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Top 10 Value Desktop PCs

These well-priced desktop PCs are well equipped to handle the tasks most people need to perform. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Kalpana Ettenson

Monday, November 20, 2006, 03:00 PM PST
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Rank Name PCW Rating
1
BEST BUY
Dell Inspiron 530
CPU: 1.8-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2160
Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 8300GS
Monitor Model: Dell SE198WFP
Total HD Size (GB): 250
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
Price When Reviewed: $689
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Bottom Line: Impressive application and graphics performance aided by dedicated graphics make this the best value in our test group.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
88.6Very Good
2
eMachines T5246
CPU: 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 6100
Monitor Model: eMachines E17T4W
Total HD Size (GB): 400
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
Price When Reviewed: $620
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Bottom Line: Low-priced PC has capacious storage and good expansion options, but its graphics performance and small monitor dissapoint.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
86.3Very Good
3
Polywell Poly i7050
CPU: 2-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2180
Graphics Adapter: Nvidia 7150
Monitor Model: KDS 92BW
Total HD Size (GB): 250
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
Price When Reviewed: $729
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Bottom Line: Delivers solid performance for basic tasks but not for fast-action games, and a compact case limits expansion.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
86.3Very Good
4
Compaq Presario SR5350F
CPU: 1.8-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2160
Graphics Adapter: Integrated Intel 945G
Monitor Model: Compaq wf1907
Total HD Size (GB): 360
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
Price When Reviewed: $680
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Bottom Line: Inexpensive PC with big hard drive succeeds at standard multimedia tasks, but its graphics are too weak for serious gamers.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
85.2Very Good
5
Sys Technology Sys SlimLine Si200
CPU: 2-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2180
Graphics Adapter: Intel 945
Monitor Model: ViewSonic VA1903WB
Total HD Size (GB): 160
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
Price When Reviewed: $708
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Bottom Line: A fine general performer that's hampered by traits common to mini-sized PCs: lackluster graphics and limited expansion.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
85.1Very Good
6
HP Pavilion Slimline s3300z
CPU: 1.9-GHz Athlon X2 BE-2300
Graphics Adapter: nVidia GeForce 6150SE
Monitor Model: HP w2007
Total HD Size (GB): 250
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good
Price When Reviewed: $719
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Bottom Line: The s3300z's diminutive size makes for a great fit, but its unexceptional speed and limited expansion options are drawbacks.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
81.0Very Good
7
Acer VM460-UD2180C
CPU: 2-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2180
Graphics Adapter: Intel GMA 3100
Monitor Model: Acer P223W
Total HD Size (GB): 160
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good
Price When Reviewed: $748
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Bottom Line: Basic system boasts more expansion room than most value PCs, but isn't as fully loaded as competing models that cost less.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
80.4Very Good
8
Dell OptiPlex 740
CPU: 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 4200+
Graphics Adapter: GeForce 6150 LE
Monitor Model: Dell E207WFP
Total HD Size (GB): 160
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
Price When Reviewed: $1012
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Bottom Line: Superb internal design makes this business system ultraquiet and very easy to work on. Same-day on-site service is optional.
(Last Rated: January 03, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
77.2Good
9
HP rp5700 Long Lifecycle Desktop
CPU: 1.8-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2160
Graphics Adapter: Integrated Intel GMA 3000
Monitor Model: LP2065
Total HD Size (GB): 160
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good
Price When Reviewed: $1278
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Bottom Line: HP's environmental business desktop is easily upgradable and comes with a five-year warranty. Performance is average.
(Last Rated: January 03, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
69.8Fair
10
Compaq dc5750
CPU: 2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 3800+
Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon X1150
Monitor Model: HP L2045w
Total HD Size (GB): 80
WorldBench 6 Word Score: Very Good
Price When Reviewed: $1204
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Bottom Line: This PC's desktop orientation saves space but limits expandability. It also comes in a minitower version.
(Last Rated: January 03, 2008)
Full ReviewTest Report
66.2Fair
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