Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) Desktop Review: Modern Performance in a Classic Tower PC
The Tower Plus' understated design hides capable internals, but there's still room for improvement when it comes to upgrades.
Mark Knapp
CNET
2 min read
4/10
Key Takeaways
Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) features 13th-gen Intel Core processors, supporting up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and dual M.2 NVMe SSDs.
The chassis offers tool-less access to drives and memory but does not provide similarly easy access for PCIe expansion cards like GPUs.
Port selection includes USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a legacy VGA port for older displays.
Base configuration lacks front USB-C and ships with Wi-Fi 5, while optional upgrades include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3.
Priced starting at around $899, the Tower Plus competes directly with HP EliteDesk 800 and Lenovo ThinkCentre M90t series.
Dell has refreshed its classic tower PC lineup with the Tower Plus (EBT2250), a desktop that packs modern performance into a familiar, understated chassis. While the internals are capable enough for most business and productivity tasks, the design reveals trade-offs in upgradability that power users will notice immediately. The Dell Tower Plus targets professionals and organizations that need reliable, serviceable desktops without the flash of gaming rigs or the space constraints of all-in-ones. Priced competitively against HP's EliteDesk and Lenovo's ThinkCentre series, it offers Intel 13th-gen Core processors, up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM, and multiple storage options. The real test, however, lies in how easily owners can swap components down the line. Dell claims tool-less access for drives and memory, but early reviews note that the chassis layout makes GPU upgrades more cumbersome than in rival towers. For IT departments managing fleets, ease of maintenance matters as much as raw specs. The Tower Plus also includes a full array of ports—USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort, and legacy VGA—ensuring compatibility with older monitors and peripherals. Power efficiency is solid, with a Bronze-rated PSU standard. However, the lack of a front USB-C port on some configs may frustrate modern users. Dell offers optional Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3, but the base model still ships with Wi-Fi 5, a surprising omission in 2025. In a market where mini PCs and laptops dominate, the tower PC isn't dead—it's evolving. The Tower Plus represents one company's bet that there's still a core audience needing expansion slots and easy serviceability, even if the upgrade path isn't perfect. For budget-conscious businesses or home users who need a dependable workhorse, it's a strong contender. But enthusiasts hoping to swap graphics cards or add custom cooling may find the limits of the design wear thin over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Dell Tower Plus (EBT2250) uses Intel 13th-generation Core processors, ranging from i5 to i9, depending on configuration.
The system supports up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM across two SODIMM slots. The base configuration typically comes with 8GB or 16GB.
Yes, but the chassis design makes GPU upgrades more cumbersome. The PCIe slot is accessible, but the tool-less entry does not extend to expansion cards, requiring some disassembly.
It includes USB-C 3.2 Gen 2, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, legacy VGA, multiple USB-A ports, and an audio jack. Front USB-C is optional on some configurations.
Yes, it is designed for business and productivity tasks, offering reliable performance, expandable storage, and legacy port support. IT departments will appreciate the easy access to drives and memory.
