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Cheap Computers, Best Cheap PCs

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Cheap Computers Buying Guide

As you begin shopping for a new cheap computer, there are lots of features you should check out. Almost all of the best cheap PCs these days come preinstalled with Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 7, and include a CPU from either Intel or AMD, both of which make solid processors.

There are two features in particular that can vary quite a bit from one cheap PC to another: system memory and hard drive size. The more memory you can get in your cheap computer, the better. Even cheap computers have pretty sizeable hard drives, starting at around 300GB, but if you plan to store a lot of video, music, and photos, you should look for at least a 500GB hard drive.

As for optical drives, expect most of the best cheap PCs to be outfitted with a DVD recorder. Blu-ray drives still haven't trickled down to the budget ranks, but it shouldn't be too much longer before we start seeing sub-$500 PCs with Blu-ray drives as standard equipment. However, there are a handful of super-small desktop PCs called "nettops" that don't include an integrated optical drive -- the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 (starting at $350, Amazon) is one.

As for graphics, don't expect too much from a cheap desktop. Almost all cheap computers have an integrated video chip. These little chips are capable of handling high-definition video, but they just don't have enough power to run 3D games. If you're a 3D gamer, you'll either need to purchase and install a new, more powerful 3D video card or buy a beefier PC. Cheap desktops also include a built-in audio processor. Cheap computer audio processors are actually pretty good these days, so you shouldn't have to splurge for a separate audio card. Most budget PCs also include a few extras such as a keyboard and mouse, but you won't find too many sub-$500 systems that also include an LCD.

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In terms of performance, the best cheap PCs can easily handle most tasks, such as Web-surfing, email, office software, photo editing, and playing video. As we mentioned above, budget systems aren't really designed for 3D games but they can play simpler games, like Bookworm and Bejeweled. As for setting up your new system, PC manufacturers have made that task pretty simple, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting up and running on your own.

So what separates the cheap computers from the big boys? Power, mostly. More expensive PCs have faster CPUs, 3D video cards, a huge amount of memory, and massive hard drives. Some pricier systems include a Blu-ray drive, and perhaps even a high-performance audio card. Naturally, more power equals more money; power users can still drop a couple thousand on a high-end PC without much difficulty. Dell's Alienware Area-51 PC, for example, gives you your choice of the latest Intel processors and graphics cards, and you can customize the system to include a 2TB hard drive and a Blu-ray Disc recorder. The price for this system starts at $1,799.

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Best Cheap Desktops

Asus Essentio CM1630-05
Gold Medal

Asus Essentio CM1630-05

 This popular Best Buy-exclusive runs well and boasts a large hard drive and plenty of USB ports. Users praise its multitasking abilities and PC Mag liked it enough to give it an Editor's Choice award -- and we can see why. Read more »
Desktops Deals
Gateway SX2851-41
Gold Medal

Gateway SX2851-41

 Gateway's SX2851-41 just hits our price ceiling, but you get a lot of PC for your money, including an Intel i3-550 CPU, a huge 1TB hard drive, and 11 USB ports. Read more »
Desktops Deals

Good Cheap Desktops

Dell Inspiron 580s
Gold Medal

Dell Inspiron 580s

 The Dell Inspiron 580s is a little light on some features but is still a pretty good value overall. The star of this system is the Intel i3-530 CPU but the 320GB hard drive is small compared to most budget PCs. Its six USB ports and 4GB of RAM are pretty standard for desktops in this price range. Read more »
Desktops Deals
HP p6710f
Gold Medal

HP p6710f

In most respects the HP p6710f is an average PC, but this system does sport an ATI Radeon 4200 integrated graphics chip, which is better than what you'll find in most budget desktops. It also has a beefy 1TB hard drive for those who never seem to have enough storage room. Read more »
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Don't Bother Cheap Desktops

Compaq Presario CQ5720F

The cheapest PC in our group, the Presario CQ5720F is a decent choice if you're looking for a rock-bottom priced PC that can still carry out simple PC tasks. But note that the system's CPU is relatively slow, and it has less memory than the competition. It also lacks a PCI-Express graphics card slot, so if you're planning to buy a budget PC and upgrade its graphics, this system is definitely not for you. Read more »

Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150

Lenovo's IdeaCentre Q150 falls into the "nettop" category of desktop PCs, meaning it's designed to be a tiny, tiny system that can still perform basic PC tasks. Whether this system is a good deal for you depends on how you want to use it. The IdeaCentre Q150 is at its best as a living room media PC, or perhaps as a backup. It simply doesn't have the power or features of other affordable systems. Read more »

 
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