In Pictures: Best Desktop PCs Under $750
Being tightfisted when it comes to buying a new PC usually gets you a pretty tight list of features. But we found a few models that can get the job done without doing a number on your budget.
Richard Jantz and Danny Allen
5. Skimpy Storage: Sys Technology Sys SlimLine Si200
Sys Technology lets you choose different parts for this compact PC, including either an Intel or an AMD processor. Our $708 test system featured a 2-GHz Intel Pentium Dual-Core E2180 CPU, a smallish 160GB hard disk, a combo DVD/CD writer, a multiformat memory card reader, and a 19-inch LCD. The SlimLine Si200's WorldBench 6 score of 77 puts it in a tie with the equally diminutive Polywell Poly i7050 for the best score of this budget PC group. But like all the other value systems here that rely on underpowered integrated graphics, the Si200 turned in poor performance in our gaming tests. The SlimLine Si200's case--which is not quite 4 inches high--is easily opened but has little room for expansion within. Another drawback is that the the Si200 is the only value PC in this slide show to ship with Windows Vista Home Basic (instead of Home Premium); this means you won't be able to run Windows Vista's Aero graphical environment.
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