HP 8300 Elite Small Form Factor Desktop Computer, Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core, 8GB RAM, 500GB SATA, Windows 10 Pro 64-Bit, USB 3.0, Display Port (Renewed)

The perfect ultra-cheap gaming PC
There are a lot of reviews and answered questions saying this PC can’t be used for gaming, but that’s simply not true. This HP Elite 8300 arrived in like-new condition with a brand new hard drive, new RAM, and an unused Windows 10 key, and I was able to slot in a low profile GeForce 1050 video card that’s so far been able to run every game I’ve thrown at it in 1080p with max settings, including Skyrim, GTAV, The Witness, Counter-Strike Global Offensive, and others.It’s a perfectly zippy computer on its own, but dropping in a decent graphics card (it appears the 1050 Ti is the most this system can handle, particularly with regard to its proprietary 240-watt power supply) has given me a system that well exceeds my expectations and runs video games better than any other device I’ve owned, including my past computers and home consoles.I did have one minor issue with the system when it arrived: the fan on the power supply made a curious grinding noise that sounded like it was going out. To fix it, I slid a screwdriver into the back of the power supply to stop the fan from spinning, then started the computer. After a few moments, I pulled the screwdriver out, and the fan sped up to its max speed, likely in an attempt to rapidly cool the system. After spinning at such high speed, the fan stopped making the noise at lower speeds, and I haven’t heard the grinding noise nor heard the fan spin up to its highest speed since. It’s been over five months since then, and I haven’t had a single issue to report otherwise.It’s also worth noting that the computer shipped in a box indicating that it was a Microsoft Certified Refurbished system. This isn’t (or wasn’t) listed in the product description, but for some users, this certification is added peace of mind.Edit: ten months have passed since I first started using this PC, and nearly everything is still working perfectly. I say “nearly” because after months of ignoring the system’s front-facing headset port, I finally plugged one in only to find that the port doesn’t carry microphone audio as indicated. For me, this is no big deal. Otherwise, the system has been a treat. I installed a PCI wireless network adapter and an LG-branded Blu-ray burner, both of which have been working flawlessly. My 1050 has been also running smoothly with absolutely no problems. To be honest, I’ve had fewer problems with this system than any other PC I’ve ever owned; granted, most of my others were built from the ground up. My experience has been such a success that I even convinced a buddy of mine to buy his own 8300 several months back, and from what I’ve heard, his system has been functioning perfectly as well.Second edit: Three years in and I’ve yet to have any other problems with this system. It was a workhorse for a long time, but I’ve since upgrade to a new PC. However, I did eventually buy a third one of these, and that one eventually had its hard drive die — though I can’t rule out accidents since its user is pretty clumsy. Otherwise, all three have been fantastic. The other two I purchased are still in active use today, and mine sees use several times a week as a Plex server and NAS.

Good Computer an Good Deal!…
A Really Nice Computer!.Oh to be sure We paid a ‘Bit More’ and got a ‘Factory Rebuilt’, But it was definitely worth it!…..For the way it looks and runs its really super hard to tell its used, As they did a Super good job!.On looking inside an Yes i definitely pulled the side panel to be sure!.It had all its parts, And they were all good, And nothing ‘iffy’ either as everything was mainstream!.Ive bought and for real ‘Brand New’ computers only to find a part missing, or substituted w a non standardpart in its place, But on this Machine everything is real , And straight not bogus!…A Fantastic Bargain for just $100 Bucks……LIKES:Has all its Parts.Everything Genuine and Factory Spec.No Cheap, Or Non Factory Parts!.A Good Clean Computer w No Dust or Loose Screws drifting about!.Case is clean no dings and stretches, Nothing Sub Par this is the ‘Real Deal’!…..No Cheating as all parts are present and extra keyboard plus New Mouse works well!…..DISLIKES: Not many as This Unit is really Pretty Good!…First Off As I realize some of you out there like to buy used so they can install some radical game program, Or say Android, Or Chrome OS , Or a Server Program but my firm advise is just dont!.This particular unit is ‘Locked Down’ it runs Windows 10 like a breeze and my advise is to leave it that way.Yes I know some folks like to play with BIOS but unless you are a trained technician my feeling is to leave well enough alone and quit while you are ahead as for say 100 this one is a real deal so it is what it is!…OH OTHERWISE:Now I really liked the Little USB Dongle WIFI Stick that came with the Computer!.Its a Nice P.lus but we wearn’t getting the range we needed?????Luckily I had a spare or left over DLINK stick which I plugged in and it worked swell!.LAST TIP:Yes I realize everybody has their own tricks to bring in those far off signals!.One of the easiest is to just move the WIFI Dongle around and this Computer has a LOT of USB Ports so when you find the Port that gets the most bars, Or best reception you just hit the sweet spot so leave it!.TO CLOSE:A Really Nice and Super Rebuild, Great Bargain an for plain use or as a spare its tops so enjoy we are!…..Hats Off to The Seller!.Hats Off to Amazon!.Nuff Said.IndianaED…..

I’ve had mine for 3 months, the first thing I did was install an SSD and loaded Linux Mint on it. Windows 10 is god awful IMO. It get’s in the way. The PC itself works great. Sometimes the fan at the back of the power supply is noisy, but only when it’s cold or damp in the room. This problem I can live with because is rarely happens. Fixing the problem would be somewhat easy if it became a real problem in the future. It’s an older PC so there’s going to be some quirks. There’s also a small dent on the top of the case. Overall it’s a good PC for the money. Windows 10 is a nightmare though.

This tower is amazing for when it comes to school work on Google docs or if you need to use Google or Chrome but the downside is that if you are trying to buy it for playing games, DO NOT. It does not have a good graphics card to be able to run something like Roblox. On the contrary, it can run some website games like Animal Jam or MovieStarPlanet 1&2, if you play those. (Example for older: sudoku) – Another downside to this tower is the fact that it’s a Windows 10+ which is still good but with newer generations coming out this one’s already going out of support in December for me. Which isn’t necessarily a problem because I use it for my college work but for others there could be issues.Overall rating?: 6.5/10 (good but not great) – I’ll upload a photo later since I’m writing this from college.Thanks for reading!