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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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About the Test Center
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What Our Ratings Mean
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Service & Reliability Methodology
Compare
Use the Check Boxes to see a Side-by-Side Comparison
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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
Check latest prices
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 Review
•
Test Report
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Use the Check Boxes to see a Side-by-Side Comparison
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Top 5 Desktops Under $750
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