Desktop Reviews

The eMachines ET1831-07 isn't much of a video playback device, but in all other respects, this is a solid budget PC. Perhaps the best deal going for its features, it also outperforms other desktops in and above its price range on general computing tasks. We recommend this system to anyone shopping for a low-cost computer.

We recommend this Dell only to those who need its particular combination of good-enough performance and wireless networking. If you value faster performance, or you're willing to get your hands dirty with upgrades, you can find more computer for your money elsewhere.

HP's Pavilion Elite 190T isn't the most innovative desktop, nor the best-looking. It does, however, offer Intel's six-core Core i7 980X Extreme CPU, currently the fastest desktop chip on the market. Anyone with demanding productivity needs should find this desktop a worthwhile investment.

Maingear's Vybe is the first desktop in our lab with AMD's new six-core Phenom II X6 processor. That chip alone can't save this system from tough competition among midranged gaming PCs, but if the Vybe isn't the best all-around PC at this price, it has some impressive gaming chops. Just be prepared to make a few sacrifices along the way.

The HP Pavilion p6320y earns its place with respectable multithreading performance that takes advantage of its powerful quad-core processor. Although it falls slightly behind the competition in single-core performance, it's still quick enough to earn our recommendation for the average light-duty user.

We like the looks of Asus' Eee Box EB1501, but it's pricier than Blu-ray players that stream content from the Web, and not as powerful as slightly more expensive slim tower PCs that offer significantly more speed and power. Asus made a decent attempt at the Nettop-as-set-top-box replacement with this system, but it's crowded out by too many alternatives.

Don't let the Gateway FX6831-01's case distract you from the fact that this is a fast, aggressively priced gaming PC with some standout features. We wouldn't recommend this system to a generalist consumer or those with discriminating opinions about hardware aesthetics, but for the pennywise gamer, this Gateway is the midrange desktop to beat.

The HP Pavilion p6510y midtower desktop is a solid computer that makes quick work in a multitasking environment thanks to its quad-core AMD CPU, and the external connections give video editors the upper hand in terms of speed and versatility. The p6510y deserves our recommendation, but if Photoshop and Dreamweaver aren't part of your daily routine, you can trade the HP's multicore speed for extra hard-drive space and save a couple bucks with a competing Asus system.

The HP Pavilion P6230y yields decent scores, but we have a hard time recommending a system that comes at a higher cost and with a slower performance rating than competing systems. This system has a few uncommon features for its price, but nothing that makes up for its overall poor bang for the buck.

More than its clean interior or its fast gaming performance, the Origin Genesis won us over with its case, which makes it easier to swap hard drives in and out than those of any of its competitors. This is an expensive gaming PC from a new name in boutique vendors, but its founders' experience at Alienware shows. We recommend this system with no major reservations to well-heeled PC gamers.

Velocity Micro's Edge Z30 offers a speedy, spare take on Intel's new overclockable K-Series CPUs. We noticed some unfortunate reductions to Velocity's support and it feels about time for a case refresh, but for the most part we can recommend the Edge Z30 to gamers looking for a lean and mean desktop.

The retail version of Dell's Studio XPS 8000 desktop might lack some of the charm of its direct-from-Dell counterpart, but its strong price-performance offering makes it easy to overlook the minor cosmetic deficiencies. That and its admirable power consumption make this system an impressive all-purpose midrange desktop.

Despite its good looks and a few useful new features, Apple's new iMac is all about business. You can find a larger screen for less, not to mention all kinds of digital entertainment features, but no other all-in-one at this price can boast similar performance. If you need a modestly priced all-in-one for getting work done, we'd recommend no other system.

The lower-cost Mac Mini offers respectable budget performance and Apple's usual compelling design, but a puny hard drive and a lack of HDMI hurt this system's value and overall potential. It's actually more versatile next to its budget-priced Windows competition than the higher-end Mac Mini, but this entry-level Mac is still best left to Apple loyalists.

You could say that the Acer Aspire Z5610 has a few flaws, but it might be more accurate to call them sacrifices. After all, we don't expect that Acer could sell a 23-inch all-in-one for less than $1,000 without trimming a few costs. Fortunately, Acer chose its trade-offs wisely. You can find faster, better-looking all-in-ones out there, but none that offer this much screen real estate for such an aggressive price.

We're fond of the Gateway DX4300-11's clever design, but halfhearted performance scores mar its overall worth. The TV tuner and 1TB hard drive may tempt you to stick it in your living room as a media center PC, but your money is better spent on the Asus Essentio CG5270-BP004.

The Gateway One ZX6900-01e is a great deal thanks to its 23-inch display, Blu-ray drive, and speedy performance. It has a few annoying shortcomings. A lack of an HDMI-input, in particular, keeps it from greatness, but overall we'd recommend this desktop to anyone in the market for a well-rounded all-in-one PC.

Maingear's Shift is the boutique vendor's new flagship gaming PC. It brings almost everything we expect to find in such a system, from expert craftsmanship to fast overclocking to a case that makes a statement. We found a few minor sticking points, but, on the whole, this PC sits comfortably alongside the top tier of luxury gaming boxes, and we recommend it if you have the means.

On first inspection the HP TouchSmart 300-1120 seems like a capable enough all-in-one, but it loses a lot of appeal once you compare it with others on the market. If you want an all-in-one PC for the kitchen counter, this system may work for you. For general computing or home entertainment needs, you can find several other all-in-ones with better features for the price.

This retail version of the Dell Studio XPS 8100 isn't remarkable in any one area, but its value and its overall capabilities are more than adequate to meet the needs of a mainstream shopper with an eye on gaming and general performance. That it's a pretty good deal doesn't hurt either.

Not everyone wants a PC with a TV tuner, but if you're in the market for such a system, the Gateway DX4300-15e has you covered. Best of all, it offers a tuner without sacrificing other features we'd expect to find at this price. You'll find few other desktops at retail with a TV tuner, but we're glad to see that the one of the few out there is a decent computer all-around.

According to Falcon Northwest, the company is working to repair an issue with the 3D card in this Mach V build that resulted in physical damage to the motherboard. We intend to follow up. Assuming that issue is resolved, we recommend this desktop and its overclocked, six-core Core i7 CPU to anyone in search of no-compromise application performance.

The Gateway DX4831-01e is the midtower version of the Editors' Choice award-winning SX2840-01 and exhibits equally impressive performance scores while offering ample room for expansion. We recommend this system to budget-minded shoppers who are looking for a powerful, affordable midtower desktop computer.

HP's new Pavilion All-in-One 200-5020 might not be the most innovative PC around, but it has the performance and features where it counts. Unless you demand a touch screen, or you have some other niche demand, this PC will satisfy all of your light-duty home entertainment and productivity needs.

Dell configured the all-AMD Studio XPS 7100 squarely at gamers, throwing in a powerful 3D card to offset the slow six-core AMD CPU. The result is a fast gaming PC with well-rounded features for an affordable price thanks to a two-month-long special offer. Get it while you can and enjoy fast PC gaming at a great price.