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Top 5 Desktops Under $750

Looking for a really inexpensive--but really good--desktop computer? Our chart of five such models reveals some real finds, but you'll still have to make compromises with them.

Danny Allen

Wednesday, February 27, 2008, 10:01 PM PST
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Test Center About the Test Center • How We Test
What Our Ratings Mean • How the Charts Work • Service & Reliability Methodology
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Rank Name PCW Rating
1
BEST BUY
Dell Inspiron 530
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 Review • Test Report
88.6Very Good
2
Polywell Poly i7050
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 Review • Test Report
86.3Very Good
3
eMachines T5246
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 Review • Test Report
86.3Very Good
4
Compaq Presario SR5350F
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 Review • Test Report
85.2Very Good
5
Sys Technology Sys SlimLine Si200
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 Review • Test Report
85.1Very Good
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Top 5 Desktops Under $750
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