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Cheap Desktop Computers RAM, Hard Drive
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Computers Features (continued)
Cheap Desktop Computers RAM.
Memory, or RAM, is an essential component of cheap desktop computers.
Desktop Hard Drive.
Like system memory, hard drives are pretty cheap, so manufacturers of cheap desktop computers can afford to offer large hard drives without much of an impact on the retail price. Hard drive sizes vary wildly, with some PCs (such as the Dell Inspiron 580s and Acer Veriton N282G) equipped with relatively small 320GB hard drives, while other entry-level PCs sport hard drives of 500GB or more; the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 has a 500GB drive, the Presario CQ5720F has a 640GB drive, and the Gateway SX2851-41 and HP p6710f best them all with their mammoth 1,000GB (1TB, or terabyte) hard drives. If you don't store a large amount of video, music, or photos on your desktop, you can get by just fine with a smaller hard drive -- and you can always add a second drive later if you start running out of storage space. However, if you have a large video, photo, or music collection, you may want to opt for a system with a larger hard drive, in the range of 500GB or more, from the get-go.Desktops Optical Drives.
An optical drive is usually standard equipment on cheap desktop computers, although some tiny desktops, such as the Acer Veriton N282G and Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150, may forgo a drive because the PC cases are simply too small. Indeed, nearly all budget systems include a single DVD recordable drive, which for most users is all that's needed. DVD recordable drives can read CDs and DVDs and record to recordable CD and DVD media. Some more expensive PCs include a Blu-ray drive, which isn't available on budget systems because they're still fairly expensive. Manufacturers that let you configure and buy a PC online, such as Dell, may let you add a Blu-ray drive for an extra fee. For example, if you buy a customizable PC from HP, you can upgrade to a Blu-ray drive for $120.Desktops Computers Graphics.
High-end graphics are usually a low priority for cheap desktop computers because high-performance add-in video cards tend to be fairly expensive (i.e., an Asus ENGTX460 video card costs about $160). Many entry-level PCs, including our picks for best and good cheap PCs, include a built-in video processor that can handle many basic video tasks, such as photo editing and playing DVDs, but may struggle to run more graphics-intensive programs like video games. If you're not a gamer, don't worry about finding a system with intensive graphics capabilities. A basic built-in video chip handles most video tasks just fine.
Desktops Extras.
Computer manufacturers may not add lots of frills to discount computers, but there are some basic extras that nearly every discount PC includes, such as a keyboard and mouse, and an audio processor. As with video, most cheap desktop computers (including all of the best and good cheap PCs on our list) also feature a built-in audio chip. These audio chips are inexpensive yet still offer good sound quality, and can even process 5.1 channel audio, just in case you happen to have a 5.1 PC speaker system. Audio processors capable of 5.1 channel audio are so affordable that they're practically standard equipment on discount desktops.A system's inputs and outputs are another feature you'll want to check out. Look for a discount PC system with a generous number of USB 2.0 ports; you should insist on at least four. Most of the budget PCs we researched have six USB ports, although the Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150 has four, and Gateway's SX2851-41 has a grand total of 11, nearly twice as many USB ports as most cheap systems. All discount desktops have an Ethernet port for connecting to the Internet. Also, many cheap desktop computers, such as the Dell Inspiron 580s, Gateway SX2851-41, and HP p6710f, include a multi-in-one media card reader.
Mid-priced desktop computers often include a flat panel monitor as part of the package, but this is one extra component that's not commonly found on budget systems. These monitors increase the price of the total package enough to push them beyond the range of the sub-$500 systems discussed here. We do not recommend super-cheap package deals that include monitors.
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Best Cheap Desktops
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
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
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
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 »Desktops Deals
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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 »
Products Mentioned in This Review
HP p6110ySystemax V7C2
HP Slimline s5220y
Compaq Presario CQ5720F
Lenovo IdeaCentre Q150
Dell Inspiron 580s
HP p6710f
Asus Essentio CM1630-05
Gateway SX2851-41
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