Dell OptiPlex Dell Pro Slim QCS1250 SFF Desktop Computer Review
The Dell OptiPlex Pro Slim packs an i7-14700 and pro GPU into a tiny box. It's not for gamers, but does it make sense for anyone else at $2400?
The 30-Second Version
A compact powerhouse with a professional twist. The 20-core i7 CPU and 4TB SSD are fantastic, but the RTX A1000 GPU isn't for gaming. At $2400, it's a niche buy for pros who need a tiny workstation. Most people should look at a standard gaming PC instead.
Overview
The Dell OptiPlex Pro Slim QCS1250 is a small form factor desktop that packs a surprising punch. It's built around Intel's 20-core i7-14700 CPU and a professional-grade Nvidia RTX A1000 GPU, all crammed into a chassis that won't hog your desk space. This isn't a gaming rig, though. It's a compact workstation that's aiming to handle heavy-duty office and creative tasks without the bulk of a tower.
Performance
The 20-core Intel i7-14700 is the star here, landing in the 76th percentile for CPU performance. It's going to tear through spreadsheets, video calls, and even some light video editing without breaking a sweat. The 4TB NVMe SSD is a monster, scoring in the 98th percentile for storage, so you'll never wait on file transfers. The catch is the GPU. The RTX A1000 is a professional card, not a gaming one, and its 52nd percentile ranking shows. It's fine for driving multiple 4K displays and some CAD work, but don't expect to play modern games at high settings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong storage (99th percentile) 99th
- Strong ram (97th percentile) 97th
- Strong port (86th percentile) 86th
- Strong cpu (81th percentile) 81th
Cons
Specifications
Full Specifications
Processor
| CPU | Intel Core i7-14700 |
| Cores | 20 |
| Frequency | 2.1 GHz |
| L3 Cache | 33 MB |
Graphics
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX A1000 |
| Type | discrete |
| VRAM | 8 GB |
| VRAM Type | GDDR6 |
Memory & Storage
| RAM | 64 GB |
| RAM Generation | DDR5 |
| Storage | 4 TB |
| Storage Type | NVMe SSD |
Build
| Form Factor | SFF |
| PSU | 360 |
Connectivity
| HDMI | 1 HDMI 1 Display Port |
| Wi-Fi | WiFi 6 |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Ethernet | Integrated |
System
| OS | Windows 11 Pro |
Value & Pricing
At $2400, this is a tough sell for most people. You're paying a premium for the compact SFF form factor and the professional RTX A1000 GPU. If you specifically need a tiny, powerful PC for professional applications that can leverage that A1000, the value might be there. For everyone else, especially gamers, that money goes a lot further in a standard mid-tower.
vs Competition
This Dell sits in a weird spot. It's not a gaming PC like the HP Omen 45L or Alienware Aurora, which offer much stronger consumer gaming GPUs for similar money. Compared to business-focused towers like the Lenovo ThinkStation, it trades raw expansion and power for its tiny size. The MSI MEG Vision X and Corsair Vengeance a7400 are full-blown gaming powerhouses that will run circles around this Dell in games. This OptiPlex is for the niche user who needs professional graphics in a shoebox.
| Spec | Dell OptiPlex Dell Pro Slim QCS1250 SFF Desktop Computer | HP OMEN HP OMEN 45L Gaming Desktop, Intel Core Ultra 7 | MSI MSI EdgeXpert-11SUS AI Supercomputer | Dell Dell Tower Plus Desktop Computer | Lenovo T Series Towers Legion Tower 5a Gen 10 (30L AMD) 90YJ001LUS | Apple Mac Studio Apple - Mac Studio - M3 Ultra - 1TB SSD - Silver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel Core i7-14700 | Intel Core Ultra 7 265K | NVIDIA GB | Intel Core Ultra 7 265 | AMD Ryzen 7 7700X | Apple M3 Ultra |
| RAM (GB) | 64 | 32 | 128 | 32 | 32 | 96 |
| Storage (GB) | 4096 | 2048 | 4096 | 1024 | 2048 | 1000 |
| GPU | NVIDIA RTX A1000 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 | NVIDIA | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 | Apple M3 Ultra 60-core |
| Form Factor | SFF | Desktop | Mini | Tower | Tower | - |
| Psu W | 360 | 850 | 240 | 750 | 850 | - |
| OS | Windows 11 Pro | Windows 11 Pro | NVIDIA DGX OS | Windows 11 Home | Windows 11 Home | macOS |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
Common Questions
Q: Can this PC run modern games?
Not well. The Nvidia RTX A1000 is a professional workstation GPU, not a gaming card. It'll handle older or less demanding titles, but for new AAA games, you'll need to turn settings way down. Look for a PC with an RTX 4060 or better for gaming.
Q: Is the 360W power supply enough?
It's enough for the components as configured, but it leaves zero room for upgrades. You can't add a more powerful graphics card or significant extra storage without needing a new PSU, which is often difficult in small form factor cases.
Q: What's the actual RAM amount and speed?
The retailer listing says 64GB, but our percentile data suggests the RAM configuration is a weak point (20th percentile). We'd verify the exact specs—likely DDR5—before buying, as unclear RAM is a red flag.
Who Should Skip This
Gamers, skip this immediately. The RTX A1000 is the wrong tool for the job, and for $2400 you can get a killer gaming rig. Also, if you think you might want to upgrade components later, the small case and 360W PSU will wall you in. Get a standard mid-tower instead.
Verdict
Buy this only if your top priority is a supremely compact desktop with a professional-grade GPU for CAD, 3D modeling, or data science. The CPU and storage are excellent, but the form factor and pro card come at a high price. For literally any other use—especially gaming or general home office work—you can get more power and better value elsewhere.