HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF Review: Budget Business Pick
Few refurbished business desktops manage to spark as much discussion—and controversy—as the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF (Renewed). With ratings often hovering between 4.3 and 4.6 stars, it earns solid marks for performance and value, yet persistent issues—most notably about missing HDMI ports and poor onboard audio—keep it from universal acclaim. Based on cross-platform user feedback, this machine scores a 7.8/10.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy—excellent for budget-conscious office users and light multitasking, but not without limitations.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast boot and responsiveness from SSD | No built-in Wi-Fi in many units |
| Solid build quality, often "like new" | Missing HDMI despite listings |
| Affordable refurbished price | Conexant audio issues (distorted, no bass) |
| Handles office multitasking easily | Packaging quality varies |
| Multiple USB and DisplayPort outputs | Limited Windows 11 upgrade path |
| Compact small form factor | Variations in included accessories |
| Usually clean Windows 10 Pro install | Occasional SSD size discrepancies |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing pitches the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF as a “powerful, versatile business desktop” with refreshed components that meet Amazon Renewed or manufacturer refurbish standards. Official specs boast 6th/7th gen Intel Core i5 or i7 CPUs, up to 64GB DDR4 RAM, dual storage options, and comprehensive ports including DisplayPort, USB-C, and optional HDMI.
Yet digging deeper into user reports, a recurring pattern emerges: HDMI claims are unreliable. Multiple Best Buy and Amazon buyers complained the listing and product description promised HDMI, but units arrived with only DisplayPort or VGA. One verified Best Buy reviewer noted: "The specifications said it came with HDMI but it brought VGA. I had to buy an additional adapter."
Similarly, audio capability is advertised as “multi-stream capable with Conexant codec,” but Twitter user @bashal described the reality as “sound is extremely flat ... no bass ... sounded just like it was coming out of a tin can.” HP’s own support forums confirm driver issues affecting bass response across this model family.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Best Buy, and Newegg, buyers consistently highlight performance per dollar. The SSD-equipped i5/i7 configs boot quickly and run multiple business apps without breaking a sweat. Reddit user feedback is full of stories like: "Super fast, works really well in a small business. Would buy again, actually bought two."
For remote workers and home office setups, stability and quiet operation top the list of positives. Best Buy customer “kennetha” said she bought one for her 82-year-old mother: "Set up was simple… desktop is whisper quiet. Perfect desktop for all her needs." This small footprint means it fits easily on crowded desks yet still offers upgrade options thanks to multiple memory slots and PCIe bays.
The refurbishing quality—particularly from refurbisher Joy Systems—is another strong point. Verified buyers report clean exteriors, “as close to new as you can get” interiors, and fresh Windows 10 installations without bloatware. The inspection process is valued: "Packaging was seamless … even came with labels marking when it was inspected and who performed the inspection."
Common Complaints
One of the most frequent frustrations comes from missing or misleading connectivity features. The lack of built-in Wi-Fi is often an unwelcome surprise. Several Amazon and Best Buy buyers had to purchase USB Wi-Fi adapters immediately after setup. “steve” shared: "No wifi capabilities… had to buy an aftermarket USB adapter."
The bigger annoyance? HDMI discrepancies. Many comments detail ordering with the expectation of HDMI ports—sometimes even confirmed in the product description—only to receive a machine with DisplayPort and VGA only. This affects multimedia users and dual-monitor setups unless they have adapters on hand.
Audio performance on native hardware is another sore spot. HP forum threads document distorted, tinny sound output across all jacks, with some resorting to USB DACs or external sound cards. One frustrated owner summed it up: "Sound out of this EliteDesk inhales vigorously … no bass and my subwoofer gets no response."
Divisive Features
Storage variations spark mixed feelings. While configurations advertise large SSDs (up to 512GB) paired with HDDs, some buyers report receiving smaller drives. Quora data flagged buyers finding only 256GB SSDs instead of the larger spec. For light office tasks, these discrepancies may not matter; for users expecting the full storage for creative work, it’s a problem.
Windows 11 compatibility is another polarizing point. Some eBay sellers bundle Windows 11 Pro, while Amazon reviewers warn these CPUs don’t meet Microsoft’s requirements. One blunt Amazon comment cautions: "Be aware… not Windows 11 compliant or upgradable." For users needing long OS lifecycle, this is a make-or-break limitation.
Trust & Reliability
Trust in the refurbish process is generally high with reputable vendors. Best Buy reviews frequently mention “no issues after months of use,” and business owners deploy multiple units without failure. The better refurbishers include COA licenses for Windows and clean internal builds.
However, packaging quality control is inconsistent. Some Amazon verified buyers complained about poorly protected shipping that “by luck” didn’t damage the PC. This reinforces the importance of selecting sellers with strong feedback and documented packaging standards.
Alternatives
Within the HP lineup, some buyers compare the EliteDesk 800 G3 to the 800 G4 models, noting improved CPU performance and potentially better upgradeability. Mini form factor competitors like Dell OptiPlex 7050 SFF come up in threads as offering similar port layouts with HDMI more reliably included.
For buyers prioritizing multimedia or future Windows 11 readiness, stepping up to newer generation HP business desktops—or tower models with discrete GPUs—could prevent the connectivity and OS lifecycle headaches seen here.
Price & Value
Community consensus is clear: at $129–$339 for most configs, value is exceptional for business use. eBay prices for base i5 units can dip below $150, with fully loaded i7 + SSD + HDD builds at ~$200–$250. Light resale value exists; clean units from respected refurbishers hold demand for small offices seeking replacements.
Buying tips include:
- Confirm HDMI presence with seller before purchase.
- Ask about Wi-Fi card vs USB dongle inclusion.
- Inspect SSD size and storage configuration upon arrival.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP EliteDesk 800 G3 SFF have built-in Wi-Fi?
A: Many refurbished units do not. Sellers often include USB Wi-Fi dongles instead. Buyers needing strong wireless performance often upgrade to higher-quality dongles or add an internal card.
Q: Can this model output via HDMI?
A: Only if configured with the optional HDMI port; many come with DisplayPort/VGA only. Multiple reviews warn specs may misstate HDMI presence.
Q: Is it Windows 11 compatible?
A: Most configurations with 6th/7th gen Intel CPUs do not meet Microsoft’s requirements, limiting official upgrade paths.
Q: How is the onboard audio quality?
A: Reported as poor across HP forums and social media—tinny sound with no bass. Many bypass it with USB audio adapters.
Q: How is the longevity of refurbished units?
A: Long-term owners on Reddit and Best Buy report months of stable performance, especially from reputable refurbishers like Joy Systems.
Final Verdict
Buy if you are a small business owner, remote worker, or home office user seeking an inexpensive but capable desktop with solid multitasking and upgrade potential. Avoid if you require modern OS support beyond Windows 10, pristine multimedia audio, or guaranteed HDMI output. Pro tip from community: Confirm every spec with seller—especially ports and storage—before committing, and budget for a USB Wi-Fi adapter and DisplayPort-to-HDMI cable.
