Quad-core PCs at triple-digit prices

Intel is reportedly at work on low-cost quad-core processors to compete against AMD's triple-core Phenom X3 chips. It's best not to overlook AMD's quad-core Phenoms. We've seen a pair of desktops recently, each of which uses a Phenom X4 9500 and can be bought for less than $600. Both systems are remarkably similar, featuring the same processor, memory type and amount, and hard drive capacity.

You'll also notice that the Acer Aspire M5100 and Gateway GT5674 received the same 6.9 rating. Why didn't they score higher, if they deliver so much hardware at such a reasonable price? Because we're not convinced that the average consumer needs four processing cores, and well outfitted dual-core PCs can be purchased for even less. If you find yourself regularly converting QuickTime files while also performing a conversion in iTunes, as our Multimedia multitasking benchmark simulates, you may begin to feel the effects of quad-core processing. However, in most cases, the performances differences are slight or nonexistent between quad- and dual-core systems when running consumer software applications.

Then again, quad-core processing offers something in the way of future proofing, which is never a bad idea when it comes to technology purchases. Just be sure you don't overlook a system such as the eMachines T5254--a budget dual-core system that will suffice more many while costing even less.