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Best budget desktops
Want to buy a new PC without having to take out a second mortgage? These budget PCs strike a balance between performance and cost, covering the basics at affordable prices. Good for home office use, sending e-mail, and surfing the Net, a budget PC gives you the features that you need and none that you don't.
Gateway DX 4720-03
7.5 Very good (reviewed 10/31/08)
The Gateway DX4720-03 performs admirably and actually holds its own against triple-core computers thanks to its impressive list of features. It also has plenty of room for internal expansion, so we recommend this budget system if you need the speed but don't crave a ton of CPU power.
Read review of the Gateway DX 4720-03
Shuttle KPC K-4500
7.3 Very good (reviewed 5/9/08)
Shuttle's KPC K-4500 has appeal as a prebuilt Linux PC for a tech-savvy owner to play around with or as a more or less accessible, basic computer to bestow upon a loved one (for whom you're willing to provide tech support). If you're aware of the potential pitfalls we recommend it, not least because it's so affordable.
Read review of the Shuttle KPC K-4500
Dell Inspiron 518
7.2 Very good (reviewed 7/31/08)
Dell's Inspiron 518 is the latest in a long line of utilitarian, midrange Windows PCs. We wish Dell offered a bit more flexibility with its configuration, as well as a 64-bit Windows option, but for a straightforward PC, this is one of the more powerful systems for the dollar.
Read review of the Dell Inspiron 518
Asus Essentio
7.2 Very good (reviewed 10/28/08)
The Asus Essentio is perhaps the best conceived of the recent round of living-room-friendly slim tower desktops. It's just powerful enough, and it comes with the right mix of features to allow it to do what living room PCs do best, without overreaching.
Read review of the Asus Essentio
HP Pavilion A6620f
7.0 Very good (reviewed 10/31/08)
The HP Pavilion a6620f makes a decent case for its budget price. We like the design and the built-in digital-audio ports, and if you're on an unbreakable budget, the a6620f will get you through a variety of processes, but we recommend saving up for a system that will give you a more powerful set of components for a negligible price difference.
Read review of the HP Pavilion A6620f
