Top 10 Value Desktop PCs

Top 10 Value Desktop PCs

These well-priced desktop PCs are well equipped to handle the tasks most people need to perform. Ratings and rankings can change due to pricing and technology changes, so check back frequently for the latest info.

Edited by Kalpana Ettenson

1. Micro Express MicroFlex 66B
   Bottom Line: System outperformed our other value models by a wide margin; it?s a great choice for media editing or gaming.
   PC World Rating: 83 (Very Good)
   CPU: 2.4-GHz Core 2 Duo E6600
   Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon X1600
   Monitor Model: ViewSonic VP720b
   Total HD Size (GB): 250
   Case Type: Midsize tower
   Price When Reviewed: $999
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



2. Dell Dimension C521
   Bottom Line: The inexpensive C521 is a solid performer; its compact design makes it a great fit for tight spaces.
   PC World Rating: 75 (Good)
   CPU: 2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 3800+
   Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon X1300
   Monitor Model: Dell E177FP
   Total HD Size (GB): 160
   Case Type: Minitower
   Price When Reviewed: $729
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



3. Dell Dimension E520
   Bottom Line: Midpriced Windows Media Center PC has strong performance and solid features for the price.
   PC World Rating: 74 (Good)
   CPU: 1.86-GHz Core 2 Duo E6300
   Graphics Adapter: nVidia GeForce 6150 LE
   Monitor Model: Dell E177FP
   Total HD Size (GB): 250
   Case Type: Midsize tower
   Price When Reviewed: $989
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



4. CyberPower Gamer Ultra 7500SE
   Bottom Line: A gaming system for buyers on a budget, this model provides fairly good performance at a very attractive price.
   PC World Rating: 73 (Good)
   CPU: 2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 3800+
   Graphics Adapter: eVGA e-GeForce 7600GS
   Monitor Model: Optiquest Q9
   Total HD Size (GB): 250
   Case Type: Midsize tower
   Price When Reviewed: $999
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



5. HP Media Center TV m7690y
   Bottom Line: Media-centric system performed very well for a value PC; with its TV tuner, it could replace your living-room DVR.
   PC World Rating: 73 (Good)
   CPU: 1.86-GHz Core 2 Duo E6300
   Graphics Adapter: nVidia GeForce 7300LE
   Monitor Model: HP vs19
   Total HD Size (GB): 160
   Case Type: Midsize tower
   Price When Reviewed: $1000
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



6. Dell Dimension E521
   Bottom Line: Cheap PC came bundled with a good 17-inch LCD monitor, but its low performance matches its low price.
   PC World Rating: 72 (Good)
   CPU: 1.8-GHz Sempron 3400+
   Graphics Adapter: nVidia GeForce 7300 LE
   Monitor Model: Dell E177FP
   Total HD Size (GB): 80
   Case Type: Midsize tower
   Price When Reviewed: $489
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



7. Systemax Vitality DH463
   Bottom Line: The Vitality is a strong performer and offers lots of room for upgrades.
   PC World Rating: 72 (Good)
   CPU: 1.86-GHz Core 2 Duo E6300
   Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon X1600 Pro
   Monitor Model: Hanns G
   Total HD Size (GB): 250
   Case Type: Midsize tower
   Price When Reviewed: $1199
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



8. Lenovo ThinkCentre A60 D3U
   Bottom Line: Solid business system includes innovative features such as a data encryption chip and remote management.
   PC World Rating: 71 (Good)
   CPU: 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 4200+
   Graphics Adapter: nVidia GeForce 6100
   Monitor Model: Lenovo L192p Wide
   Total HD Size (GB): 160
   Case Type: Minitower
   Price When Reviewed: $949
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



9. eMachines T5048
   Bottom Line: Inexpensive system contains low-end components that delivered lackluster performance.
   PC World Rating: 71 (Good)
   CPU: 3.06-GHz Pentium 4 524
   Graphics Adapter: ATI Radeon Xpress 200
   Monitor Model: eMachines eView 17F3
   Total HD Size (GB): 160
   Case Type: Minitower
   Price When Reviewed: $600
   Rated on: January 09, 2007



10. Polywell MiniBox 939NP-4200
    Bottom Line: Compact box-shaped model turned in great performance but offers little expansion room in its cramped interior.
    PC World Rating: 70 (Good)
    CPU: 2.2-GHz Athlon 64 X2 4200+
    Graphics Adapter: eVGA e-GeForce 7600GS
    Monitor Model: Avidav M1931
    Total HD Size (GB): 320
    Case Type: Compact
    Price When Reviewed: $1250
    Rated on: January 09, 2007

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