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
Bottom Line:
A fine general performer that's hampered by traits common to mini-sized PCs: lackluster graphics and limited expansion.
PC World Rating:
74.4 (Good)
- CPU: 2-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2180
- Price When Reviewed: $479
- Graphics Adapter: Intel 945
- Monitor Model: ViewSonic VA1903WB
- Total HD Size (GB): 160GB Hard Drive
- WorldBench 6 Word Score: Fair
Bottom Line:
Inexpensive PC with big hard drive succeeds at standard multimedia tasks, but its graphics are too weak for serious gamers.
PC World Rating:
85.2 (Very Good)
- CPU: 1.8-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2160
- Price When Reviewed: $680
- Graphics Adapter: Integrated Intel 945G
- Monitor Model: Compaq wf1907
- Total HD Size (GB): 360GB Hard Drive
- 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.
PC World Rating:
86.3 (Very Good)
- CPU: 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 4200+
- Price When Reviewed: $620
- Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 6100
- Monitor Model: eMachines E17T4W
- Total HD Size (GB): 400GB Hard Drive
- 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.
PC World Rating:
78.7 (Good)
- CPU: 2-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2180
- Price When Reviewed: $499
- Graphics Adapter: Nvidia 7150
- Monitor Model: KDS 92BW
- Total HD Size (GB): 250GB Hard Drive
- WorldBench 6 Word Score: Fair
Bottom Line:
Impressive application and graphics performance aided by dedicated graphics make this the best value in our test group.
PC World Rating:
88.6 (Very Good)
- CPU: 1.8-GHz Pentium Dual-Core E2160
- Price When Reviewed: $689
- Graphics Adapter: Nvidia GeForce 8300GS
- Monitor Model: Dell SE198WFP
- Total HD Size (GB): 250GB Hard Drive
- WorldBench 6 Word Score: Superior
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