooth; 1 x SD-card 3.0 (optional); 1 x security-cable slot (Kensington lock)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
324.3 x 154 x 293 mm (12.76 x 6.06 x 11.53 in)
Weight
Starting at 4.16 kg (9.17 lb)
Chassis
180W PSU with TPM
Wireless
MediaTek Wi-Fi 6 MT7920 (2x2, 802.11ax, MU-MIMO) + Bluetooth
Power supply options
180W Bronze internal PSU; 360W Platinum internal PSU
Features
Desktop highlights
Performance lift
Dell cites up to 24% more CPU performance and up to 66% better graphics performance than the previous-gen Inspiron Desktop.
Multi-display flexibility
Run up to four FHD monitors via DisplayPort 1.4 with daisy chaining, or connect two 4K displays using HDMI 2.1 plus DisplayPort 1.4.
Ports for every device
Eight total USB ports with four on the front make peripherals easy to plug in, and the SD card reader speeds up photo imports.
Wi-Fi 6 connectivity
Wi-Fi 6 helps reduce lag and congestion during work sessions, video calls, and streaming.
Tool-less upgrades
A removable side panel and tool-less entry let you access internal components quickly for stress-free upgrades.
Room to grow
Supports up to 64GB DDR5 across two DIMM slots, up to 2TB SSD plus 2TB HDD storage, and three PCIe expansion slots.
Business-ready security
A hardware TPM chip helps protect data, while a lock slot and padlock loop keep the tower secure. Select keyboards add a Copilot key, and ProSupport is available.
Style meets sustainability
A clean, modern chassis uses recycled materials and carries EPEAT Silver with Climate+ and ENERGY STAR certifications.
Windows 11 advantages
Windows 11 adds a modern layout, multitasking tools, Copilot assistance, and Teams with Windows Studio Effects for clearer calls.
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 55 global ratings.
4.1
Overall rating
5 star
60%
4 star
17%
3 star
9%
2 star
3%
1 star
11%
Customers say
Reviewers describe the tower as high quality and easy to get running, with the right ports and connections for everyday use. Setup is generally straightforward, and many say performance feels fast enough for daily workloads.
Quality
(13)
Functionality
(9)
Connectivity
(6)
Setup
(5)
Speed
(5)
- Easy setup and quick start are common callouts.
- Ports and connectivity are frequently praised.
- Performance is described as fast enough for day-to-day work.
- A few buyers note upgrades can be less beginner-friendly than expected.
Scorecard: Overall 4.1/5 · 55 ratings
Canada · Jan 27, 2026
A fast computer.
Setup is straightforward, it works right after plugging in, and while initial setup takes a bit, it stays simple. Performance feels quick.
Verified purchase
Canada · Nov 9, 2025
Compact
Appreciates the smaller tower format.
Verified purchase
Canada · Sep 12, 2025
Don’t buy if you want to add an HDD
Adding a hard drive requires a non-standard SATA-to-ATX power cable, which can be frustrating for non-technical users.
Verified purchase
User reviews
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Pros
- Strong productivity performance for multitasking, web work, and light creative tasks with the Core Ultra 7 265.
- Quiet operation and a compact footprint that suit home offices.
- Tool-less access makes RAM and storage upgrades straightforward.
- Flexible display support for multi-monitor setups, including dual 4K via HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort 1.4.
- Often bundled with longer warranty coverage and free tech support compared to typical consumer desktops.
Cons
- Integrated graphics only, so it is not ideal for modern AAA gaming or heavy 3D workloads.
- Power supply options can limit future high-power GPU upgrades.
- No internal optical drive, and some configurations omit a built-in card reader.
- No internal speakers, so external audio is required.
Final Verdict
Our take
A concise summary of the strengths, trade‑offs, and who this desktop fits best.
$1,259.92
4.1 / 5
Photo credit: Dell
The Dell Tower Desktop ECT1250 is a space-efficient productivity workhorse that delivers strong everyday performance for home offices and small businesses. Intel Core Ultra (Series 2) processing with built-in AI acceleration keeps multitasking snappy and supports Copilot-style workflows and background optimizations, so office apps, heavy browsing, and light creative tasks feel responsive. Its tool-less chassis is a standout advantage, making RAM and SSD upgrades easy and extending the system’s lifespan, while quiet operation keeps it comfortable for shared or home spaces. The tradeoffs are expected: integrated Intel UHD graphics limit gaming and GPU-heavy creative work, and some buyers may miss legacy touches like an internal optical drive or a built-in card reader. For users who want speed, efficiency, low noise, and upgrade flexibility in a compact tower, the ECT1250 is a smart long-term pick—even if it is not a gaming machine.
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