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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

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PCW Rating: 88.6PCW Rating: 88.6PCW Rating: 88.6

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

 BEST BUY!

1. 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,

Bottom Line: Impressive application and graphics performance aided by dedicated graphics make this the best value in our test group.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $689 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 86.3PCW Rating: 86.3PCW Rating: 86.3

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: Low-priced PC has capacious storage and good expansion options, but its graphics performance and small monitor dissapoint.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $620 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 86.3PCW Rating: 86.3PCW Rating: 86.3

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: Delivers solid performance for basic tasks but not for fast-action games, and a compact case limits expansion.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $729 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 85.2PCW Rating: 85.2PCW Rating: 85.2

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: Inexpensive PC with big hard drive succeeds at standard multimedia tasks, but its graphics are too weak for serious gamers.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $680 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 85.1PCW Rating: 85.1PCW Rating: 85.1

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: A fine general performer that's hampered by traits common to mini-sized PCs: lackluster graphics and limited expansion.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $708 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0PCW Rating: 81.0

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: The s3300z's diminutive size makes for a great fit, but its unexceptional speed and limited expansion options are drawbacks.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $719 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 80.4PCW Rating: 80.4PCW Rating: 80.4

Last Rated: February 07, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: Basic system boasts more expansion room than most value PCs, but isn't as fully loaded as competing models that cost less.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $748 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 77.2PCW Rating: 77.2PCW Rating: 77.2

Last Rated: January 03, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: Superb internal design makes this business system ultraquiet and very easy to work on. Same-day on-site service is optional.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $1012 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 69.8PCW Rating: 69.8PCW Rating: 69.8

Last Rated: January 03, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: HP's environmental business desktop is easily upgradable and comes with a five-year warranty. Performance is average.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $1278 Check Latest Prices

PCW Rating: 66.2PCW Rating: 66.2PCW Rating: 66.2

Last Rated: January 03, 2008

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,

Bottom Line: This PC's desktop orientation saves space but limits expandability. It also comes in a minitower version.

Full Review • Test Report • Check latest prices 		Price When Reviewed: $1204 Check Latest Prices
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