The cheapest Intel Core i5 desktop computer ever costs only $260

beelink u57
(Image credit: beelink)

What is it? The Beelink U57 desktop PC is a computer powered by an Intel Core i5 processor that is about the size of a stack of five CD cases.

What makes it special and why should I buy it? It is the cheapest Intel Core i5 desktop PC currently on the market, by a very wide margin. Yes, it is an old processor, but there's more to it than just raw compute power. You won't find a lower price if you're after a Core i5, but if you can prove us wrong, let us know via Twitter

How much does it cost? This deal is available from Banggood for $259.99 (about £194/AU$350) until December 31, 2020 when you use code BGDec10, which applies to applies to the HK Warehouse. That's an extra $16 off the current sale price of $275.99. Overall, you get almost 40% off its suggested retail price.

Beelink U57 Core i5 mini PC: $419.39 $259.99 at BanggoodSave $159BGDec10 HK warehouseDecember 31, 2020.
Lowest price

<a href="https://tc.tradetracker.net/Beelink-U57-Intel-Core-i5-5257U-2_7GHz-8GB-256GB-SSD-1000M-LAN-5_8G-WIFI-bluetooth-4_0-USB3_0-Mini-PC-Support-Windows-10-p-1666058.html?c=16952&m=12&a=313684&r=hawk-custom-tracking&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.banggood.com%2FBeelink-U57-Intel-Core-i5-5257U-2_7GHz-8GB-256GB-SSD-1000M-LAN-5_8G-WIFI-bluetooth-4_0-USB3_0-Mini-PC-Support-Windows-10-p-1666058.html" data-link-merchant="banggood.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Beelink U57 Core i5 mini PC: $419.39 <a href="https://tc.tradetracker.net/Beelink-U57-Intel-Core-i5-5257U-2_7GHz-8GB-256GB-SSD-1000M-LAN-5_8G-WIFI-bluetooth-4_0-USB3_0-Mini-PC-Support-Windows-10-p-1666058.html?c=16952&m=12&a=313684&r=hawk-custom-tracking&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.banggood.com%2FBeelink-U57-Intel-Core-i5-5257U-2_7GHz-8GB-256GB-SSD-1000M-LAN-5_8G-WIFI-bluetooth-4_0-USB3_0-Mini-PC-Support-Windows-10-p-1666058.html" data-link-merchant="banggood.com"" data-link-merchant="banggood.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$259.99 at Banggood
Save $159 by using the exclusive code BGDec10 at checkout (for the HK warehouse). Despite its diminutive size, the U57 will be a very good workstation PC that offers a balanced experience at a cut-throat price. This exclusive offer ends on December 31, 2020.

What else should we know? Let's address the elephant in the room: this PC is powered by a 5-year old Core i5 processor. The Core i5-5257U is not intrinsically a bad processor, but it can't be compared to a recent Core i3, let alone a Core i5. Otherwise, though, it is a pretty decent PC with 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, five USB ports, two 4K-compatible HDMI connectors, a Gigabit Ethernet port and even Wi-Fi 5. 

Any cons? At this price, nothing worth mentioning.

Have you reviewed it? Not yet, but we're working on it.

Check out these PC deals where you are

Bear in mind

  • If this product ships from mainland China, it will take a month to reach either the UK or US (and potentially more). You may be levied an additional tax, either directly or through the courier.
  • If you've managed to get hold of a cheaper product with equivalent specifications, in stock and brand new, let us know and we'll tip our hat to you.
Desire Athow
Managing Editor, TechRadar Pro

Désiré has been musing and writing about technology during a career spanning four decades. He dabbled in website builders and web hosting when DHTML and frames were in vogue and started narrating about the impact of technology on society just before the start of the Y2K hysteria at the turn of the last millennium.