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Cheap PCs CPU, Cheap PCs Operating Systems
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Computers Features
Desktop PCs CPU.
A cheap PC's CPU (central processing unit) influences the desktop's performance more than any other single piece of hardware.Intel-based desktops often include a dual-core CPU, such as the i3-530. Intel's i3 CPUs are inexpensive but still powerful enough to run most PC tasks, such as email, Web surfing, and running office documents, with ease. The Dell Inspiron 580s (starting at $420, Amazon
You'll find several cheap desktops with AMD Athlon CPUs. An AMD CPU is more than capable of running office programs, playing video, running photo software, or managing just about anything else you'd want to do with your PC. The HP p6710f(starting at $500, Amazon
Cheap PCs Operating Systems.
About a year or so ago, there were still a fair number of cheap PCs still using Windows Vista. Windows 7, though, is now nearly ubiquitous among budget systems. Even technogeeks who may prefer a Linux operating system will be hard-pressed to find a system with that OS preinstalled. All of the systems we researched run on Windows 7, and it's just as well. An Engadget reviewer says Windows 7 is a big step forward from Windows Vista, and CNET gives the OS an "outstanding" rating. Windows 7 is available in a couple of different versions. Most cheap PCs include the Windows 7 Home Premium version, although the Acer Veriton N282G (starting at $412, Amazon
) comes with Windows 7 Professional. The Pro version of Windows 7 includes a few extra features designed for networking and business use, and few if any budget PC shoppers will miss those features. The Home version is also cheaper than the Pro version, which helps keep budget PCs in the cheap price range.
Some cheap PCs feature a "64-bit" version of Windows 7, whereas a handful of systems (e.g. the Acer Veriton N282G, which starts at $412) use the 32-bit version. The main advantage of the 64-bit Windows 7, according to MaximumPC.com, is that you can use more than 4GB of memory. The 32-bit version can only use up to 4GB of RAM (technically, 3.5GB), so if you plan to use more RAM than that, the 64-bit Windows is the way to go. The main drawback to a 64-bit operating system is the possibility of problems working with very old hardware and software. Most of us update our software and hardware fairly regularly, though, so that shouldn't be an issue for most users. That being the case, look for a PC that uses a 64-bit version of Windows 7. All of the systems on our list meet this standard.
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Cheap Computers,
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Home-Office,
Inkjet Printers,
Laptops,
Microsoft,
Multifunction Printers,
WiFi,
Windows
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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